Our Christmas Letter

Greetings from Quito, Ecuador! We want to express our deep appreciation for the many ways you have shared in our lives and our ministry. We know your prayers are working on our behalf, and we thank you so much for reaching out and encouraging us.

Recently the book, Experiencing God, has profoundly affected our thinking. To try to summarize, finding God’s will is not about us or our special call; rather, it’s about recognizing and accepting God’s invitation to join His great work already in progress. Now, each day, we ask God to open our eyes to what He’s doing . . . and He is working mightily. For Stan, there’s no greater joy than watching one of his evangelism trainees successfully share his/her faith. Or to encourage seminary students as they mature in their ministries. We are blessed to share in the ups-and-downs of the students, most who live away from home and often need a listening ear. Please help us pray for these leaders.

God has also laid on our hearts Lini and his family. Lini supports his wife and 3 children along with his wife’s sister and her 4 children. Basics like food and housing are a daily struggle. We would appreciate your prayers for this family as we work with them.

More than any other lesson, we’re learning how to completely lean on Jesus for guidance and comfort. He is our Rock. Stan teaches at the Theological Seminary, helps with many projects on the campus, and trains pastors and laymen in evangelism. He travels occasionally throughout the country so we would appreciate your prayers for his safety. Also pray for God’s continued guidance in our ministry and for “ears that will hear.”

Sherri works on various administrative projects for both the mission and the seminary. Mary (14) just finished the varsity soccer season. Now she sings and plays the guitar for the middle school worship team and plays the flute for the jazz band. Landon (10) spends his spare time creating stories or cartoons, climbing a tree or exploring the seminary campus. He had a speaking part in the school Christmas pageant, and he did a great job.

We’ve had many special blessings this year:

• We are thankful for technology which keeps us connected. We have a US-based telephone number. Call us! 314-480-6282.
• Many of you prayed for Landon when he was in the hospital with a serious virus. That meant more than we can express.
• We are thankful for our progress in learning Spanish. God constantly helps us with preaching, teaching, writing and other communication challenges.
• We enjoyed several special visitors this year including Doug and Jocie Green (Stan’s buddy & daughter), several friends from the Missouri district here on various mission trips, and Dottie Dixon (Sherri’s mom). What a blessing to have Grandma here to see our home, school, etc., and to just give and receive hugs!
• Sherri’s brother-in-law flew her to Dallas to surprise her sister, Jacque! It was a wonderful week of R&R.
• If all of this wasn’t enough, the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series . . . and we saw all the games from our home!

As many of you know, we had a special financial need this year as we had to purchase a second car. Many of you have already donated funds toward this purchase and we are deeply thankful for your generosity. For those who might want additional information about our need, click on the “How to Support the Hall’s Ministry” link from this page.

We always enjoy hearing from you too! Please feel free to send greetings and/or questions at any time. We pray that God will be especially near to you and yours in the coming year.

Blessings,

Stan, Sherri, Mary and Landon Hall

Deputation Schedule (January through mid-April 2008):

Although we are scheduled for several services and district tours, we have a few more openings. If you’re interested in scheduling with us, contact us at thehalls4@gmail.com.