January 12, 2012
Greetings in the name of the Lord! I apologize for not getting a newsletter out in December, but that happened to be a very busy month. I began the month teaching a class on Godhead to the students in Honduras. On the 11th of December, we were privileged to hear brother Hiwatthia Jones, one of the missionaries in Guatemala and president of ITL (Latin American Theological Institute) give his report to the Eastside congregation in Midwest City, Oklahoma. On the 18th, I gave my annual report in Hugo, Oklahoma. I also traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to spend a couple of days with Denton Landon and his family and make plans for our work in the coming year.
My family and I got to spend Christmas with both sides of our families. On Christmas Day, we worshiped with the Azalea congregation in Muskogee, Oklahoma with family. The day after Christmas we headed to Denver for some relaxation, mixed in with some work, too. Noma and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary this year and the time we spent in the mountains was very special.
2011 was a very busy and successful year for our work. The general statistics for the year include: 55,000 air miles; 12,000 road miles giving reports and raising support for the school in Honduras; I was present for three graduations, of a total of 21 students; I taught six courses in Honduras, Guatemala and Chimala, Tanzania. In the year 2011 I traveled more than I ever have, both in and out of the country. I was gone from home a total of three and a half months spread out over the year.
Currently, we are making plans for 2012. There are fifteen new students in our schools in Guatemala (6) and Honduras (9). I intend to travel less if that is possible, but we will see how the year develops. So far, my international plans only extend as far as the middle of March, but include teaching a class in Honduras at the end of February and speaking at the 3rd Annual Lectureship of ITL in Guatemala in March. Immediately after that, Noma and I are planning to be part of a survey trip to Asunción, Paraguay. In addition to these plans, Noma and I are planning to move to Denver in the next few months. We are excited about the move and covet your prayers as we make this transition.
I want to thank you all for your continued interest in this work. Without your support, we would not be able to do it. Great things are being done in the kingdom of Christ as a result of this program and you are a big part of it.
Thank you and God bless.
Donnie Bates
2013 Rushing Meadows
Edmond, OK 73013
580-326-1914