Greetings from Gary Baits.  

Many of you have told me how much you appreciated Mylinda’s recent journal about her ministry trip to Ukraine. Somehow, she managed to express both heartbreak and hope in ten paragraphs. For those who have not seen it, the link to the journal is here, and I encourage you to read it:

https://internationalministries.org/memorials-and-making-a-life/

Thank you for your prayers for the people of Ukraine and ministry partners like Kristy Engel, Tabitha’s House,Hungarian Baptist Aid, and a woman who simply goes by “T.” Regardless of what happens in the near future with Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. foreign policy in the incoming administration, these partners will do their best to serve faithfully and generously.  

We have some good news to share!  Mylinda’s proposal to provide training in the expressive arts to Cuban servant leaders will come to fruition because of a significant grant from One Great Hour of Sharing.  Those of you within American Baptist Churches are aware of the annual offering that supports disaster relief, ministries to displaced persons, and development projects. The Cubans are hungry for this training as they persist in spite of hurricanes, antiquated power grids, and grinding poverty. This grant covers basic costs for food, housing and supplies which is a huge help. She and her co-facilitator Shabrae still need to raise another $15,000 to cover costs of supervision hours and professional fees. You can see their video here: https://www.collectivetapestry.org/

This weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with Jamie and RJ, and some delightful family and friends. As we paused over pie (Thanks, Jamie) and coffee, we gave thanks for you. Your prayers and financial support enable Mylinda to walk alongside of wounded healers in places like Ukraine, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The good news is that Mylinda’s ministry support has gone up from 58% to 70%. The challenge is that we need to move that 70% to 100% for 2025 so that Mylinda can continue her important and necessary work as a Global Consultant for International Ministries. 

As many of you know, Mylinda hates to ask for money. I do not! I believe so strongly in her work that I am glad to say, “She needs your financial support!” Behind these numbers are real people engaged in significant struggles. If you are in a position to give, please consider supporting Mylinda’s ministry on a monthly basis. The link: https://internationalministries.org/author/m-baits/  gets you to Mylinda’s IM homepage.. From there, you can select donate, then go to global servant support, enter Mylinda Baits, and follow the instructions to give online.  If giving online is new to you, or frustrating, you may call International Ministries at 610-768-2168 and talk to donor relations. Or, you can reach out to Mylinda at mylindabaits@gmail.com and she can walk you through the process.   

As we transition from Thanksgiving to Advent, I have been thinking a lot about the coming year. I hold firm in my faith and look forward to the certainty that God will continue to work through Mylinda and her partners to impact our world thanks to the ongoing financial support of friends like you. 

Thank you.

In advent hope,

Gary Baits