Dear Students International Family,

My pastor (Dennis Fast) just preached a dynamic sermon on giving last Sunday. He told us that we Mennonites are known for not dancing unless the subject is our money and then we dance around quite well! That prompted a laugh, of course, but we all got the point. As you probably know, all of our field staff are fully self-supported by raising funds. Thank you all of you who have been a part of that. I believe that as we give we are honoring not only our Lord, but the recipients as they trust for their funding. As is quite common in many international ministries, it is a easier for North American staff to raise funds as they have more resources and support networks. The national staff that are indigenous to the countries in which SI serves have a more difficult challenge as their personal financial resources are limited.

For this reason I am hoping to raise more money “state side” for the support of national staff and I would like to invite you at this Holiday Season to join me in that effort.

As the Christmas Season usually draws attention to the many needs around us, donor fatigue can set in. My prayer is that you prayerfully consider all, from the ringing of the Salvation Army bell to the needs of your local church. Christmas is a time of great Joy as we celebrate our Savior’s birth and may this joy overflow as we give to those in need. 2 Cor. 9:7, “…God loves a cheerful giver.”

If you would like to make a year end gift to Students International there are several ways to do it. You can write a check payable to Students International and send it to our office:  P.O. Box 990, Visalia, Ca 93279 and designate its purpose (i.e. for national staff, where most needed, etc.). You can go to our web site and choose the Donate Now button. You will be able to access a list of all the SI staff. Or you can call the office at 559-627-8923 and we would be happy to help you.

I hope that you all have a great time during this busy Christmas season finding time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Dave Hansen