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The Sheppards -
Missionaries to Liberia

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas from the Sheppards!

We are praising God for all that He has done in 2020 and looking forward with anticipation to 2021. It has been a year to remind ourselves that God is in control! We thank Him for His protection and leading this year. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 were a great challenge to us:

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt. 6:31-34).

Just before Thanksgiving, Nancy, Jonah and I all began having mild symptoms of COVID that lasted about a week. In our study of those who had only mild cases, two things stood out—early treatment and rest when needed. We immediately began taking the recommended medicines and vitamins and isolated ourselves. After continuing the isolation for the recommended number of days after recovery, we were able to return to our normal schedule, although resting a bit more frequently. We thank God for keeping us from serious symptoms and bringing us back to health.

John-Mark, Sara and the kids came to Monrovia December 14th and stayed with us for about a week. We were able to have a wonderful early Christmas with them.

On the 22nd of December, we loaded a truck with medicines for the Tappita clinic, building materials to secure the new Bible School building, and wire to connect the mission houses to the electric grid which came to Tappita a few years ago. Right after that we began our trip to Tappita for the annual Gio-Mano conference, which starts on the 27th. The last time we spent Christmas in Tappita was in 1988, during our first term in Liberia!

We thank God for our faithful mission supervisor, Rev. Peter Sehkpor, and our two clinic leaders, Mary Sehkpor and Garrison Menmom.

We ask prayer for the following requests:

1. Revival in Liberia. 

2. Wisdom as Nancy and I continue our teaching and administrative ministries at Jake Memorial Baptist College. 

3. Continued spiritual and academic growth for Jonah, who turns 13 on January 1st.  

We are blessed with a wonderful team of prayer and financial supporters. May God grant you a beautiful and joyous Christmas and New Year.

Mark, Nancy and Jonah Sheppard

Serving with:

Baptist Mid-Missions
Box 308011
Cleveland, OH 44130-8011
http://www.bmm.org

To give online, click here and then use the menu under “FUND” to choose “3. Missionary Support.” In the menu under “SUB FUND” choose “Sheppard, Mark Richard, 706065” Enter the amount you wish to give. Push “ADD DONATION,” Choose whether you want to use your Credit Card or Bank Account. After entering your payment information, fill out your name and address and then push “Submit” at the bottom of the page.

You may also mail gifts to the above address. Mark the gift “for the ministry of Mark Sheppard.” (For more information on monthly giving, etc., go to
https://www.bmm.org/give/ways-to-give )