From Chris Cunningham, our missionary at Penn State serving with Cru

P. came to the U.S. from China, to study in Cincinnati as a master's student.  Upon his arrival in Cincinnati he stayed for a couple weeks with a Christian host family before he had permanent housing. Though this family was Christian, they were very gentle about their faith and P. didn't have any interest in going to church or thinking about God.  Months later, he went to the hospital because he had fainted.  In the course of things he learned that he had developed type 2 diabetes.  Quickly he went into depression and eventually reached out to the host family who he'd stayed with initially. They showed him unconditional love and encouragement and eventually he gave his life to Christ.  After he graduated P. came to Penn State for his PhD, I met him and he got involved with us. P. has shared his testimony with many students during his 5 1/2 years with us and he's brought many students out to our weekly Bible studies and dinners and he was a Bible study leader for 2 years.  Today P. is doing a postdoc in Colorado and he's praying about what he wants to do next with his life.  He's not too keen on teaching, he did that at Penn State but it wasn't a joyful experience for him to prepare lessons, give lectures, grade exams and have office hours.  He came to the U.S. to get a couple of degrees - MS and PhD but he got one he didn't expect, the AUG, degree - Approved Unto God!

Every Day at Neema, 47 Women Hear About the Love of Jesus

by Sue Kelley, Neema’s Prayer Coordinator

Many might assume students arriving at Neema, having gone through the Kenyan Christian Religious Education (CRE) curriculum, possess a strong foundation in the Bible. But just like basic math skills can elude some who’ve taken math classes, a true understanding of God’s love is often missing.

While I was visiting Neema last week, Irine, Neema’s Kenyan Director, shared that a Bible is a student’s most important tool, even surpassing their sewing machine or uniform. The Bible is the first and most valuable tool students receive when entering the school. They learn that God is a true father and that his immense love led him to send Jesus to die and rise again for the forgiveness of their sins.

This message is crucial for Neema students. Many carry burdens of shame — children born out of wedlock, abandonment by loved ones, experiences of physical or sexual abuse. Counselors work tirelessly, guiding them through forgiveness and reconciliation with their families. Biblical teachings on conflict resolution and character development become cornerstones of their journey.

Imagine a classroom where second-year students explore Proverbs 31, striving to become women of excellence. But Neema goes beyond textbooks. The staff and faculty become living examples of God’s love and forgiveness. Their dedication to these young women daily demonstrates God’s grace.

Justine, the mother of first year student Tabitha, said, "[My daughter] stood up during the church service, went in front, and gave a testimony on how her life has transformed since joining Neema and those in church were moved. She has grown spiritually and this gives me joy as a mother. Tabitha never used to be serious about spiritual matters, but I was amazed at how much she showed dedication and passion towards the things of God during [her school break]. She would encourage us to pray together as a family and even counsel her younger siblings to love God and develop a relationship with him." 

Neema isn’t just about education — it’s about finding new life in Christ. Young women discover love, forgiveness, and a path to a brighter future — one built on a foundation of faith and the unwavering support of a caring community.

From Bob & Carol Givens, our missionaries serving with SIM International

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12

Feb 5^th we said our final goodbyes to my second oldest brother, Paul.
 
And now there are 4 brothers remaining from our original 6. https://www.finkenbinderfamily.com/obituary/Paul-Givens?
 
 Paul left an indelible mark on our lives.  He was a kind man with a sensitive heart for people. He was a friend and mentor in many areas.  He will be greatly missed.
 
 Since August we walked along side Paul through his fight with cancer. We have had to think a lot about the stages and phases of our own lives as well.  The choices we made to serve as cross cultural servants took us away from spending lots of time with immediate family, yet the Lord gave us loving relationships in Costa Rica, Bolivia and Paraguay that became like family to us. The Gospel was proclaimed and lived out and churches were strengthened. Discovery Bible studies helped folks get to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way. What a privilege these years of service have been.
 
“And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” Matt. 19:29  
 
 The call of God in our lives has remained firm through each stage and phase of life.  The Lord has used us to lift up His name and fame and we are so grateful to the team that the Lord has brought around us. You supported us through your prayers, words of encouragement and financial support.
 
We were convinced that the Great Commission was not the Great Option so we Obeyed and Went.  Many of you Obeyed and Sent!  Thank you.
 
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” Acts 17:26-28
 
We continue to encourage and mentor others. We are so thankful for the recent news of Javier and Roxana’s continued ministry with Perspectives and now a Bolivian Missionary Mobilization organization called, Open.
 
 We are privileged to continue offering hospitality here in our home in Richfield.  One of our greatest joys is hosting a Life Group two times per month for a meal, fellowship, Bible study and prayer time.
 
 We just wanted to keep touch so you can be praying for us as we continue serving the Lord.

• Pray for Paul’s widow, Elaine as she adjusts to this radical change in her life.
• Pray for us as we too establish a new normal without our brother Paul.
• Pray for Javier and Roxana as they serve with Perspectives and Open mobilizing Bolivians to be world Christians.