I graduated from Bethany in 1980 and DeLonn in 1982. Our first two years of married life were spent in a small one bedroom cabin at 715 Bethany Drive. Here we are again, living on Bethany campus. So many things are the same yet, so much is different. Most of our professors have retired or moved on. And though we do not feel that old, instead of a “fro”, DeLonn has a full head of gray hair, and instead of nicknames like Devo and Rancid, now he is Dr. Rance. Yet, the excitement of the students is the same, the chapel services are as powerful and life changing as I remembered them to be. Incredibly our three children are now attending this wonderful college. Bethany is a training ground for young people who are willing to give their all to the Lord. DeLonn and I have the privilege to be a part of their formation this year by teaching missions and serving as missionaries in residence and campus pastors. We so enjoy challenging these young men and women to listen to the voice of God and obey his call. Our prayer is that in all they put their hands to do, they will do it in service to the Lord.
Almost twenty three years ago, June 1982, we started on our missionary adventure from Bethany. This June, 2005, by divine direction our missionary adventure continues as fully appointed world missionaries, on loan from El Salvador to the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) in Springfield, MO. His vision for us since 1984 has been the training of Latin American missionaries. Now the Lord is expanding this vision to include the training of missionaries in the United States. DeLonn has been asked to help revitalize the missions department of AGTS. For six months of the year we will be primarily based in Springfield, training missionaries for the harvest, and the other six months of the year we will be traveling to mobilize the church to missions and equipping the called in El Salvador, Latin America, and around the world, where our Latin American missionaries serve. We are both excited and a little apprehensive about this new opportunity. However, we know this is the path that the Lord wants us to take, and as we constantly challenge our students, we must obey His call.
This Christmas season, as I see beautiful wreaths decorating festive doors; I am reminded once again about coming full circle. After having walked with Adam in the garden, God came full circle when He was born in a stable to once again walk with humankind. I am so thankful that I do not have to walk the path of life alone. The Lord is with us every step of the way and you walk with us as well. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. We pray that you have a very wonderful Christmas and that your New Year will be bright as we walk in His light.
Merry Christmas,
Valerie Rance