Oct. 31, 2011
Dearest Friends, Brethren and Supporters,
It is with absolute joy that as I compose this update letter, Summer and I are entering our final quarter at the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions. We are very excited to be near completion of what has certainly been a life changing endeavor for our family. The last two years have been very challenging, as well as rewarding for our family. The decision to enter into ministry for the Lord’s church has truly been the best decision of our lives. Our time so far at school has been a complete blessing. We have had the opportunity to grow spiritually in the knowledge of faith and service, and have learned how to better teach others the gospel of Christ. We have also been blessed to make and develop friendships that will never be broken.
As a student at ETSPM, I have enjoyed the opportunity to study bible and ministry under the direct instruction of godly men who by many are considered legends in the brotherhood. The wisdom imparted by these men go far beyond their bible knowledge, which is vast, and reaches into the training and development of men who will serve in the kingdom as ministers. I appreciate the training I have received from these fine men, and Summer feels the same about the instructors’ wives and wives classes.
With that being said, there are hardly words to express the appreciation that we have for all of those who have supported our efforts. With the financial support of 9 congregations and 11 individual families, I have been able to focus on schoolwork without being stressed over providing financially for my family. Summer has been my biggest supporter! She has worked full time, carried the wives class workload, and kept the home and kids the entire time without complaining one time, only praising God for the opportunity put before us. I have submitted an application to move back home in January, I hope she approves it!
Our intention is to visit each supporting congregation in the spring after I finish classes. Please review your March, April, and May calendars and find a place to pencil us in for a Sunday to visit and preach so that we may personally thank your members. We look forward to seeing all of you again!
As for the budget, please consider for your budget meetings that our family support will be needed through the end of January. Our full time pay from Dayton will begin in February. Thank you so much for the financial and moral support that you have helped us with during our stay at ETSPM. We could not have done it without you! Our promise to you is to do our best to make sure that the investment you have made goes far to spread the gospel and to teach others about Jesus. Currently, that focus will be on the lives of young people at Dayton. As many of you know, upon completion of school I will begin full time work at Dayton church of Christ where we have been attending for a year now. My primary focus will be youth work and associate ministry. Our time at Dayton has been very fruitful already, and we are very happy there. We look forward to getting started full time in February.
Once again, Thank You. Your love and contribution has changed our lives. I will forever be indebted to you, and will never forget what each of you has done for us.
Sincerely in brotherly love,
Thomas L. Bowling and family
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