Greetings from North Pole, Alaska! 

We trust you had a blessed Christmas time.  We always enjoy getting all the Christmas cards, notes, and family updates from so many of you!  This year, we received a few “updates” from churches who have a part in our ministry and were reminded that, “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Prov. 25:25

Those who follow our family and Mission Air Care on Facebook already know that our Christmas program at Manley Hot Springs went very well.  The children did great with the skit, and God's Word was preached. 

 Everyone stayed around and enjoyed a wonderful meal afterwards.  Someone said we had 41 folks in attendance!  That's a record for us.  We're grateful for the warmer weather (-18F) so that Lynn and Jeremiah could make the trip this time too.  Thank you for praying for this group of believers.  Pray the Lord of the harvest will send a pastor to shepherd these dear folks.

There was some shuffling around of missionaries in December too.  On December 21st , the day with the least amount of daylight, Earl flew the McCoy family back to their village of Unalakleet.  They had been out for a couple months, and the Youngblood family had filled in for them.  So when the McCoy's got themselves, their supplies, and belongings OFF the plane, the Youngblood's got themselves and belongings ON.  It didn't stop there.  They were flown across the Bearing Sea to St. Lawrence Island.  After the Youngblood's and their belongings were OFF the plane, the Smith family (and their belongings) got ON, and back to Fairbanks they came... on their way to North Carolina for a much deserved break.  Earl was told that this trip alone saved about $4500 in missionary funds.  There is not space enough here to include all that goes on during days like that day, but rest assured, flexibility is key.  You  never know when a plow might hit the runway lights, blow a transformer, leave a windrow of snow in the middle of the runway, just as you are about to land ...hypothetically speaking of course!

The coming year promises to be filled with exciting opportunities and challenges.  Earl will continue assisting Bro. Ronnie Starr in distributing scripture in villages, as well as our regular activities in aircraft maintenance, inspections, Iditarod ministry, and of course services at Manly Hot Springs.  Adding to the challenges will be the sad time of selling the hangar we have been working out of for the last 4 ½ years.  It has become too much of a drain on Earl's time and finances.  This is a discouraging development, but we believe we are following the Lord's leading in this matter.  Since the hangar at our house is too small for the twin engine, we are planning on selling our house as well.  We are hoping we will be able to find a more suitable situation when we come back from our next furlough.  And speaking of furlough…
 
We have received a number of requests regarding our furlough.  It has been almost four years since our last one.  However, we believe it would be best for Jeremiah to graduate high school here in Alaska first, and he is on track to finish in December 2012.  We plan on spending most of 2013 reporting to churches and visiting new ones. 

We can make all our plans for the next year, but who knows?  Maybe the Lord will call us home soon!  “What a day that will be!”  There will be more souls praising Him because of your faithful prayers and gifts.  From the Malpass family and those whom we serve, thank you.

Lord bless!