Happy Reformation Day!

To whom it may concern,
Thanks for your prayers regarding the IMB's decision to advance our application process at this time. Two days ago we heard from the Board that we have been invited to the Candidate Interview Conference in December in Richmond!
This is great. However, it still does not mean that we are for-sure headed overseas in June 2010 (which is the earliest we could go). It doesn't even mean that we've been appointed by the IMB for overseas service. It simply means that we can potentially do both and that we have a "job request" reserved in our name in west Africa.
So, please continue to pray for our application process and for the vast lost among the "S" people.
There are a few things that could happen that would prevent us for reaching west Africa by June.

1. Inadequate funds - Please be praying for the upcoming Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the annual offering that represents over half of the IMB's sending funds. They have had to turn down more applicants in recent months than ever before because of the recession. There is a "cap" on how many missionaries can go during a given amount of time. We've already been told that we will likely be pushed back to the September 2010 or November 2010 Field Personnel Orientations (FPOs, which last two months before overseas deployment). This would be heartbreaking.
2. Moral failure - We know we are not above temptation. Please be in prayer for our stamina against the Enemy as there are some sins that would forfeit us from taking the great commission to the "S."
3. Incomplete paper work - So far we've done everything up to par, but it's a lot of paperwork and documentation. Please pray for us as we get forms submitted on time and for the IMB as they process those forms in an organized manner.

Above all please pray that God would bring the Gospel to the "S" how He wants to and when He wants to. Obviously, we would leave next weekend if the Board would let us, but that's not God's timing. We hope we can attend the FPO in April 2010 and go to west Africa in June 2010. However, God may desire that that spot on the roster be filled by someone else going to a people group in more need at this time. If so, we will wait... patiently.

Thanks again for praying,
'til the whole world hears,
corey reid pendergrass

PS. For more info on Reformation Day, click here. Thanks for having some gumption this day in 1517 Martin Luther.