by Linda Fannin
So much has taken place since my last newsletter. After much thought and many prayers, I feel that my time for retirement has come. It is time to “pass the baton” on to the next generation. Most of you know that at the School of Missions 2016, I made it known that I would be retiring after serving 42 years with the World Missions Ministries Division of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. The official date for my retirement is set for December 2016. After much thought and prayer, and knowing that my steps are being directed by the Lord as I plan for the future, I know this is the next step to be taken. I would also express my love and gratitude to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, leaders and staff of World Missions for their guidance and faithfulness to the Fannin family throughout the years. It has been my delight and honor to serve under this great institution. Thank you, Bishop Tal Gardner, Dr. Harold Dalton, and the missions staff for the wonderful “send-off” at School of Missions. I am not “quitting” missions, I am simply moving to another part of the vineyard.
Mission is, and always will be, the focus and center of my life. The Missio Dei (Mission of God) is something that is lived out daily; missions is the program that is helping to carry out His plan by obeying the Great Commission. This never ends and will be our mission until the Lord returns.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all pastors, churches, friends, family, and a host of nationals from many nations that have supported Dave and me throughout our years of service. You have been loyal and devoted to us and to the ministry in Africa and Europe. Please be advised that even though my location has changed, I will still be available to travel and teach. With that being said, I am keeping my travel account open with World Missions for those who have expressed to me that they would like to continue to give so that I may travel. I will be residing in Justin, Texas.
In February, I had the privilege of teaching the core values and doctrines of the church in Szigetszentmiklos, Hungary. It was an honor to teach alongside of Pastors Jozef and Lilla Gere and their staff. Hungary has great leadership. On June 2, the Szigentszentmiklos church had its opening dedication. Rev. Terry Fowler was there to be a part of the celebration. Thank you, Terry.
March/April: My longtime friend Dr. Elaine Vaden and I traveled to Lithuania to visit LLC International University. This institution is a possible venue for many European young people looking for higher education. Elaine was on a tour to visit the University of Duhok in Iraq, and then to Lithuania and Poland. I met up with her in Denmark. During my time in Lithuania, I received a phone call from my niece Cindy. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She asked for me to come home to be with her and to help her transition from this life to life eternal. It was an emotionally sad time for me, and for the family. On May 1, Cindy made her transition from this life to her heavenly home.
In June, I was so happy to attend the 2016 School of Missions. It was so nice to see some old friends and make new friends. God has been so good to me. The highlight for me was the nice tribute paid to me by World Missions. Thank you so much for your kind sentiments, bouquet of flowers and monetary gift. It has been my honor to serve with so many missionary colleagues and pastors. It takes all of us together in His service. Some send and others go. Both in obedience to the Great Commission.
Debrecen, Hungary was the venue for Summer Worship Camp under the auspice of our Bishop in Hungary, Dr. Peter Lakatos and his lovely wife Vera. This is a special time with more than 100 churches and denominations represented. Various workshops on the arts, worship, music, painting, individual lessons on various instruments, take place at this time. Everyone had a wonderful time.
As I write, EuroQuest is taking place in Vajta, Hungary. This year we were happy to have Bishop Beacham and his wife Susan as guest speakers. I am thankful for all who made EuroQuest 2016 a great success. Of course this includes our host country Hungary, pastors, leaders, and students. A special thanks to Max Barroso, the Awakening team, and Krisztina Revesz for all the hard work to make this a wonderful event.
In July and August, I have been under medical supervision for complications due to a severe case of shingles. I do appreciate your prayers as I seek to find an answer to this ongoing malady. I have been under the care of a pain management specialist. He recommends that I eliminate stress so that healing can take place. I am thankful for my children who have tried to make my time at home less stressful. I would like to thank Davey and Sheryl for buying me a ticket to San Diego as part of their vacation. Also, at this present time I am in Oregon enjoying a stay with Damian, Lauren, and Epp. Thanks kids!
I will be returning to Hungary in September to finish out the last year of my tour in Europe. Again, thank you all for your support. The IPHC has been so good to me. We have the best leaders! Please continue to pray for Hungary, Europe, and the Middle East. Great things are in store for all of God’s children!
Photo Credit: Linda Fannin
