THE BULLETIN OF IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby

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31 December 2025

Good morning from Atlanta!

A few days ago I was in a London shop and smiled when I spied a funny bag of coffee. Well, humorous for me, because I can be stubborn (mule), and it takes a while for me to come to in the morning (grumpy). Yet I hope “grumpy mule” isn’t how I’ll be remembered!

2025 has had its challenges, but also its joys. The Lord is doing great things—there’s plenty to be cheerful about, without the assistance of caffeine. Gratitude and positivity shouldn’t depend on a chemical. They are the upwelling of joy from a thankful heart.

With this in mind, let’s not be “grumpy mules,” but truly grateful for the New Year.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

To learn about the history of New Year’s, please click HERE.

For example, you may be surprised to know that for the English, the New Year came in late March. For Muslims, their lunar calendar means it can fall on any day of the year. The ancient Israelites had, in effect, two New Year’s Days. The talk also helps us to think biblically about resolutions.

REMAINING MINISTRY NEEDS

We are 62% of the way to reaching our financial goals for 2025. Please consider donating so that we may finish strong and continue the ministry of good news in 2026.

Biblical teaching materials targets: all but 4 have now been reached.

$1241—Vietnam—$211 to go
$2810—Indonesia—$780 to go
$7135—Kenya—$2679 to go

Nepal
$8736—Kathmandu Asha School—$5781 to go (incl. Jan 2026 winter clothes drive)

Major cost center targets:
$120,000 Teaching cost center—$42,386 to go
$120,000 Training cost center (general fund)—$64,085 to go

To allocate your gift to a certain city or cost center, you can write a note in the memo line. Thank you for support! We couldn’t do it without you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

After five years in the UK, we’ve finally moved back to the US—to the Atlanta area. Thank you for your friendship and trust in 2025. A sincere Happy New Year to all! — Douglas & Vicki

For all bulletins 2004-2025 (100s of pages of biblical material), click here. Access the website here. New material every week—typically, every day! Become a website member ($0.10/day, paid annually) here. Your membership is a tremendous boost to this ministry. To donate, click here.