Dear Friends,
As the year draws to a close, we reflect back on the graciousness of God as He continues to sustain and bless us. 2009 was a year of tremendous blessings, as well as filled with significant reasons to be reminded of our need to remain on our knees for guidance, comfort, and sweet communion with our Lord. Serious illnesses visited our extended family this last year, yet God gracefully provided full healing in both situations. On the up side, we have two new granddaughters. Paula gave birth to Elizabeth Joan Hope on August 7th and Victoria delivered her first baby, Isla Grace England, on November 3rd. Both babies were born without incident and are healthy and beautiful. We now have five grandchildren, and while it doesn’t seem possible, we recently celebrated our 30th anniversary, so we indeed have reached the glorious middle-age years, but since the perks are grandchildren, we don’t mind so much!
The students we get to work with at Boise State are a great bit of fun and huge blessing. They keep us young and vibrant, and drive us to want to be better, both spiritually and physically. Regular bible studies and small group discipleship meetings go on each week at various times of the day, and often into the wee hours of the night. We continue to hold our large group meeting on Sunday evenings, providing a full dinner for all who attend. The students enjoy this aspect of our meeting, stating that it is like having Sunday dinner with their family. Our Thanksgiving dinner was very well attended, and each student brought something for the meal, so there was an abundance of food and joyful fellowship around the table. The Fall Retreat was a blessing with a good reminder to the students and adult workers to stay in the word regularly by keeping a journal. Some have chosen to take that challenge and have been accountable to each other to keep it up. As the semester draws to a close and students prepare to wind up projects and finals, please pray that they stay focused and finish strong.
In answer to prayer, the summer ministry opportunity to England went very well. Doug went, along with one of our recent graduates, and another gentleman from our church. The three had multiple ministry opportunities, both in word and deed, as they took part in preaching, witnessing, and building maintenance. For Doug, he was ‘home’ and enjoyed being in Hatfield and Paula’s church, for which the bonus was lots of cuddles and tea parties with the grandkids. For Mike and Tom, it was an eye opener to experience the tremendous need for spiritual input in Great Britain.
We are very mindful of the stress and uncertainty the recent recession has placed upon churches and individuals. We are so very thankful for each of you, our prayer supporters, for all the faithful prayers given on our behalf. God continues to answer in delightful ways and all our needs have been met. While a teaching contract has remained elusive, Debbie has substituted regularly, which has brought in an additional income. Even though we still need prayer for other churches to partner with us in this vital ministry, we have seen God work and supply through unusual means. God is good, and as we celebrate this glorious season of the hope that is in us, we will give thanks for you and wish God’s riches blessings upon you as well.
Together in His service!