We are praying that God will allow us to be in Peru for the 2010 holidays. Knowing that this would be our last holiday season in the states for a while, dad and mom decided to treat all the grandchildren to an early Christmas. They took the entire family to Disney World (as our Christmas present). My sister and her family joined my parents and our family in Florida for Thanksgiving. We stayed together in a house, visited the parks, rested, and had a huge Thanksgiving feast together (thanks to Cracker Barrel).
Needless to say, our children had a blast! It was such a blessing to have two meetings on the Sundays around this week. We had a wonderful time last Sunday with Pastor Steve Roberson and the members of Calvary Baptist Church. They definitely got a week that was already going to be exciting off to a good start. We were surprised to have “Christmas for the Missionaries”. It was unbelievable! When we unloaded at the motel, the gifts entirely covered one of the beds! Brother Martin was a wonderful host and the people were so friendly. It was a great meeting. Now, we look forward to being at East Sleigh Avenue Baptist in Tampa this coming Sunday.
This post could not be made on Thanksgiving Day without giving thanks. This year has brought us so much for which to be thankful. God has greatly blessed our deputation ministry. We have seen 32 churches partner with us in just 10 months. Along with the individuals who have also committed support, our level has grown to 45%. We have also distributed 825 change jars and collected almost $18,500 for Haven of Hope Children’s Home. God has given us a number of great meetings and travel safety throughout this portion of our deputation. Our health, for the most part, has remained good. We have also had many comments as to how God has used our ministry to be a blessing to others. We could never thank God enough for all that He has done.
Finally, let me take time to simply say thanks to you. If you are reading this, obviously you care enough to keep up with and pray for our family. We appreciate all the support that we have gained throughout this year. This blog that updates our ministry is less than 100 hits short of 10,000 in this ten month timeframe. We are so humbled and thankful that you are concerned about our family enough to take time out to read these posts. We are even more thankful that you are keeping us before the Lord faithfully. It is only through His blessing that our departure date continually draws closer. Thank you for caring so much about our family!
It has been a blessing to have a lighter schedule through the month of December. We had meetings the first two Sundays of the month and then had one meeting while we were visiting Crystal’s parents last week. We are now officially home for the holidays. While we are here, I will be preaching in my home church, Chilhowie Baptist, this Sunday morning and then at New Grace Baptist Church on New Years Eve. It was a blessing to celebrate Christmas with my sister these past two days. We look forward to watching our kids in the children’s program at church tomorrow night and then having our family Christmas the following two days. We pray that each of you have a blessed Christmas season.
We have enjoyed both the snow and the family time that we have shared this month. In just a few days, we will be mailing out our first prayer letter of 2010. We are so excited to report on what God has done in just 11 months! We praise Him for both His provision and His protection. Can’t wait to share all the good news of 2009! Stay tuned!
