Thank you all for your prayers,
Our time back in the states was bitter sweet. I don't think I'll ever get used to feeling not at home there. We loved seeing family and friends, but also don't ever feel like we spent enough time with enough people. God is so good to have blessed us with friends and family and friends that are family! You all are a part of us here.
Your prayers sustain and encourage us, please pray:
Our home is on the market with Kena Perkins. Please pray it will sell quickly.
Todd's truck continues to be ours and we don't need It!!
Michael and Amy and Steven are doing great, but we miss them terribly.
This new school year is exciting!
Todd, Laura and I will lead smaller sized bible study groups for Standard 5 and 6 students; 2 in schools and 3 after school...All in different communities: Middlesex, LOV, Steadfast, Alta Vista and Hope Creek. We are offering a curriculum, written specifically for developing countries, beginning in Genesis. So exciting and much more in line with our abilities than large group raa raa stuff. Karen will resume that teaching and leading at all the schools. (This had me doing the happy dance) Todd and I will have the time to join women's and men's fellowship groups with LOV Baptist and grow those relationships. I will continue seeing Hopsice patients a few times a month and Laura will have plenty of time for her Sr. Year of school.
Below is newsletter for the entire ministry, if you've already received. I know many of you are on multiple email lists for KK4Jesus and I don't want to bore you;)
We are excited to implement this year's theme of "Hope" in every aspect of ministry to equip, educate and empower through discipleship.
School ministry this year will include the addition of smaller group bible study for Standard 5 and 6. Some of these times are during school and some are after school. Our prayer is greater growth can take place in a smaller, more voluntary setting. Larger group ministry will continue in all our schools with all of the excitement and energy Ms. Karen brings!
Our theme verse this year is:
Guide me in your truth. Teach me. You are my God my Savior. I put my hope in you all day long. (Psalm 25:5 NIrV)
Two days were spent organizing and delivering supplies to the school teachers. Much needed!! Thank you Church partnerships. At one school the allotment for this year was 3 pieces of chalk...that was the entirety of resources given to each teacher. They were ecstatic with the paper, chalk, markers, crayons, glue, composition books, etc. they received. We have pix to share:) it is tempting to forget in light of the materials absent, the presence of the gospel, prayer and bible teaching in our schools far exceeds any materials. Pray we are wise and provide to needs not wants. We want to guard against negating the truth that Jesus is enough, by "helping" where there is no need. This is a spiritual battle, please pray!
Everything is a means to an end ...the gospel.
The medical clinic ministry has potential impact in amazing ways. God is revealing so many potential partnerships there. Pray for God honoring relationships to develop and wisdom as we partner here. Definitely we will add the much needed touch of follow up visits after the team leaves. In all things, we will be connections to the local church for spiritual needs and to local medical support for physical needs. New roles in each clinic will ensure as we get busier, the spiritual health of each patient is addressed.
Legacy camp is going to undergo a transformation beyond description now! The goal is a peaceful, simple environment for families and marriages to flourish under biblical training. Pray, pray, pray for funding, workmen, and wisdom as these projects begin.
Stop Hunger Now has provided seeds!! Every school will begin gardening this year! We pray this sparks community gardens..come one, come all farmers!
There is an excitement on many fronts that God is opening doors to equip, educate and empower like never before and our konnections with the body of Christ is His method...has always been so! May we be faithfully obedient to all and only He is doing.
Finally,
Pray about your involvement in ministry here. We are planning to engage Partners in Trade training, the first will be a teacher training group prayerfully in Feb. These US "experts" will come and come back! Areas of expertise we have identified in those who have come in team settings are pastors and church leadership, carpenters, electricians, farmers, teachers, seamstresses and cooks. We desire a 2 year commitment to come and teach/train/disciple 2-4 times a year. A primary partner will "own" planning and coordinating then offer to any other stateside partners to join. We will provide konnections here to help ensure relevance. The body of Christ coming together to show commitment with continuity is in itself a testimony to His great love. Another means to the end, the gospel.
All our love,
Todd, Shirley and Laura
This was on our door when we arrived last Thursday!! Sweet friends living at the camp now are such a blessing to us.
