Snow

The last month has been busy for us, in part with preparations for the junior high winter retreat which took place last weekend. Since Joel's involvement in the open gym ministry, the size of the junior high group has grown exponentially and the growth remained even after Joel left the open gym ministry at the end of last year. We rejoice in what this means for the Kingdom and for so many junior high kids who are hearing about God on a regular basis.

We decided to put on our own winter retreat and focus on the topic of "unity" as this has been the junior highers' struggle after the group's growth spurt. Our guiding passage was Colossians 3:12-17:
¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)

three junior high boys tubing behind Joel

We also went tubing just across the border in Wisconsin. Eliana and I got to come on the retreat as well (no tubing for us). The kids all enjoyed themselves and we believe God used the weekend for His glory. We are thankful for another chance to minister as a family!
 
The growth of the junior high ministry has been a confirmation of our calling to cross-cultural ministry. However, we know that God is ultimately calling us to Eastern Germany and we have made a commitment to spend a significant amount of time each week fundraising. The balance between the demands of our current ministry and those of the calling ahead has been difficult for us. We have approached our church about this struggle and are actively looking for solutions to alleviate some of the burden of running two ministries here, one of which has grown immensely and reaches a population that needs and deserves more time than we are able to give. Please, pray for this balance for us as well as for solutions for the next few months. 

Some upcoming fundraising opportunities to keep in prayer:
- an opportunity to talk to a group of youth pastors about our plans
- a friend introducing us to a new group of potential supporters through his church
- friends and family members that we hope to reach via phone -- If you get a call from us, no fair pressing the "ignore" button ;-)