Merry Christmas and . . .

Blessed Holidays to you all!

After a few moments of deep thought and consideration, I decided to go ahead and share some major concerns that we have currently. It seemed odd to blog what may seem to be a gloomy entry during such a joyous time at first but after I thought about it for a little while, I realized that asking for prayer is part of this glorious season. During this advent season we anticipate and wait patiently for the coming of HOPE... hope of rescue, restoration, revitalization, and reconciliation. It is in this advent then, that the gift of hope enter us all so that we may join in solidarity with one another, especially in prayer. Will you join with us?

Many of you who have been faithful subscribers with us for a while know that Natalie had pneumonia back in August. Well, today- Christmas Eve 2006- we had to take her to an emergency doctor because she showed symptoms that we noticed from her last spell, and unfortunately she has pneumonia again. PLEASE PRAY for FAST HEALING so that we don't have to put her in the hospital. While Natalie is sick, we also received notice that my father is needing to go in for a biopsy the day after Christmas. . . and in turn, the health of us all has been affected by our emotional levels too. Please pray for our family and just maybe the mysterious miracle of the God who comes may come in healing power this evening, and Christmas day may be a wonderfully fun and some what healthy day with family.

Now let's recap really quickly a bit of these past couple weeks . . . After classes ended as well as the ice storm, we left KC for the east coast. We landed in Baltimore and spent two days with my sister and brother-in-law (Christina & Jeff) and there two young kids (Isaiah & Elizabeth) in the DC area. Then it was off to Delaware to be with my folks. It's been great for the cousins to hang out, play, and share everything except for the coughs. . . We also have had a couple other opportunities lately where:

1. We helped distribute Christmas food boxes with Turkeys to a number of families last week. It was beautiful to see people truly grateful for the gift.
2. We were guests at a Cancer Support group Christmas dinner. It was absolutely amazing to hear the stories of faith even in situations where what we might consider healing did not take place.
3. We had a wonderful Sunday service with the Smyrna Faith Church of the Nazarene. Thanks for your amazing hospitality, generous giving, and the wonderful Christmas dinner potluck! We ate good!

Finally, we would like to share a few additional updates, needs, and concerns even as we look forward to how the Lord will work everything out, especially through the help of the Body.

1. We will be looking for jobs in order to live in Asia.
2. We will be learning the language Malay. (Little note: over 1 billion people speak Malay!)
3. We will need to raise additional financial support to subsidize our . . . costs!
4. We are looking for churches interested in partnering with us... more on this can be said in email.
5. We need your prayers (and/or help) as we continue to research the logistics of this large move from KC to Singapore by April. (visas, housing, transportation, platforms, etc.)

Thanks to everyone and we wish you a very Merry Christmas. As we know there is joy even in the midst of strife and sickness. So blessings to you all in whatever situation you find yourselves this holiday season.

Peace