One of our biggest blessing has been our Incarnate Faith Church family. In the past, at Christmastime, we have participated in Advent Conspiracy, a great ministry that encourages people to spend less and give more, and focuses on providing wells for clean water in countries around the world. Well, this year, iF surprised us by taking our supply list and making ornaments of each item, placing them on the church Christmas tree and then having our members take the ornaments and purchase one or more items. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of this amazing group of people who love Jesus. The tree was overflowing with all kinds of things, from peanut butter, to batteries, to gas cans, tuna fish, staples (thank you Cullen!) and so much more. It is very humbling to be the recipient of so much love and support and we are so blessed to be going out to Africa with our family at iF right with us.
Hansen Clan Kari, Dave, Julie, Jim, Riley, Jenni, Avery, Jaron |
We've got a few more trips planned to visit family before we go: We leave on January 25th for 10 days, visiting Jim's cousins in Central Point, my family in Lebanon, and Jim's family in the Seattle area. We know we won't see family too often, so it's wonderful to have this time to spend together. Next month, we plan to visit 2 of Jim's sisters in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande.
We continue to see daily God's provision for us in so many ways. We've connected with old friends via facebook, had people donate items unexpectedly, had items we needed to purchase go on sale at just the right time, and so much more. As we mentioned at the top, our short sale on the house is going through in record time, and just yesterday, Jim was able to connect with Kaiser about the jaw surgery he needs before he goes. It looks like they will be able to do it in March. We'd really appreciate prayer that it happens at the beginning of the month so he has a couple of weeks to recuperate before he leaves for Africa on April 2nd. Yes, we did get our airline tickets, which just happened to go on sale. I will fly out on May 26th, after Jenni's school year ends. I'm really looking forward to having this special time with Jenni, Jaron & the girls before we leave. Another blessing is that in September, my sister will be flying out to stay with us for a month. She will be doing some teaching seminars, art workshops and training people in Oral Bible Story telling. Isn't God great?!
The Hope of the Nations team that is in the states right now, will be here in Gilroy February 11-15th, so we are excited to have time together sharing and planning for doing ministry together. If you live in the south bay area and want to hear them speak, they will be at Central Christian Church in San Jose on February 5th, and then South Valley Community Church on February 12th (a.m.) and Incarnate Faith in Gilroy on February 12th (p.m.). We'd love to see you too!
Prayer & Praises:
1. We are thankful to have gotten airline tickets at a great price.
2. Thanks again to our family at iF for showering us in goods!
3. Pray for the finalization of our short sale.
4. Pray for Jim's surgery to take place in early March.
5. Pray for our financial support to come in.