Merry Christmas!

Dear friends, we are in a wonderful season as we direct our attention to the God-man, Jesus Christ!

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4

What an incredible King!

Please read on for some reflection on how God is graciously displaying his kindness in our lives…and some proof that we’re having fun along the way 🙂

The other season we’re in…

As I (Jared) write this, I’m three days away from my last official day in the Faith Bible Church office. I suppose after that we are ‘officially’ missionaries! This has caused emotions to be all over the place lately, but it’s all a reminder that things are moving forward like they should.

It’s time to set our eyes forward: There is plenty to do between now and when we leave – church-related, family-related and departure-related.

On the other side of that coin, this transition period also means we move on to missionary financial support January 1st. Thankfully, we’re in a good position to do that! As things stand right now, there will be no decrease in my ‘salary’ once I’m off Faith Bible Church staff. This is because so many of you have committed to continue supporting us monthly. Your generosity is an incredible demonstration of God’s love and kindness in you!

It’s amazing how God has answered our prayers for provision in some very specific ways. Christians can regularly observe how God is sovereignly ruling all things at any point in life. (“He upholds the universe by the word of his power.”) But every once in a while you get to be the front row spectator of some unique performance of God’s power.

Take a seat next to us for minute, and look what God has done…

Support Summary…

FROM THE START, we have prayed for 5-6 churches to support us long-term. God has given 6 churches!

• Faith Bible Church (Spokane)
• Trinity Church (Spokane Valley)
• Cornerstone Bible Church (Fullerton, CA)
• Redeemer Bible Church (Gilbert, AZ)
• Grace Bible Church (Fallon, NV)
• Grace Community Bible Church (Austin, TX)

FROM THE START, we have prayed that these 6 churches could support 60-70% of our monthly needs…

• …God has moved our supporting churches to cover 59% of our needs.

FROM THE START we have prayed that by January we would be at 80%…

• …by the first week of January we will be at 87% of our one-time costs given!

FROM THE START we have prayed that by January we would be at 100% of our monthly needs pledged/given.

• We are currently at 85% (ministry & personal combined)!

FROM THE START we have prayed for 15-25 long-term commitments from friends and family.

• It seems that at least 20 individuals and families will be supporting monthly at this point!

Churches, individuals, and families combined we’ve seen a total of 189 financial gifts come in, from 56 different supporters.

Incredible one-time gifts have also come in both from churches and individuals – even some from people we’ve never heard of outside of the U.S.! Whether it’s been a $25 gift, a $250 gift, or a $12,000 gift, every single time we see the hearts of God’s people stepping forward to help, we are amazed, humbled, and thankful.

Nearly all our requests to God have been answered emphatically with ‘YES!’ We know we can continue to trust God for what remains.

Please, take a minute to thank Him with us.

Looking ahead…

SPOKANE

The timeline for remaining in Spokane will become clearer and clearer over the months. It will depend on several key factors: (a) The completion of raising our one-time costs, (b) the visa process, (c) the sale of our house, (d) when Czech school starts for Bennett.

We’ll likely travel to California in March to visit one of our supporting churches once more, and to see friends at Shepherds Conference, and to have our visa interview. Pray these events could line up to all happen around the same time!

THE DENNY’S/CZECH REPUBLIC

We plan to be in communication with the Denny’s every other week to continue getting their guidance on the factors just mentioned, and to continue cultivating that relationship.

We’re slowly but surely doing some online house shopping in the Czech Republic. We’ll begin with a rental, and buy a home 5-7 years from now, Lord-willing.

Jared will begin preparing material for use in training and discipleship in the Czech Republic. Claire is also working on some studies to keep her ACBC certification.

We are waiting to hear if we could start Czech language learning in January.

FAITH BIBLE CHURCH

We’ll significantly decrease our involvement in the College Ministry. That said, they are ‘our people’ after all… so we can’t help but stick around for as long as we can. Discipleship relationships and friendships will certainly continue!

Jared will also get to preach a few more times for main service.

RAISING SUPPORT

We are, thankfully, at a point where we no longer need to travel for support raising. However we will continue to make our needs known in order to meet 100% of our one-time costs, Lord-willing. Starting in January given beyond our monthly needs will continue to go toward one-time costs.

FAMILY, FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS

We want to optimize time with family and friends and supporters over the remaining months. We’ll be filling our schedule with visits to growth groups, families within the church, and our own families. We are joyfully overwhelmed by the many people God has put in our life whom we love so much and who love us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! We pray your holiday season is full of joy in the Lord and enjoyment of his gifts!

“And it had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ… and when [Mary and Joseph] brought in the child Jesus to the temple… [Simeon] took him up in his arms and blessed God and said… Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. And [Mary and Joseph] marveled at what was said about him.” (from Luke 2:25-32)

Brothers and sisters, marvel and make him known.