Stop in for a Christmas Visit & 2024 Review
“..Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11
January & February: Despite very few symptoms, Steve had a quadruple bypass surgery in January. It was quite the journey, yet we were overpowered by a sense of peace and trust in Him, fully aware that there were no guarantees for his physical outcome. We don’t always understand God’s plan, but for us, it was to restore Steve’s health. We were so thankful and blessed to have our family supporting and helping throughout this time. Steve took some time to recover and attend cardiac rehab but was able to continue ministry work and leadership from home. The support and assistance of many Alaskan staff members also blessed us, and they were so patient!
March & April: Steve jumped back into ministry full-time and traveled to numerous villages to visit staff and some leadership meetings in Oregon. I continued with some counseling I was doing and worked on my MA final thesis. We were thankful for the returning sunlight and warmth! Started our 2024 Alaska field budget! The Alaska Christian Educator’s Network launched! A weekend trip to Arizona for Mom (Steve’s) 95th birthday!
May & June: More field visits for Steve, more writing for me, and then we began hosting Campus Ministry/Work Teams. We were so blessed (between June and August) to have four of our partnering churches come and help. I completed and submitted my thesis and helped out with our teams as much as possible. Final ACE Network for the school year. We celebrated the life of Steve’s step-dad, home with the Lord.
July & August: More teams from our field office and campus encouraged and supported the ministry! We spent a day helping at the Wrangell Mountain Bible Conference in Copper Center. The first part of August looms large as we run our annual conference. This year, we had extensive help from volunteers. It was a wonderful time, and the weather was agreeable! Mark Overbeek (Kodiak) was appointed the “Field Director Nominee,” and Steve began mentoring him into leadership. I (Jill) began teaching Child Development at Alaska Bible College for the El Ed program. I “graduated” with my 2nd MA!
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September & October: We welcomed another new great-grandson! The Alaska Christian Educator’s Network relaunched for the school year. We both continued counseling a few individuals, and seeing God at work in their lives is a joy! Steve’s leadership ministry continued along with a week of meetings in Oregon. We began staff visits to reconnect and support them in goal setting. Fairbanks was September. I attended a short educational conference.
November & December: One thrilling thing has been regularly connecting with 6-7 of our LEaD Alaska alumni and hearing of their challenges and spiritual growth! We traveled to McGrath, Nulato, Galena, and Ruby- fly-in villages! Wonderful times of fellowship!!! Today, as we await news of the birth of our 5th great-grandchild, we rejoice in the gift of life. We rejoice in the birth of Christ- the One Who would restore Peace with God. We pray for a joy-filled Christmas for each of you. You are loved!
Serving in Partnership with You in Alaska!