12.31.08 - Christmas Church Engagements
There are many things we have to be thankful for this Christmas vacation, but one of them has to be the many time we were blessed to speak in front of churches and individuals who support our ministry.
During our time in Ohio we had the chance to talk with Emily's home church of Grace Church. We got to speak in 3 morning services as well as talk to the staff and small group leaders. Grace Church is purposefully pursing supporting and sending missionaries, and they are an enormous encouragement to us.
Then in Wisconsin we had the opportunity to speak at my home church. I have to say, we are just humbled at the love we receive when we return home. There are many faces that I recognize giving us hugs and handshakes, but there are also many who have been faithfully praying for us that we never knew about!
I believe there is something holistic about partnering the local church with missions. Missionaries need the love and support of those in the local church, and the church needs those who have gone out from their own members into other regions of the world to share in the building and expansion of God's Kingdom.
We look forward to the growing relationship we've been given with these churches, and hopefully through these speaking engagements we will see many come down to the training center on mission teams and as missionaries, both this summer and in the future.
