October Newsletter '11

Greetings,

Seems each month somehow tops the last in terms of reaching the end and standing back and exclaiming, "how did we just get through that!" September was busy, busy, busy - and we praise God that He has given us the support and strength to see it through. Look for this month's class reunion, Micah's first day of school, and our calling to serve as missionaries in ministry.

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Ministry and Love

What a privilege we had to work at the Training Center and serve those pastors and church leaders who sought out Biblical education. The time we spent together with them in the classroom likens to the kind that binds people together through mutual struggle and sacrifice - and if you ask any of them, they will say we are more than friends, we are family now.

With that kind of fellowship we began last month with a class graduation reunion, and I can't even put into words the joy it was to see one another again and laugh and pray together. We unanimously decided to meet as often as we can, in order to see the fellowship continue.

Additionally, we met this month for a kick-off dinner with all the campus staff at Windermere. And it provided the opportunity for me to reflect on the vocation of ministry. This is Christ-impelled living that reaches out to "your neighbor," not because it is your "job" but because it is your life. The Apostle Paul will declare, when faced with the contrast of worldly pressures and the vanity of death, that "For to me, to live is Christ!" (Ph 1:21). We seek to make this our creed as well.

More about our ministry HERE
More about the reunion HERE

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Micah's First Day of School

It seems he grows bigger by the hour. I'm amazed at the brevity of time you have with a child. They just grow up so very fast. Micah is an energetic and happy three year old, and he is returning to his school in Governor's this past month.

Emily only takes him on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, in order that Tuesday and Thursday are reserved for that time when she can love and care for him like a mom (no need for him to grow up quite so fast). And he's not just growing up in age and maturity, but he is a "big" kid. I'm sure that parents with older kids chuckle are our naïveté, but Micah keeps growing out of his shoes and clothes so so fast.

Everyday is a joy with him and we are so incredibly thankful to be his parents. We're looking forward to dressing up for Halloween this month, and stay tuned because we're bound to have some fun family pictures again.

Pictures of Micah HERE

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Update

Well last month's prayerletter was hurricane saturated, and we are still not fully recovered yet. Along with the drain that the clean-up brings physically, it also brings a mental toll, and the community as a whole is just now beginning to recover and get back on track.

I have been heavily involved at church throughout the month and found myself preaching every Sunday morning and ever Wednesday morning, along with the normal chapels at school (its been a month of exposition!). Also, I am finishing up a trip back to the US for the dad's retirement and a mini family reunion. It has been a well-placed time of refreshment in a fast-paced month, and October in Wisconsin is simply breathtaking.

I am also the Boys Basketball Coach for Windermere, and we are having a great time preparing for the season. We'll have a small team, but one that is hopefully dedicated to playing as a team without any super-stars.

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Prayers and Praises

Praise for all the blessings from our supporters, we have been so generously provided for, and it is our prayer that your giving is onto the Lord such that He will bless you abundantly
Praise for the start of school and all the dedication of our teachers and the wonderful team we have as we are all depended on the strength of the Lord for each day

Pray for our students, specifically that they would learn to define themselves through their relationship with their creator and not through the peer pressure of one another's eyes
Pray for wisdom for our principal Ms. Gibson and for strength as she faithfully serves the school and church
Pray for us as we keep working in the strength He provides, our ministry is one birthed out of inability and carried by His grace - we lean on your prayers as we are involved in His mission together: those who are sent and those who are sending!

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Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and your involvement in our ministry with God's mission. To find out more about support CLICK HERE.

- Ryan Emily and Micah Flunker