December Newsletter '12

Greetings,

December is here and we celebrate the advent of our Lord! This month is going to be as full as November with travel and dinners, ministry and even more thanksgiving.

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International Summit

This being the first year we've started the new Bible College, I decided that it would be best to educate myself as much as possible on the curriculum and program. Every year the school hosts an international summit with all their overseas partners, and it is the best chance to rub shoulders with the administration and those who are on the front lines of theological church-based education.

I had the privilege of attending this conference with my close friend Matt Lynskey and some other close friends from my seminary days. Additionally, our new missionary Mark was able to make the conference as well, which is going to be such a blessing to team-teach alongside him.

The conference was amazing. I couldn't believe the relationships that I made with Christian leaders from around the world: South Africa, Albania, even Cedarville! It was such blessing to fellowship with these men throughout the week, and I intend, Lord willing, on making this conference an annual event to attend.

Additionally, I had the privilege of going home for the weekend and attending my home church, and to travel to DesMoines and see one of our Windermere Churches that support us through summer teams. What a joy to see these fellow brothers and sisters serving in their ministry settings stateside. I genuinely look forward to their upcoming trip this summer.

Click HERE to see and read more about the Conference
Click HERE to see more about my trip Home

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Windermere's Fund Raising Banquet

Each year we roll out the red carpet and put the fine china out (sorta) to host a fund raising banquet for the school. As a private Christian school we cannot make budget solely from our low tuition costs, which is why we are fortunate to trust in God to meet all of our needs.

This year's speaker was a good friend of mine Ricardo Dean and the whole event was a fun experience, good food, a good message, and the staff even sang a Christmas carol! It was great!

Click HERE to find our more about the Fund Raising Banquet

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Update

Apart from seasonal colds, everyone is going well. Micah is doing great at school and this month he had a role to play in the school Christmas program (stay tuned for more on that). He is growing so fast, and scary to see how fast the time flies.

I had a great month. My students did a spontaneous "appreciation chapel" for me at the school. They put together the whole program and enlisted Emily to bake me a cake. They even put "We Love you Mr. Flunker" up on the banner. School is going good, although it has its challenges, (like coaching the boys basketball team). Each day the Lord provides what we need, and I'm blessed to serve in the capacity He has given me.

Emily is doing great, however it seems each day she is either baking more cupcakes or real cakes. With Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the class parties between Windermere and Micah's school, she definitely has her work cut out for her. We had an awesome Thanksgiving celebration at our place with all our small group. A giant turkey, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes… it was a feast - and much thanks to the generous donation from Agape Flights. And there was a piñata! Yep - check out the pictures!

Being surrounded by friends and family is perhaps the best blessings next to knowing the Lord. We're so grateful for all God has given us and we invite you to give thanks with us this holiday season; make an extra effort to remember WHY we celebrate.

Click HERE to see the pictures of Thanksgiving

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Prayers and Praises

Definite praise for God's goodness in our lives to give us you as supporters and our friends and co-laborers here on the island
Praise for safe travels and an amazing conference
Praise for the work God is doing on the island through the school and in the lives of our students

Pray for our Bible College that we'd capitalize on the momentum gained from this past month
Pray for safe travels for those traveling over Christmas
Pray for some recent heath issues
Pray that people remember Christ and greatest gift God can give, Himself!

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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