The Upcoming Year

Wow! Have you woke up recently and said, "just where did 2008 go?"

I find time continues to fly by me. Then, I get to the end of the year and for some reason this past week seems like time has stood still. Christmas being on a Thursday seemed like a Sat, then Friday seemed like a Sat, then of course Sat was like a Sat. So everything just winded down and stood still for me. I've been able to get quite a bit of rest and renewal as this last week is ticking away. I spent Christmas time in New Orleans! [just like the Louis Armstrong song!]

We have a week full with teams both at Trinity and the Yellow House in New Orleans. It's so good to see a room full of volunteers again! They will be working through the week and spending their New Year holiday helping others rebuild. We are very thankful that they would give up that time to come and be a part of the recovery in Louisiana. In Texas, there are also a lot of people staying and helping with relief efforts this week.

I'll be heading back to Texas this Saturday. God is doing amazing things there with the relational follow up from the ministry contacts we have made this far. One or more bible studies may soon be starting as a result of the outreach efforts by Galveston Bible Church. It's great to see the church passionate about reaching their community!

I'll be in Texas for a few days, then it's up north to WI. I will be arriving in WI by Jan 8th. [I'm not too crazy about leaving our current 70 degree weather for single digits and below zero!]. I will be going back to WI to do more support team building. I really need to focus on that so please pray for me as I enter another period of time set aside for that purpose. I also have a conference coming up the end of Jan that I also would like to ask to keep in prayer. This will be in North Dakota. I love to tell others about the ministry and "how to" develop crisis response for their community.

Hope you are all staying warm, close to the Savior and ready for the blessings and challenges of yet another year!!

Blessings,
Mary