Counting Our Blessings This Christmas Season

Luk 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Luk 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
Luk 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
Luk 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luk 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Luk 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luk 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.



Due to health issues, Randy and I were forced to return home from the mission field before completion of our three year term. To put into words the devastation, disappointment and sadness we experienced is impossible. The thought of leaving our ministry goals unfulfilled and likewise leaving behind our dear team members; who had become like family was heart breaking. Over the course of our stay in Romania we had made many very special friends among the Nationals as well, saying goodbye to them wasn't going to be an easy task. It was such a deep wound, like unto the loss of a loved one. As we boarded the airplane to start our journey back to the United States we were heart sick, but also elated to be rejoining our family whom we had missed desperately.

In a short period of time after our arrival home, we accumulated a rather large debt from medical bills. We soon found ourselves in the red, not knowing how or when we would be able to see recovery. Randy eventually secured a part time job, then was hired full time at another company, til this day he is still working both jobs in the attempt to clear our debt. Needless to say, this seems like an impossible task, our purse strings are stretched as tight as they will go.
Our God is so good and gracious. He orchestrated a plan in which He touched the hearts of many people, most of which have never met us; but heard a small portion of our plight. When God touches the hearts of His children concerning someone in need, it's amazing what happens. Many times we have been on the giving end, never before had we been on the receiving end of the out pouring from the Body of Christ towards fellow brothers and sisters during their time of need. Randy and I were simply overwhelmed, speechless and grateful to be blessed in such a way. God is still touching hearts and love offerings are still coming our way.

Christmas for us started a few months early this year. Each person that gave so sacrificially touched our lives in special way. We don't know the names of these people, but we count them among our many blessings, and pray that their lives be enriched because of their giving. We are so thankful to God for each person who gave.

Randy and I no longer serve on foreign soil, but we are still On Mission With God.