Merry Christmas, FAC Fam!
What a treasure to send you our greetings this Christmas season! Here in North Africa we do not have Christmas lights, egg nog, or Carolers. But we do have a reason to celebrate! Hearts are being softened and changed, people are searching for Light and Truth and we are actually encouraged to spend Christmas in a land that does not have the usual “hoopla”. A place that has become home to our family for the past twelve years. It’s actually refreshing to truly remember the reason for this season! (Don’t get me wrong, I’d still kill for a peppermint mocha!)
A lot has happened since we saw some of you this past summer. Ella turned 18 and Max 13. So whew. There’s that. Stevie continues to refine his digital marketing business as he balances BAM, discipleship, and ch planting in this tricky context. And I (Jenny) find myself in all kinds of situations as the Head of School in our little International community. For example, this past week I was teaching third grade social studies, meeting with the Korean and Ukrainian Ambassadors, praying with a stressed mama of several TCK kids, and having an “interfaith dialogue” with a Professor of the Quran. Needless to say it is never a dull moment.
Because of our 12 years of “never dull moments” moments, our family decided we needed some family counseling and debriefing. We attended a center in Spain last month to get some care for our souls and bodies. (Don’t we look rested?)
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas we will baptize 5 new believers. Just the last two weeks we have had two new girls who have recently come to faith. We are seeing our local church leaders slowly maturing and gaining experience, meaning there are more trustworthy hands around the table of church multiplication. And we have recently been able to clarify our critical roadmap taking people from pre-evangelism to healthy disciples, churches and leaders. So there is fruit in the midst of all the hardships.
Through it all, dear FAC, He remains faithful to His promises and we are amazed at the work He establishes here in this hard land. We are so encouraged to be a global piece of the FAC team and we often watch your Sunday gatherings from online, singing our hearts out from here. Be blessed!
We love you and Merry Christmas!