Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.(Malachi 3:16)
What a joyful truth to ponder as we finish another calendar year! Let’s think upon His name together and try to count our blessings. Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s speak of some of the great things He has done!
Let’s talk first of how He continues to grow OJIF beyond our imaginings! The projects have continued, praise the LORD! New work in NE, MO, and even Peru was added to the calendar this year, providing opportunities to meet some wonderful people and to expand our service to more than general carpentry. For example, the church/school Scott, Rusty, and Melba helped with in Peru last spring is finished, and plans proceed to set up the first classes. Scott felt led to help develop an ESL program for the school, so we get to help with that. What a huge step and area of growth for us!
Increased teaching and speaking opportunities deepened the scope of some of the group projects this year. The LORD opened doors several times for Scott to teach Adult Sunday School classes and Bible studies. What an unexpected blessing these opportunities have been!
We encountered some unexpected challenges this year, but God met us there with His lovingkindness, mercy, and grace. He faithfully supplied all our need and then blessed with more. Let us speak together often of His character and blessings to us!
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory,”
(Psalm 115:1a)
Merry Christmas and the Best of New Years!
Keep looking up!
Maranatha!