March Update: Getting Closer
Dear Ministry Partners,
Thank you so much for all the ways you have been partnering with us through prayer, giving, and ongoing encouragement. We're excited to start making some definite preparation and planning for our move in July.
Would you pray that the Lord would provide these additional funds to help us launch well?
Ministry
We are continuing to maintain and build relationships with friends in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Chris was able to connect with several friends from Hawaii who were in Louisville last month, and he has continued to build relationships with new friends scattered around the Pacific Islands. He has had several opportunities to get to know Pastor Rodney, who serves in American Samoa. Be praying for him and his church as we seek to encourage each other.
Chris is working to finish his part in a co-authored book on Paul's Christology in the next month so that he can give his full attention to all that will go into moving. Please pray!
Even though we aren't able to go on the trip, we're sending a team on a ministry and vision trip to Oahu from March 20–28. These couples are praying seriously about moving to the Islands in the next year or two. Pray that the Lord would guide the Irwins, Larsons, and Figgers as they meet with pastors and partners on Oahu and seek the Lord's guidance about whether and how to serve on our team.
Family
We are thankful for God's grace in our marriage. The first two months of 2021 have been hard in several ways. Chris has traveled a lot (but seeing many of you has been a grace!), but it is taxing on everyone. In February, we had several discouraging vehicle expenses. First, someone stole the catalytic converter from Chris's car (apparently this happens a lot). After a very expensive fix, we started parking the car in the garage and leaving the van outside. We then had a brutally cold stretch, to the tune of about 20 degrees below zero! This led to our van's battery freezing, which we then had to replace. However, just as these started to roll in, the second stimulus check finally hit our bank account. Say what you want about the policy of these payments, but we're thankful to God for the provision of money just in time to cover these expenses.
Otherwise, Luke is leaving his job at Chick-fil-a to start working at Starbucks so that he can transfer to work at one in Hawaii. We are a little sad to say good-bye to the free chicken sandwiches, but we think it is a good move for him. Simon just finished basketball season. He did well and had a lot of fun. Elliot's latest school report was on David Brewster, the inventor of the kaleidoscope. And Noah is still working on learning his letters :)
We also want thank God for the way our church is preparing for us to launch. Every global partner at Bethlehem Baptist Church has a "Barnabas Team." This is a group that seeks to encourage and pray with us as we prepare to launch and then continues to care for us after we've been sent. The Lord has given us an amazing team who have already cared for us well in many ways!
Fundraising
While we are praying for a little more monthly support, as of this month, we are also turning our attention to fundraising for our set up expenses this summer.
To help us launch on a solid financial and organizational foundation, we're seeking to raise additional funds to cover the costs of our move. This will cover our moving expenses (including initial costs for a rental) and home office set-up (Chris will largely work from home).
Would you pray that the Lord would provide these additional funds to help us launch well and consider giving toward this need?
We praise God for all the ways that he provides through the prayers, giving, and encouragement of his people. Thank you for being a part of this ministry!
Yours in Christ,
Chris and Katie
Prayer Requests
Pray that the Lord would provide our necessary start up expenses and wisdom as we prepare for our move and sell our house (also keep praying for our condo in Illinois to sell).
We are asking the Lord to give us wisdom for our sons' school in Hawaii.
Pray that God would give us wisdom to finish our time in Minnesota well in every way.
Pray that the Lord would guide Pastor Rodney in American Samoa as he leads his church through challenging days.
Praise Reports
Praise God for growing church partnerships in Hawaii and Pacific Islands. We recently received a grant from the R. L. Huntington Hawaii Foundation.
The Lord has provided enough financial commitments for us to make definite plans to move in July!
We are building friendships with churches in the Pacific Islands and especially in American Samoa.
Our family has remained healthy through COVID.
