I’m writing to thank you with all my heart for supporting our ministry this past year. In 2017, Kristina and I had opportunities to speak to churches and minister to leaders in Arizona, California, Italy, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, and Honduras. My Reflections newsletter goes out to thousands of believers all over the world as well.
Many of you joined us in prayer for Kristina this summer when her heart stopped three times and she almost died. It was a traumatic time for our family. It is a joy to report that Kristina is strong and healthy once again. She is back serving at Living Streams, supporting mission projects, leading a weekly group of young mothers, sewing for people in need, doing the administration for our ministry, and working with the wives of pastors and leaders. I get convicted just listing her activities. My take-away from her healing has been to help her set a healthy pace, without pressure from me. We are thankful we can continue to enjoy life and serve the Lord together.
I help lead Grace Association, a group of pastors in Arizona who work to strengthen and support local churches. One of our focus’ has been Pastors in Covenant groups which are held throughout the Valley. I host a monthly meeting where we share wisdom, counsel, and pray for each other. I’m also a part of United Pastors of Arizona, where pastors with large churches come together for fellowship and encouragement, and John 17, a network of leaders who work to promote unity in the body of Christ. We believe our lives are enriched, and people realize Jesus is alive, when Christians live in unity and love each other.
There is a trailhead which leads into the Phoenix Mountain Preserve around the corner from our house. I often take leaders on hikes into the desert. My favorite trail winds up to the top of a local mountain where we stop to pray and give thanks to the Lord. Men often open their hearts and build better relationships if they have an activity to share, rather than sitting in an office. Jesus spent as much time with his main disciples as he did with the multitudes in need. He walked and talked with these men to prepare them to disciple others.
I wish I could tell you a couple of stories about how the Lord has worked through me to bring wisdom and revelation to pastors this past year. The stories are in my heart, and stored in heaven, but I can’t share them. When leaders have major problems, breakdowns, or betrayal, their hearts get wounded, just like anyone else. They need someone to process their pain with who they can trust to keep their situation confidential. Everyone goes through pain in life. It becomes redemptive when the Lord uses the pain in our lives, and the lessons we learn the hard way, to bless others.
Jesus established the church and He is as committed to the church today as He was when He founded it. Local churches are the expression of God’s family on earth. They have great value. If pastors are healthy, then their churches have a good chance to be healthy. If churches are healthy, they will equip people to grow in Christ, preach the gospel and promote the Kingdom of God on earth. I’m thankful that I can devote my life to helping pastors and churches to find grace and health in Christ.
Your support and prayer for our lives and ministry has enabled us to prosper. Thank you for serving the Lord with us.