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January 2004 After an extremely full fall, December was ushered in with 27 inches of snow, which caused the cancellation of our first Engagement Matters weekend. The decision to cancel was difficult to make but confirmed as the snow continued to pile up throughout the weekend. We’re looking forward to our Feb. 6–7 launch of Engagement Matters, weather cooperating. The following weekend found us in St. Louis, ministering with Christian couples connected with the Rams. Our time was rich as we stayed with Emily and Grant Williams (formerly with the New England Patriots) and enjoyed their growing and delightful family. We taught on “In-Law Relationships” with the couples and had stimulating discussion and questions as couples struggled to understand God’s design for extended family relationships. It was a privilege to be with them. We’ve continued to meet with the New England Patriots weekly; our “last” study was to be December 18, but have accommodated the group’s desire to continue meeting through the post-season. We’ve grown very tight as a community and are thankful for all God is doing among us. It’s been especially good to have Don and Betsy Hasselbeck partner with us; they are the parents of two NFL quarterbacks, and Don himself is a former NFL tight end. Their insights and experiences combined with their growing relationship with the Lord are invaluable to the study. We’ll look forward to more NFL contact when we do a workshop at the Professional Athletes Outreach conference in San Diego in February. Counseling, writing, and developing HIM have filled in the spaces in our schedule. We begin our traveling mid-January and have a very full schedule until we leave for our summer ministry. We’ll spend the last two weeks of January in Charlotte, North Carolina, as we both begin a Doctor of Ministry program through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. We’re looking forward to the challenge and stimulation of being back in school, especially since our mentor and friend, Dr. Ray Pendleton, is in charge of the program. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to minister as we are through HIM. Thanks for your partnership and your interest in what we’re doing. Do continue praying for us as we seek to honor God in this ministry. |
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