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December 2004 With Fall, the World Series, and the 2004 Presidential Election all in our rearview mirrors, we take a deep breath before plunging into a season replete with activity, expectation, and meaning-and we greet you with delight from the team at Home Improvement Ministries. Our fall has been full and fast. Highlights have included speaking at a number of marriage conferences, all of which have reinforced our passion for this type of ministry. October conferences took us from the deserts of the Southwest to the height of fall colors in Jackson, New Hampshire. First, in Casa Grande, Arizona, we spent a great weekend with a group of friends who are committed to growing in their marriages and their parenting. Henry and Ruth McLaughlin hosted us for the weekend and, as dear friends and partners in ministry, opened their hearts and home to us in a way that was refreshing. Our next conference was sponsored by Bethany Church in New Hampshire. Dave and Jennifer Gish are running a great ministry for marriages and families at that church and it was evident in the couples who attended the conference. They were receptive, interactive, and affirming-and committed: game 1 of the World Series was scheduled during the Saturday evening session. (What were they thinking?) Being flexible, Dave moved the meeting up and planned a World Series party following the session. It worked. An "Engagement Matters" weekend followed and our team agreed that it was one of our most energetic and involved groups of couples. How thankful we are for Nate and Jeannie King and Larry and Sandra Metaxotos, our faithful partners in this critically important ministry! They contribute to the depth and authenticity of the experience for the attendees and effectively model the benefits of arranging life around His purposes. Next, out to California in early November to speak to the annual Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship marriage conference. Directed by Herb and Debbie Smith, the weekend was just what these couples who face such challenges on the job needed. Having spoken at their conference four times in the past ten years, we've developed relationships with many of the couples and were heartened to see how God was at work in their marriages and in their homes. New Life Evangelical Free Church in West Haven, Connecticut, was our next marriage conference, and we loved our time with that very dear congregation. Steve and Kris Potter did a wonderful job of arranging and executing the conference. We left very convinced that all of us had been met by God. Each Thursday evening has found us at Gillette Stadium, leading the couple's Bible study for the New England Patriots. We've had a solid core of about eight couples who faithfully come week by week. It's so encouraging to see couples who could so easily be seduced by the counterfeits of this world, but who are choosing to walk faithfully with Him. We consider it a privilege to work with them. In between the conferences, our speaking junkets have taken us to many different Mom to Mom groups in the area, to Park Street Church for two of their Friday Family Nights, to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for their Seminary Wives evening, and to Lexington Christian Academy for their Family Focus Night. Counseling, writing, and studying have filled in the gaps. We haven't been wondering what to do with our time! It's been a history-making fall. Twenty-two percent of Americans who voted in the 2004 election indicated that concern for moral values influenced their voting. Eleven states overwhelmingly supported traditional marriage. The business sector is beginning to see a correlation between lack of integrity in one's personal life and lack of integrity in performing one's job (USA Today, November 5, 2004, Business Section). Besides the encouragement of these national trends, the Red Sox are World Champions for the first time in 86 years. Great news if you’re a member of Red Sox Nation (or at least a fan of anyone who beats the Yankees). God has met us in unmistakable ways again this fall. We are so aware that it is His Spirit that connects with the hearts of those who hear us speak, and that we have no power to impact lives apart from His power. We feel privileged to serve His body in this strategic way and are grateful for all of you who pray for us and support this ministry. May this season of Advent draw you closer to Him. |
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