On The Hill

We have recently accepted an assignment to return to South Africa to plan and implement a ministry with the South African church to reach university students. The location is still to be determined, probably Johannesburg or Pretoria. We are excited to reach one of the most strategic and faith-challenged segments of this generation. Our goal is to partner with the national church to establish an effective, relevant, and sustainable outreach to initially one university. Long term, the hope is that a model of campus witnessing and fellowship can then be replicated to reach other universities. This effort will require new prayer and financial partners. Will you consider partnering with us to reach this key group? These students are not only the future leaders of South Africa, but of the entire continent of Africa. The universities of South Africa are gatherings of African leaders-to-be. Will you help the church reach them?

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With all of our heart and love we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with God encounters. It has been quite the year for us; and we have been blessed to spend portions of 2008 with so many of you and your families.

We have already cel

ebrated Christmas twice this year. In early December we visited with Joe's family in Virginia and celebrated with Kiki, Uncle Roo & Aunt Amy, Uncle Dan & Aunt Sam, cousins Dawson, Logan, Faith, Kate & Mac and attended the local Christmas parade with cousins Suebee & Papa D.

We were also blessed while in Virginia to spend a few days with Lizzy, Nicole & Lil' Ja

cques Van Bommel from South Africa. Lizzy and her husband Jacques are the Regional Directors for Book of Hope in Southern Africa, as well as some of our best friends on the planet. One of Siah's best friends from South Africa is little Jacques. The two boys picked up right where they left off. It was good to see them after a year.

We have been traveling

and speaking in churches across six states since the beginning of last January, while enjoying our stay with Mishael’s parents in Tucson. Josiah has loved his time with his Nana & Papa, as well as playtimes with his cousins. A couple of visits to Virginia has also helped keep us all well connected to Joe’s family. Siah turned five years old on November 1st, and has

thrived in preschool where he attends with his cousin Jaeden.

It is with great joy that we also announce the expected arrival of an addition to our family. Mishael is pregnant and due May 7th with our second child! Per Josiah’s request, he’s getting a baby brother. He refused from the beginning to consider he might be getting a baby sister. Maybe he knew something we didn’t know. At the beginning of 2008, Josiah made a list at school for the things he was thankful for-- two of the things he did not yet have! He thanked God for a pool (Nana & Papa have one), a skateboard (he got one for his birthday nine months later), and a baby brother (we found out Mishael was pregnant in September and in December found out he is getting a brother).

So many of you have asked us about our next assignment; and as of yet we are still praying and seeking counsel from our leadership over where to minister next. As soon as a move is decided we’ll be sure to be in touch. We will continue to itinerate in 2009 and still have openings to come and share between now and then.
Our appreciation and thanks are not enough in return for all your prayerful support over this past year. Still, your prayers, support & friendship mean more to us than we can adequately express. Please know that we pray for you often and that we look forward to partnering together in the new year.