December 9, 2024

Dear Beloved,

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I sit down to pen this letter, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for each and every one of you who have faithfully supported and prayed for us. Your sacrificial giving and fervent prayers have been a source of strength and encouragement to us, enabling us to continue spreading the love and light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.

I am reminded of Psalm 118:24 which says, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Indeed, each day is a gift from God, and we rejoice in the blessings He has bestowed upon us through your generosity and intercession.

In the month of November, our organization was blessed with a flurry of activities and engagements. I had zoom meetings with pastors and missionaries from Albania, Italy, Austria, and Romania that filled my mornings, as we sought to collaborate and support each other in our ministry endeavors. I had spiritual counseling sessions with pastors and church assistance calls. Our regular sermon evaluations kept us busy throughout the week as well, but we were fueled by the passion to serve God's kingdom. My weekends were spent serving at the Baptist Church in Hickory, were we fill that God will use us. My family had wonderful fellowship with all people in the church.

Each week we are engaging in fellowship with guests and strategizing for our upcoming missions in Europe. The vision and mission of our organization have been discussed at length, and we are filled with anticipation for the work the Lord has prepared us for mission in Austria, Italy, and Romania next year.

Ethan finished the models with the Albanian church leaders in November and is working with a contact to complete the translation of both the models and the appendices into Albanian so these leaders can use them in their local ministries. Additionally, he finished the Ordination Training Program with two church leaders in the U.S. The study goes from Genesis to Revelation and utilizes other resources to facilitate learning. Both of these studies have taken most of 2024 to complete, and it is a joy to work with faithful men who desire to personally grow and help others grow in discipleship.

As we press on in faith, we are reminded of Philippians 1:3, "I thank my God every time I remember you." Your unwavering support is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the unity of believers in Christ. We are humbled and grateful for your partnership in the gospel. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity and may He continue to use you as vessels of His love and grace. Together, let us press on toward the high calling of Christ, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

In His service,