Christmas 2022

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It's December once again. As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we are reminded of you, of your friendship, and most importantly of the truth that God chose to come to earth embodied in a human. That is almost unimaginable, yet ii is how the God of the universe chose to bring hope to our world. We want to share with you how the God of the universe has been directing our family this past year.

At the beginning of the year, I (Glenn) was quite content coordinating the development of healthy leaders for the Latin America Area of Free Methodist World Missions (FMWM). Then, at a conference in July, I unexpectedly ran across a long-time friend, who happens to be the Area Director for FMWM Africa. As the conversation unfolded, I found myself drawn to the vision of supporting the growing church in sub-Saharan West Africa.

By October 1, I found myself working for FMWM Africa. My official title is Assistant Area Director, and my primary responsibility at present is to recruit, onboard, train and coach a team of long-term, residential missionaries for West Africa—likely Ghana and/or Togo. The vision is to send a team that lives close enough to each other to support each other and work together, but not to live on a compound, isolated from their African neighbors.

Wendy and I will continue to living in Costa Rica with our two youngest children, Jakin and Ellie. Wendy still works for FMWM-Latin America, where she is working as a TCK (Third Culture Kids) Care Coordinator. She loves her job and the TCKs that she gets to work with. Also, I still do a little bit of work for the Latin America Area, and I can do most of my work for Africa virtually from anywhere at this point. The kids are happy here in San José, with a good group of friends. So, our plan is to remain in Costa Rica for the time being.

Spoiler alert: the following paragraph is a shameless plug for African missions! If you want to be part of this new thing, let me know! We need administrators, at least one ordained elder, photographer/videographer/web designer. We hope to bring on board at least one person with experience and/or training in international community development. Basically, if you have a skill and a desire to give your life for the cause of Christ in Africa, or if you know someone who does, PLEASE CONTACT ME! We’ll see how you may fit into this grand gospel vision. (Even if you can’t move to Africa right now, contact me. There are a lot of things that can be done from the US to support the growing church in West Africa!)

Libby is a senior at Spring Arbor University. She has a double major in English and Biblical Studies. Libby began 2022 by attending a semester abroad program in Oxford. She had a great time traveling throughout the United Kingdom. Libby will be graduating from SAU in May, and her future plans are still being worked out.

Isaac is a freshman at Spring Arbor University. He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Isaac worked at Somerset Beach Camp Ground last summer as a youth counselor. Isaac's hobbies include birding, watching sports, playing the guitar, and playing intramural sports. Isaac and Libby will be spending Christmas with us this year.

Jakin is a junior in high school. He finished his first semester of dual enrollment through Spring Arbor University. He is still planning on studying to be a veterinarian. He enjoys attending his international youth group, traveling, playing Xbox online with his friends, he is quite a talented guitarist, and has become a birder.

Ellia is a sophomore in high school. Ellie is quite gifted in arts and crafts. She has taught herself many different types of crafts such as amigurumi, needle felting, cross stitch, and painting, just to name a few. This year she made friends with a neighbor's cat, who has become a regular visitor to our home. In fact, I think she (the cat ~ Camila) spends more time with us than she does with her owners.