Wow, 2023 is almost in the books! As always, this fall has been very full both in the ministry and in the family. We have much to praise and be in prayer for. In October, a generous donation provided CMTS Belize with an automotive computer scanner, a tool that played a crucial role in blessing a pastor by getting their vehicle back on the road. After encountering challenges with three mechanics, the scanner enabled Andy to diagnose the issue, locate parts, and instruct others in the repair process. Praise the Lord for this useful gift.

On December 2nd, the Boys’ Brigade from Maryland joined us for a weekend of service. Together, we assisted One Luv Outreach in Reading, PA, cleaning their new location and moving donated clothing. The team also distributed invitations for an outreach event in the city. Pray for the seeds planted.

Regarding this building on our ministry property, initial plans for a complete rebuild faced obstacles. The unexpected septic and roofing issues redirected fundraising efforts, creating uncertainty. The building’s intended future purpose includes classrooms for Equip, offices, and multi-purpose rooms for the community, allowing expansion for dorms or staff housing in the main house. Prayers are requested for favor with the township and a swift resolution to move this project forward. Praise the Lord for completed septic and roofing projects.

Equip students continue their vocational training with gratitude for dedicated volunteers teaching diverse subjects weekly. These lessons in apologetics, God’s love, budgeting, addictions, creation, and more equip the students for God’s work. They are all thriving and bring such blessing to us and the ministry and each department they are rotating through. They got back recently from a ministry trip down south. It’s been so great to see God working in and through them.

CMTS is in the throws of organizing the clothing trailer for the Winter Clothing Drive. Donations of winter items like coats, hats, gloves, or new socks and underwear, and more are welcome. We are accepting items through February 29th. Contact Sam if you have items to contribute.

Just before Christmas, Sam was able to go through the warehouse at CMTS with the help of our volunteers and gather so many neat items for Melissa to take to her job at Fellowship Community. She and the activities team there were able to set up a “Store in the North Pole” with the donated items. The residents were able to “shop” and get items for free to give as gifts to their families or get something special for themselves. They were absolutely thrilled and had such fun.

Speaking of families, ours is doing well, despite a few setbacks. Jackson has been struggling for quite a while with throat issues and will have to have his tonsils removed in the new year. This is not an easy surgery for a 19 year old, prayers for him would be much appreciated as it is a very painful recovery process. Also not easy for him was being in a car accident 2 weeks ago that has rendered him without a vehicle. Please pray that we are able to figure out what to do next so that he can work to save money for a replacement. It’s a bit of a catch 22. We are so very thankful that no one was seriously injured. Please keep praying for Jack and Tucker in school as well. Pray that they will grow in the Lord. We are also incredibly thankful for YOU and the ever faithful kindness, generosity and love you pour out on us. We had a lovely Christmas and hope you each did as well. Over and over this season we have been reminded of the hope of Emmanuel – GOD WITH US. Praise the Lord.

Save the date for our 2024 Banquet on February 22, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, at The WhereHouse, 215 Pine St, Hamburg, PA 19526.
Register here. Come see what the Lord is doing through you!