Merry Christmas!

To our friends and family,

Merry Christmas! It is now the time in which we reflect back on the past year and anticipate the year to come. It is the time we remember and celebrate the new life we have because of Christ’s birth. God created a way for us through his son Jesus so that we could be reunited with Him, and have eternal life.  This year we are especially thankful for all the love, support, and encouragement you have given us as we were called to serve at the Mission of Love Orphanage in Zambia, Africa.  Many of you supported us in this endeavor financially or through prayer, and you believed in the mission to which we were called to. 

In Africa, Nate worked with the locals on various community projects and started doing bible studies with them once a week. He was going through a book called, Firm Foundations. Many of the Tonga people have heard the gospel message and claim they are believers, but they show no fruit. Many see God as another spirit to appease. In order for them to understand their need for a Savior, we need to start from “The Beginning.” They need to know how God intended for this world to be perfect, but when Adam and Eve disobeyed, sin entered the world and separated us eternally from God. Without the recognition of sin in their own lives, they have no need for a Savior.  God created a way back to Him through his son Jesus. This is the message Nate was given to share and he enjoyed it very much as it was something that God was challenging him to do more of.  

I (Melanie) spent a lot of time working with the teachers in the preschool, and started making preparations for Grades 1 and 2. Each morning I would do a bible study with the teachers, and pray with them before their day began. As the preschool was becoming more self- sustainable I was able to focus more on preparing the curriculum for Grades 1 and 2. Natalie loved coming to school with me as there were so many things to play with and get into. The locals were drawn to her and she loved the attention. She has brought so many smiles and laughter to us and many others. 

For those who have read the updates on the blog or have spoken to our families you all know that we lost our son Elijah on September 22^nd. This was a trying time for us, but God was faithful and provided us with all we needed. God sent Jesus to defeat sin on the cross so that we could be reunited with Him someday, and for this reason we can have hope that we will see our son again. Elijah is safe in the arms of Jesus. Elijah’s reality is life, not death. We believe God has given us a message to share and we are continuing to seek him for our future. 

Since arriving back to the U.S. in early November we have been reacquainting with family and friends, and trying to adapt to this very cold weather. Nate has begun working in construction while I (Melanie) am at home tending to Natalie. We are thankful for all of the blessings we have been given this year; we have seen God work in our lives and in the lives of others all over the world. May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus, and the joy He brings to our lives. Have a wonderful Christmas, and a Blessed New Year.

 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13