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The Borders Are Opening!

A Note From David

 “Bless Yahweh, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”—Psalm 103:1

     It is with great joy and anticipation that we share the good news that Madagascar's borders are opening to Americans soon. So many of you have been praying for this news month-after-month—thank you! This means we are beginning the challenging process of trying to secure work permits, visas, shipping container arrangements, final medical/dental/vision appointments, and much more! 

     We also have many logistics to figure out on the Madagascar end of things, such as finding housing, a potential vehicle, language school arrangements, and many other details.
 
     Our dear partners in Madagascar asked us to plan on arriving in early January. We praise God that we were already able to secure plane tickets for January 10th! Our travels will take us from Los Angeles, to Seattle, to Paris, to Antananarivo. And, if all goes according to plan, it will take us around 30 hours of travel time from take-off to landing in Madagascar. Once we land, we'll have to take additional COVID tests and complete a mandatory quarantine in a local hotel until we all receive negative test results.
 
     We know you have been praying for us—please continue to do so! We will have a tremendous amount of end-game work and stress. We need much wisdom and grace for the days ahead.
 
     Once again, thank you for your strong support and prayers! To God be the glory!
David
Marojejy National Park in northeastern Madagascar

Recent Ministry Opportunities

     We love the local church and we're so grateful that God has allowed us to serve in various capacities. Recently, Ashley was able to teach the ladies on Philippians 2:1–4 at our church's women's Bible study.

A Note From Ashley

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”—Romans 8:28
 
     The mixture of excitement and nervous butterflies are very real for me. The prayers of so many that the borders would open and that we would finally get to Madagascar seem like they're being answered. Our daughters are excited too. When we told them the news that we can go to Madagascar, there was an outcry of joyful screams and jumping around. Their young lives have been very much a part of this journey to Madagascar. From their earliest memories, they have been anticipating a move, a ministry, and a life in Madagascar. This past year has tested us in many ways, and we’ve had to learn to be patient, to keep trusting God, to move around and live as sojourners as we waited and prayed. While this is not what I would have chosen, I know that this is what our all-wise, loving, Heavenly Father ordained for us. It has been for our good and His glory!

     We are so thankful for the time with our families and church here, making memories and building relationships with time that we didn’t think we would have. I have also especially enjoyed the time growing with the ladies at our church. I’m so thankful for the opportunities to counsel and teach God’s Word to these sisters in Christ and learn from them. I’m also glad we could be here when David’s grandparents both passed away recently (a month apart from each other).

     I want to thank you for standing with us. Thank you for the prayers, encouragement and support you’ve shown through this unexpected year as we’ve anticipated what the Lord would do.
 
We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.”—John Calvin
Love in Christ,
Ashley
Six-year old Clara being seen by her eye doctor.

Praise Report:

  • Praise God for the exciting news that the borders will soon be opening to Americans!
  • Praise God for those who have offered for us to live in their homes while they are out of town. This generosity has provided a furnished place for our family to live and work while we waited for the borders to open.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the work permit and visa process, as well as shipping container preparations.
  • Pray that we would walk in love during this stressful end-game period.
  • Pray that we would successfully accomplish all we need to do for this transition.
All Glory Be to Christ,
David & Ashley, Isabella (age 11), Lydia (age 10), Anna (age 8), and Clara (age 6)

 


Ministry Giving Options

Note: All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of your gift goes towards supporting our family in this ministry!
Give by Credit Card (monthly or one time)
Mail in a Check to Grace Ministries International (GMI)
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Personal Giving Options

Note: You can send a gift directly to us through PayPal, Zelle or a personal check to the address below (note—personal gifts are not tax deductible):
Use Zelle (through some banks or the Zelle app) and request to send a gift to this email address:  davelnson@gmail.com

OUR MAILING ADDRESS:
David and Ashley Ellingson
3827 E. Mount Kimball Pl.
Tucson, AZ 85718

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Mailing Address in the USA :
David Ellingson
3827 E. Mount Kimball Pl.
Tucson, AZ 85718






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Ministry2Madagascar · 3827 E Mount Kimball Pl · Tucson, AZ 85718 · USA

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