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Merry Christmas!!
We want to wish all of you, our partners, friends, and family a HOPE filled Merry Christmas and an even better and happier New Year! (We think that phrase takes on a whole new meaning this season).
We are still stateside, wading through the countless lockdowns, restrictions and border closures both here in California and in Madagascar. Also soaking in the blessing of making memories with friends and family, carrying on traditions in whole new ways, and getting to know new additions to our family and serving anywhere and anyone we can.  
Road closures and curfews have loosened in Madagascar, but they have tightened restrictions on international flights entering the country.  We used to get updates when things would change or updates on expected border openings... But, if 2020 has taught us anything, it's to be sure our HOPE, assurance and security are in the right hands. 
For almost every one in the world, this year has not gone as planned and we would be lying if we said we haven't fought it or even lost hope a few times in our situation.  But as we have been reminded of and we hope to be a reminder to you is that the only hope for our lives and future is through a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Regardless of the stress, changes, crisis, downfalls, pandemic, and tragedies around us we are reminded of Emmanuel -God with us.
One reminder came through our dear friend and long time ministry partner Wes Ehrhart.  As we were sharing with him earlier in the year about navigating our situation and the feelings of loss of control and the unknowns, etc,  he remembered a devotional lesson, from "My Utmost for His Highest" (Oswald Chambers) about living with gracious uncertainty (he even remembered the date, which was crazy).  This was a huge encouragement in our family's life for this year as we slowly relinquished the fight for control (as if we were ever in control) and embraced a new focus on what God had in store for the day.  
Below is the full devotional :

The Graciousness Of Uncertainty

By Oswald Chambers
It doth not yet appear what we shall be. — 1 John 3:2

Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says — “Well, supposing I were in that condition.…” We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in.

Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, “Except ye…become as little children.” Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality* about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.

“Believe also in Me,” said Jesus, not — “Believe certain things about Me.” Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him.

* “ban of finality”: the limitation or curse of having one’s mind made up; unwilling to consider new information.
We decided to homeschool the kids this year in order to help with any transitions, to maintain flexibility and to be ready to move at a moment's notice.
Homeschooling has be so rewarding, Danielle loves getting to watch the kids grow and thrive! Braiden is in 7th grade this year, Jacy in 6th and Jolie in 2nd. Perhaps the most rewarding story we can pass along is Jacy's absolute joy and passion for reading her Bible curriculum. She even goes to bed with her Bible so she can re-read her favorite stories! Additionally, all 3 kids have made the decision to be baptized once we get back to Madagascar! We have truly been able to understand 3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Danielle has stayed busy with keeping all the kids on track with their separate curriculum and creative extracurricular activities.  Neal has had projects galore, mostly helping with family, friends, and neighbors during lockdowns.  He is currently working on clearing 5+ Acres of land for a Christmas tree farm.

We want to thank all of you who have continued to financially support us through these times.  If you haven't heard, we have moved to a new organization, "MissionQuest" and would be honored if you would consider supporting us through them.  We would also greatly appreciate any onetime, end of the year tax-deductible donations that would greatly help us prepare to get back to the field once border restrictions are lifted.

Here is the Link to our support page with MissionQuest.  

 If you have any questions for us through this process, please contact us at nealanddanielle@gmail.com and/or we can even set up a time to talk on the phone or (skype/facetime/whatsapp/zoom/ or any other media form that we are sure many of you are becoming very familiar with through these social distancing times).

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a 
Happy New Year!!

Love, Neal & Danielle
Braiden (12), Jacy (11), Jolie (7)
                         


The Lord has opened a door for us to partner with a magnificent 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry called Mission Quest. This ministry will be our home office and will be handling all of our donations and communications with you for any donation-related questions.

As a part of Mission Quest’s family, we have the ability to receive donations made in multiple ways. Below are some of these ways:
 
  1. Online Donations: We are able to receive donations via Credit Cards, Debit Card, and directly from your Bank Account. Mission Quest has implemented cutting-edge technology in their website to ensure the security and safety of your financial information, and they will never share this with anyone whatsoever. Donating online is the fastest and most efficient way to support us and to ensure that the funds get to us in a timely manner. 
    When you donate online you will receive a contribution receipt via your email moments after you place your donation. You can also setup a one time or recurring donation.
    Later, you can go back to your online account, view your giving history and you will have the ability to edit your information, payment method, and donation details.
     
  2. Offline Donations: Mission Quest is also able to process donations sent to us via checks and money orders. Donations via checks and money orders should be addressed to Mission Quest and in the memo-line, write our account number. Send your checks to:

Mission Quest
P.O. Box 558191
Chicago, IL. 60655
 
Please do NOT write our names on the check, rather only write our account number (Carlstrom's #194).  This article will show you an example of how to write the check. 
With this option you can request that your bank send a recurring check to the address above to maximize the amount we receive from your donation. Most banks offer this service free of charge. Please remember to include our account number in the memo line of the check.
 
Instead of sending actual checks, we highly encourage you to use the direct bank transfer option found on Mission Quest website. This option is the same as sending personal checks, but it ensures that we receive your donation faster. This option does not cost you or us any extra fees. This explains how to trigger a bank draft donation.
 
3)    Other ways: If you prefer to donate by using other methods, please contact our home office to discuss this with them in more details. 
 
At the close of each year, Mission Quest will mail you a statement for all your contributions. This statement can be reported to the IRS for tax purposes. All donations to Mission Quest are tax-deductible to the limit allowed by law. 
 
Mission Quest’s home office is always willing to answer your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact them for any help. 
 
You can reach their office by email at mq@missionquest.org
 
Thank you to all those who are joining with us as ambassadors to seek reconciliation for Madagascar.
Click here to find out how to partner financially
Copyright © 2020 Equip Madagascar, All rights reserved.


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