BIG NEWS - We're Headed Back!
February 28th, 2021
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Hello, dear friends!
Well, it is hard to believe it, but we are finishing up our first term here in Slovenia. Because of your generosity, we were able to extend our first term, and stay in Slovenia for an extra year. Starting in the beginning of June, we will be coming back to the USA for our home assignment/itineration - a time for our family to visit you, our dear friends and supporters, so that we can fill you in on all the amazing things God is doing here in Slovenia. Keep reading for more updates and details! (Photo taken a couple weeks ago for Aidan's 7th birthday.)
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Residency Permit
SO many of you were praying with us, that we would be able to successfully renew our residency permits to legally live here in Slovenia. Due to the delays and closures caused by COVID-19 the process took much longer than expected. So many things are connected to these permits, including our car registration - which was down to the final days. Through the generosity and kindness of so many people, we were finally able to obtain our permits, drive legally, and have peace of mind. Thank you so much for praying with/for us!
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Ministry During Covid-19
As many of you have had to, we also were forced to change the way we work and minister this past year. When the school year began, there was some time that we were able to continue with our English Club, however unfortunately now we are only able to post our lessons online. Similarly, until recently, our church was only able to have online services. Dan has been asked to record a sermon on a number of occasions, which is a great honor for him. As of last month, churches are able to meet in-person, following strict guidelines regarding the number of people in the building. This means that we have gone from 1 Sunday service to 3 services, spread out over the weekend. Each service however is full, as people are so excited to be back in the House of the Lord! How exciting!
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Christmas Baking Ministry
Those of you who have followed our ministry journey for some time will know that every year we bake Christmas cookies for all our neighbors. It is one of our favorite ministry events each year. We took much care in our baking and packaging (wore gloves to package, and masks when delivering), and were able to give a box of cookies, a calendar with Bible verses, and a hand written note to nearly all of our neighbors. They were all very appreciative, and it was a terrific way to reach out to the neighbors we have met, as well as get to know the ones who we had not met yet. Many of them thought that we were selling the cookies, so it was a great testimony to say, "no, we just wanted to say we are glad to be your neighbors".
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Heading Back to the States!
We are excited to say, that we will get to see you soon!
We are beginning the process of booking services and meetings for our itineration cycle and would LOVE to connect with you! We know that COVID-19 has made everything a little (lot) more complicated, but we are happy to come visit for a service, meet for coffee, attend an open house or missions convention, send a sermon video, chat on Zoom... we want to connect with you in any way possible.
If you would like to get together with us in any capacity, please don't hesitate to write us at hope4slovenia@gmail.com, we would be delighted to get you on the books! We are eager to share what God has laid on our heart for this upcoming term!
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How Can You Help?
- Please be praying for our family, especially our kids, as we start to transition our lives back to the USA for the duration of our itineration. This means a big shift in schooling, friends, home, familiarity and language.
- Our monthly budget will increase by about 20%. We ask if you would please prayerfully consider increasing your financial monthly support by 20% as well. We are excited to be a part of a number of new ministry opportunities during our second term, and would be honored for you to partner with us as we move forward with them.
- We would love to get in touch with you and hear from you! We so enjoy interacting with you all on our Facebook and Instagram accounts, please keep the comments and encouragement coming, they are so appreciated!
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Family Update
- For the past few months, our son, Aidan has been doing online Slovene school, and our daughter Jocelyn has been home from preschool. This has not been without its challenges, but we are looking forward to some of the COVID-19 restrictions relaxing soon.
- In the city of Ptuj, we just had Kurentovanje (the guys in the costumes) season. Our neighbors dress in these traditional costumes and parade through the streets to scare away winter. It has been a very unique experience, and a great inroad for talking about New Life in Jesus.
- Our family just finished up our battle with COVID-19. All of us ended up getting it at varying degrees, but are now out of quarantine. Thank you to those of you who have been praying for us! Please continue to pray for us as some of the side-effects (such as labored breathing and fatigue) seem to be lingering some.
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More Big News!
We are very excited to announce that our Slovenia team is growing! Our good friend, Al Force has just been approved by AGWM as a missionary associate. He is out of our home district as well, PenFlorida, and is beginning fundraising. He will be returning to Slovenia with us for two years as we go back for our second term. We have known Al for many years, he has already visited Slovenia on a missions trip, he graduated from our alma mater (Continental Theological Seminary), he is a tremendously hard worker, loves Jesus with all his heart, and we could not be happier that he is coming! If you would like to become one of Al's ministry partners, his AGWM account number is 2993954. Make sure you also follow him on social media @alforceinslovenia. Welcome to team Slovenia, Al!
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Thank you!
We cannot express how thankful we are for your continued love and support. We really hope to see as many of you as possible soon! We pray that God would pour out blessings on you. Thank you so much for making our lives and ministry here in Slovenia a reality. We couldn't do it without you!
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