2009 - A Year of Challenge

We are entering a brand new year that has a lot more questions than answers. The economy is in a tailspin, and nobody really knows yet where the bottom is. Jobs are being lost at a record pace. At the same time, we are on the verge of an historic occasion as a new president is inaugurated in two days.

I've had to write my very first "state of the ministry" message to Mission of Mercy supporters. As people in our country have had to contend with one piece of bad news after the other, many businesses and ministries are feeling the economic pinch. We have placed a limit on pay increases, cut travel and expenses, and have done everything that we can to prevent reducing the amount that we are sending to the children around the world. Their needs continue - and we are called to bring hope to children that would otherwise fall through the cracks of the system in their countries.

These have been difficult times - and there have been some sleepless nights as I've tried to "figure things out." In the midst of one of those sleepless nights just before Christmas, I put on my headphones and just hit shuffle on my iPod. The first song that played was December Leaves by Beth Nielsen Chapman. In the song, there's a lyric that says, "How heavy the heart that is empty. How light the heart that's full. Sometimes I have to trust what I can't know." That spoke a lot to me about being glad that I have a faith and a family that will help sustain me regardless of what happens in the future.

The Christmas season was full of wonderful family times. We spent time in South Dakota on Christmas eve at my brother's home with a house full of people. On Christmas day, we stayed with Dee's parents and spent time with her side of the family. A quick drive back to Colorado the day after Christmas to have all of our kids at our house. Our daughter Kate, with husband Aaron and grand daughter Montana, were able to come back from Washington state. Our son Mason joined us from South Dakota, and daughter Emily, with her husband Heath, came in from Wyoming. It was loud and busy - and awesome!

I was speaking to someone a couple days ago that said there may be some very positive side effects of the down economy. There will be far less travel in the year ahead, and people are being forced to consider their priorities. Many will focus on relationships - family, friends and church. This is also a time to make sure that we don't cut back on our benevolence. Families across the street and around the world need our help.

I pray that 2009 will be a year of blessing for you. I pray that you find your peace with God, and that you are strengthened by the relationships around you. I know that it is easier said than done, but, place your trust in the Lord and not in your own wisdom. Let's hope that when we look back at the end of the year that we will see that 2009 was a time of renewal of faith and family!