You may not know this, but one year ago this week I was full of fear and doubt over our transition to working full time with Contagious Disciple Making. The first few months of fund-raising were behind us and things were going much slower than expected. To make ends meet, we had to take another round of serious cuts to the budget. Up to this point, I had done as much as I could to spare the kids from these cuts but I knew that wouldn’t be possible any longer and my heart was breaking.

They had already given up cable TV and eating out, and now they were going to lose gymnastics classes as well. Since they are homeschooled, these classes were a huge part of their physical activity and a chance for socializing. Satan tormented me with thoughts of how horribly I was failing as a mother. Honestly, I was terrified that my kids would grow to resent God because life was so much better before their parents were called to start this ministry.

I cannot tell you how good our God is! I've had at least one moment with each child this month where God has reminded me that He has things under control.

Our oldest texted me from her Wednesday night youth group, bubbling over with excitement because she had been asked to join the student worship team. For two weeks, I watched her practice the songs and talk through the nerves and every time I would hear God whisper, “She is my baby too.”

Then there was the night John told me that he was amazed by how much more real God was to him now, than he had ever been before. When I asked why he thought that was, John attributed it to becoming the Chaplain's Aide in his Boy Scout troop, attending the youth discipleship group, memorizing scripture and having a quiet time. Once again I heard the whisper, “He is my child and will continue to pursue me.”

A few weeks ago, we were visiting a local church where Paul was filling in for a pastor who was on sabbatical. It was the first time Keturah had been to a church without a children’s program and I was busy trying to get the kids settled in the sanctuary. When I sat down, she leaned over to me and said, “This feels like a place to pray.” I asked her if she wanted to pray. She said, "Yes!" and she proceeded to pray over our family and the church.

When we started this journey, I was terrified our children would resent ministry and the life God called us to. Now, He is using this journey to bring me the greatest joy. My oldest kids are growing noticeably closer to their Heavenly Father and are stepping out to serve Him, while my little one is growing in knowledge and love of the things of God.

We continue to ask the Lord to connect us with the people who He intends to partner with us, either financially or physically, in seeing the gospel spread throughout the United States and Canada - we are far from being fully funded. This year, though, I am no longer filled with fear. God has proven time and time again that He can be trusted not only with our finances but also with our children. We've started a new end-of-year fundraising campaign and I ask that you pray about being part of this ministry by supporting us financially and by joining our prayer team.

Thanks for walking with us!

-Christi