Christmas 2005 in Palm Desert, CA!

Merry Christmas to all!

It is my hope that during these days of celebration that you will join with those shepherds and wisemen of long ago and seek out He who was given to us and is Christ the King!

More Black Families Home Schooling

I thought this was an interesting article from the Associated Press - Joe

Dec 11, 6:19 PM EST

By ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON
Associated Press Writer

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Denise Armstrong decided to home school her daughter and two sons because she thought she could do a better job of instilling her values in her children than a public school could. And while she once found herself the lone black parent at home-education gatherings that usually were dominated by white Christian evangelicals, she's noticed more black parents joining the ranks.

Armstrong said she wants her children - ages 12, 10 and 7 - to have a "moral Judeo-Christian foundation" that public schools can't provide.

Read the entire article at the Yuma Sun.

National Black Home Educators Resource Association

Missions to Unreached Peoples

We took a road trip last week to meet with Bruce and Pat Ernst from Missions to Unreached Peoples.

Bruce is the International Director for Member Care.

MUP has 125 missionaries in 20 countries. They are focused on the 1040 Window. Essentially, the provide independent missionaries the opportunity to go to the foreign field.

Their Member Care division provides pastoral care for those on the field. Currently, MUP has most of their missionaries in Asia. However, they also have folks in eastern Europe. They have openings in both sort term and long term ministry opportunities if you feel so led!

Bruce and Pat were very congenial and open with us about the ministry and their role in Thailand. They are back in the States for the holidays, taking a much needed break. We very much enjoyed our visit with them.

It did remind Erica and I of our original intent when I left the pastorate in 1984 - to work with missionaries on the field, providing everything from pastoral support to babysiting to computer help or just a listening ear.

Pray for all who serve in foreign countries that the Father will provide the nurturing that they need. We, also, covet your prayers.

Alissa's Nativity Painting

The Flu arrived!

First Alissa and then Cody have come come with the full blown flu - headache, runny nose, fever, deep cough. But , praise God, neither Erica nor I have had any symptoms yet. I am just glad that we got that out of the way early!

Don't be afraid to say "Merry Christmas" as you are shopping this season!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

Studying the Chronicles of Narnia

The kids are thoroughly enjoying reading the Chronicles of Narnia. Their only complaint is being able to read only one chapter a day!

Thanksgiving 2005

Giving thanks for God's provision, His goodness and His love as well as for our wonderful family!