Christmas Challenge responders

Wow! One of our monthly supporters "blew our socks off" with their report of how they took up our Christmas Challenge to "give to a stranger." In fact, this particular couple were so far ahead of our challenge that I couldn't help but pass on to you the particular ways in which they blessed strangers.

Judy reported that her husband had made 2500 little trucks that were given to under-privileged children, 1300 of which went to Operation Christmas Child. She knitted caps for cancer victims, street teens, and underprivileged kids, and also wrist-warmers. She made a helmet liner for an unknown marine headed to the middle-east. All of these were strangers to Jerry and Judy, but not to God. She adds, "what a joy to use the gifts God has given us to serve Him."

I have to admit, I sat stunned in amazement for awhile as I took it all in...such love, such expressions of the mercy and compassion and generosity. What joy filled my heart, both at what they had done, and also at the fact that these people are my friends. How our heavenly Father must smile when He sees His Son reflected in His church!

Steven's Ordination

With Pastor Bob laying his hand on our son's head, Great Falls Christian Center (located in Great Falls, Montana) ordained Steven as a pastor and a minister of the Gospel.

Words of encouragement and strengthening were spoken to Steven and Christel by the elders and pastoral team.

Pastor Bob commissions Steve in his calling as "pastor."

Beautiful family celebrating Daddy's big day!
(poor little Natalie didn't let on that she couldn't see a thing)

Art got to remind Steve how to tie a tie...that was fun to watch.

What a wonderful day of celebration it was for us all!
Arthur and I were blessed to the very depths of our soul, tears of joy falling down our faces. How I love to see my children walking in their "calling and destiny."

Amazing weekend in Great Falls

Last weekend we made a trip over to Great Falls to welcome our newest granddaughter, and got to spend some sweet time with Noah and Emily as well.

So much love around Grandpa!

Emily and Noah introduce Grandpa to their new little sister,
Natalie Olivia Fleming.
Natalie arrived on January 6 at 9:25 in the morning. She weighed 6 lb. 6 oz.

Lovely new accommodations

Once again God's provision exceeds our wildest imagination!

We never cease to be astounded at the marvelous ways of our gracious and loving heavenly Father.

We've been invited to house-sit this lovely Lakeside home for the next few months. It's hard to see well in this picture, but beyond the trees in the background, is Flathead Lake. The view is incredible! Wish you could come for a visit and see for yourself. We are all moved in as of yesterday.

This morning we gave a thorough cleaning to the home we've been house-sitting at the YWAM base the past 3 months. Tomorrow we plan to do a little shopping so we can bless them with a "gift pack" and have it waiting for them when they arrive home in a few days.

Isn't it amazing how God has covered our housing needs over the past 12 months? (This is our 5th dwelling since we came on staff in January 2009.) And now, as we enter our 2nd year on staff at YWAM Montana, God continues to keep a roof over our heads. And not just any old roof, or shanty, or lean-to. No, with God, it's always "over the top"....more than what we asked or imagined. Without a doubt, 2009 was for us a great BIG reminder of God's abundant provision.

How about you? What stories do you have to share about God's goodness and faithfulness during 2009? We'd love to hear what He's been doing in your life....and in your family.....