Fall... winter... all in the blink of an eye :-)
One year ago today the winter's first snowfall covered our yard and made it a little bit difficult for the kiddos to beg for candy in their long costumes and snow boots. This year, we spotted our first snowflakes over a month ago, and after a brief fashion splurge of yellows and browns, our yard put on its white winter coat almost three weeks ago now. The temperatures have consistently been below freezing for the past three weeks, which means the Kenai River running through center of town is now beginning to freeze also... and which means the kiddos are going to be bundled up again this year. Welcome, Mr. Winter.
We really can't complain though. Although our fall disappeared a bit faster than desired, we have been blessed with some amazingly clear skies and sunshine over the past several weeks. It was a nice tradeoff. Especially considering the weather trauma happening on the east coast, we certainly can't complain.
We just wanted to send out a short note before the bi-monthly MARC newsletter also shows up in your email or mailbox soon. That cycle always reminds us how long it's been since we wrote previously; but as I'm sure is true for you also, life doesn't seem to slow down this time of year... it accelerates.
Karin has been extremely busy with school work, and I've managed to keep myself occupied without even intentionally trying after returning from nearly four weeks on the road last month. It's amazing how much "life" can pile up... and quickly! But, we're both doing well and loving this time and season.
You'll see some of the summer kids' camp highlights in the next MARC newsletter, along with MARC's annual Christmas gift catalog. Karin and I just spent this morning making the final mailing preparations for those. Most people don't realize how time consuming the newsletter process can be for missionaries, but to put this in perspective for you, we spent almost 29 hours alone printing the MARC newsletters and then another three hours prepping them for the post office... it's not a quick & easy chore! Of course, it also takes a considerable amount of time to prepare them before printing. But, we privileged to help MARC share its vision for Christ in remote Alaska with stewards around the world. If you want a sneak peak, here are the web links to both:
We'd like to especially encourage you to consider making a special Christmas donation to MARC this year. We have several special project items that are needed to make operations safer and more efficient for our missionary staff. It's a great time of year to make your final charitable contributions before the end of the tax year. As a reminder, MARC is an eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so applicable tax deductions apply even when you make ministry designations to our family support. Although we sincerely hate asking, we sincerely appreciate and need your continued financial support. Thank you!
May God bless and keep you until our next opportunity to chat! We love each of you and are so thankful for your prayers and involvement with us personally and with MARC's ministry here in Alaska! Nearly every day we're reminded how God is consistently meeting the many spiritual and physical needs in the villages of remote Alaska. Thanks for praying for a real change to continue happening here! It's needed!
God bless,
David & Karin
Each month since we've arrived here in Alaska, God has constantly amazed us with His continuous provision of tangible support through faithful supporters who share our vision of making a real difference in the remote villages of Alaska with the hope of Jesus Christ!