I love December. Not only is it Christmastime, but it also means that Christmas Conference is here. Christmas Conference is the peak time of my ministry. This is when I get to utalize my video production gifts in ministry. Not to mention increase my stress level.
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Throughout December, you will most likely find me sitting in front of a computer, even more than normal. In preparation for the region-wide conference, I am filming and editing videos, gathering student workers, and organizing the technical side of this 5-day conference.
It is fun to watch how the Lord works through technology. At the conference, over 2,000 people will see the videos that we have created, both the staff and student video teams. These videos include recruiting pieces that we use to give students a vision of staff life all over the world, videos that inspire and motivate students to share their faith with their fellow students, and just fun, energy-raising clips to keep the momentum rolling.
Not only am I having a great time creating these videos, but I have a student team that I work with, that helps to create videos both before the conference and during, as they film the students that are actually there, participating in the events. I have the opportunity to show these students how their love and passion for technology and videography, can be used to advance the Kingdom of God. I pray that these students will use their gifts by coming on staff and joining me long-term, or by giving a year of their lives in an internship with me, that will further hone these abilities so they can use them elsewhere for Kingdom work.
As Rachel’s pregnancy continues along, with only 2 months to go, she is preparing to transfer off campus. This includes getting the ministries of ISU, Ivy Tech, and IUPUI into the hands of some of the new staff on her team. Earlier in the school year, she transitioned Ivy Tech to Lisa, who also works in the office and spends one day a week at Ivy Tech, while Rachel helps to coach from a distance.
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Brian and Karin, the new staff couple on her team, have already successfully taken over ISU, and have started working with the students there. They will also be taking over IUPUI.
Most of Rachel’s ministry hours have been spent training Karin. As new staff, we are all required to go through a two-year training program that includes both personal and ministry development. Rachel has been helping Karin sharpen her skills in evangelism and discipleship, as well as deepen her relationship with the Lord and transition onto the team and into full-time ministry. Her goal and prayer is that she will help Karin lay a foundation in ministry that will set her up for a lifetime in missions.
With less than 2 months left until our due date, we are growing more excited with each passing day. Things are feeling a bit frantic as we are trying to set up our homes and budget for the newest member of our family. We are definitely moving forward in the “nesting” process, with a few setbacks, including a leaky roof (which is under warrantee) and needing to replace our water softener (it has yet to actually use any salt!).
It has been such a blessing to watch as the Lord has provided for all of our needs through your financial and prayer support. We appreciate all that you have done for us, and we look forward to these upcoming changes to our lives and sharing them with you.
Please Pray
> Rachel’s pregnancy would continue to go well and our baby would be healthy – 6 weeks to go.
> Our large Andre Kole outreach at IUPUI.
> For the hearts of college students to stay connected with the ministry during the semester.