Dear friends,

Did you have a good Thanksgiving? I’ve enjoyed many of your Facebook “month of thanks” this year. I too have so much for which to be thankful. Jorge and I spent our Thanksgiving weekend celebrating; our 2^nd anniversary, our son Josué’s arrival 6 months ago, God’s provision during this year of ministry, and your faithful prayers and encouragement. Now, we look ahead full of anticipation, Advent season has begun! 

As I look ahead, not just at Advent, but at the year to come, change and transition lies before me. For some time now, as a family we have been praying for direction as the moment approaches to renew my missionary assignment. We have decided that at this time my extended periods of travel and separation are not where our priorities lie as we embark on the journey of raising our child. For this reason, I have decided to complete my time of missionary service at the end of this month. It is with a mix of sadness and anticipation, and trusting entirely in God’s guiding hand, that I look forward to enjoying this time with our son and to exploring opportunities to serve and minister a little closer to home.

I don’t have the right words to express my gratitude, to you who have been faithful readers of these journals, who have prayed for the countries I serve, for my family, and for me. Thanks to God and to you, these past 5 years have been full ones- full of God moments, challenges, and growth. They have had a profound impact on my formation as a professional and as a Christian. I leave having received much more than I have given. As I transition, please keep my colleagues and me in your prayers as we make sure that each of the ministries and projects I am responsible for do not fall by the wayside. Your continued financial support through Dec. 31, 2013 is greatly appreciated.

If I have been your connection to what God is doing through International Ministries (IM), please consider how you might continue to support ministry in El Salvador, Cuba, or perhaps a new missionary through IM.

·       Have you fallen in love with Cuba or El Salvador?  Consider making a gift towards partner ministries in Cuba or El Salvador by writing “Cuba Specifics” or “El Salvador Specifics”.

·       Are you interested in holistic ministry projects benefitting women and youth in El Salvador? “White Cross-El Salvador-Prevention Projects” does just that.

·       Support a new missionary!

There are currently 12 new individuals preparing to serve as missionaries with International Ministries.

o  Sharon Buttry- Global Consultant for Community Transformation

o  Kathy Charland- Democratic Republic of Congo- Human Trafficking & Economic Development

o  Cheryl Jones – South Africa – Theological Education

o  Peter and Sarah McCurdy – Dominican Republic and Cuba- Leadership Development

o  Jennifer Pedzinski- Cambodia- Economic development

o  Tim & Kathy Rice – Democratic Republic of Congo – Health

o  Kyle and Katrina Williams- Democratic Republic of Congo- theological education

o  Kyle and Debby Witmer- Thailand- Leadership development and theological education 

¡Mil gracias por tu amor, apoyo, y fidelidad!  ~  One thousand thanks for your love, support, and faithfulness!

Kim