We approach the New Year with gratitude. Our family has experienced a multitude of God’s work through the years because of people like our faithful supporters. Please allow us to share a personal greeting.
Change is on the horizon as one of our family members graduates from high school in Spring 2009! Jordan will first attend Teen Mania’s Honor Academy in Texas and then continue his education at Oral Roberts University with a degree in Communications.
Jordan is an incredible support to our ministry here as he translates, shares the Gospel, plays in community sports, aids in designing our promotional videos, coordinates the music play list for the Christian radio program, physically works on numerous church construction projects, and the list goes on. He is a dynamic young man with a desire to reach this generation with the Gospel. He will be greatly missed, but we know that God has amazing things in store for him.
Logan, a 7th grader now, continues to work within the ministry in any way he can help. In his spare time, he frequently can be found playing his electric guitar or practicing tricks on his skateboard (which is exactly how he recently broke his arm). He has been learning Christian Rock songs to play along with at local youth outreaches. It is a lot of fun and draws a crowd. Logan also amuses himself with finding new ways to “push his brother’s buttons.” We can’t help but wonder what he will do when Jordan moves out.
Nicole continues in her cosmetology career in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She has now been promoted to a trainer where she oversees new hires at the salon. We are very proud of how well she has done. We are so thankful for an internet phone that allows us to speak with her frequently. There are numerous day to day events we can share and laugh about. However, Nicole is looking forward to having her brother in the States.
Jim and Renee are continually discovering new ways to empower the leaders of the Dominican Republic. Please pray for the opening of our new Bible Institute in Nagua. We will keep you posted.
Christmas is approaching. Typically it brings to mind nativity scenes, family gatherings, Christmas caroling, decorated Christmas trees, traditional foods and of course beautifully, wrapped presents. This year we are celebrating Christmas in the Dominican Republic. It isn’t going to be a white Christmas this year, but there is an abundance of poinsettia bushes to gaze at. Yes, bushes, not potted plants. Although we are distanced from family and friends in the States, we are not distanced in our hearts. Family is more than the physical togetherness we have the privilege of sharing, it is a knowing…a sort of sense of belonging no matter where you are. We are never truly alone. The family of God is like that; as sons and daughters of the Most High God we belong to something greater than we can imagine. As we, the Larsons, celebrate this Christmas season from a distance, let us all celebrate together the blessed family we share through our Magnificent King, Jesus Christ. He is what it is all about. Let us rejoice in the celebration of our Savior’s birth!
May God bless you and may you know the peace of Jesus Christ as you celebrate this Christmas!
The Larsons: Jim, Renee, Nicole, Jordan and Logan
