January 2022

​Merry Christmas and happy new year! I hope everyone had a wonderful time together with family, in remembrance of the birth of the Messiah. I look forward to a new year, hopefully it will be better than this past year. (I say this cause we are all thinkin it, but at the same time, i am thankful for 2021, it was an interesting year, full of many life lessons and warnings that have been a long time coming.)

Family

We had a wonderful christmas, and were able to exchange gifts, calvin got several books, among other things and he loves so much, he runs with a grin and a giggle every time i say "ya wanna read a book?", fang got a couple machines that she is enjoying now among other things, and my favorite give was a tap and die for larger wooden rods (1 1/3 inch diameter) which works wonders, ill be able to make amazingly interesting table and chair legs as well as adjustable stools, and sell them on the side to support us, and hopefully others in the ministry here. Fangs sister and her son are back in town to celebrate new years, pray for us as we share with her again as well. 

Evangelism

We have been going out a few times a week, and it feels increasingly normal and comfortable, which is what I prayed for. Its a habit every missionary should have, both domestic and abroad, but i assume its not very common unless you belong to a cult. God is giving me boldness to strike up longer and longer conversations. Yesterday it started to rain and we got caught up under an awning with an elderly couple and were able to share quite a bit with them, he was even familiar with churches on the far ends of town that are less known or hidden, which supprised me. I hope the tract is a blessing for him and others we were able to share with this month. Its hard work, but thats why Jesus called it labor. Calvin loves it, and to me that is just the icing on the cake, i really want him to grow up with this habit so that there is nothing strange about striking up conversations with strangers to share the gospel and a tract. 

Tracts

I still wish i could get more done, so im trying to work out a method, calvin takes so much of my time, and i love my time with him, but i do need to work too, so pray for wisdom here. Id like to get 4 tracts done per month, about 1 per week. 1 day for drafting and initial english version, day 2 for translation, day 3 for wrap up, graphic design, and formating, day 4 for reordering and printing. 1-3 hours a day is good enough, and this would allow me to get at least 1 per week done. I got 2 and a half done this week. 1 on marriage and 1 on christmas, and half of the God is real track done. Hopefully ill get a couple more tracts done next month too. 

Business

I have a few more students, which is good, and fang is doing a little better as well this month. We were able to pay for the installation of a second air conditioner unit in her room in preparation for the hot season, fangs mom gave her that machine, so we are thankful. I am getting ready to make more candles, and do some concrete desk organizers and flower pots for sale as well, and soon will add some woodwork to my brand. After that, ill work on making some displays and then officially brand and make a fb page and so on. Right now i want to test peoples interest, recycled glass candles were a hit, so ill do more of those for sure. Again, my mind in all this work is to not only provide for ourself and support our ministry, but also prepare ourselves to teach others who would join us, and let them use our space and tools to follow in our lead, providing for themselves so they can do ministry as a vocation. 

Thankyou again for you continued prayers and support.