Happy New Year to all our friends and family,
We are grateful to our Lord for you and your faithful support through prayer and giving over the past year! As usual, December was a very busy month. Steve celebrated his 44th birthday. We were reminded once again of how privileged we are to be servants of the Lord for another year.
Early in the month, the teens decorated the church for Christmas. This was the second year for them to do so and it is quickly becoming a favorite tradition. Steve has been teaching the teen Sunday School class and has grown closer these young people.
The Sunday School teachers for the younger children hosted a Jesus Birthday Party for their classes. It has been a great blessing to us personally to see our people take on responsibilities like this on their own.
Steve also hosted the monthly Men's Meeting with a Christmas theme. Each man in attendance was thrilled to take home a freshly baked dessert to share with his family. The Bible Studies and discussion times during these meetings continue to draw our men closer together and closer to the Lord.
Though Sherry was sick and could hardly speak, the monthly Ladies meeting was also a blessing to all those in attendance. Their theme was "Baking up Christmas" complete with cookie cutters, lots of baked goods, and a devotional using each cookie cutter to bring home a Biblical point about Christmas and the reason we celebrate.
The home-schoolers and their parents had a Christmas party before finishing school for Christmas break. The co-op continues to grow. We will be starting second semester with twelve home-schoolers. Second semester promises to be "interesting" as three of the five mothers are expecting. One of our mothers is carrying twins! This should help ensure a successful home-school co-op for several years to come!
We finished the year with a watch-night service at church. Most of our members were out for a late night of fun, food, and great fellowship.
On a personal note Steve's paternal grandmother went home to be with the Lord December 8th. Each of the grandchildren were able to visit with Grandma within a couple of weeks of her passing. After a viewing here in Arizona, Grandma's body was shipped back to Indiana for viewing and committal service. Steve was able to fly back to Indiana and be with his parents and brothers. We were blessed to see family, some of whom we had not visited with for several years. We also met other family members we had never been privileged to meet before. Steve was honored to preach the committal service. Thank you to all who shared their condolences and prayers for our family during this time.
Jackie returned home from college on the 18th. We have really enjoyed having her home again, but have to let her return to North Carolina again too soon.
We trust you had a meaningful Christmas. And we pray your New Year will be filled with every blessing God has intended for you!
For God's Glory,
The Steve De Ford family
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Steve De Ford
Director Independent Baptist Indian Mission
3880 Stockton Hill Rd. #103-438
Kingman, AZ 86409
928-200-2392
Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things He hath done for you. I Samuel 12:24
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