This summer, 26 states—about 53% of the US—were declared natural disasters because of drought, the largest in US history. About 8% unemployment continues in our nation. Twenty states have petitioned to secede from the union. Earthquakes strike in unusual places—in some regions, more than 6 times the norm. Fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes . . . natural disasters have increased 400% in the last 20 years. We’re in a global economic crisis. War rages between Israel and Gaza and across the Middle East. 1 in 7 people of the world are hungry, and 1 in 3 children are malnourished. Persecution of Christians is escalating, up 400% in the 10/40 window of the world. And it’s even touched our little town of Buhler, Kansas, where we are being forced to remove the cross from our city seal.
What is a person to do in the wake of such upheaval? Well, that depends. Christians are believers, so we have an advantage: we anchor our souls in faith. Belief determines action. So . . .
I believe . . . that in the face of disasters, our loving Father will keep His promises. Many times His Word tells us that even in drought, those who care for widows and orphans will be well-watered. I expect rain.
I believe . . . that if we watch and pray, we will, in Jesus’ words, “be counted worthy” to escape the
worst of what is coming to this earth, and we will be able to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36) Not that we are worthy, but His worthiness counts for us. Even at that, it’s not sloppy grace. Vs. 34-35 We’re warned not to be weighed down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, or even the cares of this life, which blind us to the traps coming. We will only find our way as we seek our King.
I believe . . . that there is no other Name given to men by which we may be saved. It’s no surprise that Christians and Jews are the most persecuted people on earth. The forces of evil recognize the hand of God on our lives—and the imprint of the Christ-child living in us. From the manger, to the cross, to the grave, to the right hand of the Father, Jesus has made a Way for anyone who will call on Him. Soon—very soon—even those who hate Him and His people will bow the knee and admit that He is Lord.
I believe . . . that until that Day, a seemingly small, ragtag band of followers will continue to turn the world upside down as the destiny of hurting people is changed forever by love. And when He comes, we’ll be revealed as the glorious church God knew He could produce against all odds!
I believe . . . that family is one of the greatest blessings on earth. Below you'll find news about what’s happening with mine.
And you are a blessing to us, as well. Tracy and I wish you a very Merry Christmas, filled with what truly matters. If we can serve you in any way, please contact us.
Much love,
Becky
Sara and Danny are still in Petersburg, VA, where the children are in Christian school. Judah (2nd grade) loves creative writing and drawing—and often laughs out loud at his work. Nora is in K-4, a leader in her class, and comes home with new songs every day. Silas is in K-3, loves learning, and can really carry a tune. All the children love to worship, like their parents who are on the worship team at Destination Church. Their worship band has been playing at area events, and they just recorded their first album. Sara still does hair, and she’s on the electoral board in Petersburg. Danny is assistant manager at Lumber Liquidators and still works part-time at the State Anatomical Program at the mortuary in Richmond.
Polly and Josh are still raising their crew in Haven, Kansas. MacKenzie is a 4th grader, Ethan is a 3rd grader, and Savannah is in 1st grade, all at Pleasantview Academy. Polly is still driving the school bus that the kids take to school, and Josh is still with Dillons. They’re growing in the little Baptist church God led them to in Haven. They stay busy with sports, but we manage to meet up when we can—most often when we’re shopping at Wal-Mart! We’re so thankful for the joy we see on these precious faces!
Jeri moved her little family to Arlington, KS, for a few weeks, but she decided they were better suited for life in dairy country in New York, so they’ve returned there. Junior is 8 and Luressa is 5; they are the two children in the back row. (The other three in front are Ashley and Brian's.) Jeri's older children, who a dear family adopted a decade ago, are now 12 and 10, and we trust God’s care over all of them.
Nathan and Diana still live a block and a half from us, and they continue to bless everyone at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community as head of maintenance and charge nurse, respectively. Diana is enrolled in the RN program at Hutch Community College in January, and she’s been taking some preliminary classes online. They recently moved the children to Buhler schools, where Gabe is in 5th grad, Caleb is in 1st, and Jordan is in preschool. Gabe’s playing trumpet now, and both boys are in basketball. Our youth group continues to grow under their loving leadership, and Pastor Nate is still on our praise team at church. He’s been free from addictions for 8 years now, and we are still full of gratitude for the Lord’s saving power in his life.
Benjamin and Amy are clearly still enjoying married life, having just celebrated two years together. They both found jobs in Michigan, where Amy grew up. She’s an xray tech at a hospital across from Southpoint Community Christian Church where Benjamin serves full-time as the Family Worship Arts Minister. Both of them are actively involved with the teens there. And they are expecting . . . a house! Yes, ready to close on their first home purchase any day now. We hope that the other kind of expecting will be the next big news. Smile.
Ashley and Brian just celebrated their first year of marriage, which includes welcoming baby Honor Able to the family just a couple of weeks ago! He joins Ayden (almost 5), Alyssa (3) and Alex (2). Brian has to be one of the proudest daddies I’ve ever seen. He still works for Decker Mattison Heating and Air, and Ashley will look for a job soon. Meanwhile, she’s enjoying the time at home with her little ones, all so precious!
Justin and Jessica just passed the five year milestone of marriage, and I love pictures like this one, showing their family doing things together. Addisyn is six, and Nathan Wray just turned 2. We know things have been tough for this little family, but they’re still hanging in there, and we’re thankful. Each one is so important to our hearts!
Anna is a junior in high school, still homeschooling and taking a few classes online. She’s playing basketball for the homeschool Sabres again, even though her team is quite small and will only play JV since they are relying on several junior highers to fill in. Her favorite things are still artsy—scrapbooking, drawing, writing songs, playing piano, and singing. I love having her on the praise team at church with Nathan and me! Diabetes stinks; thank you for praying for her. Of course, she’s thinking ahead to what will come after high school, and she’s leaning towards attending the Honor Academy, where Ben and Amy met. The school of worship seems like a good fit, so we’ll see how the Lord leads in the next few months.
Tracy and I are enjoying grandchild #19—yes, you saw that right! We absolutely love this stage of life and only wish we had more time with all the kiddos. Tracy’s been a CNC operator at TSW Products for 17 years now, and we’ve had the bed and breakfast for four years. We’ve met the most precious people! I’m still providing lay counseling from home, and on Monday mornings, I’m teaching Daughters of Sarah (God’s plan for wives) to a new group of twelve amazing women.
It was such a joy to have our oldest daughter Sara with us in Swaziland and Mozambique this summer; she’s a natural ministering to the women and children. Jana Durham and Casey McMahan were also a wonderful addition to our team. We left a big chunk of our hearts in Africa again! And this time, we shared a lot more in the Word and in song—even three radio broadcasts and at graduation for the College of Theology, where we heard the king’s sister speak. It’s not every day you eat lunch with a princess! But prince or pauper, we want to be boldly obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading! And mostly, that means freely sharing what we have been given. What a glorious life!
Abandoned, orphaned, and vulnerable children in Africa are lost lambs. The Good Shepherd’s staff is grand enough to care for each one—through me . . .
. . . and through YOU!
So the next couple of weeks we'll shift gears and prepare for some precious family time. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. Troubles come, but Jesus is on His throne.
Praise His Holy Name!
Much love from The Spencer Family
