Dec/Jan GWOM: ΕΠΟΥΛΩΣΗ - HEALING

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This seems such a strange way to start this message, but the last two months have just passed in a blur for us and we want to take this chance to extend all the love of the season of Christ's birth and our best wishes for the new year to you all.

Thank you for standing with us through difficult days. We have been buoyed by your prayers and by the strength of the Lord. He has met our every need and extended His lavish love on us.

The following is just a brief synapsis of recent events for us:

Nov 30-Unexpectedly, flew to Chicago to be with family and to say goodbye to Peggy's Dad who died Dec 2nd. Truly the best of times and the worst of times.

Dec 14-Unexpectedly, Mike had his left hip replaced. An incredible provision was made for us to have this surgery done while we were home for Dad's funeral.

Dec 24-Expectedly, celebrated Mike's Mom's 80th birthday together with his family and spent our first Christmas in 5 years back in Wheaton with all our kids and grandkids, 15 of us now!

Dec 25-Unexpectedly, took an ambulance ride to the hospital because Mike dislocated his new hip.

Jan 16-Returned to Greece!

We were so glad to have been home to spend time with Peggy's Mom and family and to be with our kids and grandkids for Christmas.

We were overwhelmed by God's goodness to us in providing surgery on Mike's hip. This has relieved him from tremendous pain that he has been struggling with for the last two years.

And now we are so glad to be getting back to "normal" life here in Greece. God is healing our hearts and Mike's body as He leads us day by day. He comforts us in our sorrow and strengthens us in our weakness.

Thank you for your prayers and your expressions of sympathy. They were greatly appreciated.

Please pray with us:
- to get back up to speed quickly here
- for Mike's complete recovery from his surgery
- as we work to complete construction on the Hope Center
- as we prepare for our first furlough, April-October 2012