Thanksgiving Greetings!

How is it possible that we are in Thanksgiving week 2021? We marvel at how quickly the years fly by. This January will mark 29 years since we left Clearwater to attend New Tribes Bible Institute. We were both 39 years old, the kids were 13, 11 and 8 when we ventured off into Lord only knew what. Since then, we stand in awe and amazement and are so thankful for what the Lord has allowed us to become and to do.

What do I mean by “Become”? Well, it started with becoming more familiar with God’s Word and what He says about those who trust in Jesus. We are…children of God, born of His Spirit, forgiven all sins, Children of light, sealed with the Holy Spirit, given all things that we need to live a life which honors God our Father, co-heirs with Christ, clothed with Christ’s righteousness, holy in God’s sight, seated in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, secure in Christ, adopted as sons and daughters, accepted in the Beloved (One), branches connected to Jesus the vine, which when abiding, experience and reveal the Life of the Vine (eternal Life…God’s Life) and produce the fruit of the Spirit. These are just a few things that God says His children ARE, and if God says it, it must be true. So, as we have heard and read what and who we ARE, and by God’s grace understood as His Spirit has taught us…we have trusted that God would enable us to BECOME what we ARE in our daily experience…vessels of His Life and Love toward those around us. What a joy to experience being His children…what a privilege and wonder to see Him living His Life out through us as we believe what He has said and watch Him live and move and have His being in our lives…conforming us into the image of His dear Son! One of the things about “Becoming” that excites our hearts the most is that we’ve BECOME PARTNERS WITH YOU in investing in eternal things…things God says are important…like being involved in getting the Gospel to those without it! We are so very thankful for being able to partner with you in God’s work!

And then…what has He allowed us to DO? Only to be involved in preparing missionaries that have planted and are in the process of planting churches among people groups who have no access to God’s Word and the saving knowledge of Jesus. To teach and disciple hundreds of dear children of God! To serve students and staff at EBI. To serve churches and other organizations in ways that expand awareness of what God is doing around the world…trusting that God will raise up more laborers to GO to the fields ripe unto harvest. And we’ve been able to DO this and more in partnership WITH YOU.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, please know that one of the things we are most thankful for in this life is YOU! So often, you have given us cause to go before our great God and Savior with thanksgiving and praise. From the bottom of our hearts…thank you for being partners with us these many years. 

For the sake of brevity, we’ll wait and send out an update in the next couple weeks with some really neat things God is doing/has done recently. Please stand by ;>). 

As you probably know, the city of Waukesha, WI experienced a senseless tragedy a couple days ago. Many of our staff and students from EBI, just two blocks away, were attending the parade. Thankfully, all are ok. However, the city is in need of our prayers as they deal with the loss of life and the many injuries. We’re confident that God’s Spirit and the Body of Christ will minister as only they can in times like these.     

May God give you a wonderful Thanksgiving.  

For those waiting to hear, 
Rex and Shirley

“You will show me the path of Life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psa 16.11