CHRISTMAS WESTTALK 2011
Hello and Merry Christmas from the States... It's very nice to be home, but we really miss our friends and co-workers on the other side of the world and the beautiful country of Thailand.
During our three years overseas, we saw God's hand in all we experienced. One of the practical goals of our term was to help establish a SIM/Sports Friends sports ministry office in Southeast Asia that trained and equipped leaders to intentionally and strategically share Christ in that region of the world through sports. It was so evident that the Lord was at work in that area and that He prepared the way for His sports ministry plan to unfold. What a joy and privilege to join Him! It was also exciting to realize that God used the several years that MAI sent teams before this office was created, to contribute toward the groundwork needed through relationships formed during those tours since 2003. What a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ to see MAI and Sports Friends work together for the unified goal of spreading the Gospel through the environment of sports... Praise Him!
The Lord continues to bless and grow the Sports Friends ministry office in Thailand. When we left a few months ago, there were already 10 staff people, and half of them were Thai nationals! What a privilege to be a part of training these wonderful leaders. This is such an encouragement to see the Lord raise up Asian leaders to reach other Asians in their own unique culture and context. Obviously, the intent was not to plant a “western” office, with western leaders with a western way of doing things. So, we are so thankful for God’s work and your partnership in developing this unique and effective sports ministry model serving Thailand and surrounding countries. To God be the glory!
We are now in transition back to the States, still serving full-time with MAI/Charlotte Eagles and staying connected with the ongoing work in Southeast Asia and the ministry initiatives of the MAI/Sports Friends partnership. Graham’s current roles are not yet fully defined, but they will become more concentrated on Sports Ministry curriculum development, training, coaching and mentoring. Foremost, our greatest roles are that of husband/wife and parents to our wonderful teenagers!
Matthew will be 16 on Feb. 29th (It’s a Leap Year so he will finally have a “real” birthday!) and Kelsey is 13 years old! Besides just the challenges of being a teen, their transition back has had it's bumps along the road, which is to be expected. We appreciate your prayers for them as they find their way back into school, friends and activities. They are both involved with music and are enjoying that very much. Matthew is still a natural on the guitar and is writing songs. He is involved in a music ministry and takes guitar lessons. Kelsey still loves to sing and takes part in voice and piano lessons periodically. They are both very creative, fun and awesome “kids”. Their energy seems boundless at times, similar to our recently adopted Border Collie mix from a local shelter! Our new puppy is named “Chester” (Named after the soccer team, Manchester United… of course.)
As some of you know, upon returning to the States a few months ago, we were faced with some unexpected health concerns. No complaints, it was just not what we expected, but we know it came as no surprise to the Lord who is sovereign and making good out of it all. I (Lori) found out within a couple weeks of returning home that I needed to have my tonsils removed and had a deviated septum causing problems. During my recovery (a great recovery by the way), Graham fell ill with intestinal complications and has not yet fully recovered. Long story very short, after many different doctors and specialists and several tests, scans, scopes, cultures and blood work, many serious concerns were ruled out, praise the Lord! Although we don’t really have a “diagnosis”, we are so thankful that Graham has recently been increasing in stamina and health. Maybe all those years of eating from food stalls on the street in other countries finally caught up with him!?! Anyway, thank you so much for your continued prayers for him and for the mound of doctor and surgery/hospital bills we have incurred as a result.
God is so good and gracious and we are thankful for this time to "be still" to reflect on His faithfulness and to listen to His still, small voice...
As we reflect on our current lives, our three years in Thailand and our 19 years with MAI, we are truly overwhelmed by the Lord's goodness and His presence through it all. He has never left us nor forsaken us, He has always provided for our needs over and above, and has met us right where we were at, proving over and over again that He is the great “I AM”…
How incredibly humbling and amazing that our Creator chooses to pour out His love on us all, desiring to fill us, pursue us, and guide us to take part in what He is doing here and around the world. We are so grateful for Him and for each of you who have stood with our family over these many years, blessing us beyond measure through your prayers, gifts, friendship and encouragement. Thank you!!!
We pray that during this holiday season you will know the depth of God's love for you and will daily be aware of His presence. May your heart truly experience perfect peace, no matter the circumstances, from the Prince of Peace Himself this Christmas and always.
Have a blessed Christmas and New Year!
Love, Graham, Lori, Matthew & Kelsey
Thank you for supporting our family through your faithful prayers! We are so blessed and encouraged through your partnership. If the Lord also leads you to consider supporting us through a year end donation, please note that it will be considered a tax deduction for this year if the check is made to “MAI” and postmarked by 12-31-11. Thank you so much!
Missionary Athletes International - Post Office Box 1889 - La Mirada, CA 90637
