New Year with New Faces


HOWDY AND HELLO!
 
The biggest blessing of 2023 is her coming in 2024!

I had to start with the big news first! Emily and I are having a sweet baby girl come Summer 2024. We had been praying and trying last year, and God has blessed our earnest prayers. I am only as eager as I am, because all the fears of parenthood and raising a child are contrasted with the overwhelming care God has shown me through my community at FOCUS and Church, as well as through your support of my ministry. 

I plan to work with FOCUS for the continuing future, God willing. While it is not the highest paying job, it is certainly one I have felt called to. I am excited for the flexibility of my schedule to be able to take care of my daughter when needed, and meet students when needed. I want my girl to see her parents love and live for others at a young age. Please be praying over the health of our girl and over God's providence for our growing family.

Much of my excitement has been getting to see those who have come before me in ministry and parenthood. Some of my closest friends and co-pastors are having their first children, including my good friend Austin. His sweet daughter was born recently, and I cannot wait for many Father-Daughter trips we will get to go on together. Be praying over Austin, his ministry as he learns to be a father, and for the health of his sweet baby girl.


Austin is already a great dad. Thankful for his friendship in Christ.

This Fall semester ended pretty well! Lots of excitement from students wanting to go home, but also, many of them voiced just how much they were going to miss the community and time spent in worship while at home. I have been praying nearly every day for my core guys by name. We have Winter Retreat coming up in a week. Not all of our guys could come, so pray for those who couldn't that they might still spend their week with Christ in some form, and for those who do that they open their hearts to Christ at the camp.

Praying for one another during our last core of the Fall semester

Mauricio hugging Waldo at the surprise birthday party we threw for him

The rest of December was a lot of traveling to see friends and family, rest, and reading. We got to see old friends like William Newcomer, and visit new friends in their home town, like my core guy Garrett. Emily and I drove down to Houston to spend the day with him and Kamaal after Christmas. It was a sweet way to connect and refresh. I pray that as those two continue to grow in Christ, this trip could be a fun memory to show how we should love people.

As a staff, we read the book, To Love as God Loves over the break. As well, I did a sermon on Love this past week at our staff retreat for the staff. The book talked about the early church and monastics and how they saw Love of God as the goal of Christian living. If love is missing from our truth or worship or community, it is in vain. A great reminder for us as pastors and people. I pray that my ministry is marked by God's love. 

Waldo and I excited for a baby girl coming to our home

That is all I got as far as an update for December. Be praying for our Winter Retreat and all the new students coming in Spring semester! Love y'all and thankful for your support in ministry.

Going to the movies over the break with our friend, Ryan, from church.

Lots of driving during the holidays. Saw this beauty of a license plate.

I have started making wood cutouts as a hobby. I had an elephant statue as a kid. My baby girl will have this little Elly as her own.

Got the goods in my stockings Christmas morning

Saying bye to Garrett after our time in Houston together

No one had a better reaction to the news of us having a baby than William.
He is a true homie through and through.




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