Saturday
Tony and I had the privilege of getting away for a few hours to New Orleans. Friends, Chuck & AnnClaire, came over to keep the kids for the entire afternoon. What a blessing!
While in NOLA, we connected with IJM friends for a mini-tour of popular eateries: Mulattes and Cafe du Monde! Yum! Nothing like Crawfish Etouffee followed by a beignet!
Friends, Van & Michelle (& of course their son, Zach), came by around 6 PM to take the boys home for a slumber party. Evidently they were 9 minutes late, finding James & Joshua pacing the floor in great anticipation! Needless to say, they were so excited to go "camp out" in the Williams' living room and having nerf wars, which translates to = good boy time! Meanwhile, AC had the girls doing all sorts of arts & crafts projects. Thank you Bennett & Williams' families!!! Our kids slept hard afterwards from such a fun and eventful weekend!
Sunday
We were privileged this weekend to host Larry Martin (IJM senior VP of Education & Dean of IJM Institute) and Erica Boonstra (IJM Justice Campaigns) at our church here in Hattiesburg. During the Bible Fellowship hour we visited a few classes to provide opportunities for face time and interaction. After a wonderful worship service, a group of about 10-12 passionate persons gathered for lunch to pick Larry & Erica's brains on various issues of injustice. At 4 PM we hosted a "Next Steps/Justice Advocacy Training" class. Approximately 30 people gathered to discuss ways to get involved. It was an encouraging time with others who are stirred up in doing something for the afflicted. An hour and a half was only enough time to scratch the surface. However, we will be meeting again in 2 weeks to follow up. So:
Join Us back at TBC on Sunday, February 27th at 4:00 PM!
Another way to learn more and get connected is to attend IJM's annual Global Prayer Gathering in April. To learn more visit: www.ijm.org! Hurry, there are only a few spots remaining!
Larry Martin gave a powerful message on the "Unfamiliar Passions of God" at the 6 PM worship service. There may be audio recordings available in the TBC Oasis if you are interested in hearing it. Expounding upon Psalm 10, he shared testimonies of victims and the many exciting things God is doing in the face of evil...
"The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his hand. O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." (Psalm 10:16-18)
Below, Erica and I are sporting our justice shirts... I with my IJM shirt and she with our Orphanology shirt...
Meanwhile, earlier in the day Jana received a special Valentine from fellow Ukrainian born friend, Erick. Too cute!
After church, sweet friends Lydia & Justin, took the girls home for the afternoon. They had a blast! Thanks so much!!!
Monday
Thus begins another week. We forgot to do Valentines this weekend, with all the busyness, so this morning at breakfast the kids were filling them out. And now Victoria & I are off to a class Valentines Day party!
Happy Valentines Day!!!
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