Happy 2006!

By now you realize how much I love my staff. Here's their New Year's Letter:

Saturday, December 31st, 2005

Dear RRM Staff,

Hiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It’s been a very busy month, so ya’ll should take yourselves out to dinner and relax, unwind, de-stress, and all that jazz. Just a bit of fun money to help you do that!!

Thanks to all of you that make this ministry possible. I wish words could express how I truly feel about each on of you.

Perhaps I will let Scripture speak for me:

“Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

I believe God has made us into a family. We have a unique working environment. High stress, high energy, high demands. I love it!! But on the other hand, we have a Father in Heaven who has knit us together and made us like-minded, committed to His goal of saving souls from hell and helping others and each other to be the best we can be for Christ during this earthly sojourn of ours.

So be encouraged! The year of 2006 has many good things ahead. One of them is His continuation in growing us as a family. In reflecting on this, the Lord reminded me that our Wednesday night Bible study has been going on for 5 years! What an amazing Care Group! I love that we all know each other so well--the good, the bad, and the ugly! But maybe I’ll just tell you the good for now!

Jarad--God has blessed you with multiple talents. When I first placed a job description with Canada Employment I never dreamed of everything that might be necessary to accomplish your position. But God knew who we needed. A young man who loved the Lord, loved the men, loved the Mission, loved the Word, loved to work on cars, and loved to kill and butcher animals!

Grant--You have been gifted with the heart of a servant. You are content to minister quietly in the background, enforcing rules, befriending men, cleaning and whatever needs to be done. You have the maturity and stability we need here, and you are willing to work when most of us would crack up!

Larry--You are always striving for bigger and better. You push yourself to learn and grow and you aren’t afraid to take on new challenges. You are humble and kind. You love the Lord and His Word and read it daily. And thanks to you, we’re all members of FORTUNE 5!

George--You have a street smart about you, and although you aren’t easily conned, you have compassion and a merciful heart for those who are cast down. Your love and reliance on the Word for strength is evident in your commitment to missionary service. Like you said, “I don’t stop being a missionary at 5:00!”

Len--Our first program graduate. Your quiet strength, companionship, evangelistic heart, love for the Lord and His Word speak volumes. Your willingness to work at any job at any time is such a blessing and is so needed here! Thanks for all your crazy Christmas shifts!!

Mesfin--Your work ethic puts us all to shame! Thank you for your love for our residents, for speaking into their lives, and for giving your weekend nights to the Lord. You really do make a difference!!

Melanie--Your cheerfulness despite circumstances makes my day!! (All except the dancing!) You have matured in so many areas both on and off the job. The personal disciplines you have incorporated into your life, even at personal sacrifice to you, have really paid off and are evidenced in a mature life of Godliness and faith.

Rebecca--Your hard year is over. You will continue to heal through your grief, but I believe it will get easier from here. You have learned so much and my heart has broken for you so many times. But the Lord has obviously made you fit for that task and your perseverance and commitment to missionary service is a great victory won for the Lord! We are so glad the Lord has loaned you to us this year!

Jon & Vicki--We’ve seen you graduate and now enter the ministry full-time with idealism and goals which keep us all on track! It is always a good thing that God blesses us with fresh full-time staff. Your example of Godliness and openness has allowed you to truly and quickly become part of our family. Here’s to Seattle 2006!

Jack & Paula--You’ve been here so long! The first, I think! You are like our Parents. =) Your strength and faith through various personal trials have been a real example to us. And we are soooo glad you decided to buy that huge house!! Maybe we can have a Valentine’s sleepover!!

So, be encouraged today. If God be for us, who can be against us!
Your sister in Christ,

Michelle


PS. This paper is made out of tobacco leaves!!