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December, 2007
From the Philippines to Minnesota
Dear friends,
Last June we packed up almost 14 years of living in the Philippines and handed the baton to Filipino friends and leaders. We miss them and the Philippines, but keep in communication. They continue to work hard in the Lord's vineyard, raising up disciples at the three corners of Mindanao among students, families, and various ethnic groups. Pray that they would continue to multiply themselves through one-on-one disciplemaking.
A Filipino national leader encouraged us with these words: "Your life and ministry with us here in the Philippines was so valuable. We are grateful for your contribution in Kingdom building with REACH." We, in turn, are grateful for your faithful investment in us by your prayers and support. We couldn't do this ministry without you!
We will continue in full-time ministry here in the US, and will be exploring with REACH some possible options for this coming year. One option we are considering is ministry with the Navigators in the Twin Cities where they minister to students, young adults in their 20s, businessmen, and ethnic groups. We also may take some short-term coaching trips back to Mindanao and the Philippines with REACH. Please pray that we'd discern what is His best fit for us as we get the wind back in our sails.
We found an affordable townhouse to rent in Fridley, a northern Twin Cities suburb only 10 minutes from Joanna's college, and 90 minutes from Jonathan and Hannah. We see the need to be near our kids, to put down some stability and emotional roots for them during this important stage of their lives. This fall was our re-entry back to the US as we got settled, launched our three college-bound kids, and continued to home-school our energetic Suzanna.
REACH has encouraged us during this season to step back from ministry and to intentionally replenish and refocus for future ministry. We thoroughly enjoyed the colorful fall season and now the winter wonderland with its fresh blanket of snow (after having missed these seasons in the Philippines). Rice Creek Parkway, which runs behind our home, has been great for walking, jogging, biking, and—more recently—cross-country skiing. We have seen ducks, deer, and even wild turkeys! These times have really been rich in restoring our souls (Psalm 23).
Kids Korner
Joanna is a junior in nursing (usually the most challenging year) at Bethel University in St. Paul. Jonathan, a sophomore in kinesiology (human performance), and Hannah, a freshman in elementary education, are at the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. Recently, all three took a break from academics to do some swing-dancing! Suzanna, our home-schooled 7th grader burns off some extra energy in gym class, playing hockey, dancing in a hip-hop class, and serving as secretary for her 4-H club. She usually ends the day be practicing handstands and doing Chinese pushups against the wall.
Please pray that our kids would continue to take root downward into Christ and His Word, and develop a deeper sense of their God-given identity and destiny as they bear fruit upward—the planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor (Isaiah 61:3).
May Jesus, the Desire of the Nations (Haggai 2:7), be yours this Christmas and all through the year.
In His Faithfulness,
Gary & Noelle Miller
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