Greetings from (what should be) warm Florida! It's already March and still unseasonably cool!
This is a long overdue newsletter, and of course, the reason is simply our being busy! Here's a quick rundown of what's been happening for us this past year and into 2010. It is hard to believe we have started another new decade in this new century, but we have!
We spent the month of May in the Philippines, but before that Trip was able to travel to Kenya and Ethiopia during April. It was a great trip, although a bit lonely away from the family for Easter. He was able to hold an IBS workshop in Ethiopia, along with visiting some “He Intends Victory” support groups there. Trip was able to do another IBS workshop in Las Vegas in September. In October, along with bringing our daughter Leanna with him, Trip went out to the annual Send the Message missions conference in Las Vegas, teaching some workshops.
Family News!
The big news for our family came in October! Our son, Peter
, was married to his bride, May, in a beautiful garden wedding near our home in FL. It was also a special time with family, as many of our family from the west coast were able to join us for the wedding celebration. So, we have a new daughter in the family! Recently, Pete and May moved into a townhouse 2 streets over from us. Pete is working for an accrediting organization for culinary arts schools, and May is teaching Chinese for Florida Virtual School.
Jake (our oldest son) and LeAna (his wife) began working with another ministry called Coaches Honor. It focuses on mentoring coaches in their role as mentors and leaders. Becky is working with at risk families, assisting them with guidance and counseling. Leanna is doing graphics work, along with childcare, tutoring and looking into full-time teaching. Susan continues in her role at the church as office manager and overseeing the children's ministry. Trip continues discipling men and equipping leaders at church, assisting with missions, and traveling as the Lord opens up opportunities.
Rainbow Village
In November, we headed to the tropics again to spend some time at Rainbow Village Ministries. We stayed through much of December so we could celebrate Christmas with our family and friends in the Philippines. We had our annual Christmas party at Rainbow with the staff and their families, the students and their families who are sponsored through Rainbow's ministry, and all the children and babies. Of course, there are lots of other parties — at our feeding program outreaches in neighboring villages, at church with our friends, and with the staff and students at the training center where Trip was director.
God continues blessing the work in the Philippines through His gracious provision and direction. This year we had several babies placed into loving homes, including a set of triplets (boys) who went to live in Australia. Seven of our teen/ young adult girls in our Agape program were able to return home to their families. They start a new phase of their lives with Jesus living inside their hearts and guiding them, and giving them hope and peace in facing the challenges ahead of them. Please keep them in prayer!
Back in Florida
This year was special for our immediate Kimball family, as all of us were able to celebrate Christmas together for the first time in about 9 years! — Jake & LeAna with their children, Canaan & Bella Grace, Becky, Pete & May, and Leanna. Having been a missionary family over the past 20 years, we treasure the time we are able to spend together as a family. We enjoy spending time with them, especially our grandchildren, whenever possible!
Trip's Travels
The year started off with Trip helping move his mom back to California and sell her condo in the Seattle area. It was a big change for his mom, and was brought about after her bout in ICU during the month of November. Trip was to lead a short-term mission team from our church in November, but had to catch up with them after caring for her, with his sister.
Immediately following the move from Seattle to California, Trip set off for Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) for some teaching and training of leaders. It was a very fruitful time — see his blog entry about it at http://shepsstaff.org/kimballblog/ or http://tkbeyondthebox.blogspot.com/.
There are also some photos included in these blogs and on his Picasa web album (“Papa Trip”). http://picasaweb.google.com/tk.beyond/MyanmarBurma0310#
Thanks & Prayer!
We want to thank you all for your prayer and financial support this past year and into this one! Especially during the difficult economic times, we are very grateful for your support. We are blessed by how many of you have been so faithful to stand with us and the ministry we do over the years!
As with many ministries, Rainbow Village Ministries has had some difficult months, but we continue being amazed at how the Lord continues providing for His ministry to these babies, children and young girls, along with the school sponsorships.
Please continue keeping us in prayer as we continue trusting our Lord for His provision, grace and wisdom for His ministry.
In His grace and love,
Trip & Susan Kimball
