Teen Mission Notes (December, 2008)

We’re already a couple of weeks into the New Year and I hope and pray all is going well for you.
December is probably the slowest month of the year for us at Teen Mission.
We’re usually out of the office a good bit around the Holidays.
It’s a good time, however, to catch your breath and get recharged for the year ahead.

December was a month of both highs and lows.
The month started on a high note.
Gardenside Christian Church (Lexington, KY) celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, December 7th.
It was a great day.
We had packed house and several past members were on hand to celebrate. In all, over 700 people took part in the festivities.
Gardenside is my home church.
I learned about Jesus there and eventually accepted him and was baptized there.
I am not only a member, but also a teacher, timothy and elder at Gardenside. It would be a great understatement to say the church has meant a lot to me.
I can not adequately express my gratitude for all the blessings.

On Monday, December 8th, my brother and sister-in-law’s 8-day old baby boy passed away. He was born a few months early on November 29th and had been fighting an uphill battle.
Jaxon had climbed a few major hurdles, however, and had been having a few good days in a row. He seemed to be in the clear.
I, along with several others, felt like he was going to make it.
His health went downhill really fast on Monday morning, though, and that's what caught everyone off guard.
God had other plans and Jaxon went home to be with his heavenly father instead.
Because of this, it has been a really tough time for my family. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Our 4th Annual Appalachian Christmas Project held December 12-14, 2008, went very well. You can read more in a previous post.

This year, I had a MERRY CHRISTMAS and was able to spend some time with family and folks I really care a lot about.
We got together with my Mom & Dad on December 24th, my Aunt Anna Lois in Russell Springs, KY, on December 25th and Kelly’s family on December 26th.

There were many difficulties for many people this year.
Many people are glad that 2008 is over.
As 2008 comes to a close, though, we can look back and see the many ways the Lord has blessed this year.
Let’s pray for each other as we begin a new year!

We’re looking forward to working with many you again in 2009.
May God richly bless our efforts!

In Him,
Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA)