Christmas 2013

A Year of Contrasts

Nan had lots of change: ending at job at Trinity as short-term mission coordinator, working with Member Care of World Outreach (EPC mission arm) to set up child safety and protection policy & be trained at an investigator, turning 60, and breaking her foot while “protecting the house” from a menacing bumble bee (took 5 months to heal!)  Nan’s key thought of the year was realizing the extent she is a dependent in a healthy way, not just on Ed and others, but on God for daily guidance and purposeful living.

Ed had more consistency with 16 years at the EPC and still going strong, giving guidance and direction in many areas.  Significant changes caused by approximately 170% growth in the number of EPC churches in the last 6 years keep his inbox full.  The number of new churches changes weekly!  His Men’s Bible study which started in Ephesians years ago is now finishing Numbers.   Numbers 32 shows some of the tribes stopping short of the Promise land.  Ed senses the temptation to settle and stop short of all that God has promised.

Aging but young at heart,  we celebrated our 40th anniversary on Mackinaw Island, pedaling about the island, building cairns on the beaches, and holding hands walking the flower lined streets.  Amazing how God has taken two very different people and made an enduring marriage and friendship.

Unexpectedly we were gifted with a trip to China by a dear couple we had befriended during our Tucson days.   They were students at the University of AZ giving us the chance to welcome them to the US and into our home.  We became their US family.  20 years later they welcomed us into their Chinese family in Shanghai and we were able to sit at their table.  They took us to see historical and cultural sites and helped us grow in our understanding of Chinese family and culture.  The contrast of old and new intertwined was a constant theme in architecture, city streets, farming, and family structure.  We were able to visit three Christian Churches and talk with Christian believers.  The trip was an amazing time of having our to have our friendship deepened.

Phoenix/Livonia…. We continue to have feet in both Livonia and Phoenix.  The best of heat and cold!
Dan/Christina/Chase live less than a mile from our home in Phoenix. Chase is now 3 and attending a Montessori Preschool.   John, the caretaker of our home, gives fatherly encouragement to his step daughter, Kayla, a sophomore in high school, who’s taking delight in her sprinting/short distance running.

May you take time to consider what it means to be dependent on a God who alone gives all good things.  (Psalm 72:18) and be willing to step in the challenges God sets before you confident of His consistent promises and presence.

Merry Christmas,
Ed and Nan McCallum