Reflecting on 2009

I'm sure like most of you we find ourselves saying, "Where did the time go this year? It seems like we just recently returned from our stint in Honduras but it's already been 6 months. As we approach 2010 we like to reflect on what the Lord did and what He might want to do in this new year.

Our family was still in Honduras at this time last year. God did some amazing things while we were there during the year. Golden and I feel that the greatest work God wanted to accomplish was in our own hearts. It was a time of stretching, challenges of a different culture, trials and missing home. But it was also a time of bonding with our family, laughter, trusting God and reaching out to others in Jesus' name.

When we returned in June, it hit home with us that everywhere is a mission field. It could be across the ocean or across the street. People need the Lord! Our passion has remained the same to encourage the saints and challenge unbelievers to trust in Christ.

One thing we also realized is that our family is always our first ministry. We really missed homeschooling our children during the time away in Honduras. We started homeschooling the kids again in September of this year. A good amount of our day is focused on schooling Avalon, Micah and Zachary and chasing our curious 2-year-old Jayden around the house. Sometimes it's very, very tiring but we want to invest as much time as possible with them during these precious years.

In October we were invited to lead worship at a pastors' conference in Cape Town, South Africa. What a blessing that was! We were touched by the stories of what God is doing in the hearts of the people there. We really sensed a true love and unity of the saints in that country. We made some new friends there and we would love to return again.

In addition to our mission trips, we also continue to minister in worship at different local churches in our area. Between raising 4 children, homeschooling and ministering together in the worship ministry, the days are pretty crazy, but we feel truly blessed.

There are always unknowns that come with a new year, but one thing we can know for sure is that God loves us and He is in control. We look forward to how He may lead and guide our family and ministry in 2010.

Thankyou so much for all your continual love, prayers and support!

Many Blessings...Michael & Golden & Family

Images From The South African Missions/Pastors Conference

I could wax eloquent in writing about everything that happened at the Calvary Chapel South African Pastors and Missions Conference, but I believe pictures will tell a better story.

We opened up each session with prayer.

We lead worship in preparation for the teaching of the Word.

Michael engaging in fellowship. Much of our ministry takes place around the dinner table where we can encourage and pray for people.

"Your the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need, You lift us up on wings like eagles."

The missionaries and pastors brought their families.

Morning devotions is the best way to start the day.

Golden leads worship during one of the women's Bible Studies.

Our Lord God desires our worship no matter what your age.

The children at the conference had their own Bible Studies and times of fellowship together.

Here's the team that came from the U.S. to teach and be a part of the conference. From left to right: Pastor Bill Stonebraker, Calvary Chapel Honolulu, HI, Worship Leaders, Michael and Golden, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, CA, Pastor Rich Chaffin, Calvary Chapel Laguna Creek, CA, Pastor Jim Gallagher, Calvary Chapel Vero Beach, FL, Lisa MacMillian, Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and not in the picture, Mike Harris, Calvary Chapel Beachside, Huntington Beach, CA.

This gal taught us some worship songs in a few of the native African languages.

Yes, those are penguins you see. The continent just south of us in Antarctica.

The scenery in South Africa is breathtaking.

Lunch!

These baboons run wild all over the cape. They look cute in this picture but according to the locals they're a real nuisance.

Activity on the Capetown waterfront.

We had our picture taken from Tabletop Mountain overlooking Capetown.

Michael and Pastor Phil Pechonis from Calvary Chapel Woolacombe,UK. He heads up Creation Fest in the UK. He invited us to play there next year.

Since I was missing my own kids, I loved on everyone elses.

On The Horizon

We have some new members in our music minsitry. Avalon, Micah and Zachary sing with every once in a while. In these pictures we're singing at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. That's my Dad playing bass on the right.

We've started homeschooling on September 1st. Everday I sit down to teach, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach my kids.

We enjoyed leading worship for Calvary Costa Mesa's Married Couples retreat. It was a blessing to connect with long time friends and make new ones. It took place at the Calvary Conference Center in Twin Peaks which is where Michael and I met eachother and fell in love while we were attending Calvary Chapel Bible College.

We feel strongly that God would have us to continue together in the worship minsitry. We were challenged at the retreat to stay the course that God has set before us. We were challenged to continue studying the Bible together and praying together.

We've been married almost 15 years now and have a stronger marriage than when we started, not because of anything we have done in and of ourselves, but because we have made a commitment daily to come before the Lord together and ask Him to make us more like Himself and to strengthen our marriage like only He can do. We, like all couples, have our squabbles and disagreements, but we are both humbled again when we come before our Holy God. Doing this daily makes it so we keep short accounts with eachother. There is nothing like surrender to God to knit a marriage together.

We will be going to South Africa to lead worship at a Calvary Chapel missions and pastors conference in Capetown October 12-17. Please be praying that God will do a mighty work there through us.

Like all overseas mission trips we are responsible for our own expenses. We would be honored and blessed if you might consider donating a one-time gift for our trip. http://www.togetherministries.com/inside/sponsorship.htm

If you would like to stay in touch with us on a daily basis please join on FaceBook. We would love to stay in touch with you. http://www.facebook.com/michaelandgolden

May God richly bless you like only He can do!

In His Grip,
Michael, Golden, Avalon, Micah, Zachary and Jayden