Podcast

Part one of Stories of Freedom featuring Josh Shaarda:

https://youtu.be/vGs8Rfnw2Ag?si=n8WZ3RusYZ47mPGU

And part two:

https://youtu.be/uV5KN3s1PMg?si=a4MS1Qcp3lwnejFS

25 Years Serving the Lord in Africa!

Celebrating 25 Years of Serving the Lord in Africa!

We flew out of Michigan bound for Nigeria on August 4, 2001. We were in our young twenties and had been married only two years. God had called us to an unreached people group so we left our little apartment, the youth group we led, and our families to serve in the remote village of Mahula. We literally went out sowing with tears, but God brought a harvest of joy! (Psalm 126:5)

Look at all that God has done! He has blessed us with five kids – and hopefully a sixth soon through adoption. He has enabled us to teach his word in five countries. God has used us to begin a church in an area where people had never heard of Jesus, disciple youth, train church leaders, and launch a prison ministry. He enabled us to share His message as part of Freedom in Christ through both The Grace Course and The Marriage Course. He has also provided teammates: first Americans, then Ugandans, and now teammates from countries around the globe. From evangelism in remote villages to international leadership in Freedom in Christ, God gives us roles that challenge and humble us, but He has never left us. He gives grace and strength for each day and for each task.

You were with us the whole way! Thank you! This celebration of 25 years is a thanksgiving of your faithfulness, prayers, generous gifts, and partnership in making disciples for Jesus.

All glory goes to God! We are His; the calling is His; the ministry is His; the work is His. It is all for His kingdom and glory! And we look forward to so much more to come! (Ephesians 3:20)

Updated Speaking Schedule

 August 

30 - Calvin CRC (McBain)

September

6 - Rudyard CRC

20 - Highland CRC

27 - Vogel Center CRC 

October 

4 - East Martin CRC 

11 - Prosper CRC 

25 - Georgetown CRC 

November 

1 - Friendship CRC (Gaylord)

8 - Kellogesville CRC 

15 - Lucas CRC 

22 - Atena CRC 

December 

13 - Ivanrest CRC 

27 - Jamestown CRC 

January 

3 - Cadillac CRC 

*Oakwood CRC (Belding) will be going through the FIC Discipleship Course on Sundays at 5pm on September 20-November 29.

Portugal

 I realized this week that I never posted about the FIC Leaders Meetings and our time in Portugal, but I still want to even it it's for my sake. 😊 Here is a picture blog of our special time in Portugal! 

The first day of FIC leadership meetings in Portugal was a board meeting, so the kids and I (including Emalai's friend from Colombia Sophia) went down to the beach.

FIC Leadership Team
Gathering from 13 different counties.

Day exploring Lisbon together.

These famous custard tarts are everywhere in Portugal and are so good!

Steve, FIC International director, commsioning Josh to lead the next three months while he's on sabbatical.

Prayed over by the board as Josh becomes interm director. A very emotional moment for me.

Back to the beach.

Always bitter sweet leaving our FIC family to go on vacation.
This is how we travel!

The coast of Portugal is awesome! 🇵🇹 

Lighthouse at the western most point of Europe.

Great place to have pizza!

Next stop!

Our Airbnb!

View from our rooftop.

I absolutely love our little village on the coast!

Breathtaking beauty!

Umm...perfect!

Cliff walk down to the beach.

Ride to the castle. (See it?)

Our walk down.

Fun reward!

I can't think of a better spot for coffee together.

A great third wheel!

We had to say goodbye early to our little village on the coast. It was with heavy hearts we left Portugal early to go to be with my family as my little sister passed away.

Never easy to leave, but thankful for our time and that we can be with our family at this time. God's knows, His timing is perfect and He is with us.