Christmas letter 2008

INCREDIBLE, would be a great word to describe our 2008 year. God has really moved and done great things in our lives this year. You may remember last year our Senior Pastor resigned, and at that time we began praying what the Lord’s future will for our lives would be. One thing we prayed about was if this would be God’s timing for us to become missionaries, as God had already laid that on our hearts before, but had not led us that way. Not only did God confirm this decision but he brought by the Pipers, missionaries to New Zealand and laid on our hearts a burden for this place. We announced this to the church in March and made plans to start deputation this coming January. In October we were approved to serve under the board of Baptist World Missions. This past month we have been able to get our prayer cards printed and our display mostly done. This year has passed quickly and in a few days (December 30th) we will be moving to Carrie’s parent’s farm in West Virginia where we can fully pursue this call on our lives. We have seen God do so much on our behalf already, including selling enough things to pay for our moving truck and gas, receiving free family pictures, love gifts galore, and so much more. Let me now share some of the other highlights of our past year.

I’ll start with our newest addition, Abraham Josiah Bennett, born September 9th. He was 7lbs 13 oz and 20 ½ inches long. Some days he looks just like his Dad other days you can definitely see Grandpa Brodwater in him. He has been such a great baby whom we all love so dearly. He has just begun smiling and “talking” to us. He already sleeps through the night and loves to ride in his mom’s baby carrier best. What a precious gift from the Lord all our boys are!

Titus will turn 3 by the end of the month. He has really grown tall and lost some of his baby looks but not his cuteness. He has the sweetest cheesy smile and adorable blond curls. He is his mom’s shadow but also now plays a lot with Caleb. They love the trampoline and Wii Mario carts best. We also still enjoy regular visits to the zoo, library, the beach and Chuck E Cheese. I am not sure what his favorite thing was this year…maybe our family vacation to the Atlanta Aquarium, Family camp at the Wilds, or the visits to the Grandparents houses, whatever it was we had a lot of fun memories made this year.

Caleb is still as energetic as little boys come. His biggest news to share this year is that he was saved this past August. He does not worry about death any more and has a strong burden for others who are not saved, especially his brother. Caleb also was able to attend our Christian schools preschool class for 3 hours every day since August. He has really enjoyed making new friends, his teacher, and the learning, although he doesn’t enjoy sitting so much. He is getting to be a really good reader and won’t even be 5 till January. We will be home schooling the boys this coming year. We were able to go camping as a family twice this past year. When Caleb was asked what his favorite part was he said “three” things; walking on the beach, marshmallows, playing games, the playground, tent games…That pretty much describes his life right now, he loves it all!

Carrie was pregnant most of this year but that went well and is now the proud mamma of 3 great boys. Most of her days are spent at home but she makes it part of the routine to get out and do things with the boys. This year has not been the easiest balancing home and church ministries with so many changes in both, but God has taught her much through it all. Her goals are to focus on the eternal and weed out the wasteful and worldly things that so easily fill our lives. Each week she publishes a new fact on her blog about NZ, it has been exciting to learn of this place God has called us to. Over 100 stories have been recorded there this past year.

Mike is now “Reverend Mike” as he was able to be ordained this summer. That was an exciting time as many family and friends came down to Fl to encourage, support, and challenge him. With our Senior Pastor gone this past year, Mike’s schedule has been super heavy- you may find a few gray hairs to prove it. The Lord has given him many talents and grace to accomplish so much. We have been truly blessed by our church family here in Jacksonville. When he’s not at the church he can be found on the floor playing with the boys or cooking dinner for us. I know the family times are special to him and he works hard to make them happen.

We have had so much to be thankful to the Lord for this past year. Our prayer is that you know personally this little babe in the manger who came to earth so that you could be saved from your sins, fellowship with Him and bring Him the glory He alone is worthy of. We are still learning more about our wonderful Savior every day; we hope you will be to. We covet your prayers as we know the year ahead will bring many new challenges and situations. We are thankful we know our God will be Faithful, as He has always been and provide for our every need. He is Worthy of All we have! I John 4:9 “ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

We Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Year of Blessing!

Mike, Carrie, Caleb, Titus, and Abraham Bennett