There were three Thanksgivings celebrated this past November. The first kicked off the month with co-workers from my old teaching job and included an escape room game. The second, a group of women from different areas of my life coming together and celebrating freindship. The final one (pictured above) was the friday fellowship group with invited friends. The night was enjoyed by all with food, competitions and a discussion on why gratefulness in all situations is an important practice. Thankful for the community that has formed over the years!

Why Malmö? As you have read, I have taken a few trips to Malmö over the past two years scouting out what God is doing and if there was an invitation to join. Malmö is the 3rd largest city in Sweden and the fastest growing. There are poeple from 186 different countries living in Malmö, meaning that about one-third of their residenst were born in another country. Half of the population (which is about 340,000) is under the age of 35. There is small team made engaging an immigrant neighborhood with a weekly coffee table and language cafe. But of course, workers are few. Having also two good friends that God is at work in and through, getting to have face time in Malmö is a gift. Getting outside of Stockholm also provides some more focused writing as I am less distracted. The hope is to continue to visit a few times during the Spring term continuing to learn, support and serve.

The local work in Stockholm continues to build a strong foundation. Monday nights, Natasha is helping me facilitate the start of a middle school bible study. Two 6th graders have agreed to read the bible together while also baking and getting homework help. Please pray for Ani and Olivia to have a hunger to know Jesus and follow Him. Tuesday (and sometimes Sunday) Coffee table continues to build trust, deeper conversations and a practical way to serve the neighbors. Tuesday nights continue to provide space for women to process life and faith so that we can encourage one another in the Word and prayer. Friday fellowship continues to be a sweet time of coming together to worship and enjoy community; a place to come as you are with whatever the week was, and hopefully leave renewed and bit filled up. Life is still happening. There are very real struggles some are facing. Please continue to pray for this community as they learn to live life with one another knowing Jesus more and desiring to make Him known.

Finicial update. I am incredibley thankful for the one-time gifts that have started to come in to help meet the financial need. This year’s end-of-year goal of $18,000 will provide the funds needed to finish in the green this year as well as cover all ministry expenses for 2025. This covers one time events such as trips to Malmö, the summer mission project, etc. If you are able to help click here!

I hope you are your family have a wonderful Christmas season filled with laughter, love and sweet moments enjoying the presence of our Lord!