[*disclaimer: this post will likely be all over the place, so if you aren't up for a scatter-brained read...stop now.]
Since my thoughts are all over the place, I figured that I'd do a self-interview to give you an overview of everything that is going on in ministry, life, family and otherwise.
What is going on in ministry?
In short: everything. This time of year is really interesting because churches are not super responsive during the holiday season (typically speaking), yet this is the exact time when students are responsive because they are on break from school. Though churches and families slow down for the holidays, we are still in full-force working away at the office (or home), making sure that everything stays afloat. We are still in the recruiting season, filling our YMI Teams, YMI Team Trainings and making sure all of that is staffed with volunteers. Nathan is busy as BASE is right in the middle of its first ministry season as "BASE Sports Ministry".
What are some needs in ministry right now?
Well, thank you! I'm so glad you asked ;)
General Mission Program:
-Team leaders
-Churches for Spring YMI Team Trainings
-People who are willing to cook for YMI Team Trainings
-More kids signing up for YMI Teams
-College students interested in serving with a missionary
BASE:
-Coaches who are 25 years+ who can coach camps for 8 weeks this summer (paid salary)
-Coaches who are college students who can coach camps for 8 weeks this summer
What is going on with the Burreses?
(FYI, yes, grammatically speaking, that IS how you spell the plural of "Burres".) Anyway, we are doing well. Nathan just finished up his second-to-last semester of college. This was the hardest semester yet, so we are grateful that it is over. Next semester starts in the beginning of January and it should be a much more manageable workload! Morgann is doing pretty well also. Working from home is a blessing and a challenge all in one. She is trying hard to make sure to stay connected to people through church, grocery stores and Google Hangout with the YMI main office staff.
How is support raising going?
We are NINETY PERCENT support raised!! We are so thankful!! God has provided for our needs over and over again. Our goal is to close the gap on that last 10% very soon. It is a huge blessing to be living as a support-based missionary because it allows us to truly see God's provision in ways that aren't possible with a typical job.
What are our needs right now?
Currently, we are needing to save to move back to Washington in May. Anyone who has moved before recognizes that you naturally incur expenses when you move. Though it is 5 months away, we are starting to put money away to soften that financial impact when the time comes. We are also saving for a second car. We will need this in order to continue to do ministry in the summer. Nathan's job requires him to travel all over the state of Washington for sports ministry. One car simply can't sustain this with Morgann working in the office each day.
What are our plans for the holidays?
In just 2 days we are headed home to Washington. We will be splitting our time between the Green Family and the Burres Family. We have lots of friends to catch up with, family to spend quality time with and our home church to attend. We are so thankful that our parents welcome us back on our vacation time!
Are we plugged into a church in Salem?
YES! We are plugged into a church called "Outward" here in Salem. We are involved in a home group in our area full of wonderful people who we are getting to know better as time passes. We have also been teaching a Sunday School class each week for 5-9 graders. It has been a joy to get to know the kids better. Our prayer is that they know and love Jesus Christ more fully each and every week. After the new year, we are having them over for a movie and pizza night at our place. It should be fun!
If you have more questions that we didn't address in this post, let me know (blog comment, Facebook comment/message, text, etc) and we will answer them shortly!
Hopefully that helped fill you in on where we are at right now! We are so thankful for your support through prayer, encouragement and financially. You are all a great support to us as we devote ourselves to ministry.
May the Lord's presence be evident in your life as we remember the birth of Christ.
