Greetings from snowy New Hampshire!

 

Judging by the view from our window, it's definitely winter here! Even though it's been a challenge to adjust to the cold weather, we can't help but admire the beauty around us--lazy floating snowflakes; those icy blue winter skies overhead; the frozen waters of Lake Spofford;  the evergreen trees frosted with white. Our coal stove has been faithful to keep us warm on even the coldest days, as long as I keep it well fed, that is! Each Thursday Kimberly and I are braving the slopes of Mt. Snow, VT, with our snowboards, coming home with bruises and sore tail-bones, but muscles that are slowly getting accustomed to this new activity. We might actually graduate from the 'bunny slope' soon! :-)

Along with just enjoying the winter, we are thankful for time with family and friends. Fellowshipping with our different church families is always a highlight of the winter months here, as well...as we spend time with many of you, our hearts have been blessed and encouraged. Thanks to those who have hosted us in your churches, and assured us of your interest and prayers! In just nine short weeks, Lord willing, we will be heading back to Ecuador (the end of March).


Kenny, now 23 years old, continues to work at Liberty University; we are looking forward to a week with him again in early March. Kimberly will turn 17 soon. She continues to work hard at homeschooling and enjoys earning a few spending dollars at her once-a-week housecleaning job. Keilah has perhaps faced the most changes in her life this year---she turned 21, graduated from Bible School, got her driver's license and first car (and bought her first set of snow tires!), settled herself into working two part-time jobs here, and got engaged to Jeremy Windler over Christmas break! What a blessing to be able to be here with her during these big life events! :-) Jeremy was born and grew up in Paraguay, where his parents are missionaries, so he and Keilah have much in common. Keilah and Jeremy look forward to a summer wedding (the end of July), and are working through the dynamics of planning a wedding with both sets of their parents far away....hopefully we will both be able to make it here for the big day!

We have been saddened by the news from Ecuador that all is not going well with the Awa church. Communication has been very difficult, but we finally were able to talk with several of our friends. It would seem that one of the elders (Milton) has been involved in an immoral situation, and, although he is now repentant, has disqualified himself from teaching and leading the flock. The other elder (Paulino), has kept himself far away from the church, probably feeling the shame of his brother's sin. Our hearts have been heavy as we consider the consequences of this situation. Emotionally, we have felt like we were on a roller coaster of emotions--one minute facing the discouragement of knowing that God's name has been publicly 'dragged through the mud' among the Awa communities; the next minute feeling frustrated at those involved; and then wondering if we made the right decision to be away for these months. Thankfully, our faithful Father has encouraged us with the realization that He is the Great Redeemer and sin is no surprise to Him---He made provision for each and every one of us with His own blood. He knows the Awa; He loves them; and He will build His church among them. Thank you for your prayers for His redeeming work to be done in this situation. Please pray especially that His name will be upheld among the Awa.
In HIS grip,Kevin & Kathy

<FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION CLICK HERE>

Are you ready?

Check out this latest video from our mission!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! and Happy New Year! Our wish for you this Christmas season is that you feel "...wrapped in the love of God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you!" (Jud 1:1-2 NET)  We are wrapped snug in HIS love on both the mountaintops and valleys of life. Thank you for your prayers and support over 2014! In HIS grip, Kevin & Kathy

How contagious is your gratitude?

GK Chesterton said: "I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
Watch the little boy in the following UPS commercial. His happiness doubled by wonder is contagious. Is yours toward our Savior this season just as contagious?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mQqOZkcA2Y

Bruce Brief - Happy Thanksgving

We hope you enjoyed a 
Happy Thanksgiving! 

We do have much to be thankful for:
•    Unpacked suitcases, and being able to settle into our cozy rental house for the winter!
•    A week with Kenny in October; both Keilah and Kimberly with us for these months
•    The joy of fellowshipping with so many different friends and churches
•    The great privilege of knowing and serving our Lord Jesus
•    Confidence that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!
•    The joy of seeing God at work in and through the Awa believers as they stand strong these months without us!


We travelled back to New England at the height of Fall, enjoying the beautiful colors of the foliage in Ohio, New York, and the New England states. We don't get to experience the change of seasons in Ecuador, so the beauty of God's creation amazed us anew! 

Then Winter welcomed us by coming a bit early this year! The cold temperatures had all of us scrambling to find long-johns, turtlenecks, mittens, and other warm gear! :-) The day before Thanksgiving the skies dumped about 13 inches of snow, enabling Kimberly and I to try out our (yet non-existent) snowboarding skills on Thanksgiving day. That was fun (and cold!) Kimberly and I are looking forward to taking snowboarding lessons starting in January through a local home-school program. Perhaps by Spring we will be more skillful at it!

Our return to Ecuador is scheduled for March 30th. These remaining winter months are finding us visiting and updating different supporting churches. It's a blessing for us to fellowship with family and friends here at our home church, Grace Evangelical Free Church in Spofford, and Kevin enjoys spending any free days helping his dad out at the welding shop. We've been eating a special diet, working to help our digestive systems continue to heal from our bout with parasites back in July in Ecuador. We are thankful to be doing much better and to feel our energy levels returning.

Again, we want to express our thankfulness for each one of you and your part in our lives!

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy Bruce

 

<For a printable version click here>

October Update!

Hi to everyone from Oklahoma! Since leaving New England the beginning of September, we've covered many miles...seeing friends and family along the way. We can't say how much fun it's been to be reunited with folks we haven't seen for two, three, or even four years! What a blessing! We have so much to be thankful for, and are awed by the many opportunities the Lord has given us to see folks along the way. Our prayer has been that we would be a blessing wherever we go---but we must say, we feel like we've received so much more than we could ever give! Wow!

Seeing Kenny again, after two years apart, was so much fun. We toured Liberty University with him, met his friends and room-mate Nathan, went to church with him, and enjoyed the beautiful mountains of Virginia. This last week was Kathy's family reunion at a nearby Baptist campground.  Under beautiful blue skies, the campground made a perfect location for the five days with her mom, stepdad John, four sisters, and their families (there were over 30 of us; of the 19 grandkids, 17 made it for at least part of the time!)

In about two weeks we'll be heading back to New Hampshire, and settling down for the fall and winter. We are thankful for the provision of a house to rent in Spofford (the same house we rented last time!) For those who'd like to get in contact with us, our cell phone number is 802-451-0507.

News from Ecuador: I've been able to talk with Milton several times. He tells me that all is going well there as the believers continue to meet each Sunday. Milton's niece Lorena recently had a baby boy, and they'd appreciate your prayers as their first little one died at just 3 mos. old. I know their hearts are a bit anxious with this new baby! The dry season continues, and the new road is now reaching the river crossing in Saint Frances community, a good amount of progress! Rainy season will soon slow the progress, but we are amazed at how far the machinery has gotten.

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy Bruce

<for a printable version click here>

A family picture!