As a family, we got to help out a little in some of the prep work. In my opinion, this is what builds anticipation for the conference. We have all been looking forward to this time for a while and by the time it was all said and done, we were tired and happy. As I have said before, Christmas conference only comes once a year, so enjoy it. =) It was such a blessed time. The weather was perfect and everything seemed to run smoothly. We praise the Lord for who have been faithful to this ministry over many years. God has truly blessed it.

I wanted to post a little something that occurred in the midst of all the prep work for the conference. Dad’s birthday was on the 9th of this month.

It’s hard to describe the many things that my Dad means to me and the rest of us. As I was thinking about it, faithfulness came to mind. Dad has been faithful to the Lord. Rising early while most of us are still sleeping, he earnestly seeks the Lord’s face. He listens and obeys the small promptings from the Lord. I marvel at his humility and meekness that he demonstrates in everything that he does. Dad has also been faithful to Mom. His love for her has been something that I admire and his example of love, something I want to follow. He has been faithful to the family, always caring for each one of us. He has made it a point to see and ask how we are doing spiritually as well as physically. Dad has been faithful to the ministry that we are now serving in. From working on plumbing, to doing paperwork, Dad has been faithful in what other people would call the “little things.” In God’s eyes, I do not believe that there is such a thing.

Thanks Dad, for being faithful. I want to be just like you. Happy Birthday!

It is hard to imagine that in just a couple of weeks we will back in Indianapolis for the Christmas conference. Time is flying by so fast! For Thanksgiving, we all will be heading down to South Carolina for a Paine family reunion. It’s a long drive, but we are looking forward to the time and letting you know how it goes. God bless you all…and have a great  THANKSGIVING!!

For me, this move is challenging and exciting in its own way. I am continually reminded that I do not know what is best, only God does. He has proved Himself faithful in the past and is worthy of my trust for the future. For me to question His faithfulness would be to doubt His very character. Over a year ago, God gave me a verse in Isaiah that challenged me to trust in Him for the grace and strength that I need to accomplish His perfect will.

“For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”  ~Isaiah 50:7~

Trusting in Christ alone, we as a family purpose to do whatever God calls us to do, to go wherever He calls us to go, and to be, by His grace, whatever He desires us to be.

We will keep you all posted on what takes place over the next few weeks. Tentatively, we are planning on leaving the ITC June 6…but we will see how God works it out! Please keep us in your prayers as you remember.

I decided give a brief post on some of the things that have been taking place here at ITC. We have been keeping busy as a family even though there is not a whole lot going on within the training center. A few of events have taken place, outreach at the Good News Mission has continued, and the Hispanic Ministry continues to flourish. Chores, maintenance and house keeping are still apart of the week days.

Last Saturday, Mom hosted a young ladies tea party in our apartment. I believe that everyone enjoyed themselves immensely…including my Mom. She is a wonderful example to us of hospitality, and simply loves doing special things for others. She puts her whole heart into service for others.

In the music department in our family, both Hannah and Abigail recently played in recitals. Hannah has continued to flourish in her gifting with her harp. She has  demonstrated diligence and much perseverance in practicing and playing with excellence. Abigail has also preformed recently at a  piano recital. She did an excellent job and is continuing to excel in playing the piano for God’s ultimate glory.

Recently, Dad was involved with helping hook up the new hot water tank for the building. We have been in need of a new tank for the last four years. God gave some of the men on maintenance some insight of how to resourcefully use an existing tank to replace the one that had gone bad. It would have been a very costly replacement if we were to buy a completely new tank. We praise the Lord for His provision and the wisdom that He gave to those working on this project.

Thomas has been helping repair the fascia and soffit that surrounded the 13th floor. It was in desperate need of repair. Mr. Kraft headed the major project and finished it this past week. He did a great job!

I (Chad =) am finishing up this semester of schooling here in couple of weeks. I am very grateful for all that the Lord has taught me through these past few months. However, I am excited about being finished.

As a family, we are preparing for whatever the Lord might have for us, and are looking expectantly to His direction as we serve here at the ITC. Though the future is unclear, we can have faith in the Faithful One who has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. As you think of our family, pray for us that we would surrender daily to His Lordship and guidance. God bless!!

“…Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”
~ Matthew 28:20 ~

ITC staff members all  pulled together in order to make this conference a success. And it was a success! So many of the fathers commented that the conference was excellent and they freely expressed their appreciation to all the staff that made it possible. I would have to say that the Lord blessed each staff member with His grace and endurance to minister effectively. We were all tired, but it was a great conference.

This next month, we will be hosting another homeschooling conference as well as putting on the first Total Health Seminar of the year, Lord-willing. We are keeping busy and the Lord is blessing. We have so much to be grateful for! I can say with Paul…

“But I have all, and abound: I am full…But my God shall supply all your [my] need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:18, 19