Ministry

The youth ministry has started strong this semester. There is some excitement to get back into the rhythm of things. We have had a few new students come around, and maturity amongst those who have been coming. One unique element we implemented in our Sunday gathering is a Teen Service Sunday. Every third Sunday of the month, our teens pair up to serve the church. This includes the kitchen team, set up/takedown, assistance in Sunday school classes, etc. Our church has been grateful to see our teens be the hands and feet of Christ to God’s people. On the flip side, it has been beautiful to see the teens take ownership of this opportunity to make sure they are serving in some compacity. This is just one way we are preparing the next generation to be people of the kingdom!

As mentioned in the last post, I took five students up north for a church ski trip earlier this month. This time was so fruitful! This was a four-day trip consisting of two full days of skiing. We journey through the Letter of Titus throughout this trip, calling our students to stand firm in the word of God. As Paul called Titus to be an example of good works to his congregation, my exhortation for the students was to be an example of good results in their respective schools, teams, and homes. It was refreshing to see the students expound God’s word with me and build biblical applications of the text. I am thrilled to go back with a bigger group next year to give the gospel to more students to be a light for the nation.

One exciting thing to share is that our students are forming a sports ministry for outreach! This is an answer to prayer, and we are excited to see the students stepping up to find creative ways of reaching the lost. This ministry will be used to attract friends and schoolmates to come to play Pickleball and Padel while we share the gospel and build contacts for follow-up conversations. The students will lead a 10-minute devotional and prayer before the event while taking time to connect with new people throughout the time. We have had our first meeting and have one session each month until June. I am grateful for their heart and looking forward to this taking root in the youth program. 

One way you can help is through prayer. We want this to be about Jesus, not just having fun. We want to build connections for this to flow back into our youth group. Please pray that the Lord would use this for his glory and kingdom. Secondly, we are raising financial support for this. We are aiming to rent two courts for two hours during this event. You can find out more information at the bottom of this website. If you feel the Lord is prompting you, do not hesitate to contact me with questions or how you can give to this ministry. All glory be to Christ. 

Family

As mentioned earlier, we are finding ourselves exiting a season of pruning. The days are getting longer (meaning there is more sunlight each day), which means more energy and excitement for the days. The time off between school semesters helps to reunite us in quality time. 

Heidi found out that she injured her back, which has taken her out of the rest of her basketball season. Please pray for a recovery and for my heart to serve her well. She is supposed to be on crutches and not lifting heavy things (AKA Lukas). 

Noah has made some new friends whom he loves hanging out with. He has started gymnastics and is doing well. 

Lukas is a walking, babbling, eating machine. It blows my mind how much he has grown already! 

Wool products are incredible in the Finnish culture. You will often see many women knitting gloves, beanies, and socks in public areas. One of the more essential items on this list is the socks. My family and I went on a hike about two weeks ago at a national park (not as big as the American ones). The weather outside was around -1c, which is somewhat hot here in winter. I, being a foreigner, decided to wear one pair of socks. The socks I chose were my American wool socks. I also only had one layer of gloves, which were relatively thin.

I didn’t last ten minutes. My feet were freezing. I felt like I was borderline getting frostbite. My hands were quite cold too. It wasn't very good, so Lukas and I headed home while Heidi and Noah continued the hike. It shows that I should listen to my Finnish wife about the Finnish weather in Finland. Finnish wool is just a different breed of wool.