December and January Update
I was reading in my quiet time recently and came across this passage in Philippians 1:20, where Paul talks about his expectation of himself. I found this profound in the fact that Paul, and by extension us, should have expectations of ourselves. Like Paul, we should embrace an eager expectation as we aspire to navigate life with courage. Much like what is expressed in Philippians 1:20, we should anticipate a journey where we won't be ashamed of who we are in Christ but uphold a steadfast commitment to honor and glorify his holy name. Whether faced with life’s challenges or uncertainties, our hope should be to approach every circumstance with the resilience and conviction that allows us to stand true to our values. Through both triumphs and trials, let’s seek alignment with the essence of our beliefs together.
Updates
Ministry
The end of the year brought joy to our gathered church in Matinkyla. Our youth's active involvement in the Christmas outreach, distributing hot refreshments and heartfelt Christmas cards in front of the mall, was a testament to their enthusiasm for community engagement. The church-wide challenge to invite ten friends per family resulted in a remarkable attendance record, with our service welcoming 450 people. This collective effort not only celebrated the festive season but also strengthened the bonds within our church family. It was an incredible way to conclude the year, filled with warmth, outreach success, and a sense of unity that we carry into the new year with gratitude and anticipation.
To wrap up the year, we organized a leader’s brunch to honor those who have served the church with unwavering dedication. The event was a delightful occasion, bringing us together for a meal, prayer, and expressions of gratitude. Witnessing the incredible teamwork, I feel truly blessed to be a part of this community. The camaraderie and commitment displayed by the team during this celebration highlight the strength of our collective bond, fostering a sense of joy and unity as we reflect on the year gone by.
Our ski trip to kick off the year was nothing short of incredible! The slopes provided the backdrop for adventures and deep moments of reflection. Our time of worship was powerful, surrounded by the beauty of the snowy mountains. The complete study of the book of Philippians added a layer to our experience, fostering spiritual growth and unity among the youth. It was a great blend of adventure, faith, and camaraderie, making this trip a memorable and uplifting start to the year.
Returning to youth group with the teens and pre-teens is a source of excitement for the Byrd family, boys included :) Engaging with the preteens through the catechism has proven foundational in their spiritual journey, fostering a better understanding of faith. At the same time, tackling the questions teenagers grapple with today, guided by the Bible, helps them navigate the complexities of their beliefs. Our current Bible study, delving into the book of James using the four arrows method, has been transformative. The students explore each passage by considering what it reveals about God, people, personal demands, and relational changes. This method sparks insightful discussions and empowers them to apply biblical teachings in their daily lives, creating a dynamic atmosphere within our youth group.
Teen Service Sundays are a significant step towards building intergenerational discipleship within our community. The initiative to have two teens serving per ministry team gives a great start to our vision. Encouraging various age groups to serve together strengthens our sense of community and fosters mentorship opportunities. Witnessing the collaborative efforts of teens alongside other generations on Sunday was inspiring, reflecting our commitment to holistic discipleship. This approach will deepen relationships and provide valuable learning experiences for everyone throughout the year. Unfortunately, we did a poor job on pictures. I hope to share more on this later :)
Additional Updates:
Support
Thank you all for your continued support throughout this time. We are grateful for serving us through prayers, checking in, and financial contributions. Your commitment to us is not overlooked, and we are thankful for God's provision through your generosity. Currently, we are $250/month away from our financial target for basic living and ministry functions in Finland. Please consider praying about assisting us in reaching this goal, and feel free to share this mission with your loved ones.
Blog Frequency
I hope that these monthly blogs have been a source of blessing and encouragement for you all. I have great joy in sharing all that is going on with us in Finland. One update to the blog is that it will be every other month rather than once a month. This is mostly due to the increased amount of work and wanting to steward the time well.
Family
I am filled with thanksgiving and gratitude for my family, whose continued support has been the bedrock of our journey together as missionaries in Finland. Throughout this year, as our church organized significant events, their empowerment, care, and support have been a blessing. Our bond has strengthened, and the shared experiences of growth and service have made our time together truly special. Their support has added immeasurable richness to this missional journey. I am thankful for each moment we've shared as a family, making this journey in Finland all the more meaningful and sweet.
Finding a rhythm in ministry has been encouraging in my heart as my role in the church has expanded beyond serving the youth. Embracing a broader role, I've discovered new ways in which God uses me as a pastor within the community. This growth has allowed me to truly settle into the term "pastor," embracing the responsibilities and joys that come with it. Simultaneously, we’ve established a rhythm that prioritizes intentional family time, date nights, and individual hobbies in our family life. This balance keeps us active, united, and refreshed, contributing to a harmonious blend of personal fulfillment and collective purpose within the dynamics of ministry and family. Speaking of hobbies, I am excited to have progressed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu this month. This has been a great source of staying active, extending my reach for the gospel, and growing my skills.
I completed one of the three final Seminary Seminars for my degree. The time is ticking, and I am, as a friend just pointed out, around 19 Fridays from graduating. I am thrilled about this, but there is still a 15,000-word paper to be written. Please continue to pray that I will be diligent in my studies and finish strong.
Heidi continues to experience blessings through participating in a women's Bible study. The relationships among the group have deepened, evolving into meaningful friendships that extend beyond their study sessions, with frequent hangouts throughout the week. School is going well for Heidi, and she is balancing academic commitments and her role as a mom incredibly. Additionally, playing basketball is an outlet, giving her physical activity and maintaining balance and well-being amid her other responsibilities. Overall, Heidi's journey reflects a great blend of spiritual growth, academic pursuits, and the joys of being a dedicated mom and athlete.
Noah's journey in Finland has been incredible, marked by the development of new friendships and the Finnish language. His dedication to learning Finnish has resulted in noticeable improvements, shown by the inspiring moment when he read a Finnish book to Lukas, and Lukas comprehended every word. This experience left us all amazed. In addition to his language growth, Noah has developed in soccer, where his passion for the sport has translated into skill development. Furthermore, his love for Sunday school is shown through his participation, reflecting his spiritual engagement and the strong community he has found within the church. Noah's life in Finland brings immense joy and excitement to our family.
Lukas continues to blossom in size and communication skills. His ability to navigate two languages is impressive, with strides in expressing himself. Recently, he had his first haircut, a cute addition that added an extra layer to the joy he gives us. Seeing Lukas energetically interacting with everyone around him is heartwarming, giving off joy and curiosity. His presence brings happiness to our family, and we are excited to see where he goes from here.
Answered Prayers:
1. Noah's sense of comfort in Finland, with little mention of Houston since our return.
2. Successful mentoring of teens through a new method, fostering engagement.
3. Unity between Shaun and me in shaping the future of youth ministry, allowing intentional plans for the next five years.
4. A sweet and harmonious marriage.
Prayer Requests:
1. Commitment to our family schedule.
2. Strength and perseverance to remain steadfast in our ministry endeavors.
3. Prayer for wisdom and guidance post-seminary graduation, discerning whether to focus on learning Finnish, pursuing further education, or exploring additional opportunities within the church.