In a little over 24 hours, we are off to Angola! We have had a busy, wonderful few days here in Newark, New Jersey. Here are just a few highlights. Saturday morning started with sad farewells to the legend that is Daniel Brick. He is moving on to the next assignment God has for him. Daniel was more than a staff member to us over the past three months. Mentor. Teacher. Confidant. Friend. He served us so unselfishly and it was really hard to say goodbye, but we know our loss is going to be gain for those he touches next. We love you, Daniel. We miss you already.

Saturday and Sunday mornings were spent in prayer and preparation for the services we held in the evenings. We had a powerful time of prayer on Saturday morning. All along we have been reminded that we need to “show up and be available” and God will do the rest. That certainly is what happened in the services on Saturday and Sunday. We got to see the Holy Spirit use us to encourage others. Philip and Lori led the worship time assisted by members of the church band. We presented a drama in both services which the church loved. Mary, Gloria and Malcolm had lessons for the children and Camila and Riaan gave excellent sermons that both inspired and challenged. Karine shared her testimony which was also very powerful. Our team had a chance to pray for people and several were deeply touched by the Holy Spirit. It was encouraging for us to see what God was able to do through our lives this week.

Our hosts continue to feed us well. More gracious people you would be hard-pressed to find.

Monday we had another goodbye. Karine will be completing her outreach phase working with the Hopi tribe in Arizona. We know God is going to continue to use her life to bless those around her. We are already looking forward to reuniting with her in a few months.

On our day off we did a day trip to New York City. We made good memories: singing with a group of carolers in Times Square, traipsing through Chinatown, window shopping and even accidently stepping into puddles of melted snow. The toes were unhappy for the remainder of the day. Avoid melted snow puddles. Take our word for it.

It is hard to believe that we leave for Angola tomorrow. Finally it’s time! The next update will be from across the ocean so we will talk to you again from there. We are posting some pictures in the gallery so check it out. Thank you for your prayers, for your support and for your encouragement. We can’t wait to see what God will do next. The adventure continues. Merry Christmas to all!