JENKINS' JAZZ - JANUARY 2009

Christmas lights went up and then all too soon had to come down again. We waited as long as possible to undecorate and, yes, we might have been the last in the neighborhood.

We had a good Christmas with friends here in Jacksonville, and then got away for a long weekend to visit long-time friends in Sarasota and then in the Orlando area on the way back.

What a different December it was for Kathie this year with Debbie Shilling back in the office. All the individual newsletter mailings plus the big Proclaim mailing were much less stressful – even fun – with the load lightened.

Jim had several opportunities to play Christmas music -- concerts with the First Coast Wind Ensemble that he has been playing with for a couple years, and a few other performances that he arranged around the area. For those he was joined this year by Todd Smalley, our Proclaim trombonist. Todd and his wife Terri are temporarily back in Jacksonville this year from their first term in Germany. One of the performances was at the airport where they played for Christmas travelers. They were allowed to put up the Proclaim display banner and put out literature.

Even though December isn’t the best time for making ministry contacts, through the music performances and other natural contacts, Jim was able to do a lot of interacting and set up times to meet with people after New Years. Many of these have also opened up good ministry opportunities. As our schedule is falling into place, we’re planning a 10-day trip to Norfolk, VA, area in February to reconnect with friends who were part of our lives when we first started in missions, many of whom are still faithful prayer and financial supporters after all these years.

Jami is still enjoying her work at Publix supermarket. She hasn’t been able to go on full time yet, but is being given more responsibility in cashiering and front service and is getting a lot of positive feedback on her contribution. Can you tell which department she would like to work in? She is involved in the college class at our church and a Friday night Bible study with some kids from other churches. We’re encouraged with her development in so many areas and glad for the time she is with us, knowing it won't be long before she is out on her own.

We are especially asking for prayer for Proclaim in this financially challenging time. We know that God will provide for what he wants to accomplish in this new year, but more than ever we, especially our leadership, need divine discernment. There are so many opportunities. Our desire is to step out in faith, totally obedient to God's leading, not shrinking back in fear of uncertain times, but not presuming on God's provision. Thank you for standing with us.

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