There are so many specific prayers which have been answered in detail. Thank you for praying for us in this transition.
God seems very near to all of us as he paves the way for us to get back to life and ministry in this nation we've been serving since 1999.
Settling Again in Singapore:
We sometimes feel like we're free falling and someone changed the location of the rip cord, but we've come a long way since we arrived July 28th.
Despite the tedious details that come along with setting up family and work/ministry life (our 10th home in 11 years!), we have felt joy from the Lord, a warm welcome back from Singaporeans, and a strong bond as a family.
Our new place,
the night before moving in.
A New Home:
After living in a friend's apartment for three weeks, we found an apartment that met our criteria - especially being in walking distance to the boys' school. We've found that this convenience really improves our quality of life (especially when we don't have a car!). Through several circumstances, we knew God directly answered our prayers in leading us to this place. It is a great location and a pretty apartment. It's also our smallest place since moving to Singapore 9 years ago. But we'll still make room for guests of course! ;-)
Boys in Football #12 and #93:
Tyler and Cameron made the quickest adjustment to life back in Singapore. They really loved their year in the US, and were sad to leave. But the moment they got back to Singapore, they were back with the foods they love, the places they are familiar with, and people they know. They also have more mobility here because of public transportation and safety. They quickly got into their routines at the international school, and we discovered the only American football league in Asia. It's right here in Singapore and we never knew it existed! Tyler is starting quarterback and safety on his team (among 4 high school teams). Cameron is starting center and outside linebacker. They ride the subway one hour each way for weekday afternoon practices, and then we spend the whole day Saturday as a family watching their games and the other teams. Many heard last Spring about Tyler trying to get adopted at Maranatha High School in Pasadena so he could play another football season. Well, both boys are reveling in the unexpected gift from God: we didn't have to leave football behind in USA! Just think! Even in Asia, football can dominate our family life from Mid August until Nov 1st!
CRMS Staff Meeting:
Andy Lim, Shirley Trott, Molly Shoo, & Shoo How Beng
CRMS (Church Resource Ministries, Singapore):
Jim's work is transitioning from mentoring Christian leaders to more organizational leadership for the ministry he founded here. He now has five staff members, and has already interviewed two more since our return. He has started a weekly staff training time and is meeting with staff individually for their growth. He envisions CRM Singapore being a team of gifted mentors that are building spiritual leaders in Singapore and throughout Asia. The ministry also had their annual meeting in August, and are blessed with a veteran CRM couple from Arizona (Bob & Shirley Trott) who are visiting for two months to meet with pastors and Christian leaders for personal mentoring from a wiser, experienced couple, which is really valued here.
CRMS annual meeting with the Trotts attending
The Arts:
Kimberly has quickly transitioned back into teaching drama at a local seminary, and is also teaching drama two days a week in the boys' Christian International school. She loves having a small part in our kids' school lives, and the school children's enthusiasm energizes her as she watches them blossom in their creativity. She's realizing that she loves teaching, but is also praying for the right project to be involved in creating something. She enjoys developing Christian artists' and leaders' perspectives and skills in using drama in ministry, and there's no end of opportunities. She is also catching up with many of the mentoring relationships she has with Christian artists, while keeping food in the fridge and the other things that moms do.
TCA College Students preparing for a performanceat the Asia Pacific Theological Association Gathering, September 2008
Pray with us for:
-Perseverance and good attitudes to finish getting our new apartment and lives "in the groove" and fully functional.
-Continued harmony in our family and favour with others as we look for a new church home where we can all be serving and reconnect with Singaporean friends.
-Wisdom and balance for Kimberly as she manages the home, teaches three times a week, and develops mentoring relationships.
-Godly vision and energy for Jim as he mentors the staff and plans ministry events for the coming months, including the launch of new mentoring networks and a training retreat for CRM's mentors who lead the networks.
Elementary DramaWorkout,
ICS Family Fun Day - Carnival, September 20, 2008
Let us know how we can be praying for you too!
Blessing and joy,
Jim, Kimberly,
Tyler & Cameron
Our new Singapore Address:
356 Clementi Ave 2
#05-277
SINGAPORE 120356
Jim Phone: +65-9839-8559
Kimberly Phone: +65-9839-6965
Tyler Phone: +65-9650-9696
Cameron Phone (home): +65-6504-0884
click on the links!
Family Highlights website
Kimberly's blogs:
Living across cultures
Theatre as ministry
Singapore American School,
SACAC Football League,
Ty's first game under the lights. September 20, 2008
Charitable Giving through CRM USA
No comments:
Post a Comment