On Expedition +

PRAISE FOR 2023

Looking back on 2023, I have much to praise God for. I could fill up pages and pages but will just give a few highlights:

• 

  Two of my grandsons committed their lives to Christ this year, one in Hawaii and one at the Adventures of Heart Retreat in California led by Linus Jr.

• Another grandson got married and several of our granddaughters and a grandson brought new little ones into the world.
• I led a Bible study on most Fridays called the NO BS BS. We finished the Gospel of Mark and continued on in the book of Acts, looking especially at Peter in Acts 1-12 (he shows up again in Acts 15).
•  I was able to participate in the Global Training Network (GTN) Leadership gathering this year (I was in a covid isolation ward the year before and not able to attend).
• Our GTN Divine Expedition training multiplied from five countries to eleven in 2023.  I helped lead our training in Guatemala.
• We edited our training manuals and started a multi-language training website.
• People came to Christ, disciples were made, leaders were developed, churches were encouraged and started, and Master Trainers were multiplied.

SEVERAL REGRETS

Three come to mind:

• I did not have Sharon by my side in 2023. What a privilege it was to be her husband for 60 years (1961-2022).
• Our third training in Guatemala was postponed due to civil unrest…the good news is that it is rescheduled.
• I did not write personal “Thank You Notes” for all of you who have contributed  to GTN to make my/our ministry possible. I didn’t send out Christmas cards, either. I have been scurrying to keep up.

In the spirit of Proverbs:

“There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough’” (30:15),

“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four I do not understand,” (30:18),

“Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up” (30:21).

And here’s my fourth regret:

• Paying taxes!

There’s a connection between not writing Thank You Notes and sending Christmas cards: The time it takes to itemize income, expenses, and deductions. But hey, we’ve all got that one.

LOOKING AHEAD

Here’s a quick list:

• The Bible study I lead on Fridays on the first and second epistles of Peter
• GTN leaders summit in Arizona
• Phases 1, 2, and 3 Divine Expedition trainings in Guatemala
• Bringing national GTN Divine Expedition leaders together in Madrid
• So many trainings that I can’t keep up with them
• More people coming to Christ
• More people following Christ
• More leaders being equipped
• More churches starting and reaching out
• And lastly (but not least): connecting with and believing God for His hand of grace and mercy on my family members.

Oh, and one more:

• Hoping you will accept my apology for not writing you a personal Thank You for your partnering me/us in ministry. (I did send an email Christmas greeting…whew :-).

With gratitude and thanks (Thank You),

Linus (because of His great grace and for His glory)