Phew, it's finally above freezing here and the snow is starting to melt...about time...(but we may have severe storms heading our way later this afternoon). We've got lots to catch you up on!
Mum's here!
Since our last update, Mum's arrived (just after a winter storm hit, but thankfully she got here fine) and we're enjoying time with her...though I don't think she'll want to visit in frigid February again.
Storly completes 900 programs!
Storly has recently completed his 900th program of Atrave labib (Thru the Bible radio series by J. Vernon McGee) in Haitian Creole (about 7,200 hours' of work!) Only another 399 programs to go!
He's recording in his studio in the basement right now, and is currently working through the book of Daniel (which I am also studying in a women's Bible study group at church). Awesome book about the sovereignty of God and what it means to be God-centered in a self-centered world.
Dipping into Overwhelmed-ness
(And yes, I'm becoming an American by making up words...)
Over the last few weeks, we've been spending a lot of time on the details, budget and plans for the big project that is our focus this year: replacing the AM radio towers at Petite Anse. As we look at the needs, the technical details (that I understand very little of), the tight timeline to get this accomplished this summer (when there's less rain), the funds that need to be raised to even start the work, and other challenges, it is overwhelming. Quite simply, O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-I-N-G.
But that's the point. When we get to the end of ourselves and get on our knees, praying and seeking the Lord. That may not be our 'natural' response. it may not be our immediate response. But once we get to that place, it's a good place to be. And it's good to be there together, as we've been sharing this need for prayer with others and knowing that many, including the OMS community, and staff and listeners in Haiti, are lifting this project up to the Lord. Will you join us in asking God to direct our steps right now, please?
That was the polite version. Here's what I'm trying to say. We need your prayers on this, because we need God. His direction. Clear minds. Wisdom. Protection. Safety for workers. Resources, money. His blessing. God in the details.
So, we're on conference calls with co-workers in this ministry ('co-workers' in the widest sense, including staff, consultants and volunteers) sharing the need, finalizing materials to invite people to invest in this project, and together, to help restore the AM signal to reach Haiti for Christ.
So many things up in the air with this project right now, that affect not only our 'work' side of life, but our family, our plans for the year. That's often how it is in this line of work. Would appreciate your prayers as we handle this part of it too.
Celebrating Generosity
Switching gears a bit. You'll remember we've made a few trips up to the Shaferlys in northern Ohio (four hours' away) recently, to help plan, present and celebrate with the good people of Findlay E-Free Church, who partnered with us for their Christmas giving project to sponsor Resounding Hope solar radios for Haiti. (Read more here).
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| Storly with Marilyn Shaferly, good friend and former 4VEH Station Manager |
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| Sharing the vision of Resounding Hope with the congregation at Findlay E-Free. |
In January, we were invited back to help with their 'Big Reveal', as Pastor Blair announced to the congregation the results of their giving. Their goal was to sponsor 400 solar radios. They gave enough to sponsor 523 radios! And it was great to be there to thank them in person for their generosity, and to pray with them for the radios and the people who will receive them in Haiti.
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| 523 radios! Awesome! |
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| With each radio reaching about six people, 523 radios means 3138 lives will be touched. Every day. With the Gospel. In their own language. |
Baptizing friends
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Ken & Kellie's two children, Kelsey and Kora, were baptized too. Fantastic!
Hannah is 8!
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Earlier this week, we celebrated Hannah's 8th birthday! Yep, our baby is now 8. And same as for every parent, it's hard to believe. She wanted a roller-skating party with friends from her class at school - and we had a blast! It's probably been 20 years since I was on skates last, and it was Storly's first time. Some of us were whizzing round the rink. Some managed to only fall twice :)
Next: NRB
We're heading to NRB (National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention) in a couple of days for inspiration, encouragement - and another AWARD! Proud to be part of an award-winning, life-changing, Jesus-sharing radio ministry in Haiti.This year, Radio 4VEH will be honored with a Milestone award for more than 50 years of continuous ministry in Christian broadcasting. (Radio 4VEH celebrates 64 years in June). Read more
Storly will receive the award on behalf of Radio 4VEH during the closing event of the four-day convention, the Awards dinner. We're excited that we'll have a few people with us representing One Mission Society, Men for Missions and Radio 4VEH. And I'm looking forward to seeing the video that NRB have produced and will screen during the dinner to highlight the ministry (I supplied all the raw content so I'm excited to see the final product).
Our Story, on the radio, as part of One Mission Stories:
If you're in the Indianapolis area, listen in to Freedom 95 this Sunday at 7pm (or online here) - and you'll hear our "story of love, missionary calling and radio ministry" as we're featured on the next program of One Mission Stories. You'll be able to hear it on the OMS podcast on Monday here. We'll be away at NRB, so if you listen in, let us know how we do!
Our Support Team
We're so encouraged by new and old friends and family who are committing to be part of our missionary support team through prayers and monthly financial support. OMS sets the amount that we need to raise to cover our salaries, travel and other ministry expenses over the next five years. We're just starting to raise these funds, so have a long way to go. But it's great to know that there are people standing with us in this way. If that's you, thank you!
If you'd like to support our family's ministry by joining our support team, here's how:
- in the US: One Mission Society account # 803848 - Michels
- in the UK, contact One Mission Society in the UK and let them know you'd like to support 'The Michels'
Finally, daffodils
For this Welsh girl, spring means daffodils and daffodils mean spring. Are there any signs of daffodils where you are? This Indiana winter has been brutal, and we're desperately looking for signs of spring! (I'm heading to Haiti in April for a week with a few from church, will be very glad for some Haitian sunshine then).
Warm wishes to you today!
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