Oh What A Year...

I have to be honest, it has been terribly difficult for me to sit down and write this letter. Writing means I have to reflect and reflecting stirs up emotions I haven’t had time to deal with. I can’t write this letter to you without being completely honest and bold.

God says in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Sometimes in your life, you just have to trust in these words. These words we believe to be true and relevant. These words giving us hope that God is sovereign even through the sting of life.

This synopsis of our year leads me back to WHO God is and HOW great He is.

In April, Tanner returned to Haiti, his third journey to a land that he has great passion for. He took a team of eight men to build a playground at one of Christian Friendship Ministries (CFM) schools. 

During this time, he was still struggling through his excruciating pain from his back injury. We prayed God would heal him as he continued to step out in faith.

Tanner ended up having spinal surgery in May. His pain has gone from horrible, to next to nothing. We praise God for this. It was a scary and uncertain procedure, but God had plans to use Tanner to further His kingdom. God is our healer.

Shortly after Tanner’s return from Haiti, one of his best friends and the director of CFM, Ericlee Gilmore, was diagnosed with melanoma. 

Ericlee stepped into Heaven in September and every day we feel his presence. We hear his words speaking encouragement into our lives. 

We continue to run this race for Ericlee as we run this nonprofit in his honor. God is our comforter.

In November, Tanner and I traveled back to Haiti to meet with our Haitian leaders and pastors. All I can say is, wow! We have a big responsibility to carry on what Ericlee’s grandparents started in 1947. 

I am so thankful for all of our supporters. We need more prayer than ever as we step into this new role.


 If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. 
 ~ African proverb

We both still work full-time jobs, run kids to practice and games, do busy American life and run this nonprofit. Where is the time?! Good thing God is the controller of the time. 

Whenever we feel overwhelmed, we remember this is God’s burden and we are just part of His plan. Thank you, Jesus, for that!!

Our children are growing: Gabe is 10 and in the 5th grade. He was baptized in December. What a celebration in Heaven! 

Claire is 7 and in the 2nd grade. She has a crazy-adventurous spirit. 

I love seeing how God molds and shapes these little creatures in our home. 

Tanner and I celebrated our 15-year anniversary in June. 

We took the family to Kelowna, BC, Tanner's hometown for the occasion. 


We celebrated by renewing our vows in front of our Canadian family and friends overlooking a beautiful lake.

What does this new year look like for our family?! 

 
 We will travel to Haiti again in July and stay for 4-5 weeks as a family. We will host teams and continue to learn the Haitian way and language.

Tanner has to cut back his hours training clients as he spends more time running CFM, so we will need some regular financial supporters to bridge that gap. 

We are praying that God is stirring the hearts of those who can give to our family and to this ministry. God is our faithful provider.

We trust in His promise. 

We believe in His vision. 

We will run in His race.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...” Hebrews 12:1

 Would you prayerfully consider financially supporting our family this year and praying for us?  We know God works mightily through prayer!

We are excited to see and hear how God is working in your life as you enter this new year.

Blessings in the new year,

 Stacey, Tanner, Gabe and Claire

               

Our financial needs for 2015:

-$2,000 per month (this will cover some of our lost income for the year as well as allow us to save for plane tickets)

-We still need $6,000 to cover our travel expenses and lost income for July.

-All donations will recieve a tax receipt. You can donate here.