Missionary Update November 2003 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Recently we had to drive home in a blizzard through the Oak Creek Canyon near our home. The swirling snow with white-out conditions made our eyes dizzy and we could not look straight ahead. The only way we could inch forward along the winding road (with 100-200 ft. steep cliffs) was to look out the side front window towards the edge of the road and the reflective mile markers. These "lights" guided the way home. It was a slow, exhausting trip and we were relieved when we finally made it to our house!!!
There's a parallel in this story to how our year has gone. At times it has felt like we could not see at all what God was up to. There were times that we wondered if we could even make it at all. We had to constantly gage where we were going by God and his precious promises in His Word. His Word has been a "light" to guide us!
In October, Tom had Arthroscopic knee surgery because of a torn meniscus. Shortly after it healed he had to make a flying trip to San Angelo, Texas, to be with his mom in the hospital. The doctors did not expect her to make it through the night. Tom was with her for a week and by the end of the week she was getting stronger and doing better. Her condition is considered "terminal" and the doctors don't expect her to live more than six months. The good news is that out of this serious health situation, Tom's mom humbled her heart and received the free gift of salvation!!!
One area that seemed "flurry" over the year revolved around finding a larger house or piece of property to build on. And just today we found out that God has answered our prayers and "wonderings." He has provided us with a larger house to rent. Yes, that's right! after 7 years of living very cramped in a 800 sq. ft. home w/ 3 children, He has helped us find a very nice 4 bedroom home in Oak Creek. Now we will have room to have our whole church over for fellowships and have plenty of room to have you come and visit us (or if you want to come ski????). Our church family has a lot to do with making this house possible for us! Even though we can't go into details we can say that they have truly shown their love to us over these past few months. They have been bright lights in our lives!!!
Our Christmas will be very different this year. There will be no tree, and few presents. We are heading to Seattle, Washington on December 16, to attend Kim's brother, Keith's wedding on Saturday, December 20th. This has been a long awaited event in Keith's life. He lives in the Seattle area where he is attending Northwest Baptist Seminary. We will be caravanning with other family members (Kevin & Lori & 5 kids; Kip and Jodie & 4 kids) along the way and spending lots of time together with Kim's whole family. It'll be a Christmas we won't forget!!!
In January, after our move into our new house, we will have an addition to the family. No, not a baby! . . . but a Golden Retriever named, Mandy. Some friends of ours called us recently and offered Mandy to us. The kids are so ecstatic they can hardly wait. Kayla has been praying for a Golden Retriever for 5 years. She already has picked out what color of collar she wants, etc. She said this is the best Christmas present of all times!!!
We hope that the unique Christmas card and picture of Oak Creek that we have sent to you will help you to pray for us as we continue to minister to the community of Oak Creek in South Routt County and the congregation of South Routt Bible Church through the Rocky Mountain Bible Church Mission. Thank you for your prayers, encouraging words, and support of us over the past year.
In closing . . . today our Church performed a Christmas Cantata (written by two church members & the help of Kim w/ the music) entitled, "Celebrate the Eternal Light." It showed how Jesus was from the beginning and how He came to earth as a baby to shine His light into this dark world. How comforting to know that God's light still shines through His Word today. Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2004!!!
Celebrating the Eternal Light --- Jesus,
Thomas & Kimberly Harves
Kayla (9), Konnor (6), and Karissa (5)
Our address, phone number, and e-mail will remain the same:
Tom & Kim Harves
P.O. Box 793
Oak Creek, CO 80467
(970) 736-2787
May the Lord continue to bless the ministry of your church there in Parachute and Battlement Mesa!
