Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas 2022 John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. As we reflect on our time these last months in America, we can't help but be encouraged. Yes it has been a busy and sometimes hard trip, as we tried to fit everything into a short time. But... as we traveled around, visited churches, saw supporters, and made new friends, we have been so struck by the faithfulness, sacrifice, and hospitality of so many.  This January we go into our 18th year with SEND International. We can't even begin to name all the times that we have seen God's faithfulness and provision over the years. Thank you for being a part of our journey this far. We continue to press on as we start our 5th term in the Philippines. This time, like the first term long ago, we go with only 2 kids in tow. Nhaya and Caleb will continue university here in Arizona. As many of you are familiar, we can't really go back until we are 100% supported. This time however we have been given permission to head back because of the situation. We still have some support to raise to be completely supported but we are praying that in the next few months God will provide those partners for us.  We fly out on January 4th. Once back in Davao we will hit the ground running as we start planning and setting up the teams for TEAM 4:5. You might remember that this has been our plan and prayer for the last few years but because of covid we were not able to move forward. As things have opened up considerably, we are preparing to have 2 teams of young people serving on short-term missions trips this coming summer.  We are praying that since we didn't have to give up our house in Davao, (we have made missionaries housesitting for us) this time of transitioning back into life in the Philippines will be much easier.  From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! With Love, The Paden Family   Traveling to North Carolina and Florida We had a great time visiting supporting churches and individuals last October (even a few fun days with Grandparents).  We had a chance to share with two new churches. Praise God, one of them wants to partner with us. We even planned a few sightseeing days and Nhaya and Caleb flew from Arizona (took a couple days off school) at the end so we could all go to Disney World. On the way back, Gilmer left me in Texas for a Mom and Daughters Weekend. I flew back to Phoenix after that and Gilmer picked me up.  Super exciting news!! Nhaya is engaged! Meet Jacob, he is from Tucson and he and Nhaya have been dating almost 3 years. His family are our great friends and his parents lead the college ministry at our sending church. They plan to get married next summer! Praises 1. Praise God for our kids. Nhaya and Caleb are doing great in college. Luke and Josiah are ready to go back to face to face school in the Philippines. 2. Praise God for all the blessings we received while in the US. God provided everything we needed while we have been here.  3. Praise God for a very committed prayer and financial partners. 4. Praise God for a good health.    Prayer Request 1. Please continue to pray for our packing and last minute preparations for our trip back to the Philippines. 2. Pray for our remaining financial support to raise. We need about $700 more to raise per month. 3. Our car in the Philippines broke a couple of days before we left almost 7 months ago and it is still in the shop. Please pray that it will be fixed before we get back. Pray for the cost of the repairs, it’s already at least $5,000 that we were not prepared for.  4. Pray for the preparation of the summer missions trip we are trying to do for the summer of 2023 (TEAM 4:5). Pray for recruitment, field and training set up, and promotion. We have a lot to do once we get back. These last few photos are of Thanksgiving, Gilmer and Luke were in a Christmas program at church all dressed up in their suits, Josiah turned 15 years old on the 20th, and then our last crazy picture is of the whole family at Christmas celebrating in Julie's parents new home. What a blessing to see everyone before we go back.  Support Online We are so thankful for your prayers, support and partnership. "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Cor. 15:58 Serving Him, Gilmer and Julie Paden (Nhaya, Caleb, Josiah, Luke)