For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6
Dear Precious Friends and Family,
We pray that this letter finds you surrounded by loved ones, blessed by the Lord’s daily presence and anticipating His Goodness in the New Year ahead. We in the Reid household can only look back at 2008 with awe and gratitude for all that God has done. It has been an exciting and full year for us.
Abbie turned six years old in July and is a bubbly, happy, compassionate girl. First grade has been fun and full of learning for her. She has many friends and can read anything she sets her eyes on! Ben will be four this February; he’s a silly, playful, and energetic little guy. He loves Preschool, making friends, playing super-hero and creating decorations for our fridge. Our kids are a GREAT blessing, and we’re excited about how God is growing our family. We completed paperwork and got the all-important “log-in date” to adopt a little girl from China on October 21. We expect an infant to be granted to us in about two years. We appreciate your prayers during this process. Abbie and Ben love to talk about “when our China baby comes”.
Dave and I were both given some incredible ministry opportunities this year. In January, we had the awesome privilege of traveling to Thailand to encourage and minister alongside a dear friend working in Christian ministry there. We have always dreamed of going on a mission trip together and this was a great first experience.
In April, Dave was able to spend a sabbatical in Israel for two weeks along with other pastors. He applied for and received a ministry grant that allowed him to experience the Holy Land for only $300. He enjoyed much rest and spiritual refreshment.
Another highlight of this year was celebrating the 5th Birthday of Peachtree Community Church! It’s incredible to see how far God has brought us, the many lives He has touched, and how He has faithfully provided for every need. We continue to be in awe over the building we now have and opportunities we have to reach our community with the love of Jesus Christ.
Over the summer, God began to lead David into a couple of new adventures. First, as a result of what God did in his heart while in Israel, he’s started writing a book about marriage and intimacy. Some of you already know about this faith step. If you want to know more about it, feel free to contact us (The provocative title is LEADING to the Bedroom.) The second exciting new adventure for Dave came as the result of a childhood dream, a response to rising gas prices and only after a work of God stretching my faith so that I could let go of fear. . . Dave got a motorcycle! He has had such a good time with this new hobby! I even enjoy going with him. We have been able to enjoy the West Georgia countryside in a whole new way together!
My year has been full, too! In August, we made a bittersweet trip to Wyoming for my maternal grandmother’s funeral. Dave had the privilege of performing the service, and we were all encouraged as we celebrated Grandma Miller’s full and influential life. While in Wyoming my parents, older brother and I were able to reconnect with aunts, uncles, and cousins that we haven’t seen in years. It was fun to see how our family has grown and where life has taken each of us.
I have been leading the Women’s Ministry at our church for over two years now. This includes leading Bible studies, planning events, and personally mentoring ladies in the church. This is ONLY possible because God has given me a WONDERFUL team of ladies with a passion for the women in our church. We recently hosted 45 ladies at a three-day Fall Retreat and 120 ladies for a Christmas Tea. Dave was in charge of childcare for servers (25 men in our church!) and I emceed. Leading WEM is definitely outside my comfort zone, but God’s grace has proven sufficient all year.
The Tea was an exciting and exhausting way to begin the holiday season, so our personal goal for our family Christmas has been to “keep it simple!” Dave’s preaching Isaiah 9:6 every Sunday in December, each week in turn focusing on a prophetic name for Jesus: how He is our “Wonderful Counselor”, “Mighty God”, “Everlasting Father”, and “Prince of Peace.” We pray that you know the Truth of these promises, and that Jesus is the Prince of Peace for you and your family in these uncertain times. Merry Christmas! We love you!
Grace and peace to you,
David, Katie, Abbie and Ben Reid
