What a year this has been for the Petermann family. I can say that we have never had a year like it, but I would not trade it for anything.  I believe God is in control of all things, and this year is a year of preparation for us as we seek His leading for the future.

We started out the year becoming unemployed.  I have never faced that situation before, and certainly never thought I would being in the ministry.  We decided to pack up and move the family up to Indiana/Michigan (where we are from) until we found a place to serve. It was not long after we moved up here that knew we were going to stay so that Josiah could graduate without having to go to yet another high school.  We believe that family comes first, and this was an important thing for Josiah.

Through and old friend, Jennifer found a job cleaning apartments.  She actually had that job before we ever left Wichita (another act of God’s providing for us).  At the beginning of March I was able to get a part time job at Best Buy as a Computer Sales associate, which quickly turned into full time and then I was able to move into a management position as the Geek Squad manager.  This is not what I thought I would be doing, that is for sure!  But God provided for us at just the right times in all of this.  I am thankful to have a job!

During this time, we have been blessed to be a part of Granger Community Church.  This is a wonderful church family with a strong focus on letting people know that they matter to God and helping them take their next steps towards Jesus.  We have had the opportunity to serve in the church and to get to know a bunch of great people!

This year also brought our first grand daughter!  Madysen Harlee Mains was born at 7:38 PM on November 16^th.  She weighed 8lbs 3oz and was 21 inches long.  She is a beautiful girl!  And yes, I am quite a bit biased!

We have had so many blessing this year.  God has provided for us in such wonderful ways that it is unmistakable that it is Him that is working.  It is easy to say all of that when things are going great. This year has also had its moments of fear, grief and uncertainty.

One of the most godly men that I have known passed away on June 2^nd.  My grandfather had a huge influence in my life. I am so glad that I was able to be here for the last months of his life. He was a man that was always positive and talked about Jesus with whoever he met.  He is greatly missed.

December 1^st brought one of the most difficult things we have ever faced.  My oldest son Josiah was in a terrible car accident on his way home from work.  He slid through an intersection and was struck by a semi on the passenger side. At first, we did not know if he would even survive.  But each day brought news of great hope for us that he would recover.  I believe that Josiah is our Christmas miracle this year!  After spending 11 days at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Josiah was moved to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI.  He has now been here a week and a half and I am amazed each day at the progress that he makes.  Again, all I can say is that God has had His hand of favor on my Son, for which I am grateful.  My heart cries out with Mary as she praised God:

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant… for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”

He still has quite a road to go, but his prognosis is complete recovery!  Our God is greater!

We have anticipated the new year as the time we would get back into full time ministry, and we may still see that.  We now anticipate it just to see what God will do.  We are excited to see what He will do in Josiah’s life as he heals.  God is a God that works from the future back, and I am confident that God has this path for us for great reasons.

For now, we take each day as it comes.  Each day of life is precious, and normally taken for granted.  Family and friends are so important, and the time we get to spend with them is a gift from God. During this holiday, soak it all in.  Enjoy the people in your life. Remember that God has ordained each of your days to make a difference in the lives of these people.

We pray that you have a Merry Christmas, and a Christ centered New year!  Live it on purpose!

We love you all,

The Petermanns