We recently had a friend ask us about how many people we have fed and how many Bible studies we have had this year.  It caused us to dig out our calendars and journals and sit down in front of the fire to do a little calculating.  Here is what we discovered.

Number of visitors from the States = 71

 

Number of Christmas markets visited = 10

 

Number of trips to the airport = 28

 

Number of people fed on ministry nights = 3054

 

Number of major projects completed = 9

Number of nights we had at least one guest sleeping here = 239

 

Number of trips to the compost dump = 98

 

Number of one-on-one mentoring sessions = 206

 

Number of airmen from our Hangar group deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan = 19

 

Number of overnight outings with the Hangar gang = 12

 

Number of times we thank God for you = countless

 

But just as important as statistics are the words we have received from those to whom we minister.  Here are a few excerpts from notes we were given this year.

 

“It’s been such a blessing getting to know you two.  Thanks for investing your time and talent into all of our lives. I know that I have grown in my faith since meeting you both.  Thanks for being such great mentors and friends.”

 

“I want to thank you so much for allowing me to waltz into your home last week just for dinner.  I was challenged by my work schedule and was tired; I needed a good warm meal to get me through the rest of a very long day.  I felt as if I was coming home to mom…..someone who would take care of me during a struggle.  At first, when I was leaving, I felt sad for coming and going so quickly, but I had to do so.  I wanted to stay but I knew I could not and then I felt so blessed to have friends like you and Roger to welcome me and care for me.”

 

“I just wanted to thank you and your wife for running the house.  At our old base there were not many chances for my husband to get spiritually nourished like there was for me.  It is so nice for us to have a place to go and join in fellowship, study and praise.  We look forward to spending many nights worshiping God with you and the fellow attendees.”

We are missing our family and grandchildren this Christmas season, but the little ache we feel just helps us empathize with the lonely airmen sitting in a dorm room and reminds us of why we are here.  Thanks for helping us be available to them.  We are so grateful for your support and prayers. 

 

Love, Roger and Sheila

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