2023 has gotten off to a special start for Sarah and me here at ETM. Following months of an extremely busy schedule, juggling assignments with multiple churches each week, the Father guided us into a season that, while still full of the normal busyness of life and work, has given us an opportunity to catch our breath and prepare for the next assignment/season of life.
Our relationship with our brothers and sisters at The Rock Community Church in Ducktown, Tennessee, changed in January with one of the elders at the Rock stepping into an interim pastor role. While not going there weekly, we continue our investment in the lives of the leaders at the Rock. Our president, Vali, has been meeting with the elders for training, and Colin continues to mentor the men as well. The interim pastor has requested we come speak once a month to share some of the load he carries now in addition to his full time job. We are happy to do it and it gives Sarah and myself an opportunity to continue to see these brothers and sisters we have gotten to know and love.
Meanwhile, with our time commitment lessened to the Rock, we have been able to pour into the CRAGS youth group at Robbinsville First Baptist Church more. In January, we took 18 teens to a camp in Ayden, North Carolina, where we partnered with a youth group from Kinston, NC. We led the teens through a study which asked them, "Who do you want to be in 2023?" The study focused on living a life of purpose and encouraged the teens to choose a life of discipleship following Jesus. We have been excited about some of the connections teens made on the trip, and hope to build on that momentum as this year progresses.
At ETM, projects continue. I am currently working on building a new website for the ministry and updating ways supporters can give to the ministry and individual families on staff. We are excited to announce you can now give to ETM online through Tithely! If you desire to partner with us through becoming a part of our support team, simply click on the "Give" tab on our website or click here to go to ETM's Tithely page and select where you would like your gift to go. Soon, we hope to share an updated ETM website with you that will include this feature as well.
Vali is currently in Romania as part of a 3 week long mission trip to Europe with our coworker Jim Caminata. They began their trip in Spain before Jim went to Italy and Vali to Romania. They have had full schedules meeting and training pastors in discipleship. Please pray for their time in Europe and the lasting impact of these relationships as we seek to make disciples of all nations. While Vali has been away, we have been working at the day to day needs and responsibilities on property. Recently, we found one of our well pumps has failed, and we are currently in the process of replacing it.
In addition to our work in churches and at ETM, Sarah and I are eagerly awaiting the birth of our baby girl, Jane Kathryn Ramsey. The past two months have been a humbling reminder of how the Lord has blessed us with amazing friends and family who have been eager to give clothes, diapers, books, and other necessities that a baby requires. We have been so grateful for the support and love shown us, and cannot wait to introduce baby Jane to this community of family and friends who love so well.
Thank you for your support. We always love to hear from you, so feel free to send us a message, catch us up on what you are learning or how we can be praying for you. We hope you have had a Happy New Year so far in 2023.
