Asante Sana

Throughout our journey, the Lord has erected faith markers so we can look back and see his faithfulness.  At the foundation of these faith markers are our partners in ministry over the last 10 years. When our family looks back we see you... God is so good!

                              

Yours prayers and support have carried us to DC, Tanzania and all around the world in order to bring transformation through God's written word. So in Swahili we say "asante sana", thank you very much! We are humbled by your prayers and your sacrificial giving.

We are excited to announce our next steps in ministry.  As many of you know, Craig received his Masters in International Development this past  summer.  So, in October  Craig expanded his role to not only serve Africa regarding legal and partnership issues, but also to began to work with communities in Asia and Africa  in the area of transformational development. So what is transformational development?  It is the process of empowering   individuals and communities  to envision a future that brings about a spiritual and material change.  This is a change that is marked by restored relationships, renewed institutions and sustainable livelihoods.

So up next in the spring will be trips to Asia, beginning to work with a new team, and working with the leadership in Africa. We are excited about what the Lord is doing in both Asia and Africa. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping reach communities with the good news. We love you and could not be continuing this journey with  you. 

Reaching the Finish Line-- But It's Only the Beginning

    

 Many of you have been praying for us and watching Craig's educational journey as he began his Masters of Arts in International Development from Eastern University in May 2013. It has been an  incredible experience for Craig of how to bring holistic Christian development that does not bring dependency but empowers communities to discover their God given assets and opportunities. Carolyn also went on this journey with Craig as she reviewed papers and gave encouragement during the journey.  While it seems like the journey has ended with Craig receiving his Masters, it has really only begun with the possibility of a new assignment.

       

The purpose for seeking this degree is not the degree itself,  but the opportunity it provides to serving communities in the name of Jesus Christ. The degree has included training in areas of community development, theology of poverty, disaster relief and mitigation, advocacy and human rights, microfinance, program planning and marketing as well as economics. Craig has been honored to study with folks who have worked with International Justice Mission, Compassion International and Samaritan's Purse. It has been a transformation of thoughts on  how language communities are served.

 Please be praying for the next steps as Craig begins to explore assignments in the Wycliffe Global Alliance for a role that will allow him to use what he has learned over the last two years. We will continue to work with Wycliffe and are so grateful to all who have partnered with us. We want to particularly thank the Lord for individuals and churches who helped us with the funding of Craig's tuition the last two years. To God be the Glory. If you are in the Tampa Bay Area, don't miss the upcoming announcement of a graduation and partnership get together  that the Clendinens will be hosting. We hope to see all of you soon.