Asher Merrill Scheffer

Trey and Shelly Scheffer delivered their first child, a son, into the world just before 7pm tonight. He was a very healthy 7 pounds 8 ounces. Asher takes his father's middle name and hopefully everything else from his mother. We love you Trey!

Congratulations to our friends and former youth pastor now lead pastoring a church in western Illinois. May God shine his grace and protection over this young and loving family as they faithfully serve God with their whole lives.

We truly love both of you and cannot wait to meet that awesome little guy soon.

Daniel and Gloria Cooley

Our sweet friends and Grace Point partners are moving to the Chicago area this week where Daniel will begin his doctoral work in the spring. Please pray for traveling mercies, especially for 5 month old Eleanor. This is a big move for them as first time parents in a strange new land on a strange new journey.

We so appreciate every ounce of leadership you have poured into GP and we will miss you tremendously. We commit to pray for you as you pursue God's will and serve him educationally and missionally. Pray for needs to be met financially, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Pray for their steadfast love for God, Eleanor, and each other.

Follow their story here.

Emily and Justin

Missionaries on a team with Kyle and Melissa Johnson (Bill and Patti's son and Dori Gallagher's brother) are still in the hostile region where they serve. They are trying to get out and get home but it is still complicated and difficult. Please pray safety, wisdom, and God's expedient will for them and their four young children.

Mitch McCaskell update

From our missionary friend in West Africa:

I must take a moment to simply say thank you. Over the past month your prayers for me have been answered in a way that you have no idea... your prayers for my safety and for my health. I just want to take a moment to share with you how the Father has answered your prayers....

About one month ago I began having some stomach problems. I went to the doctor here in Bamako, but he was unsure exactly what was going on. The decision was made to send me to Dakar, a city on the west coast, to have things checked out. The Father's hand was at work because appointments were able to be made very quickly and with the best doctors. I arrived in Dakar safely. After a couple doctor visits and a couple tests, the doctors were able to pin-point the problem and prescribe the right medicine. It appears that everything is beginning to get better already, and I will be home in Bamako before Christmas. This whole experience has been a little overwhelming, but the Peace Giver has been ever present as He always remains. Throughout all of this I was so thankful to know that a large group of people were lifting me up daily to the Father... what an encouragement. Thank you! He heard your prayers.

Please continue to lift me up daily... specifically my health and safety as it can change very quickly from day to day. You will never know how thankful I am for each one of you who is interceding on my behalf. Bless you.

By His Grace
Mitch

Jim Graham and family

You may have met Brent's friend Jim last weekend at GP. He is living in Dallas and working at Dallas Baptist University. His wife Robin and their children are moving here from Birmingham, Al next Monday to be together permanently. This is sort of a tough move for them all and Jim has been alone here since August. Pray for their speedy reunion and God's sovereign grace in the traveling move.

Beth Warren

One of Beth's partners just relocated and that leaves 2 docs in an practice built for three. Well, the other partner has been gone most of this week and so Beth was the only one seeing patients....in an office built for 3. She has worked an unkind number of hours and is way behind on paperwork...please pray for her rest and time management.

Bud and Stefanie Dodd

Some of you know Bud and Stefanie from the motorcycle they ride on Sundays. They were married in November and have been bombarded lately with a custody battle for Bud's son. They are asking for prayer. I suggest praying grace, wisdom, leadership, and humility.

Also Stephanie's contract job just ended and she is seeking employment - there are some opportunities, but remember her as she seeks full time employment.

Richardson Home

Kirk and Kara Richardson are selling their house. Praise the Lord, they have a buyer, and will close this Friday the 12th. But the house they put an offer stumbled at inspection, so they pulled out. They have made two new offers on homes but until those pass inspection and they can set a closing date, they will not have a place to live and keep belongings (conveniently anyway) without closing on same date. And of course Kara is 7 months pregnant and they have two small boys. Pray for perseverance, closure, strength as parents, and that a new place to call home emerges.