Celebrating 25 Years

November 2005

Dear Co-Laborer,

At our CDM staff conference in September, Kathy and I were recognized for twenty-five years of service with The Navigators! It was an honor that comes with a reward of so many meaningful memories of ministering to the spiritually hungry (see Is 58:10, 11). You might think that few in The Navigators make it to twenty-five years, but there were several couples who were honored for fifty years of service! Kathy and I are just youngsters in an "excellent company" to work for. After all, our boss is God. What mistake can you make that He can't fix, and what more can you do than what He has already done?

Twenty-five years ago, I remember writing out my first newsletter by hand. It was several pages long. Thank you to those of you who suffered through and read the whole thing. Frustrated that we didn't have any office equipment and wanting so badly to make my next newsletter "professional," I borrowed Katrina's Fisher Price toy typewriter and tapped out the next one. Ah, much better! It wasn't long afterwards that someone left a brand new typewriter on my door step. Thanks, Keith B!

Reflecting on how the Lord provided that first year, I remember one evening when we were pretty much out of food in the house. Kathy was down to pancake mix for dinner without any syrup. The UPS truck arrived just before dinner and delivered a package which contained . . . you guessed it, real maple syrup (sent by my parents from Michigan). There are so many "just in time" provisions that Kathy and I can recall. What a great God we have!

Even though those stories are memorable, I understand that if we are to be available and effective in the Lord's service, I have a responsibility to raise support that allows us to initiate ministry.

As 2005 comes to a close and you are anticipating where you might invest in God's work with a contribution, I'd like to draw your attention to a current need that we have. Since the beginning of our fiscal budget year in September, we are at only 57% of our budget. In order for us to be 100%, we would need to increase our monthly support by an average of $2,736 to cover our salary and ministry expense budget. Kathy and I would appreciate your prayerful consideration of our ministry funding need as we place our trust in Him to provide in His perfect timing.
.We wish you a blessed Christmas and a fruitful New Year!

If you'd like to invest in our ministry, please click on our name below.

Love,

Sam & Kathy Johns