April Showers bring May Flowers

There is  a song we sing that says " to everything that YOU are doing that we cannot see, we say AMEN!"  In the time before a trip Richard puts in many hours connecting with people by email and phone.  He is looking and listening to find where God is working and what is ready for harvesting or bringing to light.  It is a time of perseverence, focus and listening.

In the meantime we are blessed with feedback from the "new plantings."

"I am greatly enjoying my relationship with my international student. ... I think everyone else is enjoying theirs, too.  What a blessing this has been to CMF." ( AM)

"I have been challenged recently by a few things.  The first is to make prayer more of a priority and necessity, and to encourage others to pray for international students. " (HH)

"We really appreciate you keeping us in your prayers." (AS)

Northeast Regional Conference in Valley Forge, PA

Like the Revolutionary Army, we gathered from all over the northeast region to meet in Valley Forge, PA. Unlike George Washington's army we had delightful weather, plenty of food and we all had shoes.

Our small army worshipped and prayed together. We learned about M28 and Mail Chimp. We prayerwalked the colleges in Philadelphia.

We were encouraged with messages from ISI President Doug Shaw and our Regional Field Director Natasha Hope.

Fritz Kling, author of The Meeting of the Waters, was our keynote speaker. He brought into focus 7 trends that are impacting today's global church, many of which we are experiencing in our various ministries.

Student testimonies are always a highlight as we gather together.

Our youngest attendee!

Finding Treasures Along the Way: CT to OK to TX

Every journey starts with a plan, an agenda; meeting times,places and travel arrangements. Then there are the treasures that God puts along the way for us to discover.
A travel companion (window seat) returning to HongKong & leaving her 15 yr old son in a private school was an opportunity to share & encourage on the way in hopes of keeeping in touch & being friends.



An engine light coming on & a car rental switch becomes a blessing for better gas mileage.

A campus lunch becomes a reunion for Connectiwegiens.

Time with friends and family leads to meeting key people interested in extending ministry to international students in new schools.

It is good to remember that the jewels and treasures are often people put in our path.

Happy New Year!

We thoroughly enjoyed student night at ICF as the Chinese students shared about their culture and their New Year traditions. Many also shared yummy & REAL chinese food! Like our national Thanksgiving holiday, all hearts turn toward home for the New Year celebration and people go to extraordinary lengths to get home. The 2 week long festival allows you to catch up with family and childhood friends.

For the students here, even though there are student celebrations, you could see how they all missed being with family. Even so, they were willing to share the various family traditions, some quite funny! And we learned that red is a very important color, symbol of strength and courage and victory!

The evening was capped off with a celebration of a special birthday and yummy dessert!

Seasons of Life

As the holidays wrapped around into a new year life happened. On January 7 our sister in law Colleen Cossette went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly. Joy mixed with sorrow as her son, after working to immigrate for 17 years, was finally approved 10 days later. Richard was blessed to officiate the Memorial Service for the family. Our prayers continue for Richard's brother Bob as he recuperates from a broken rib, pneumonia, and the loss of his dear wife.

NorthEast Reg'l Directors Meeting

Every year our Regional Field Director, Natasha Hope, gathers the men & women who are key leaders in our region for a short retreat.

This year we used the book The Enemies of Excellency by G. Salciccioli as a jumping off place for discussion and prayer. We each prepared an assigned chapter in advance to share. Powerful and thought provoking, the book was a catalyst as our sharing times advanced in practicality and depth.

We also got an inside look into M28; a new style of student outreach that ISI is developing using a model from D.Watson & P.Watson, and adapting it to reach international students.

We are excited about the potential this has for expanding outreach locally and internationally as students take what they learn back to their native lands.

What a blessing to have this time together, away! Thank you, Natasha!

Joyous Christmas and Blessed New Year!

We were so blessed to have these wonderful family members home for the holidays! Thank you for coming! It really does make the season bright to be surrounded by family!