How many posts of mine have started with a similar tone? Well, here is another. Every year goes by so quick. But, praise God, we somehow keep up. The picture above was taken over the Christmas holidays, so you might think it is the most recent pic of the Cookes. In fact, I’ve since shaved my beard (Christmas is over, so the Santa-look is no longer needed), and Michelle had her hair cut (looking young and vibrant as ever). Both Liberty and Van are still growing; it’s a regular occurrence for them to suddenly be standing beside me—do they want advice! A hug! Just to be near their father! No (but yes), it is simply to gauge our respective heights and see if they are finally taller than dad. I have withstood their height attempts thus far, but 2024 might be the year I lose the crown.

Thank you all for praying for us. Our ministry and service touches many lives. In Michelle’s case, the results are often very evident — the students love her and coming to class! I also enjoy seeing the students I teach move on from our one-on-one classes, taking with them the skills, experience, and confidence which they’ve built up over this past semester. Both of us get opportunities too to talk about God and how he moves in our lives.

I might be coming back to Canada in the early Spring! Our support level has remained low. This hasn’t been helped by the fact that we’ve been away for so long, with our only recent visit being last summer, and short at that. We believe if God wants us here longer, he will move people to contribute. This is the WEC mindset in action—enough people know about us, have heard about us, support us already, that out of all those people surely God can move some to contribute financially and partner with us in this specific time and ministry. “WEC doesn’t make appeals for funds”, but we do share the burden and the ministry God has given us. So, I might see you in a few months!