We Wish you a Merry Christmas! Thanks for a great 2022!

  

Christmas 2022

Dear Family and Friends,

We have heard so many times in the last few weeks how fast people feel this year has gone. To be honest, we can’t disagree. How is it December already? Yet, as we reflect, we realize just how much we have accomplished and how many we have been blessed to minister to!

After two years of not being able to really travel due to Covid, we were finally able to make two international trips this year. There were additional steps to take to make those travels, but it felt so good to get to visit with our precious missionaries again where they serve. In February, we traveled to Kenya with Jeff and Christine Stanfield for our sixth trip there in the last eight years. We had many opportunities to meet with several one on one as well as deliver Valentines Treats to the kids and adults. Ned was able to spend a whole day in surgery with Dr. Ben Roberts as he performed several cataract surgeries, giving sight or improved sight to many. Ned loved this opportunity. And to think that when we got married, he didn’t even like hospitals. We also got to do something that we had not been previously able to do there and that was to take a short Safari, spending two nights “glamping” in the Masai Mara. We were able to see animals in the wild that absolutely amazed us. It was such a blessing and one we highly recommend if you ever find yourself in Kenya!

Then in March we were excited to be able to travel to Paraguay with our teammates Greg and Teresa Leeth and hang out with the teens for sessions while the adults had theirs…we don’t know how the teens felt, but we had a blast! We took the missionaries out for a boat ride and ice cream and spent time
just hanging with each one, listening to their hearts. It’s the part of what we do that we cherish the most!

In May we traveled to Arizona to lead a retreat for our missionary team that serve in various missionaries with Native Americans. Once again, we had many opportunities to just spend one on one time with them as well as lead sessions twice a day about walking with Jesus in His easy yoke. Our hostess on the trip was one of our favorite people, Laura Lee. Sadly, just weeks after that retreat, she lost her life in a car accident. This was a huge loss for her fellow workers, those she ministered to, her family, and those of us who loved her dearly.

In August we were blessed to have a family reunion near Gatlinburg with many cousins and one remaining aunt on Marlene’s mom’s side. Just being with family for a few days warmed our hearts for sure. Including that week, we were able to spend a good bit of time with our grands, Rowen (6) and Elliot (3). We have so much fun when we are together and bonus when we get to be with their mommy and daddy and uncles, too.

Besides these ministry travels we attended various trainings we worked with our awesome team to lead three at headquarters for missionaries coming off from their Field of service to do home ministry assignment. This Renewal time gives us opportunity to love on them and walk with them and their children as they transition back to the States.

We stand in awe at how blessed we are to do this ministry that God has called us to and how grateful we are for you who stand with us through prayer and giving. Do you know we pray for you also? If there is ever anything that we can pray with you about, please feel free to let us know! In the meantime, have a blessed and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. May YOUR light shine brightly for others in the year to come.

If you would like to support our ministry with World Gospel Mission with a special end of the year gift, we welcome your participation with us in this important ministry. Your giving enables us to continue to spread the Good News of Jesus around the world.

Thank you for your gift and for your prayers.

If you wish to make a donation on line you can go to the following secure giving site:

www.wgm.org/mcgrady

OR

You can mail your check with McGrady Ministry in the memo line to:

WGM

Box 948

Marion, IN 46952

 

Blessings,

Ned and Marlene