We are so very thankful as we approach this season of gratitude. With the holiday approaching we are reminded that "Gratitude turns what you have into enough!" We are blessed to have you in our lives and so very grateful for your prayers and support.
Since we wrote to you this summer we have had ministry opportunities to host missionaries home on ministry assignment to provide a time of Renewal and spiritual refreshment to come alongside of them in care support. In September we had 75 Alumni and Retirees come to WGM Marion for a retreat. They were honored and blessed, as this group of heros that have served our Lord so faithfully over the years joined us. Our team prepared and served the meals for this event. (picture in the right corner)
Marlene was able to get all her continuing education credits this year as we attended the American Association of Christian Counselors event in Nashville in September. Over 7000 servants of God conviened at the Opry Land for this inspirational learning event. Christian artist Chris Tomlin and many other renowed artists and speakers provided a fantastic week of learning.(picture in upper left corner) In October we were blessed to attend the Pastors to Missionaries Conference near Ashville, NC where we gathered with member care providers from all around the world in a time of sharing best practices and encouraging teaching. Most recently we went to Lake Michigan to provide a mini reteat for renewal for Aftica based missionaries. (picture lower left corner) and we are particularily thankful for the beautiful sunset the Lord blessed us with one of the evenings during the retreat.
We had a chance to give an update to our home supporting church in Jackson, Michigan last Sunday. It was a blessing to share a snapshot of our ministry and connect with the mission committee at Encounter Church as well as visit and fellowship with great friends. We are so thankful for churches like Encounter that stand with us in regular financial support and prayer support. Partnerships such as these are what makes our ministry possible.
One of the most common questions we are asked is where are you headed next. For nearly 20 years we have been traveling in ministry to 37 countries on 6 continents. In December we will be visiting our Southwest Ministry Center in Pheonix, Arizona. WGM has a rich history and presence amongst the native america population. We look forward to the visit and ministry God has for us there.
We are all aware of the recent hurrican Melissa that hit Jamaica. While we have received word at this time that our missionary serving there is safe, we are also appealing for gifts that will be used for relief and sharing Christ's love. If you wish to donate to this appeal CLICK HERE. Our missionary Deirdre Graham will be assisting persons in Jamaica. Ineterestingly, we had made plans and purchesed tickets to visit Jamaica back in June. We are scheduled to be there in January just after the holidays. We will be intent on going as travel allows in order provide support and ministry there. Meanwhile, please join us in prayer for Jamaica and the ministry of WGM there.
Finally, we want to take this chance to say thank you to you and thank you for your care and support. We are so grateful for each donation that comes in to our ministry and it helps us so much to continue to represent Christ to the nations.
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving and many blesssing from above!
With gratitude,
Ned and Marlene McGrady
Missionaries with World Gospel Mission
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