As we are starting the new year, we wanted to take a look back at what all 2013 entailed and we thank God for His
provision through it all. We began this journey last January (1/13/13) and it has been remarkable to say the least. We have had great times and a few tough
times, however, we know without God and our ministry partners we would not be
where we are today. We want to thank you for all of your support this year,
whether it was through prayer, financial donations, or physical presence, it
always came when it was needed most. Due to your partnership we have been able
to take the Gospel to some very remote locations here in the United States just
in six short months.
In the
beginning of our journey we weren’t sure how everything was going to work out,
however, the one thing we were confident in was our calling to serve as
missionaries in southern Arizona. We knew that if God called us to this
mission, then He certainly would call others to walk along beside us as we
attempt to take the Gospel to unengaged people right here in our own country.
So we thank you for being obedient to God’s calling in your life as you
responded by partnering with us to help fulfill the Great Commission. God is
working in so many lives here, and we are so blessed to be apart of the work
and to witness the changes people are making due to the movement of God in
their hearts.
Since
arriving in Arizona we have been able to partner with many different people. We
worked along side New Beginnings Church to provide school supplies and
backpacks to over 100 children. The school supplies we had left over were
donated to Gila Crossing Community School on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
First Indian Baptist Church joined us in meeting a need for #2 pencils for
Simpson School an inner city school only a block from our house. We also began
working with Middle Eastern Refugees here in Phoenix and were even able to
furnish an apartment for a family. We work very closely with Eric and Brittany
Gibbs and were able to come along side what they are doing and help in their
largest event of the year, Christmas in the Villages. We provided Christmas
presents for over 150 children most of which were the only presents they will
receive this year.
This is a
short list of the things we have been able to accomplish since we have been here,
all in part due to your partnership in this ministry. The coolest thing to
remember is that behind each one of these stories are real people and real
relationships that we have started. It is through these relationships that we
are able to share the Gospel and see people come to know Christ. This is the
reason we are here, and your support has already had eternal effects on people
from all over the world.
And if we
haven’t thanked you enough, we want to say thanks one more time. THANK YOU! We
are so blessed to have each of you in our lives. Know that we do miss our
friends and family back in Kentucky, but we know that God has a plan for us
here in Arizona and we intend to be faithful in following Him every step of the
way. We pray for our partners daily and it is because of you that we are able
to work out on this mission field. We hope that for you and your family 2014 is all you have ever wanted and more. God Bless you all!
Love,
The Hodges’ Family
Joshua, Deidra, Connaley & Titus
