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January 17th, 2010

Bloom Newsletter – January 2010

From: John Bloom - School Principal

Dear praying friends,

Since Christmas, we have had about 18 inches of snow in Sweetwater. And much of it is still on the ground. This is very unusual. They did grade the roads so the busses have had little trouble. It has been bitter cold as well so the furnaces have been gobbling up the propane. We ordered propane again last week, much sooner than hoped. But God has wonderfully supplied. We’ve had some water lines break in several of the residences but have not missed any school days. There is more snow expected this week. Even Ruth who really loves snow is beginning to look forward to spring. Pray for God’s continued supply of needed resources.

There continues to be relationship problems in the High School and the community in general – mainly between two large families. The problems resulted in some vandalism to a vehicle at a BB game and the subsequent expulsion of one student. Needless to say these are difficult times and we covet your prayers for wisdom and God’s victory.

We enjoyed the ministry of a group of college students from Cedarville University just before Christmas break. They did special chapel times for both the older and younger students. At least two students trusted Christ at these meetings. Pray that these students will be bold in there faith and grow daily.

We had a great Community Christmas day on Dec 12, 2009 with about 250 in attendance. A group from Woodland Park Community Church came to help. The school students put on a nice program celebrating Jesus’ birth. The church also brought some gifts for our students which we gave out the next week at Kid’s Christmas. A church in Iowa also sent gifts. Ruth thinks the kid’s bags were the best we’ve ever given out.

Kelli Wilson’s cousin Abigail Wilson has come to help as a teacher’s aid. She has already been a big help in grading papers, watching the playground and helping students with math. We rejoice that God has kept the staff basically healthy and encouraged.

Ruth and I enjoyed time over the break with all of our kids and grandchildren. On January 11, James and Eryn welcomed Elanor Noel into the world. Eryn is having some issues related to the birth and will have to stay in bed for several weeks. Pray for her speedy recovery. Thanks so much for your continued prayer and support of our labors here. A reminder also that we have a new phone number. 800-2000-351.

John has been on staff with his wife Ruth since 1988. He is an executive board member of the Mission, the mission staff administrator and elder at the church. At the school he is the principal, teaches high school math, science, physical education, and Bible classes and is also a bus driver. He coaches the volleyball and basketball teams. He also recruits new staff and coordinates the summer youth teams.

January 10th, 2010

New Year Newsletter

From: Kelli Wilson - Junior High Teacher

Dear Friends and Family,

We’ve begun the New Year with a great start! It was nice, as always, to get away for a break. I love my life and job here at the mission greatly. I have a wonderful, albeit, rambunctious class and they were just as ready for a break as I was. Plus there are just some comforts that only family can provide. Speaking of family, my cousin, Abigail, has come to live with Melissa and I for the rest of the school year. She is going to be working as a teacher’s aide. I’m very excited to have her living with me.

As a class we have had a great first week back. We’ve started something new in English class that stretches the comfort level of my students and as their teacher I am very pleased. We are enjoying our study of Moses and God’s demonstration of who He is in our Bible class. Miss Abigail has been helping out everyday in Math and it has enabled me to give more attention to my students who really need help. If only I could split myself into two or three people…

When we arrived back to the mission we received a pleasant surprise, snow! The mission received much snow over the Christmas break (close to 10 inches?). Everything is covered in white with splotches of red dirt showing through. It is quite a sight that once again causes my heart to praise God for His beauty.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers for me, my class, and the mission. I beg you to continue to pray. Pray for the students and community members to have a desire to have a personal relationship with their creator. This year I’ve had the opportunity to see God working in both my students’ lives and the lives of their families. With some students I am greatly encouraged that they not only have the Christian influence of Immanuel Mission School, but they also have the Christian influence of certain family members. With other students, I am greatly encouraged to see their Christian influence that they have on their family. And with other students, I keep praying, encouraged by the fact that my God loves them more than I ever could. Pray for the staff here at the mission; pray for unity and endurance. Pray for me; pray that discouragement will not take a hold in my life and that God will remind me that His strength alone is the only way that I’ll ever be who and what I need to be.

In Him Alone,
Kelli Wilson

Kelli has been on staff since August 2007. She taught 1st Grade during her first year and now teaches Junior High.