Christmas Greetings from the Consfords

Dear Family and Friends,

As 2024 comes to an end, to reflect on God’s goodness, our year we would like to share.

The year began with Gilbert in Ghana continuing his missions internship there.

A special bond with the children of Mt. Calvary Fundamental Baptist Church he made.

When it came time for him to leave, the children held on to him wishing he could have stayed.

The Weidos came in January, the PK Conference to attend.

It is always fun when time with family we can spend.

Grandma, the Weidos, and Nana and Papa came to graduation when Danny completed his senior year in May. 

After his own school’s graduation, Grandpa quickly followed the very next day.

Joe went to Ghana in June to accompany Gilbert on his way home.

Joe had a great time preaching and seeing friends as in Ghana he did roam.

We enjoyed having Gilbert home for a few weeks and made a family trip to Nebraska with him.

We stopped in OKC to see my parents on the way and then enjoyed a few days with Grandpa Davis and Grandma Linda, and even took a jeep ride on the rim.

We stopped at Sharon’s house for a night; then, Bonnie and I left the boys in Dwight, Illinois, for football camp; we had a plan.

We stopped in Ohio to visit the Crabtrees and then went on to West Virginia to see the Nelson clan.

At the end of August, Gilbert headed to Providence Baptist College in Elgin, Illinois, for his next adventure to begin.

It is a blessing to see him growing in the Lord and his desire for souls to win.

Also in August, Danny began EMS classes with the intent of using that on the mission field someday.

He has a tender heart and likes to help others along their way.

This school year, along with taking Bible Institute classes at our church, Danny is coaching basketball at our Christian school.

He stays busy with church activities, class preparation, his lawn business, and attempting to practice the golden rule.

Time keeps flying as Bonnie is in her junior year of high school now.

She cleans our AirBnbs, likes to bake, plays the organ, is on the volleyball team, and manages to get all of her school work done somehow.

We got to see Gilbert in November for Thanksgiving for a short time.

With the opportunity to go hunting and shoot a doe, he was feeling sublime.

He won’t make it home for Christmas this year.

A missions trip to Mexico with a group from the college will bring him great cheer.

Joe went back to Ghana with Missionary James Ruckman for a short trip in December.

He preached in several different churches; it is a trip he will fondly remember.

Joe and his parents stay busy at the hardware store during the week; Joe enjoys teaching a Sunday school class for new members at church.

This year, he started in Genesis and is going through the Bible story by story; all are learning many things as through the Scriptures we do search.

I am still teaching English in the school at our church in Center.

Investing in the lives of students is a worthy endeavor.

May each of you enjoy the time spent with family and friends during this Christmas season,

Always remembering that the birth of Jesus is the reason.

Love,

Joe, Laura, Gilbert, Danny, and Bonnie Consford