December, 2009
The Johnson Family Journal
The last three fourths of 2009 have been some of the most emotionally charged months of our family’s lives. In April, we experienced the sudden loss of our sister in law, Susan Johnson (age 42). In May, we lost our Sr. Pastor’s wife from Y.C.C., dear friend and mentor Aldeana Hinkle (age 66). In June, we lost Steve’s grandfather; Gabriel Gomes (age 87). In September, we lost my former father in law, Jack Kramer (age 88). Although we felt such tremendous loss with each of these graduations, we rejoice in the memories, and praise God for the gift of their lives here on earth. We celebrate with the angels in heaven over their promotions.
In June, we also celebrated one of the most joyous occasions of this year; our daughter, Nicole, wed Joel McCoy of Bakersfield. It was an incredible day of blessing as we celebrated the union of two young Christian lives becoming one. Nicole was the most beautiful bride – ever, and Joel wore the biggest grin you can imagine as they were joined in matrimony. They now reside in La Veen, Arizona, where Joel has been serving as Music Pastor at La Veen Baptist Church.
Also in June, Steve and several of the men within the Hands of Mercy ministry were able to serve and fish in Alaska. They were part of a building crew for Knepper’s Alaskan Fish Camp, Ninilchik, Alaska (A Christian ministry in the wilds of Alaska). They fished!
July and August brought many groups to Rancho Casitas which kept us out of any other trouble. We had seen quite a reduction in the size of our groups with the fall out fear of the Swine Flu and reports of violence. We also began the life changing tour from Focus on the Family entitled The Truth Project. We have been so challenged and drawn closer to our Lord by this tour.
By mid September, both boys were out of braces and in the 4th and 6th grades. Steve has stepped up as their new Math and Bible teacher beginning their days. Now I am free to catch up on Soap Operas and eat Bon Bons – Ha! Steve took a 12 day sabbatical for a short term mission trip to Ethiopia. In his absence, things really began to heat up, literally! A fire began east of Rancho Casitas on September 23rd, and by Steve’s return on the 28th it had moved within a mile or so of us. On the morning of the 29th, approximately 25 Bomberos and 80 Militarios had moved into the area. With the assistance of a helicopter they began to monitor and fight the fire. We were blessed by the opportunity to witness, feed, and provide shelter to those who stayed in camp.
On October 1st the fire reached the Ranch. It was as if God drew a line on the property just short of our homes, and allowed them to be spared. There were so many miracles witnessed during that time; too many to list in this newsletter. Go to our website at www.handsofmercy.com to read more about the fire and view some of the pictures.
In November we were invited by Calvary Bible Church of Bakersfield to build homes in Mulege which had been ravaged by Hurricane Jimena on September 2nd. We built 5 homes in three days and 5 souls were saved for the kingdom. We rounded out November with a trip to The Bridge in Bakersfield for their Mission Sunday, our 1st Thanksgiving at Rancho Casitas, and Micah’s 11th birthday.
As always, we are so grateful that God brought us here and allows us to serve Him in this place. In the words of Brian McCoy, “We thought we might have been a prescription for Mexico, but as it turns out; Mexico has been a prescription for our family.”God is doing a mighty work in our lives; molding and changing us in the process. We are also grateful for all the saints who faithfully support us in prayer and finances. You are our lifeline and we praise God for all of you! We wish you blessings for Christmas and the New Year to come. May you draw ever closer to our Lord and Savior and know His presence in deeper ways.
We’d love to see you this coming year at Rancho Casitas. We’d love to hear from you anytime as well, either via email, snail mail, or phone. Until then, be blessed!
In His love, Steve, Sara Lee, Micah, and Josiah