We're quickly approaching the end of a very snowy winter here in Manali. We've enjoyed the past months of peaceful quietness, lively conversation around our wood stove, exciting travel with several of our youth, and fun in the snow. Soon it will be time to go back to school, work, and regular youth activities.

Please pray for us as we begin this new year, which officially starts in March. Pray especially for wisdom as we meet and decide how to carry out plans for the youth. Some of the thoughts we have been having run along these lines:

Testimony. We hope this will be a year of growth in boldness in our teenagers. Many of them believe, and now we feel it's time for them to proclaim the truth without fear. A verse that comes to mind is Matthew 16:15, "But who do you say that I am?" We hope they will reply as surely as Peter did, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."

Our friend Walker taught us a song this past year that says, "You have come to save, you have come to change the world through us but change us first." May each of us and our youth be open to the changes God want to make in us, changes that will allow the world around us to see Jesus.

We have a large group coming to visit this summer. Pray that we will plan well for them and that their time here will be fruitful.

This June we will have been in Manali for four years. Continue to pray for guidance as we wait on the Lord for His timing and direction in our lives. Also pray for His will as we apply to extend our work visa for another year this July.

We hope to visit the US for Christmas this year, 2012. It will be the first Christmas we have spent at home since 2008. Pray that the Lord will give us strength and peace as we wait a while longer to see our families and friends.

And thank you. Thank you so much for your encouragement, your support, your prayers, and mostly for your love.

PRAY, Come and visit, Keep in touch.

With love,
Grant and Charlene