Merry Christmas to All

Well, Christmas (the event - packages, etc.) is mostly past, though Christmas day is not even half over. It is amazing how good God has been, even in just the past few weeks. Mom and Dad were able to come visit for a week, even though their car was remodeled and is in the shop. Some of the items we were hoping to get for the kids were on really good sales; the weather has been pleasant (as pleasant as mid-December can be). God has just showered poured dumped His blessings upon us. Later today we will gather with the whole family and celebrate Christmas together with them. Christmas is indeed all about the coming of the Savior, but one of the ancillary benefits is the opportunity to spend time with family. It is especially wonderful when that family shares a common love for God and the things of God. My God not only meets my needs, but He also provides so many things that can only be described as wants. When one thinks of missionaries or military that can not spend the holidays with family, it makes such a time even more special when it can be done. I am so thankful to God for the family He has given, both my natural family and my family by marriage. The greatest gifts that we have cannot be purchased on Amazon or at WalMart; they come only from God. He sent His Son to offer salvation. He places us in the families that He ordains. He gives health and protection. He alone can meet our needs and give us provision. He is a great and wonderful God.

One of the interesting things about Christmas is the time that we celebrate Christmas. In the Old Testament, often we find a statement that says something like "in the third month, on the twelfth day of the month," something happened. Yet when it came the birth of the Messiah, there is no direct statement of the time and very little implication about the time. The time that we celebrate Christmas is not what is important, else God would have had the gospel writers record the date. What is important is that we take the time and reflect on the work of God and the gift that He has offered through Jesus Christ His Son. The Bible tells us that salvation is only available through Christ. No matter what we accomplish in life; no matter how much we accumulate, we can never gain entrance into God's family. That comes only receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. We hear it often said that we need to celebrate Christmas throughout the whole year and not just at Christmas time, yet we often get so caught up in our routines that we neglect to mediate on our God and the many blessings that He has given us. At this Christmas season, let each of us commit to making Jesus Christ the central focus of our lives. Merry Christmas.

The Walker’s Christmas Epistle (e-version), version 21

My, what a year this has been. God has showed a step or two of the road ahead, but we still wait on Him for what the future holds. Here is a mini-recap of the year.

With the move and the changes in life, there was basketball for the kids as the year began, but not for Johnny. It felt odd, but this is what God has at this time. As you might expect, school and school activities dominate the calendar.

This year, we celebrated birthdays 44 (Johnny & Becky), 15 (Justin), and 12 (Brianna). We also celebrated anniversary 21 for Johnny & Becky.

Becky is the Assistant Office Manager at Country Meadows of Hershey. Her job is a 25-45 minute commute (depending on traffic) from the house. Unfortunately, she has to work every other weekend, but at least she has consistent work.

Johnny began the year working part-time at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy. Beginning in March, he added evenings at FedEx Express to his work schedule. He continued at FedEx until late August, when he began full-time ministry at Emmanuel. This year he is teaching Physical Science (9), Earth Science (7-8), Math 7, Consumer Math (12), and Elementary Computer (1-6). Johnny also coached the school volleyball teams. The varsity team finished runner-up at the state tournament.

Justin is now a sophomore in high school while Bri is in 7^th grade. Both kids are able to participate in sports: basketball (both), soccer (Justin), and volleyball (Brianna) at EBCA. As we enter the winter, both kids are preparing for basketball season. They also sing in the choir and play the handbells. Justin is playing the trumpet; Brianna plays the flute. For the second time Justin was able to participate in the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir. The 170 voice choir put on two concerts in the rotunda at the PA capitol. It was thrilling to see and hear. Also, Justin was admitted to the Honor Society this year. Both kids are doing very well in all that they do.

Speaking of winter...well, let’s not. Last winter central PA received more snow than had been received in many years. Johnny and the kids were able to go sledding a number of times, something we never did in Texas. It was a lot of fun. We also had the great “privilege” of shoveling A LOT of snow - didn’t need to do that in TX either.

We know that God is faithful. It has been exciting to see Him accomplish His will. We trust that you will enjoy the blessings of God during this Christmas season.

If you get up our way, give us a call. Friends are always welcomed.

A Blessed Time

It has been a while since I last updated, mostly due to typing tests and quizzes, volleyball (coaching, and tournament), and other causes of general busyness. It has been quite busy lately, but all has been good. God has been blessing and meeting needs.

The last half of October was BUSY with volleyball games. The varsity team participated in the KCEA (Keystone Christian Education Association) AA Volleyball Tournament. The team played exceptionally well, missing the title by one point. I was very proud of their effort. They put up with a lot throughout the season, having what amounted to a rookie coach. I had coached volleyball before, but it was years ago and the game has changed radically since I last coached VB. The girls had a new coach and a new system with little time to adjust. They really played well, especially during the tournament. The team that defeated us in the championship game had played in the finals perhaps three of the last four years, winning two of those years.

This week (Nov 15-18) I attended a Student Leadership Conference with 20 students from Emmanuel. There was a total of 120 students present at the conference. We had a tremendous week. Keven Brownfield was the preacher, while Chad Williams was the teacher. The young people from EBCA learned much and have a great desire to apply what they learn. I am looking forward to seeing the work of God in their lives in the days to come. I have attended many of these conferences over the years and I am continually reminded of the impact the preaching/teaching has. The material is regularly updated, the speakers change... the conference stays fresh and new to the students. It is a tremendous tool in young lives.

We returned to EBCA on Thursday afternoon and then 19 students from EBCA left for KCEA All-State Choir rehearsal. This is a great event that is an annual highlight for the students. Students go through an audition process and those that are accepted have the opportunity to participate in 2 concerts in the PA capitol rotunda. The sound is awesome in that setting. The choir had 170 members; they sounded wonderful.

Much more is going on, but time does not allow elaboration. Enjoy.

An Encouraging Walk

On Tuesday of this week, Justin was admitted as a member of the National Honor Society. Bec & I were so pleased, and yes, even proud. While Justin is still growing and maturing, the growth in the last year or so has been amazing. Both of the children are doing marvelously well, involving themselves in so many areas, including athletics, music, art, etc. I stand back as a dad and just breathe out thanks to God for all that He has done. It has been wonderful to see. Psalm 40:5 tells us of David's feeling that God's works were many and wonderful; all I can say is that I whole-heartedly agree. They are more than can be numbered and greater than I can understand. Congratulations Justin and Brie! I am proud of both of you.

What a Wonderful Walk

Well, last week was the annual Keystone Christian Education Association (KCEA) Teachers' Conference at Willow Valley resort just south of Lancaster. It was a two day event (Thur-Fri) with great keynote speakers and NUMEROUS workshops. It was very well done. One of the great blessings here at EBCA is that the ministry pays for the hotel room for the family, if they are able to attend. We had a wonderful time. Bec was able to take some time off from work and join us at the resort. She spent most of her time working on devotionals for upcoming speaking opportunities. Possibly the best part of the event was seeing both Justin and Brie serving. Some of the teens from EBCA attend the conference to help with the technology team. KCEA records most of the workshops to make them available for CD purchase. The teens help deliver mics and digital recorders to the various speakers and then retrieve the equipment and take it to the tech leaders. It was super to see them involved and helping, all the while having a great time. I loved the conference, but it was equally good to see the Walker clan enjoying themselves.

Volleyball season is about halfway over. The varsity team is doing well; junior high is progressing. The girls really are great. Tonight on the way back from a varsity game, the team sang hymns and gospel songs most all the way home. It was such a blessing to hear them sing and enjoy what they were singing.

The school year is well under way. It has been very busy so far, with new classes, volleyball, senior class projects, etc. I really enjoy it, but it sure does keep me busy. The kids are doing well in school. They are involved in everything that they can do, from art to music to sports. God has greatly blessed our family and He continues to do so. He is so very wonderful to us.

The End of the Path

The most recent path we have been on found me spend weekday evenings "tossing" boxes (carefully stacking, for those who ship overnight packages). That path came to an end Friday night as I finished my time at FedEx Express. I really did enjoy the time there and the job was greatly used by God to meet the needs of the family throughout the summer. It was supposed to be 20ish hours per week; throughout the summer I have been over 30 hours every week. I tried to figure out how I could teach and keep the evening job, allowing us to prepare for a house purchase at whatever time God allows and, looking ahead, Justin's college in just a couple of years. I could have done both jobs, but I was leaning (85%+) to dropping the evening work when I was asked if I could coach volleyball at EBCA this year. I enjoy volleyball and I have coached before, but I gave that up probably 12 years ago and the game has changed significantly since then. Since I can only be in one place at a time, at least until cloning is perfected, I needed to relinquish my position at FedEx.

Back to volleyball. There is a missionary on deputation in the church and he just happens to be a volleyball coach. He is coming in to assist with practices, teaching the girls and me at the same time. We should have a pretty good varsity team this year; the junior high team will be a work in progress as they are young and inexperienced. The best part of coaching is, obviously, McDonald's after away games.

Now for the day job. I will be teaching a potpourri of classes this year -- two mid-level science classes, one junior high math class, yearbook, elementary computer, and Rosetta Stone (no teaching, just supervising). I will be stretched for sure; I have taught most of these classes before, but it has been a while. None of them are in my primary fields, but I am looking forward to it.

So, one path comes to and end and a new road lies before us. I am thankful for the opportunity and relish the challenge to serve our great God and seek to have a Godly impact on the lives of the students. Oh, by the way, we are still waiting for guests. Come visit sometime.

one Year Later

My, what a year it has been. One year ago the Walkers left the Rio Grande Valley and headed to points unknown. Hebrews 11:8 was sort of the theme for the trek: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." We moved to PA so that we might await the leading of God as He directed to the next place of service. With Bec's folks living in Hershey, we had a place to stay that was near a major airport (BWI) and major interstates so that we could travel to look at schools, if need be. One year later, we are still here in the Harrisburg area, specifically Mechanicsburg, looking ahead to the privilege and opportunity to serve here at Emmanuel. God has shown what we could not know -- whither we went." Not only did God know where we were going, why we were going, and for what were we going, He has shown His provision along the way.

As we were preparing to leave Texas, a large number of folks from Faith helped load the moving trucks. Their generosity and strong backs are still appreciated. Loading would not have been possible with their help. Another great blessing was Nikki Irvin taking her time to help drive up to PA. She was a great help.

Since we arrived in PA, we have had two Texas friends "come" to visit (actually, they were in the region) and we were able to visit with the FCA seniors for a while when they were on their Senior Trip. Being so far from the RGV, we know we will not be able to see those friends often, so every visit is special.

Over the last year, there have been many times when I have wondered how we got to the point where we are. Prior to last June, there were know plans to leave Texas; we had every intention of continuing at Faith for another seventeen years. Yet, as we look back, it is obvious that God was directing every step of the way. It was similar to the bird learning to fly. It may not be convenient, but it is necessary. God accomplished His purposes in whatever means He chooses. We simply need to submit to His leading and obey His will.

The last year has truly been an adventure, but it has been a time of growth and promise. God has been faithful and has shown Himself to be in control of every situation. We have 17 years worth of friends in Texas and are making new friends after 1 year in PA. Thank you to all who have been a part of our lives over the years.