2025 — A Year Very Full of God’s Blessings

Looking back at this year, I am overwhelmed by the number of blessings God has bestowed on us, our family, and ministries around the world. The Spirit of God has been calling people to salvation and life by the many hundreds. What greater blessing is there??

We began the year living with Andy’s dad, Doug, desiring to find a place that was right for all three of us. And in March, God provided “…above and beyond all that we thought to ask…” We found a ranch-style house with one bedroom/bath upstairs. It has room in the garage for tools and storage. The yard was an added blessing, showing off marvelous flowers. And in November, we had all of our family (including Doug) spend the night. What joy. The grands got to tromp through the woods, collect sticks and leaves, spotted several deer and a barred owl. It was a marvelous gift of time together.

Thanks to cheap airfares we have made it back to Orlando, the office, and the grand girls there several times this year, including for the girls’ birthdays (February and April). We enjoy getting back into the office to see coworkers, and the friends we’ve known for 30+ years. It is good for my soul.

Living only 90 minutes away allowed us several visits to Greenville/Spartanburg. We saw both Rachel and Preston; as well as Becca, Zach, Murphy, and Jameson. It is a joy to be close and want to be together.

July took us to Milwaukee for two weeks. We saw the blessing of our hard work bring forth a well-run conference. Andy and I were able to find time with many friends, we celebrated 41 years as Cru staff, and Andy’s databases ran extremely well. The conference was very well received by our staff and partner ministries. We are planning to be back in Milwaukee in the summer of 2028.

The school year started with a bang on college campuses around the country, with ministry exploding everywhere. It has been such a privilege to help write the stories about lives being changed by Christ. In late September we got to help Doug celebrate his 90th birthday. The eldest Kellogg, Jeff, came in from Ohio, and youngest Kellogg Bruce made a marvelous dinner featuring many of dad’s favorites.

August, September, and October were full of paint! Andy and Doug used 18+ gallons to paint all of the rooms and ceilings in our new place. It was marvelous to watch the two of them work together. There were many trips to Home Depot (a favorite for this duo). Dad also helped Bruce get his house ready to sell, and then helped in the new house, covering holes and building shelves.

As I mentioned, all of our branch of the Kellogg family gathered in our home at Thanksgiving. What joy! We got to eat with Bruce’s branch (Bruce, Tonya, Isaac, and Alaina).

We ended the new year with Andy taking his first international trip, to Cameroon, Africa. More about that next month. Doug and I held down the fort while he was away. As always, we owe all of this to you, your partnership and your prayers. Merry Christmas to all!