Let's Glory Together in the Purpose of God!

Dear Friends, Family and Partners,

As this year approaches its end we thought we would give you a brief update on all that has and is happening as we press on in our assignment.

So much of our journey here in Kansas City has been an eye opening challenge and experience, but a glorious one for sure! As I, Craig, continue to grow in my new assignment as “Dean of Men” at IHOPU we continue to follow the winding path of faith before us. In the ministry of IHOP-KC as a whole the Lord continues to build and sustain us in our primary callings of ministry as the prayer room (now 22yrs of 24/7 prayer and worship) stays steady, the Forerunner message continues to grow in understanding and the prophetic history of our calling becomes clearer and clearer.

The University is growing more and more as we continue to transition to our “flipped” classroom style that is fully online and on campus. Flipped is an expression we use in how the classroom teaching functions. In a brief explanation it means that the students cover the material given by the teachers in short 10 to 15 minute videos that are then talked and discussed in the classroom setting. This helps the students to apply the teaching at a much higher level and not just come and listen to a lecture and go home. This is all done with an online and on-campus interactive classroom setting. Students from overseas take part in the live discussions in real time with the on campus students. It has produced a new learning dynamic in so many ways!

My part and Katie’s, as she is part of the “Dean of Women’s” team, is primarily pastoral care for the student body. We spend much of our week helping young men and women navigate the challenges of life. Our society and culture in so many ways is moving contrary to the purposes of God and we want to help and encourage our students to reach for purity and holiness. It is glorious to see this generation leaning with such zeal into the heart of our Father in heaven and the purpose of His kingdom as He prepares His church for Christ Jesus return. We long to see the purposes of God manifest in His church and in many ways we are able to help young men and women navigate the unique challenges to how this is worked out in their lives.

Our children are spread out from Colorado to Florida and this is always tough to live so far from our kids and grandchildren. Our parents are facing the challenge of what it means to get old and that is hard for us to be so far away and only being able to help from time to time with short visits. Katie goes back to Florida as often as she can to help with her mom and stepfather as they have decided to move to an assisted living facility. It is a nice, clean and safe place for them in this season of life which is good. Mom and Dad in Titusville are doing well physically but mom is dealing with dementia. My (Craig) sister and brother are there to help dad in this season which is a gift in itself for me to stay on the wall of my assignment here more fully!

As a whole, life is on a rapid pace here in KC with so much transition and challenge as we stay steady on the wall of intercession in the prayer room and carry on our assignment to speak into the lives of the precious students here at the university. Pray for us that we keep our efforts fixed on the purpose of God as He raises up this next generation to proclaim the gospel and prepare for His return and all the end time dynamics that are coming to pass.

We so, so appreciate the amazing support so many have and are giving us in this day. We often long to see you face to face and pray that will come to pass soon! With all the coming and going with our ministry and our travel back and forth to Florida to visit our parents in this season of life, we could always use some additional help financially if the Lord would put it on your hearts. We long for your prayers for wisdom and clarity on the Lord’s timing as we continue to stay steady these days.

Send us a note if you are able to let us know how you are doing as we would love to hear from you and hear of your faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus!

Bless you all much in this glorious hour we live, as we see the time of our Lord’s return approaching. We ask the Holy Spirit to multiply His grace and presence in your lives and the lives of your families. Let us praise His name together!