One Collective—Is it a food co-op? A commune? A think tank? No, it’s the new name for International Teams. For as long as we can remember, the Vision Statement has been:

“To see lives transformed by the power of God.”

That remains our vision; the strength of One Collective is bringing people and organizations together to transform communities in the name of Christ. For more info see: www.onecollective.org/aboutus

After 19 years in its ministry location, One Collective sold its building and is now leasing space, still in Elgin. How has the move impacted Dann? Immensely! There have been multiple technological changes including moving Info Services to the cloud, a four-month process to set up networking and internet at the new location, security locks, and phone system changes—still not quite finalized.

Following the transition of some of our financial staff, Dann has spent a significant amount of time helping the new financial team to learn and understand the systems for tracking finances (giving, accounts payable, payroll and audits) at One Collective. They are a great team, and it has been a blessing to get to know and serve Christ alongside them.

Random Thoughts and Ministry

What does a lunch box have in common with a bag of frozen peas in the bottom of the freezer? Well, with sorting out households of our parents, moving ministry offices, and having our kids all living independently, we have challenged ourselves to take a hard look at our houseful of belongings. We started out the year with a goal of using up, giving away, throwing out, or somehow “finishing” with at least one item per day. We have a long ways to go, but it’s been a good reminder of Jesus’ words,  

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moths and vermin destroy . . . but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21

At the same time we are grateful, because “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,…” (James 1:17). God has blessed us with His abundant provisions. (We gave away the lunch box and ate the peas!)

In March we returned to Ghana with Two Pennies Ministry, our daughter Kyla joining the journey. The time spent deepening our relationships with our African brothers and sisters was the best part. However, God moved in unexpected ways. For example, our hope to investigate solar power for the orphanage turned instead into an installed solar system, providing power for fans and lights for the children. In an effort to provide positive, significant ministry, we are grappling with the ideas presented in the books “Helping Without Hurting” and “Toxic Charity.”

For a closer look at Two Pennies check out:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc8Okt0Ju7I

Family News

What Nancy expected to be a quick outpatient procedure January 30 turned into additional emergency surgery and infection, causing a two-week hospital stay, missing the birth of Rachel’s daughter Eleanor Margaret Lynn on February 10. She is feeling mostly better now and grateful for the prayers and practical help provided during the month off work and time recovering.

Word came from Pennsylvania at the end of March that Nancy’s Mom was entering hospice care. Almost all of the family was able to spend time with her, warm loving moments that will never be forgotten. However, April 22 her life on this earth came to an end. The evidence of her amazing impact was expressed at her memorial service by many who came and spoke, grateful for her friendship, giving, and love from a woman blessed by God.

For many years we adopted and served as foster parents through the Evangelical Child and Family Agency (ECFA). Their spring banquet featured Nancy, Kyla, and Kenneth, Kyla’s birth father, speaking of God’s work in their lives. We were humbled to be part of this amazing testimony. Be in prayer for ECFA as on May 26 fire struck their building, causing extensive damage. Their ministry has continued strong despite working from temporary offices; they hope to return to their renovated building in May of 2019.

Dann joined Elizabeth and Jerry’s family in August for the finalizing of the adoption of Josiah, their fourth. Josiah was born on June 18, 2016.

Michael and Alyssa’s daughter Aliah was born September 27. Michael was given leave from the Navy to attend her birth, and thankfully was able to stay as Aliah faced some early challenges and was hospitalized for nine days. He is currently deployed overseas until April, so please keep Michael, Alyssa, and Aliah in your prayers. We are really looking forward to meeting her!

Danny enlisted in the Army National Guard. He is currently training in truck driving following nine weeks of boot camp. We are proud of him and traveled to Georgia for his graduation from boot camp.

We enjoyed a few weeks with an empty nest, Then in November Rachel, Adam and their four children moved in with us. They expect to stay until the school year ends. Then they plan to relocate to Wisconsin. We are thankful for the time to spend with them all. Here’s to Legos and Matchbox cars on the floor once again!

The times we can all get together are rare but energetic, entertaining, enriching (and exhausting!), making us grateful for each one of our kids and grandkids.

As we continue to serve in our local church and community, we are also grateful for God’s provision and guidance and for your love, friendship and support.

God’s richest blessings to you in 2019.

Love,