Dear Friends,
As I sit to write this letter to you, I remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippian church, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
These words come to mind as I know that we have partners in this work here at Sanctuary Inn. All of us involved in providing this space and place for God’s global workers are partners in this work –staff, board members, volunteers, prayer warriors, generous givers. We are working together to care for those who are going and taking the Gospel to the nations.
Here at Sanctuary Inn we are coming off of a busy summer season of many missionary guest stays, lodge rentals, and several large group events. Even as the seasons are changing there have been shifts in our world too. We want you, our partners in ministry, to know how to pray with us and continue to trust God with us for we know this ministry belongs to Him.
Calvin Tadema, who has been our board chair and a godly leader for this ministry since its inception is now facing a diagnosis of a brain tumor. Symptoms began on Sept. 15th as he and his wife, Julie, were in Arizona teaching. They are now back home here in the NW and are seeing physicians this week and getting a treatment plan in place. The physicians in AZ who first discovered the tumor stated that the location of the tumor in the brain made the tumor inoperable. Yet, it is a kind of tumor that typically responds well to treatment. We ask you to pray with us for healing and for wisdom for the physicians and strength and grace for Calvin & Julie Tadema. If you want to follow along with their journey and know better how to pray, please see their Caring Bridge page.
Anna Abbott had ankle surgery on September 3rd. She is still recovering from her surgery. Please pray for complete healing of her ankle ligaments and patience with the healing process.
Joann Price’s mother who is in her 90s had a health crisis on Sept. 21st. Please pray for healing for her body and peace for her mind. Also pray for wisdom for the family as they navigate how best to care for her as her needs are changing. Please pray for Steve and Joann as they navigate juggling family needs and ministry responsibilities.
In October we are also seeking to resolve an issue that has come up with Clackamas County as we want to move forward with plans and permits for remodeling our large “Inn” building. We ask you to join us in prayer for favor with the county officials and that this issue can be fully resolved.
We want/need to meet our financial budget as we close out the fiscal year this December. We invite you to pray with us for God’s abundant provision. We want to continue to bless and care well for all who come.
Borrowing some of the Apostle Paul’s words and sentiment. We here at Sanctuary Inn are so thankful every time we remember you and pray for you. We have great joy in partnering with you. We are grateful for your prayers and support. And we are grateful that God is the one at work in and through us all–good times and hard times–to bring Him glory. He who began a good work in each one of us will see it through to the end when Jesus comes again!
Thank you for being our partners. Please let us know how we can be praying for you too.
Kara Githens and the Sanctuary Inn Team
(Care Coordinator)