November/December 2022

Home > November/December 2022

Greetings from Arizona,

It’s hard to believe the fall semester at Indian Bible College (IBC) has come to an end. And, how about 2022? Poof, just about over. Where does the time go?!

Thanksgiving and Joy!

One of the things I‘m very thankful for this season was to see the completion of a 17-month dream of facility expansion on campus. Here’s the story of how this came about.

In early summer 2021 I was walking the campus with members of the President’s Cabinet as they discussed the possibility of turning a storage building into a Fitness Center. This will be a fairly small indoor space of about 475 square feet, but it will be better than nothing for the students and staff to have a place for exercising on campus.

When walking around the building, I noticed that the south end was a solid cinderblock 24-foot wide, 8-foot high wall. Immediately I had the idea of a traverse-climbing wall occupying that space, so I mentioned it to the others and the response was positive. ☺

I began the research and planning last spring, contacted 4 different companies who make the panels and handholds, along with other companies for the rubber mulch and custom tree pads. We made a decision in late June for which companies to use and over the course of several months were able to order and receive the materials, prepare the building space and complete the installation, including tree pads for the 3 trees that are located in the safety pit area.

During the Fall Conference and Preview Days (Nov 14-17), we had a Grand Opening of the climbing wall. It was nice to have the entire staff, student body, guests and even prospective students there to witness the completion of a dream and the blessing of God through His people as donors provided the funding for this development project. What joy!!

Growth and Change in the Student’s Lives

Over the course of the past 4 months, it’s been a blessing to observe the students embrace truth, learn and live with grace, develop friendships, learn to persevere and open their hearts and minds to God’s call on their lives. I’ve been blessed to see them live out what they’re learning in class or through Life Coaching.

In the Personal Development class we finished the semester with the students developing a vision statement and then creating a vision board to present to the class. It’s remarkable to hear about the calling God’s has on their lives and to see them find their purpose for this season of life. Here are a few clips from their statements:

I desire to bring joy to everyone I meet and bring comfort to those who are hurt.

As a vessel for God, in carrying the testimony of Christ, I want to write the stories of those whose voices go unheard. I want to shine a light into the dense darkness by building a refuge place for women and children who are lost and abused.

Leading and influencing is my calling and responsibility.

Personal Notes

Here in Northern Arizona we recently enjoyed a 2-day 10” snowstorm. We’re always glad for the moisture and hoping for much more this winter. Photo above is of my home after the first 7”.

I’ve clung to 1 Corinthians 15:58 these past 4-5 months:

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

I’m thankful for the upcoming break over Christmas before IBC opens back up again on January 2nd. I’ve been weary, often overwhelmed and exhausted with the combination of my work at IBC and all that’s going on at home.

Your prayers are appreciated for the necessary rest and rejuvenation over these last two weeks of December.

Also, for the past several weeks in trying to help my cat, Akela, to find stabilization with his diabetes situation I’ve had a glucose sensor attached to him in order for me to regularly know his blood glucose numbers. The hope is to understand if changing types of insulin is necessary or finding out other information that could be helpful from the results.

Please pray for insight, wisdom and positive results to come from Akela wearing the glucose sensor. Thank you!

Year End Ask – Support Raising

Reliant Mission is offering their missionaries a slight raise in January 2023 to help with inflation. Therefore, I can raise some additional support to cover that increase. Please consider a year-end gift and/or an increase in your regular support. My goal is to raise $350 in monthly support.

In addition, my almost 9-yr old refurbished computer is no longer functioning well. I would like to pursue getting another laptop (maybe new instead of refurbished) in the coming months. Therefore, I would like to raise $2,500 or more in special one-time giving for that ministry purchase.

If donations/gifts arrive at Reliant Mission before December 31st, 2022 those gifts are tax-deductible for this year. Giving information is in the contact box below. Please let me know if you have questions or need assistance.

Give securely online: http://www.reliant.org/linda.kitchen Click on “Give” (you will need to create an account ID if you don’talready have one). OR make a check out to Reliant Mission Please write “FD9740, L. Kitchen” on the memo line. Include your donor account #, if you have one.

Mail to: Reliant Mission 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100 Orlando Florida 32832-7106

Thank you for your prayerful consideration.