“For Sparks, myself, and many others, organic church refers to a body of believers who are learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ together. And out of that living, the church takes on a certain expression. That expression is marked by some of the following features: the every-member functioning of the body, the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ, consensual decision making, open-participatory gatherings, and passing through seasons (meaning the church is not tied down to ritual, but moves according to the season she finds herself in).” —Frank Viola

The delay in our timeline for the move has been so beneficial. Despite keeping us on our toes, it’s been a great time to slow down and get prepared mentally and spiritually for the huge shift in our lives. The last several weeks especially, God has been revealing so much to us through dreams, scripture, revelation and words spoken through others. Every day there is something new God reveals to prepare us. There’s been so much that I started a journal just for the purpose of writing down the directions, purposes, promises + encouragements God has been giving us lately. Keeping it all in one place will be so helpful to us through this journey as we can look back.

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Please pray for our second round of visa applications. They are in the hands of the New Zealand Immigration Consulate as of today! (I just confirmed with the FedEx tracking system.) Please pray for ACCEPTANCE + a quick turn around!!!

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In other news, we are now accepting financial support if you feel led. Just see the SUPPORT tab above. We are so grateful for you seeding into the work God’s gonna do down under. If you want to know MORE about what your support is helping, read through our YWAM involvement page.

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How you can pray today:

• Visa Approval
• God’s timing with when we leave
• Mental stamina as we are still in limbo, waiting for approval
• Unity/Teamwork in our Marriage
• Protection
• Revelation + Encouragement from God
• Prayers for the Althoff + Church families who are seeking direction on being sent to NZ

THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THIS!

2009 was a busy year full of traveling, events + changes. We cherished time we spent with friends and family as we prepared for our big move. Instead of a Christmas newsletter we are posting our happenings here in our 2009 Year in Review:

JANUARY

In January we spent time in Nueva Vallarta, Mexico, with Noah’s family. They own a timeshare and invited us along for a week stay. It was Kate’s first time in the country and a perfect time to escape the cold Colorado winter. Each morning we joined around the balcony table for breakfast, overlooking the resort’s beautiful pools and the Pacific Ocean. The most memorable day was when we all braved the zip lines at Chico Chico Paradise. Soaring along the tree line was remarkable. We also got to see baby turtles released into the ocean, and enjoyed many hours reading under the shade of our palapas. Soon after our return to the States, Noah and I really felt God open the door for the NZ dream to get rolling. It was hard to believe the time had come!

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Last night I stood, completely blown away and humbled to watch strangers, along with familiar faces, stream into the auditorium at Denver Seminary.

Desi Starr + some other friends initiated a send-off for us, for our move to New Zealand. He invited the entire Denver house church network to participate in coming together to listen to God and speak out anything they heard that might encourage, strengthen or guide us as we prepare for the upcoming move.

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Noah was among a group of guys from among the many in the relational Colorado House Church Network discussing the idea that mission is a byproduct of listening. The discussion focused in on the idea that everyone has a mission or calling, but that it must be discovered by listening to God and then acting on what He says. Additionally, the myth that foreign missions are superior to those callings lived out on home soil is discussed and the idea that all mission that flows from listening is equal and powerful.

In mid-December our visa applications were returned to us. We were denied! It was due to some technical concerns, and although we were disappointed, over time we saw how God used the extra time here in the States to line up some things for us before the big move. We reapplied January 22, and expect a response within a month. Please pray for favor + God’s timing!