Sunday, December 16, 2007

Merry Christmas from the Garrett Clan!

2007 has been a very busy year for the Garrett family, and we are delighted to share some highlights with you. First of all, our grandchildren have doubled since last Christmas. We are thankful for the addition of Isaac Hebron Bunts (2/15), Chloe Jewel Garrett (4/22), and Annaliese Hope Marroquin (8/29) to our increasing fold.

Another huge highlight was the celebration of 30 great years of marriage for Cheri and Jim. When so many marriages are falling apart, it is a real thrill to see God bring us through 30 great years…..we are so blessed to have each other!

Jim finally completed his doctoral studies at Ashland Theological Seminary and is now officially Dr. James Garrett. PTL! Clearly, such a feat could not have been accomplished without the assistance of a loving wife who continually was saying “Write!,” a great daughter (Crystal) who stood as Field Advisor, two great kids (Amber & Jamie) who were continually asking how Dad was doing, and a whole team of others who walked the path alongside. (BTW, special thanks to Aunt Gloria for all your editing and suggestions.)

Cheri is still managing the office staff at Fallen Timbers Family Physicians. This is a continual challenge with much opportunity to share the love of Jesus and experience personal growth.

Jim is administrating Fountain City Christian School where he also teaches Latin 1, 2, 3, and 4. Additionally, he has the blessing of working with about 25 Bryan High School students in Latin 2, 3, and 4. Jim also is Adjunct Professor at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland where he currently teaches Foundations of Bible Study to about 30 graduate students. This is the fruit of God speaking to Jim that as he walked in obedience to God he would be used to touch many through teaching and passing on the passion to others.

Jim and Cheri continue their pastoral ministry through the Oasis. Although they have formerly been ministering in Dundee, MI and Sylvania, OH, they are now ministering this same thing in Napoleon, OH. God seems to be opening a door to plant a new work in this area.

Crystal and David are still living in Maumee, OH. Crystal teaches English with her dad out at Fountain City Christian School and David still works as a Chemical Engineer at Brush Wellman in Elmore, OH. Their son Isaac is a delight to everyone who sees him, and he continues to grow healthily and strong, dancing to every bit of music he hears.

Amber and Ed are still living in Bolingbrook, IL (Chicago). Amber continues to work as a neo-natal nurse at Edwards Hospital and Eddie ministers as media pastor at a large, Pentecostal church in the Chicago area. Their two girls, Aubrianna and Annaliese, continue to woo everyone who sees them with their beauty and their charm.

Jamie and Crystal now live in Bryan, OH where they are both busy in the food preparation industry and where Jamie is getting his college education back on track. Their children Christian, Carson, and Chloe are absolute baby dolls as they smile, laugh, and make funnies for everyone around them to enjoy.

We give Jesus all the praise and are so thankful for His many blessing in our lives. We are a continually enlarging family and are delighted to serve Jesus with all of our beings.

It is our desire that this Christmas season will be full of the joy of Jesus in your life and that the joy of Jesus will overflow on everyone God puts in your path.

Blessings…..Love…..Joy……Hope……Peace!

“Dr.” Jim & Cheri Garrett