EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT EDENRIDGE

There’s a sense of unparalleled progress, unity, and excitement on the grounds of EdenRidge!  
 
Our full-time Hospitality Directors, Vaughn and Maralee Groen, are here and making a huge difference assisting guests with their needs prior to and at the time of their visit. We are blessed to have an amazing staff that is united in the vision and mission of the ministry.
 
The construction of the Welcome Center and World Missions Park is under way and will be a game-changing facility in so many ways.
 
We have put together an EdenRidge 2.0 Team and its members will begin work in the spring regarding the future of EdenRidge. Lots of great things are coming on the horizon.
 
More than anything, our guests continue to be thrilled with their experience at EdenRidge. This year we expect to welcome over 1,500 missionaries from around the world! These are truly thrilling days! 
 
To meet our team of dedicated volunteers and staff that make all of this possible, please visit www.EdenRidge.org/staff.
 
As always, we are so thankful for your prayer and financial support for EdenRidge. You are helping us provide rest to thousands of missionaries. Thank you for partnering with us.
 
Oliver
 

CURRENT NEEDS
We’re looking for a good used van (mini or full size) for our Housekeeping team. If you have a van you may be interested in donating or selling for a good price to EdenRidge, we’d love to talk with you! Please contact Oliver Dossmann at oliver@edenridge.org.

THE EXTRAORDINARY MISSIONARY

Newlyweds John-Mark & Alyssa Freeman fit quite nicely in the role of Extraordinary Missionary this month. They serve with Compassion Corps International in New Orleans, Louisiana, facilitating Bible classes, serving the homeless, and ministering at the local rescue mission, along with running a 9-month missions training program for interns who come from all over the U.S. and Canada. This culminates in short-term mission trips.
 
A unique part of their ministry happens during Mardi-Gras. Since the parade goes right by their church, their team has the opportunity to ask important questions and lead individuals to Jesus through conversation.
 
John-Mark & Alyssa recently sought rest at Eden Ridge.  John-Mark said, “We live in the big city of New Orleans and we are busy! Coming to EdenRidge was a gift. God’s beautiful creation abounds there all around us. It helped us to stop for just a little bit.”
 
“We had the opportunity for a much needed time of relaxation, peacefulness, and a vital disconnect from our noisy city life,” exclaimed Alyssa.
 
When asked what they would say to other missionaries who are thinking of coming to EdenRidge, they suggested, “Stay put and relax, don’t plan a lot, pray/fast, get refreshed, enjoy God’s creation, reflect on ministry and your personal life, and just allow God to do His work.”
 
Join us in praying for John-Mark & Alyssa. To find out more about their ministry, look on their website at joincompassioncorps.com.

THE EDITOR’S CORNER

Carving out time for themselves is not a common thought for missionaries. Living a life serving others often takes priority over self. There is always so much to do and once tasks have been completed, there is always one more to fill up that line on the ‘to do’ list. 
 
It’s a proven fact that when ministers and missionaries fail to seek rest, burnout can quickly follow. Lack of rest can sap your energy, eagerness, and enthusiasm, which is not a great way to start out a new year.
 
Rest was important to our Lord. He showed us that taking time to restore our souls, prepares us to serve with a renewed spirit and a strong heart for others. In Genesis 2:2-3, the Lord shows us that rest is an activity that even He engaged.
 
Whether you choose EdenRidge to find rest this year or another resource, open your calendar and block out some time now. Make it part of your ‘to do’ list.
 
Let rest be a New Year’s resolution that you don’t break! 
 
Creatively His, Sue
Editor-in-Chief