Dear friends,
We have wanted to write an update for some time, but have been finding it hard to put our experience in California to words. It has been that good. J Nearly five years ago, Amy had a dream that we moved to CA. Though at the time she was pregnant with our first child, in the dream we had a two-year-old son and two daughters. Four and a half years later, as the idea of moving to CA resurfaced, we realized that our circumstances (two daughters and a two-year-old son) now exactly matched the dream. It was the confirmation we needed. Without going into all the details, the end of the dream showed us in a place of freedom, fulfillment, and joy—a place of destiny. That describes perfectly what it has been like for us to be here. God has been blessing us with His presence, with community, with healing, with opportunities, with supernatural encounters, and much more!
Our lives are busier than ever, and it would be impossible to describe all we are experiencing. But we’d like to give you a peak.
Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry
I (Mark) have been having an unforgettable time at BSSM! In the couple of months that I have been in school, God has done more in my life than I would have expected in an entire year. I have personally experienced His love restoring me from many hurts from my past. He has restored a boldness and confidence to me that I had lost. I know now that I am fully secure as a son of God, and that identity is affecting the way I live. I am making better choices when temptations come, I am stepping out in ministering to people, I am dreaming with God again.
House Church
One aspect of BSSM is outreach. I am part of a team that is planting a house church in a local apartment complex. Part of the complex is devoted to transitional housing. It is run by a multi-church ministry that takes people who are struggling with various addictions and/or homeless and helps them get on their feet. Dozens of people have been set free from addictions and moved on to a place of their own after graduating the program. Our church will be serving these people right in the midst of their transitional season. It has always been my dream to be a church-planter, so I am thoroughly excited about this opportunity. It is a safe place to take risks and to learn and grow in my gifting and call.
Georgia Trip
In March, I will be going on a mission trip to Georgia (the state, not the country). About 15 of us will be going to release the manifest presence of God to several churches. We will also be ministering on a large university campus to many world-changers. Our whole mission is to see the Kingdom invade the Bible Belt! I had a powerful time in Birmingham, AL, after high school, so going back down south is special for me.
Financially, we have been doing well. God has really been blessing the work of our hands. At the same time, we would like to invite you to partner with us for my tuition and mission trip. Right now, I need $1170 to cover the mission trip and $2000 for the rest of tuition. Missions giving is tax-deductible; gifts to tuition are not. However, both come with the same heavenly rewards. We would appreciate and value your support in this season of our lives. God is restoring our foundations and speaking to us about our destiny. The beauty of partnership in the Kingdom is that those who give get to share in the rewards of those to whom they give. Here is the web address where you can make a donation: https://www.ibssm.org/a/donate.
Love After Marriage
LAM is a 36-week marriage workshop at Bethel, led by Barry and Lori Byrne. The large group is divided into tables of four couples, and the class consists of listening to teaching as well as participating in personal sharing and discussion with your table. We have been incredibly blessed, not only through what we’ve learned, but especially through building relationships with the three other couples at our table and through watching Barry and Lori do couples counseling with various couples in the class. It has been incredible seeing people experience real breakthrough in their relationships with each other and God. Our experience of community and honor in this settling has also been very healing for us.
Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders
When we moved here, I (Amy) was thrilled to discover a mom’s group at Bethel. RTL, which meets every other Thursday morning, is comprised of a large group time, with worship and a speaker (often one of the Bethel leaders), and then a small group time where we discuss our reading assignments and pray together. My small group (12 ladies from four different nations) also meets once a month in the evening to build relationship and community. It has been just incredible to learn from so many amazing moms, and already I have been stretched and challenged in so many ways.
Aurora Writing and Editing Services
God has been blessing my (Amy’s) writing and editing business in amazing ways, and since we’ve moved, many exciting doors have begun to open for me (check out my new website at www.aurora-pub.com). Some of the projects I have had are literally a dream come true for me! I am so thankful for the work and so blessed, at the same time, with the revelation that God is really our provider. In the past, sometimes I have lived from a place of striving and always feeling driven to work harder, but it was rooted in fear and a lack of trust. God really challenged me on that, however, and now I feel free to work hard and trust Him simultaneously. It is amazing!
The Kids
Our kids have settled in nicely. They love our house with a big back yard, their classes at church, and the beautiful weather. Abigail attends preschool at the same time that Mark is at BSSM, and she loves learning and making friendships. At home, she loves helping with cooking, playing imagination games, and feeding Susanna. Evan has finally shed the last of his baby pudge and is tall, thin, and long-haired. He is sweet and sensitive, yet also very rowdy, and he especially loves playing outside and getting as dirty as possible. Susanna has grown quite a bit since we moved and is now crawling and pulling herself up. She also has learned a few words and some baby signs. She is quickly leaving babyhood behind, and it is such fun watching her learn to play with her siblings. We are so thankful for our kids and the joy they bring into our lives. What a privilege to be able to share life with them and help them grow into their destinies!
So there’s your snapshot! J Hope you enjoyed it!
Love and blessings,
Mark, Amy, Abigail, Evan & Susanna Calkins
