MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE HALSETH FAMILY 2017

Nathan is in 9th grade and is our first high schooler! He is officially permitted driver, so watch out local drivers—LOL! He has plans to get a job in order to acquire a car in the near future.  Nathan is all about basketball, basically year-round.  This year he also played baseball, is in choir, and enjoys youth group.    

Abby is in 7^th grade and has really grown up this year. She keeps on top of her academics while pursuing a social life (of course) and multiple activities: basketball, cross-country, and theatre.  She is helpful and a joy to be around.  She plans to go as a student on a Royal Servants Mission trip next summer—2018.

Joshua is in 4^th grade and is really enjoying Boy Scouts. He likes having Daddy help coach his basketball team. He loves the outdoors, animals, camping and secret hideouts. When all of these things come together over a weekend, he is in heaven! We appreciate his sense of humor, kindness and independent spirit.  

Rachel is in 1^st grade and loves learning to read. She is oh-so-excited to finally be old enough to be on a basketball team like all of her siblings!  She looks forward to Awana, swimming lessons, soccer, or any activity.  A highlight for her this year was snuggling with the baby orphans this summer in Uganda.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017

This past summer Matt lead a Royal Servants trip to Uganda. He loved it and can’t wait to go back and serve there in 2018!

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Matt completed his first Adventure Triathlon this past May in Grantsburg, WI — 29 miles (19m bike, 2m kayak & 8m run).

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Matt enjoyed a late summer trip to northern Wisconsin, exploring lost waterfalls by foot and the Namekagen River by kayak.

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The highlight this year for Jenni was fulfilling an unspoken dream of serving as a family in Africa this past summer.

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Jenni loved Uganda and left part of her heart with the many orphans we served. She remains connected to the ministries there.

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In Jenni’s free time, she reviews the family calendar, trying to develop a strategic plan to get many kids to many places J

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May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace. Merry Christmas!

THE MIRACLE OF ANSWERED PRAYER

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy…”  Psalm 82:3-4 

Meet baby Grace.  This summer in a Ugandan orphanage we held her. We snuggled her. And we fell in love with her.  Daily, we’ve been specifically praying for her.  This fall our missionary friend  wrote us.

“Please pray for beautiful baby Grace.  Her needs are deep and have gone unmet for too long. Lately there are tears streaming down her face all day long.   Her cry is gentle, it doesn't demand comfort.  She is just quietly begging for it.  But she gets overlooked, forgotten.  Amongst the many strong personalities at the orphanage, Grace is often left in the background. When she sees me, her eyes follow me. It's like she is asking me "do you see me, I know you do, please help me."  I pick her up, determined to focus on her and only her. But by this point, five other children are crawling all over my legs. Three others are now also crying...

But today I knew where I need to focus my attention. I put on worship music and I begin to slowly pray over baby Grace. She falls asleep almost immediately. I turn her so I can see her sweet face. I feel a mothers love come over me.  I sense she has never been held like this. I feel her pain. I see into her soul. I pray the comfort of the Fathers love for her. She is frail, sensitive, and deserves all the love she needs. 

There are 50+ children under age five in this orphanage. So the focus has to be on taking care of the physical needs.  Often the overwhelmed hired staff only have the time and energy to feed, diaper and bathe.  And then it’s off to a crib the kids go… and stay. Grace needs a family. However international adoption is illegal. And Ugandan families hardly ever adopt.”

But our God is a God of miracles.  We are SO EXCITED to share that on 11.10.17 we received word.  A local Ugandan family is adopting baby Grace!  May we never underestimate the power of prayer! This is truly a miracle as the concept of adoption is foreign to most Ugandans. 

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

James 5:16

JONATHON’S STORY

“Good night mummy. I have now reached home safely. Thank you for your care and being concerned, no one has ever been so I am really grateful.” This phone text spoke to my heart, as I felt I had given very little. Jonathon grew up in an orphanage and at age seventeen, he “aged out.”

“It was so hard when I had to leave the orphanage. I didn’t know where to go. I found a friend who had already moved out from the orphanage. He let me stay on his floor in his one room. It was bad. It was hard. I was hungry. I couldn’t find a job. I couldn’t afford more education or training.”

Today, Jonathon would say his church is his family. He has found a part time job, although it only pays $28 monthly. But in many ways Jonathon has already beaten the odds. For youth who “age out” of care, statistics predict a heart-breaking road ahead. Their likelihood of experiencing virtually any ill known to humanity is dramatically higher than for their peers who have families. This includes everything from homelessness, human trafficking, unemployment, prostitution, crime, incarceration, physical illness, etc.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to minister to young people like Jonathon all around the world. Join us in praying that Christ would encourage Jonathon, and meet his needs.

THE CRY OF THE ORPHAN

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy…”  Psalm 82:3-4

SANYU BABIES HOME is a place I will always remember. The beautiful children aged 0-4 are precious beyond words. Praise be to God that the children’s physical needs were met in many ways.  There are scheduled feedings, diaper changes and a daily bath. These children are safe and even have medical staff available. Without an orphanage, these children would literally face unimaginable abuse or even death. The orphanages of Uganda are a huge blessing, a place to find refuge.

My heart went out for each child’s deeper needs, beyond the physical. Who will hold this child again? When will that be? Will they receive their full feeding, or will they get lost in the mix of so very many children? Who can this child bond with?  When this child has a nightmare, who will comfort them? 

Leaving the orphanage was very difficult. The youngest infant would whimper when you put them down.  The toddlers would try to look appealing to get you to pick them back up.  The preschoolers would literally physically attach themselves to you.  But the one who haunts me most was when I would have to return six month old Esther to her bed.  The look of longing and confusion in her eyes stays with me. 

Several orphanage managers approached Matt and I to ask us if we would please adopt a child.  However, the Ugandan laws make international adoption nearly impossible. While rare, Christian Ugandan families are now beginning to adopt, which is grateful news. Join me in praying for God’s provision of a family for Esther, and the many orphans in Uganda. “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6

EMMA’S STORY

“When I think about our ministry in Uganda, Sanyu Babies Home stands out to me most. Many of the babies in the orphanage are found in garbage heaps, on road sides, or simply left at the hospital. I was able to care for two little girls, named Abigail (2 yrs) and Joanna (4 mos). It is hard to believe that someone wouldn't want these adorable girls.  While holding Joanna as she slept, I was struck by how helpless she was.  I was heartbroken to leave.  But being there was an amazing chance to love these children. I hope I made an impact on them.  But I do know for sure, that they made an impact on me.”

PRAISE POINT... Summer 2017

During our time in Uganda we ministered on busy streets, showed compassion in several orphanages, and presented Christ in more than a dozen crowded school assemblies.
The results were 2,323 young people reached with the hope of the gospel and 407 children and teens indicating a decision to say yes to Jesus. Praise the Lord! He is mighty to save! Thanks for your support!

FOR THE LEAST OF THESE

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me...” - Matt. 25:35-36

Hey Friends… We have just finished up at our training camp and our team is ready to serve! We are so thrilled to be the hands and feet of Jesus among the least of these in Uganda. Much of our ministry will take place among the poor; serving orphans, street children and disadvantaged young people. Ultimately our service is unto Christ and we are all eager to experience his compassionate heart and make him known everywhere we go to serve this summer.

Please Pray for Matt—for wisdom in leading the team and for decision making with our partners. Also Pray for our Team—for unity, spiritual growth, physical strength, safety in travel, protection from illness, courage in sharing the good news of Jesus, and changed lives in our outreach and service. Lastly, Pray for our Family—this summer is an awesome opportunity for our kids to be exposed to ministry in Africa. We are excited to see what the Lord will do in all of our hearts!

Your prayer and encouragement truly makes a difference. It means the world to us - Thank you!

A HEART FOR AFRICA

“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul...”  Proverbs 13:19

God has given me (Jenni)

a heart for Africa for as long as I can remember. As a student my first exposure to African culture was in the country of Haiti (right). I was only 14 and loved it. This summer Matt has been assigned to lead the Royal Servants mission team to Uganda. Our whole family will be joining him and I can't wait! 

My first memory of wanting to go to Africa was when I was five years old when I saw a documentary about sponsoring children in need. I’ve been blessed with the chance to serve in Africa four times, including Zimbabwe for the summer of 1989, and living in Mozambique for a year in 1998. I was also able to work with African refugees in Minneapolis full time in 1999-2001.

Having served the last several summers as a family in Scotland, Uganda will be a huge change for us! We will have the opportunity to serve and do outreaches with our partners; “Youth for Christ” and “Pathways to Hope.” Ministry will include discipleship and evangelism in schools, slum areas, orphanages, through sports and with street children, teen mothers and women coming out of prostitution. Some of the impact we will make are in areas of educational, vocational and agricultural training.

While the whole world is in need of Jesus, I have dreamt about the opportunity to bring a team of students (and our own Halseth children) to Africa.  This summer will be the fulfilment to that dream. The strong physical needs on this continent are surely close to the heart of Jesus. We pray that our students (and our children) will be able to experience that heart of Jesus in a powerful way this summer. Thank you for your partnership. Your gifts and prayers make a difference in countless lives!

UGANDA—CHALLENGES FOR PRAYER

UGANDA STATISTICS
FAST FACTS—Please Pray!

· The average Ugandan lives on less than $1.80 a day.

· 38% of children chronically undernourished or stunted.

· 30% are illiterate.

· only 25% of young people remain in school past grade 6.

· There are 2.5 million orphans, including 1.2 million orphaned from AIDS.

CHILDREN IN CRISIS
Did you know that nearly 50% of the population in Uganda is under the age of 14? Children are the most vulnerable victims to corruption. Thousands have been abducted for use as child soldiers in occult-powered militia groups or forced to become sex slaves. Also numbing poverty deprives many children—including up to two million orphans—of care, finances for education and hope. Pray especially for street children, who are most numerous in Kampala, and for children living in the north where wide-spread terror and countless atrocities have occurred.

CHURCH UNITY
The Church in Uganda has seen both wonderful breakthroughs and immense obstacles. There are numerous divisions in the Church, and the proliferation of independent and single-congregation denominations makes true unity a massive challenge. Syncretistic practices and false teachings are multiplying even as the Church grows. Pray for reconciliation amoung churches and that the Holy Spirit might lead Christians into all truth and that all falsehood might be cast aside.

SUPERFICIAL CHRISTIANITY
The majority of Ugandans identify themselves as Christian, but materialistic attitudes, polygamous practices and non-biblical worldviews – all affecting lifestyle – are common. For many, being “Christian” simply means not being Muslim. Pray for renewal that would turn nominal Christians into true disciples of Jesus Christ.

*Above info from; Operation World—7th Edition; www.operationworld.org

PRAYING FOR LABORERS

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”  Matthew 9:37-38

We are in the middle of our busiest time of the year for recruiting student missionaries for our summer international outreach. As we have shared with students in churches, Christian schools, and online, we are keenly aware of the fact that “the Lord of the harvest” is in charge of sending out these laborers. The nations must hear the gospel. Yet, the Lord himself teaches us to plead with him to call, equip, and send out laborers. The task in near impossible. But it is our responsibility as believers to pray, put our faith in action, and depend on Jesus to see it happen!

Please pray earnestly with us as we work to raise up a generation of laborers who will go and bring the good news of Jesus to a world in need. Lord, we plead that you will burden and convict students to fully surrender their lives to your call:

· Enable them to have a deep and intimate relationship with Christ.

· Mold them into powerful witnesses for the sake of the nations.

· Grant them to have a clear and definite call to missions.

· Remove anything that would hinder their service for the summer and beyond.

As you pray, ask the Lord to put a young person in mind (ages 13—26), who you can share our brochure with (enclosed) and talk to about possibly serving with us this summer. Thank you for your partnership in sending out laborers for the harvest!

ALBANIA MISSION TRIP

Last month, Reign sent a mission team to Albania to serve in church planting efforts. Albania is 60% Muslim and less than 1% Evangelical Christian. The team focused mostly on English training and cultural exchange, but the underlying effort was to expand the presence of a partnering church in their community.

Student highlights included: Thomas sharing the gospel with three Muslim teenagers; Rachel teaching English in a school;  Henry visiting the homes of new Albanian friends. When asked what compelled them to love the Albanian people whom they never met before, Rachel responded, “We genuinely care about their salvation.” Everyone agreed!

KAIROS L.A. MISSION TRIP RECAP

Kairos Minneapolis and Kairos Seattle teamed up in Los Angeles, California for an inner-city mission trip last month! They partnered with remarkable organizations such as the L.A. Regional Food Bank, Union Rescue Mission, Midnight Mission, Compton Initiative, and Dream Center. Students learned practical ways to engage with and serve the homeless in their respective communities!

KAIROS MINNEAPOLIS—HONDURAS

Kairos Minneapolis has returned from another successful mission trip to the Southern Opalaca Mountains in Honduras. Trip highlights include: serving in an orphanage of 35 girls, working on construction projects around the facility, leading church services, teaching a workshop on worship and prayer, and running a vacation Bible school. Over the years, students have built strong relationships and boldly proclaimed Christ.

KAIROS SEATTLE—COSTA RICA

In March, Kairos Seattle will be in Costa Rica as they continue to pioneer a new ministry in two different towns. Their main focus of ministry will be in high schools running their English classes. They are also partnering with a local church to help develop a youth ministry within their town. Please pray for their time and investment in these new areas as they help propel the gospel for years to come!

MEET FAITH - A Student at Kairos Discipleship School in Minneapolis

What’s been the most beneficial part of Kairos this school year?

“Learning about identity and who I am in Christ has impacted me the most. Everything I have learned has tied into who I am in Christ.”

What’s after Kairos for you?
“Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN. My future depends on me listening to God’s call for where I’m supposed to go.”

What has Kairos meant to you?
“Kairos has been the most influential thing in my entire life. It has helped me in my faith in God. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t come to Kairos.”