Bobb Brief 2010

Dear Family & Friends,

As we sit together to write our Thanksgiving Letter we have great thankfulness in our hearts. Despite the fact that our nation hates the unborn, loves pornography, has immoral monetary practices, enjoys bigger houses and fewer children, has more ways to connect and yet fewer solid relationships, we still enjoy amazing blessings in America. We may worship God freely, diligently train our children to live for the glory of God and we can live and work where we see our calling! We have much for which to be thankful!

We are members of a wonderful church, Reformation Church in Castle Rock. We are in good health (except for Carl’s on-going dental problems) and our marriage is wonderfully blessed. Annina and Katrina continue to grow and display more fruit of the Spirit. We all recognize our need for regular repentance and rejoice in the assurance of Christ’s atonement for our sins! Our little house on the prairie continues to give us plenty of work, but it is satisfying to see the fruit of our labors. Where there was only barren prairie three years ago we now enjoy a green lawn, flowers, plants, bushes and trees. Our bees are making honey, chickens are laying eggs and the garden and green house are providing tasty produce. Annina’s dog Nanni continues to be a faithful friend and Katrina enjoys her two cats who produced 18 kittens for her to love and play with. Thankfully the Lord gave us homes for all the kitties!

This year has brought some interesting changes. The heavy equipment school where Carl worked closed it’s doors because of too few students, so his five year working relationship with Solid Rock Excavation, the parent company of ATS ended in June. Carl began training as a voice-over artist and has done a couple of short internet/cd spots, one audio book for young boys and is currently working on one of the most important books of our modern reformed movement; The Second Mayflower, by Kevin Swanson. We hope soon to see a little income from these projects and will continue to develop this business. This is a very difficult industry to break into, but we hope it will help bridge our time towards vocational ministry. We’ll let you know when the products are available to purchase.

As most of you know, I, (Carl) have always had a desire to minister the word of God. Eleven years ago I was convinced it was important to try and be a tent-making church planter. My desire was to work hard in a job outside of vocational ministry to be a witness for Christ in the work place. I felt it important to disciple my family, while at the same time helping to establish churches. This has been good in many ways, however, as a tent-maker I simply did not have the time available to apply toward study, message preparation and other activities because I worked 45-50 hours a week and sometimes more. So during this time of transition we hope that God is opening a door back into vocational ministry.

I have several opportunities to preach and teach in Switzerland, Russia and Kazakhstan. So we will be going to Europe for a three month ministry trip from December 8 - March 7. Winter is the cheapest time to fly and the easiest time to leave our little home. We will be living in Switzerland on the family farm through the generous offer of Esther’s brother and be able to see Esther’s parents, siblings, their children and other friends. Carl will be bringing messages on The Centrality of Christ for all of Life, Christian Manhood, Family Discipleship & Conflict Resolution. Please check back as you have time or sign up for a notice to be sent to you when the blog has been updated. The Swiss Family Bobb Blog is at http://swissfamilybobb.blogspot.com/ When we return home I hope to pursue further ministry opportunities, so please pray for clear guidance from the Lord.

Some have asked if they can help us financially. That would, of course, be a wonderful blessing if the Lord directs you that way. We’ve already paid for our trip to Switzerland and we are trusting God to help us find the finances for myself and Annina who will accompany me to Russia and Kazakhstan. Both of these churches are missionary churches started in the last eight years. They are very excited for us to come and teach, but we need to pay our own way. God promises to meet all of our needs if we do His will so we are rejoicing in His provision ahead of His supply.

Please write your checks to Reformation Church and insert a note for missions trip, but do not write our name in the memo. Thank you!

Reformation Church

4552 Glen Haven Circle

Elizabeth, Colorado, 80107

We hope this finds you thankful for Christ’s work of atonement for your sins, and joyfully living in fellowship with Him who created, not only the heavens and the earth, but you as well!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Carl, Esther, Annina & Katrina

Testing, testing...

1, 2, 3,...can you all hear me?