Well, it has been far too long since my last post, and I apologize to everyone for the delay in providing an update. It was Spring of 2018 when I last sent something out and so much has changed since then. Below is a recap of the last 18 months in the life of the Filbrun family. As you can see from the image above, the kids have grown and changed quite a bit over the months and it is incredible how the Lord has faithfully worked in our lives for His Glory and our good!
I (Aaron) just finished my next to last semester in seminary (98 units completed!) and am scheduled to graduate with my M.Div next May, 2020! This has been an incredible journey over these last 4+ years and the Lord has taught me so much from His Word. During this time I have also been employed at The Master's Seminary and currently am the Chief of Staff there. My role has shifted and expanded over my nearly 3 years working at TMS and I currently oversee Staff and Student Services there. It has been such a privilege to work with so many godly men and women, being used to help train and equip men for ministry around the world. The Lord has been so kind to use our time at TMS and at Grace Community Church to stretch Trish and I and the kids and make us more like Christ. Over the last two years I have also had the opportunity to lead two Short Term Ministry trips to New Zealand where Trish and I (along with some amazing people) were able to strengthen and support Riverbend Bible Church in Hastings, New Zealand. What a wonderful opportunity to see the Body of Christ around the globe ministering the Word faithfully. I am also currently completing my studies for a MABC (Master's in Biblical Counseling) from The Master's University which should be completed in Spring of 2021. In Combination these two degree programs (M.Div and MABC) have been incredibly helpful in preparing me for pastoral ministry. During these same 18 months, the Lord has been faithful to continually provide ministry opportunities at GCC and in other venues. I am honored to be the Bible Study leader over the Generations Bible study. We have been a part of this group since coming to TMS and the people in our group have become dear friends who encourage and exhort us day by day. The Lord has also given opportunities to preach in the Mainstream Fellowship group at GCC and at some other churches in the area. Through all of this, God has continually humbled Trish and I and caused us to depend more fully upon Him. How true the Scriptures are that all good gifts come from God and that we can do nothing without Him! Trish is doing well and the Lord has been so kind to continue to grow and mature her in Christ. She has had the opportunity to help lead the ladies of Generations and has been involved in SemWives (A fellowship for current seminary wives) and Every Woman's Grace (A woman's Bible study at GCC). She is the perfect helpmate and a constant encouragement and support for me throughout my studies here. Over the past 4+ years Trish has had the pleasure of homeschooling our four kids and she (and they) have grown immensely through their studies (as a part of the Classical Conversations homeschool community at GCC). Aidan is now 14 1/2 years old and is totally into surfing and football right now. He is in Challenge 1 at CC and has learned so much over the past several years. Annika is almost 13 and has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. She loves volleyball, hand lettering, and anything crafty. Austin just turned 10 and is a joyful young man who loves legos and sports (especially football) and gets excited about pretty much everything! Ava is 8 1/2 and is growing up too fast. She loves to crochet, write stories about animals, and cook fancy foods she invents. Currently, I am in the midst of that awkward stage of transitions as Trish and I consider where the Lord would have us go next. We have enjoyed our time at TMS and GCC and are seeking where the Lord would have us go next. The hardest challenge of the Seminary process hast to be the separation that occurs when men complete training and leave to minister elsewhere. I am currently candidating at a church in Carlsbad, CA and am prayerfully submitting to wherever God might take us next. These years of seminary have reinforced, time and again, the reality that God is sovereign over our lives and working behind the scenes to move providentially in our lives. We trust Him and His will for our lives and are more and more excited about how we might serve Him in the present and the future. Thank you for your prayers and continuing encouragement and love. May the Lord be exalted through our lives and may we be a useful instrument for His Glory!
1 Comment
Melody Bold
12/21/2019 08:46:06 pm
So glad to see how God is blessing and using you to further the Gospel. Trish, you are beautiful inside and out. I can't believe it's been 4 years since Austin's bicycle injury nearly took him from you. I'm so glad to see all the children are healthy and growing in God's word. Prayers for God's clear leading into your future.
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Filbrun Family6 sinners saved by God's unmerited Grace, trying to live for the Glory of God in all things! Archives
December 2019
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