Unshakeable Gratitude Passed to Generations

Refined By Fire

UNSHAKEABLE GRATITUDE  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted  among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10 Original pictures in our hallway of Margaret’s paternal grandparents on their honeymoon in Hot Springs AK in 1903.  Dear Friends,  Our road trip last month to the Billy Graham Training Center in North Carolina revealed itself as a journey not just to a Freedom in Christ Ministry conference but also a deep dive into our ministry, spiritual, relational and family heritage.  Refined by Fire   Along the way, we visited the Hot Springs honeymoon spot of Margaret's paternal grandparents, then the South Carolina rural home of Margaret’s maternal ancestors dating back to the Revolutionary War. The nearby church/graveyard was full of history.  Our next stop was the Atlanta sanctuary of All Saints' Episcopal Church with stunning stained glass windows designed by Tiffany’s where Margaret’s maternal grandparents were married in 1910. Margaret was named for her grandmother so there has always been a special connection.  A highlight of the conference was Dr. Neil Anderson, 84, who spoke on the final day with the quiet authority of a man who has walked through the refiner’s fire. As the founder of FICM, he shared openly about the deep trials of his life - including the long years of caring for his wife through severe depression and eventual dementia, looking after her 24/7 in her final year.  Despite overwhelming medical bills and losing everything financially, his heart remained filled with gratitude. Over the decades, as millions of his books were sold worldwide, he chose to pour those funds straight back into kingdom work. As the last featured speaker, he said the most encouraging aspect of the conference to him was that none of the presenters mentioned him personally – instead they spoke of the biblical truths like our acceptance, significance and security as believers in Jesus that FICM emphasizes in more than 50 countries worldwide.  Keys to effective ministry he listed are brokenness, contentment and faithfulness in money, morals and message. His reflections caused us to once again count our blessings in 25 years of missionary/ministry work and how FICM has been instrumental in spiritual development of those we serve in The Rock Outreach. Margaret in the Atlanta church where her namesake and maternal grandmother got married in 1910. Sara Margaret Sullivan Culberson holding her first child. Multiplication Beyond Our Expectations A central theme throughout our journey was how the Lord carries His message forward from generation to generation through faithful discipleship and multiplication. At Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, Kingdom View is still standing strong - continuing to serve men and women as a beacon for discipleship and community. Recently the chaplaincy held a seminar and shared a video about being godly men. Over recent months, we have been overjoyed to see the multi-generational fruit of this work. We continue to be contacted by former students we have mentored since 2010 in Uganda who are now serving faithfully in different cities across Uganda, as well as in Germany and the UK. Recently, we were on a video call with a couple who we met years ago during movie night at Kingdom View—they are now married with two precious children, living out their faith and calling. He shared, "...my wife and I have started a mentorship series for university students in Mbarara where we stay. They come, have a bite, and we have conversations. I am indebted for what you and Mark did for us then." They requested discipleship materials they could share with these university students! We were also thrilled to receive a video clip from our spiritual granddaughter now living in Illinois whose parents we mentored in Uganda. As she opened an official congratulatory letter from the U.S. Vice President's office for completing her summer reading program, it reminded us that whether across the ocean or right at home, life goes on, families grow, and the Gospel legacy expands. Kingdom View site of UCU Chaplaincy session about being godly men and preparing their families. UCU Alumni continue the mentoring legacy. Faithfulness, Fellowship and Freedom    At home in Dallas, in our ongoing international discipleship groups, multiplication continues to unfold in exciting new ways. Margaret continues mentoring young women via WhatsApp, while Mark’s men's discipleship group continues to expand—now welcoming participants from Malaysia, Guatemala, and Mexico, alongside warm friendships with believers from Taiwan.   Soon we will be entering the fourth year of First Friday Fellowship which hosts about 30 people per month in our home for food, fellowship, biblical encouragement centered on our freedom in Jesus and prayer. We appreciate each of you who have prayed for and supported this ministry through the years.   With grateful hearts,   ​Mark and Margaret