A Himelick Family Update

As we come again to the close of another year (and decade,) we are reminded how quickly time goes by. Twenty-two years ago this Christmas Eve, I asked Rachelle to marry me. Ten years ago this January we moved from Indianapolis to direct the ministry at Victory Acres and to develop new opportunities in other cities. Since then both our family and our ministry have expanded, and while not all of our “hope and dreams” have been realized, much that was planned has come to pass. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, encouraged, helped, and given to make it all possible.

The big news for our family is that, as of Dec. 4^th, we are the proud owners of 4 acres of farm ground at Victory Acres! We hope our new house will be completed by late summer or early fall. Several have volunteered to help us, and we plan to do as much of the building as possible to reduce costs. While we don’t have all the funds necessary to finish, God has provided almost half of the estimated cost to build through a personal loan from a dear brother in Christ. We have faith that God will provide what is needed in His time and way.

The Urban Ministry Division is currently involved at various levels in four cities: Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Chicago. We have held a successful tent meeting and outreach week in Detroit for the past two years, and we envision assembling a “mobile outreach center” for similar evangelism efforts in new cities. A motor home and trailer equipped with a tent, chair, generator, and sound equipment could take a team of 6-8 people to scout and work in new cities while training future ministry leaders. We’ll keep you updated on our progress.

As Victory Acres continues to develop, we believe that God is going to use it as a strategic place for making disciples and growing leaders for the city work. This past September we welcomed Heather Patton, a ministry intern and student at Allegheny Wesleyan College.  She was a huge blessing to the farm and our family. Our “ministry is life” philosophy makes the farm an ideal place for learning and disciple making. We currently have 4 beds available, and we are praying that God will fill them with the people that He wants at the farm.

Kaylynn is winding her way through her Senior year of High School and just finished her first college class, a dual credit English comp class through GBSC. She is contemplating next steps in life and may be taking a “gap year” next year to add life experiences and some skills to her resume before proceeding to college.

Rebecca is experiencing the pain of algebra and the joys of playing “Judge Quincy” in the upcoming School drama at Heartland.  The play is Feb. 1st and 2^nd at Heartland Christian School in New Castle if you are close enough to attend. (Details at https://www.heartlandchristianeducation.com/)

Sarah turns 13 in January. She is Karissa’s favorite person and she loves her dog, Jacob, and helping in the kitchen.

Samuel is an 11-year-old growing boy. He loves to fly his new radio controlled “drone” and play football and basketball with his friends.

Esther is adjusting to life in first grade. She loves playing with her dolls at home, and her friends at school.

Karissa, 2, is our most energetic and strong-willed child yet. She frequently rises at 4 a.m. (much to our chagrin), and she loves to sing and play.

Rachelle has been busy being a wife and a mother as well as home schooling our children part time since we cut ack to two days a week at Heartland. While her seizures have continued to make life challenging at times, we are learning to say “no” and to take life as it comes.

In addition to my EFM responsibilities, I am also the director at Victory Acres and Pastor to the congregation that meets at the farm called “The Gathering at Victory Acres.” Some days I am cutting wood on the woodmizer woodmill, other days I am working in an office, and most Sundays I am preaching or representing EFM by speaking in churches.

It has been a good year and a great decade. We thank God for His many blessings, and we look forward to the days ahead.