December, 2025 Update

“For unto us a Child is born,

GFI staff and spouses – Dec. 2025

Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)

Here we are in the Christmas season — a time for joyful carols, glad parties, family gathering, and gift giving. Dr. Solomon penned this poem over 3 decades ago:

AT CHRISTMAS: His Gift; Our Gift

In the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4)
Our Savior came to Earth,
From ivory palaces sublime (Ps. 45:8)
To a manger of lowly birth (Luke 2:7)
With purpose clear our sins to bear, (1 Pet. 2:24)
He entered the world’s strife— (Phil. 2:6-8)
Taking, as His, our burdens and cares (1 Pet. 5:7)
When we partake of His life. (2 Pet. 1:4)

God so loved that He gave
His only begotten Son; (John 3:16)
No longer are we sin’s slave (Rom. 6:17,18)
In Him the vict’ry’s won. (1 Cor. 15:57)
Our gift to Him this season:
Ourselves a living sacrifice— (Rom. 12:1)
Our salvation, abundant reason,
Purchased at so great a price. (1 Pet. 19,20)

Amen. And we give thanks that Mark and Carrie had a safe and fruitful ministry trip to South Africa last month. They had mentoring meetings, gave a marriage enrichment seminar, facilitated GFI book availability, preached, and had board consultation with our sister ministry there — Curare ( curarecc.org ).

While writing this letter Liz announced the wonderful news that we just reached the $55,000 special giving goal!! We are amazed and thankful for the extra giving toward the “55 K in 55 days for 55 years” campaign! And we still have 3 weeks left in 2025!

We are also glad to welcome three new Guides to our team for Discipleship Counseling: Heidi Hanssen (Arizona), Donna Kruse (Virginia), and Lisa Hummel (South Carolina). Please keep our counseling team and counselees in prayer; we also have new counseling inquiries contacting us week by week.

Notice a new web page at GraceFellowshipInternational.com / Resources. A “Book and Video Combos” page lists 12 books that have free GFI online video sets that accompany them. This page will make it easier for small groups and leaders to access the videos and select new studies.

We recently had brunch with Cathy, Ron & Chris Solomon, and we just had a brunch with our staff and our spouses: Linda, Carrie, and Liz’ husband, Matthias. We are so encouraged with God’s blessings and the opportunities He is opening up for strategic Exchanged Life Counseling, education, training, resources and ministry. Thank you so much to our intercessors and supporters. May everyone have a merry and meaningful Christmas season.

John Woodward
Director of Counseling and Training

Grace Fellowship International
P.O. Box 368
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
1-865-429-0450