Dearest family & friends,
How can another year already be coming to end? The close of a year and the beginning of another compels one to reflect and ponder the amazing faithfulness and glory of the Lord in our lives. So undeserving yet He continues to love, protect and bless His children. “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all……”
As we reflect on the last year and how the Lord has led and directed our family, we are left in awe of His unfailing goodness. We considerate it an honor and a blessing to be here in Salzburg; in whatever way we can be His hands, His feet to spread the good news of the gospel. We trust and know that the Lord has a mighty plan for this dark city and our prayer in the next coming year is that the Lord’s light of grace would shine even brighter.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your continued prayers and support for us and Calvary Chapel Salzburg. It truly is humbling to have been serving here the last 3 years with such an amazing army of support behind us. We look forward in anticipation of what the Lord has planned for us and CCS and will continue to update you all in the months ahead. Thanks again und Gottes Segen im neuen Jahr!
In His Service,
Ivan & Michelle (Nollie, Ella & Emery)
Prayer requests:
• Visas would be granted for another year
• German course beginning in January for Michelle
• Spiritual growth for Calvary Chapel Salzburg
• Continued financial providence for the year ahead
• Good health
Praise Report:
• Ivan passed the German exam required for the visa
• Faithful men and women who serve in the church
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Blessings.....
Dear Family & Friends,
So first and foremost I have to start out by saying, our God we serve is good; our God we serve is righteous and our Lord is at work here in Salzburg, Austria.
" Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1
As most of you already know in the beginning of this year when we had to renew our visas, we were told that we would not receive them this year due to finances. So shortly thereafter we returned to the states, still carrying a burden for Salzburg but trusting that the Lord had a reason for this even though at the time it was hard to understand. Through much prayer and waiting on the Lord, we decided to take a step of faith and return to Salzburg and try again to obtain our visas regardless of our financial status. During our time in the states the Lord confirmed that our place and ministry still belonged in Salzburg. Not knowing whether or not we would upon our return, receive our visas, we returned anyway knowing that this was the Lord’s will for our family. Miraculously despite the fact that our financial situation had not changed our Heavenly Father provided us with our visas and put us right back where he wants us. We now see why the Lord took us out of Austria for those 8 months; it was a test of faith and trust for us and also a test of endurance, strength and trust in the Lord for sustainability for the church. As the Bible says, His ways are not our ways; this challenge of trust for us and the church really matured our faith in our heavenly Father.
We have been settled here now for about 2 and a half months and we are nicely nestled in the top 6th floor of our cozy, little apartment in a very multi-cultural part of the city. Not where the tourists go, I’ll just say that :-). Although the Lord has placed us right where he wants us for now and for that we are thankful.
Upon our return to Salzburg, we hit the ground running and jumping right back into the ministry the Lord has called us to. We could not have been more blessed these past couple of months and continue to be blessed at how the Lord sustained Calvary Chapel Salzburg during our time away. Each week the Lord is drawing His people unto himself, and it’s exciting to see the joy of the Lord in His faithful servants within the church who so diligently serve and follow the His leading. The Lord has time and time again proven himself faithful and righteous and so worthy to be praised. He has so gently and lovingly cared for us and Calvary Chapel Salzburg that as a result the church is maturing and growing, which is such a blessing for us to witness.
We most recently were blessed to have a small outreach team from the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Hungary come minister here. Through music, dramatization, practical work ministry and street ministry the Lord’s name was proclaimed loud and clear. The Holy Spirit led and guided this 10 day outreach time far better than we could have ever planned. Seeds were planted and the rest is up to the Lord.
Soon approaching is our annual Thanksgiving Feast, celebrated American style with a full spread including a turkey (or a couple), stuffing and much more. Each year this is such a blessed time of great food and fellowship with one another. We want this Thanksgiving event to also be an opportunity for those attending our church to perhaps invite their unsaved friends and family so please join us in prayer over this time.
We also are happy to welcome the birth of our men’s ministry which began in October. Lead by one of our faithful servants within the church the men are being sharpened by one another through sweet time in the word as well as fellowship. To Him be the glory for beginning a good work there. The women’s ministry continues strongly as well through bi-weekly bible studies and worship meetings also. The Lord is a good Shepherd over his flock here in Salzburg.
During this Thanksgiving season we really are counting our many blessings and also just reflecting on the Lord’s goodness and grace He has pored over us as well as Calvary Chapel Salzburg and it simply puts a smile on our faces. So much to be thankful for yet so undeserving; this is the Lord we serve, is there anything better?
Many thanks to all our dear family and friends for your love and support; praying the Lord may bless you and keep you and remind you how much you are loved!!
In His Service,
The Ibbotsons (Ivan, Michelle, Nollie, Ella & Emery)
Praise Report:
>Obtaining our visas
>Calvary Chapel Salzburg (how the Lord strengthened and matured the body)
>Raising up more servants within the church
Prayer Requests:
>Thanksgiving dinner (outreach)
>Christmas Choir outreach in the city
>Renewing our visas in December (seems like an endless cycle)
>Learning the Language (for Michelle and for the German course starting in January)
>Men’s and Women’s ministry (growth and development)
>Favor with our neighbors
>Salvation of the lost that attend Calvary Salzburg.
>Health & Safety
So first and foremost I have to start out by saying, our God we serve is good; our God we serve is righteous and our Lord is at work here in Salzburg, Austria.
" Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1
As most of you already know in the beginning of this year when we had to renew our visas, we were told that we would not receive them this year due to finances. So shortly thereafter we returned to the states, still carrying a burden for Salzburg but trusting that the Lord had a reason for this even though at the time it was hard to understand. Through much prayer and waiting on the Lord, we decided to take a step of faith and return to Salzburg and try again to obtain our visas regardless of our financial status. During our time in the states the Lord confirmed that our place and ministry still belonged in Salzburg. Not knowing whether or not we would upon our return, receive our visas, we returned anyway knowing that this was the Lord’s will for our family. Miraculously despite the fact that our financial situation had not changed our Heavenly Father provided us with our visas and put us right back where he wants us. We now see why the Lord took us out of Austria for those 8 months; it was a test of faith and trust for us and also a test of endurance, strength and trust in the Lord for sustainability for the church. As the Bible says, His ways are not our ways; this challenge of trust for us and the church really matured our faith in our heavenly Father.
We have been settled here now for about 2 and a half months and we are nicely nestled in the top 6th floor of our cozy, little apartment in a very multi-cultural part of the city. Not where the tourists go, I’ll just say that :-). Although the Lord has placed us right where he wants us for now and for that we are thankful.
Upon our return to Salzburg, we hit the ground running and jumping right back into the ministry the Lord has called us to. We could not have been more blessed these past couple of months and continue to be blessed at how the Lord sustained Calvary Chapel Salzburg during our time away. Each week the Lord is drawing His people unto himself, and it’s exciting to see the joy of the Lord in His faithful servants within the church who so diligently serve and follow the His leading. The Lord has time and time again proven himself faithful and righteous and so worthy to be praised. He has so gently and lovingly cared for us and Calvary Chapel Salzburg that as a result the church is maturing and growing, which is such a blessing for us to witness.
We most recently were blessed to have a small outreach team from the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Hungary come minister here. Through music, dramatization, practical work ministry and street ministry the Lord’s name was proclaimed loud and clear. The Holy Spirit led and guided this 10 day outreach time far better than we could have ever planned. Seeds were planted and the rest is up to the Lord.
Soon approaching is our annual Thanksgiving Feast, celebrated American style with a full spread including a turkey (or a couple), stuffing and much more. Each year this is such a blessed time of great food and fellowship with one another. We want this Thanksgiving event to also be an opportunity for those attending our church to perhaps invite their unsaved friends and family so please join us in prayer over this time.
We also are happy to welcome the birth of our men’s ministry which began in October. Lead by one of our faithful servants within the church the men are being sharpened by one another through sweet time in the word as well as fellowship. To Him be the glory for beginning a good work there. The women’s ministry continues strongly as well through bi-weekly bible studies and worship meetings also. The Lord is a good Shepherd over his flock here in Salzburg.
During this Thanksgiving season we really are counting our many blessings and also just reflecting on the Lord’s goodness and grace He has pored over us as well as Calvary Chapel Salzburg and it simply puts a smile on our faces. So much to be thankful for yet so undeserving; this is the Lord we serve, is there anything better?
Many thanks to all our dear family and friends for your love and support; praying the Lord may bless you and keep you and remind you how much you are loved!!
In His Service,
The Ibbotsons (Ivan, Michelle, Nollie, Ella & Emery)
Praise Report:
>Obtaining our visas
>Calvary Chapel Salzburg (how the Lord strengthened and matured the body)
>Raising up more servants within the church
Prayer Requests:
>Thanksgiving dinner (outreach)
>Christmas Choir outreach in the city
>Renewing our visas in December (seems like an endless cycle)
>Learning the Language (for Michelle and for the German course starting in January)
>Men’s and Women’s ministry (growth and development)
>Favor with our neighbors
>Salvation of the lost that attend Calvary Salzburg.
>Health & Safety
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Return
Dear Family & Friends,
And so the adventure continues…………Life would be boring if it were predictable right? As most of you know we have been living in the states since the beginning of January 2011 since we did not receive our Visa’s to remain in Austria in December 2010. Unsure of what our future would hold at that point we returned to the states for a time of rest and reflection on the Lord and his guidance for the next step in our lives.
After being back for a little over 3 months Ivan alone returned to Salzburg for almost 2 months to resume his pastoral role as well as to pray and seek out what the Lord would have for our family. During his time in Salzburg the Lord clearly confirmed to us that Salzburg is where we should be. This is both exciting and challenging at the same time. It’s exciting to have a direction and move forward in faith in that direction, but it’s also challenging to embrace the unknown. God’s promises to never leave us nor forsake us have never before been such a vital part of our motto in life.
So therefore in faith, here we go again. August 29th we have one way tickets headed right for the heart of Salzburg to continue the good work the Lord has started. In faith we believe and trust that this is where the Lord is leading us and therefore we know that He will provide for our every need.
When Christ said to count the cost of following Him, it means we must surrender everything. God wants us to trust Him with abandon and He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He wants to be our refuge!!
God is on our side and He gives us His courage and strength to take this step of faith and right now more than ever we take great comfort in that. We look forward to continuing to share with you the mighty things that the Lord will do through Calvary Chapel Salzburg.
Love from all of us,
Ivan, Michelle, Nollie, Ella and Emery
Praise:
The Church is doing great in Salzburg and God is moving mightily.
God is continuing to work in our lives.
Prayer:
Our Visas - It is a step of faith moving back to Salzburg not knowing if we will get them, but we know that He is in control.
Home - That the Lord would provide us with a place to live that we can afford.
Kindergarten - Nollie and Ella both start in September. Pray that they will continue to pick up the language quickly.
Finances - that God would provide what we need to live there.
Church - that we could rent a place 24/7 to do ministry out of.
In closing I'd like to share this verse that has been echoing in my mind as we have been waiting on the Lord as to what the next step in our lives would be. It is Mark 8:36 where is says..."For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"
It asks the Question of our purpose in life. I pray that you as I would not want to forfeit your soul, but to live for Him alone and what He has called you to be.
And so the adventure continues…………Life would be boring if it were predictable right? As most of you know we have been living in the states since the beginning of January 2011 since we did not receive our Visa’s to remain in Austria in December 2010. Unsure of what our future would hold at that point we returned to the states for a time of rest and reflection on the Lord and his guidance for the next step in our lives.
After being back for a little over 3 months Ivan alone returned to Salzburg for almost 2 months to resume his pastoral role as well as to pray and seek out what the Lord would have for our family. During his time in Salzburg the Lord clearly confirmed to us that Salzburg is where we should be. This is both exciting and challenging at the same time. It’s exciting to have a direction and move forward in faith in that direction, but it’s also challenging to embrace the unknown. God’s promises to never leave us nor forsake us have never before been such a vital part of our motto in life.
So therefore in faith, here we go again. August 29th we have one way tickets headed right for the heart of Salzburg to continue the good work the Lord has started. In faith we believe and trust that this is where the Lord is leading us and therefore we know that He will provide for our every need.
When Christ said to count the cost of following Him, it means we must surrender everything. God wants us to trust Him with abandon and He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He wants to be our refuge!!
God is on our side and He gives us His courage and strength to take this step of faith and right now more than ever we take great comfort in that. We look forward to continuing to share with you the mighty things that the Lord will do through Calvary Chapel Salzburg.
Love from all of us,
Ivan, Michelle, Nollie, Ella and Emery
Praise:
The Church is doing great in Salzburg and God is moving mightily.
God is continuing to work in our lives.
Prayer:
Our Visas - It is a step of faith moving back to Salzburg not knowing if we will get them, but we know that He is in control.
Home - That the Lord would provide us with a place to live that we can afford.
Kindergarten - Nollie and Ella both start in September. Pray that they will continue to pick up the language quickly.
Finances - that God would provide what we need to live there.
Church - that we could rent a place 24/7 to do ministry out of.
In closing I'd like to share this verse that has been echoing in my mind as we have been waiting on the Lord as to what the next step in our lives would be. It is Mark 8:36 where is says..."For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"
It asks the Question of our purpose in life. I pray that you as I would not want to forfeit your soul, but to live for Him alone and what He has called you to be.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Friends and Family,
The God we serve is just, faithful, patient and perfect (among numerous other awe-inspiring attributes) and He is a God who deeply cares for you and I. How can this alone not compel us to want to live our lives for Him and Him only? As we were reminded in church once again this past Sunday, “God’s past faithfulness demands our present trust.” This my friends is where we’re at.
As most of you already know from our last prayer letter we are currently living in the states and have been here now for 2 months. After the New Year for financial reasons we were denied our Visa’s for 2011 and therefore had to leave the country. So once again we packed up our belongings; unsure of what our future holds and headed back to the states.
Calvary Chapel Salzburg has been continuing strong with the help of the Lord’s faithful servants Daniel Ornelas and Rene & Sabrina Podesser. It is exciting to see how the Lord is working there in Austria and to watch His mighty plan for Salzburg unfold.
As I mentioned earlier right now for our family we are in a time of waiting on the Lord. I’m sure many of you have been in perhaps a similar situation that ‘demands’ full and complete trust in the Lord and whatever His plans might be for your life. Then as you also may know it’s not an easy position to be in. The Lord has been faithful though through thick and thin and we trust Him now for His provision and guidance which will place us right where he wants us.
So therefore since much is pending right now for us as to what lies ahead for our family, I would ask you to join us in prayer for the His perfect leading and guiding for our family. As it stands right now Ivan will be returning to Austria next month for what may be as long as two months while the girls (Nollie, Ella, Emery and Michelle) remain in Washington with (Grandma and Grandpa Gifford). Ivan will take this time to step back into ministry as Pastor of Calvary Chapel Salzburg and will also be looking into what the possibilities might be for us to return to Salzburg and the ministry the Lord has started there. We of course are open to where ever the Lord may lead.
We ask that you would pray for us...
Gods direction - That we would clearly know where He wants us.
Our health - That God would sustain our health.
The Church in Salzburg - That they would grow in Christ
The Lost - That the Church would be bold in Sharing their Faith.
Travels - As Ivan goes back to Salzburg.
His provision - That He will provide for what we need to get our visas.
Thanks so much to those of you who pray for us and support us!
Blessings,
Ivan and Michelle
The God we serve is just, faithful, patient and perfect (among numerous other awe-inspiring attributes) and He is a God who deeply cares for you and I. How can this alone not compel us to want to live our lives for Him and Him only? As we were reminded in church once again this past Sunday, “God’s past faithfulness demands our present trust.” This my friends is where we’re at.
As most of you already know from our last prayer letter we are currently living in the states and have been here now for 2 months. After the New Year for financial reasons we were denied our Visa’s for 2011 and therefore had to leave the country. So once again we packed up our belongings; unsure of what our future holds and headed back to the states.
Calvary Chapel Salzburg has been continuing strong with the help of the Lord’s faithful servants Daniel Ornelas and Rene & Sabrina Podesser. It is exciting to see how the Lord is working there in Austria and to watch His mighty plan for Salzburg unfold.
As I mentioned earlier right now for our family we are in a time of waiting on the Lord. I’m sure many of you have been in perhaps a similar situation that ‘demands’ full and complete trust in the Lord and whatever His plans might be for your life. Then as you also may know it’s not an easy position to be in. The Lord has been faithful though through thick and thin and we trust Him now for His provision and guidance which will place us right where he wants us.
So therefore since much is pending right now for us as to what lies ahead for our family, I would ask you to join us in prayer for the His perfect leading and guiding for our family. As it stands right now Ivan will be returning to Austria next month for what may be as long as two months while the girls (Nollie, Ella, Emery and Michelle) remain in Washington with (Grandma and Grandpa Gifford). Ivan will take this time to step back into ministry as Pastor of Calvary Chapel Salzburg and will also be looking into what the possibilities might be for us to return to Salzburg and the ministry the Lord has started there. We of course are open to where ever the Lord may lead.
We ask that you would pray for us...
Gods direction - That we would clearly know where He wants us.
Our health - That God would sustain our health.
The Church in Salzburg - That they would grow in Christ
The Lost - That the Church would be bold in Sharing their Faith.
Travels - As Ivan goes back to Salzburg.
His provision - That He will provide for what we need to get our visas.
Thanks so much to those of you who pray for us and support us!
Blessings,
Ivan and Michelle
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Dear Family & Friends,
It’s been awhile, greetings from Salzburg, Austria we hope this update finds you well. I don’t know what it looks like for you but here in Salzburg it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The city is getting all decked out for the holidays and each day is getting colder and colder. As we approach this holiday season we are reminded how the Lord has carried us through this past year and are blessed.
With the change of the season much has changed for us personally as well. Beginning of September we enrolled Nollie in German kindergarten (the equivalent of pre-school in America). Attending 5 days a week for 4 hours each day, therefore as you can imagine this is a huge change for us and her. Leading up to this exciting time we were counting down the days, “how many more sleeps until I get to go to kindergarten mommy,” Nollie would say? She is enjoying each and every day and it shows; her teacher commented how, “Nollie is the sunshine of the class,” always happy and wanting to participate in everything. We couldn’t be more proud of our little lady. Another big change for us is the arrival of our 3rd little baby girl, Emery Anne Ibbotson; arriving right on time (on her due date) Monday October 11th at 1:00am. She is a joy and such a sweet addition to our collection of girls. Then to keep the ball rolling 2 weeks after welcoming Emery to the family we had to move out of our flat. As you can imagine these two big changes alone have been a challenge and somewhat of an adjustment for us all.
Change can be a good and healthy thing if you stay strong in heart and mind and move forward with whatever the Lord has for you next. Which brings me to my next point to share with you; throughout this past year we as a family have been prayerfully waiting on the Lord for what the next step might be for us here in Salzburg. It’s been a year of big question marks and the unknown for us. At the end of each year it is the season to gear up for reapplying for our visas. With that in mind as we approach the end of this year the resounding question echoes, “Will we get our visas for next year.” With our family having grown new requirements are laid upon us regarding the qualifications for our visas. Having waited and saturated this situation in prayer we were told by the visa office that we do not meet the requirements in order to receive our visas for next year. We know the Lord has a reason for everything and are at peace with whatever His plans might be for us and for Calvary Chapel Salzburg.
As it remains right now we will be leaving Austria beginning of January, as that is the time that our current visas expire. With that planned we are amazed how the Lord has raised up an Austrian couple that had been planning on moving to Salzburg beginning of January to help out with the ministry. They are amazing people that love the Lord and a couple that we feel the sheep will be well cared for. God is good and gracious and we trust he has mighty plans for us and for Calvary Chapel Salzburg. Please join with us in prayer regarding this big change; for continued health of the church and everyone this effects as well as for us as we move forward and wait on the Lord for whatever doors he might open up for us.
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Ivan, Michelle, Nollie, Ella and Emery
It’s been awhile, greetings from Salzburg, Austria we hope this update finds you well. I don’t know what it looks like for you but here in Salzburg it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The city is getting all decked out for the holidays and each day is getting colder and colder. As we approach this holiday season we are reminded how the Lord has carried us through this past year and are blessed.
With the change of the season much has changed for us personally as well. Beginning of September we enrolled Nollie in German kindergarten (the equivalent of pre-school in America). Attending 5 days a week for 4 hours each day, therefore as you can imagine this is a huge change for us and her. Leading up to this exciting time we were counting down the days, “how many more sleeps until I get to go to kindergarten mommy,” Nollie would say? She is enjoying each and every day and it shows; her teacher commented how, “Nollie is the sunshine of the class,” always happy and wanting to participate in everything. We couldn’t be more proud of our little lady. Another big change for us is the arrival of our 3rd little baby girl, Emery Anne Ibbotson; arriving right on time (on her due date) Monday October 11th at 1:00am. She is a joy and such a sweet addition to our collection of girls. Then to keep the ball rolling 2 weeks after welcoming Emery to the family we had to move out of our flat. As you can imagine these two big changes alone have been a challenge and somewhat of an adjustment for us all.
Change can be a good and healthy thing if you stay strong in heart and mind and move forward with whatever the Lord has for you next. Which brings me to my next point to share with you; throughout this past year we as a family have been prayerfully waiting on the Lord for what the next step might be for us here in Salzburg. It’s been a year of big question marks and the unknown for us. At the end of each year it is the season to gear up for reapplying for our visas. With that in mind as we approach the end of this year the resounding question echoes, “Will we get our visas for next year.” With our family having grown new requirements are laid upon us regarding the qualifications for our visas. Having waited and saturated this situation in prayer we were told by the visa office that we do not meet the requirements in order to receive our visas for next year. We know the Lord has a reason for everything and are at peace with whatever His plans might be for us and for Calvary Chapel Salzburg.
As it remains right now we will be leaving Austria beginning of January, as that is the time that our current visas expire. With that planned we are amazed how the Lord has raised up an Austrian couple that had been planning on moving to Salzburg beginning of January to help out with the ministry. They are amazing people that love the Lord and a couple that we feel the sheep will be well cared for. God is good and gracious and we trust he has mighty plans for us and for Calvary Chapel Salzburg. Please join with us in prayer regarding this big change; for continued health of the church and everyone this effects as well as for us as we move forward and wait on the Lord for whatever doors he might open up for us.
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Ivan, Michelle, Nollie, Ella and Emery
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Where does time go?
Dear Family & Friends,
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
It’s so comforting to know that no matter if we are at home or away in some other country we serve the same God, a big and powerful God who has already equipped us to serve Him by His strength in us. Therefore we continue here in Salzburg rooted and built up in our faith in Christ, supported by our dear friends and family that we are so thankful for.
With the start of this New Year much has already developed for us here in Salzburg; new changes and progress. Our church as of February has relocated to downtown Salzburg, right in the heart of the city. We currently meet at an old vacant theater style building centrally located downtown; the Lord has definitely blessed us with this location and most people know where it is just by mentioning the name of the place. So carry on the theme of new changes and progress, we are happy to announce that we will be welcoming our third child come beginning of October and we are completely stoked about that. Please pray along with us for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery, EXCITING!!!
Seeds are being planted and little by little we have seen the tree bear fruit, yet this is hard ground we tread on here in Salzburg; steeped in tradition and rich in heritage that just takes love and time to break down and soften. Please continue to pray along with us for more co-laborers to carry a burden for Salzburg. As Matthew 9:37 states, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” We expect the Lord to do great things here in Salzburg and for His will to be accomplished and we are honored to take part in that. Know that we are sincerely appreciative for all of your prayers and support and look forward to sharing more good news about all of the remarkable things the Lord is accomplishing here in our corner of the world. Until then, be blessed!!
In His Service,
Ivan & Michelle, Nollie & Ella & baby Ibbotson
Praise reports:
-New believer in our church ( Pray for here growth)!!!
-New location (church building)!!!
-New baby on the way!!!
Prayer requests:
-More co-laborers
-Healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery
-Jason, for God's Hand of leading in his life
-Martina, continued growth
-God’s provision and continued direction in our lives.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
It’s so comforting to know that no matter if we are at home or away in some other country we serve the same God, a big and powerful God who has already equipped us to serve Him by His strength in us. Therefore we continue here in Salzburg rooted and built up in our faith in Christ, supported by our dear friends and family that we are so thankful for.
With the start of this New Year much has already developed for us here in Salzburg; new changes and progress. Our church as of February has relocated to downtown Salzburg, right in the heart of the city. We currently meet at an old vacant theater style building centrally located downtown; the Lord has definitely blessed us with this location and most people know where it is just by mentioning the name of the place. So carry on the theme of new changes and progress, we are happy to announce that we will be welcoming our third child come beginning of October and we are completely stoked about that. Please pray along with us for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery, EXCITING!!!
Seeds are being planted and little by little we have seen the tree bear fruit, yet this is hard ground we tread on here in Salzburg; steeped in tradition and rich in heritage that just takes love and time to break down and soften. Please continue to pray along with us for more co-laborers to carry a burden for Salzburg. As Matthew 9:37 states, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” We expect the Lord to do great things here in Salzburg and for His will to be accomplished and we are honored to take part in that. Know that we are sincerely appreciative for all of your prayers and support and look forward to sharing more good news about all of the remarkable things the Lord is accomplishing here in our corner of the world. Until then, be blessed!!
In His Service,
Ivan & Michelle, Nollie & Ella & baby Ibbotson
Praise reports:
-New believer in our church ( Pray for here growth)!!!
-New location (church building)!!!
-New baby on the way!!!
Prayer requests:
-More co-laborers
-Healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery
-Jason, for God's Hand of leading in his life
-Martina, continued growth
-God’s provision and continued direction in our lives.
Monday, January 25, 2010
a new year...
Dear Family & Friends,
Frohes Neue Jahr, (Happy New Year) 2010 already!!! Another year come and gone and the Lord remains faithful still. We are so loved and blessed by our Lord who has carried us through another year. There is much to remember as we reflect on this past year but here are just a few of the highlights.
To begin this past year we were blessed to have received our Visa’s for a year, God is good!! Then prior to moving into our new flat we had a spring outreach featuring Calvary Chapel Eastside’s own Larry Gifford, as well as a team from Siegen, Germany that assisted in preparing for our move. As summer arrived we geared up for another outreach team from Calvary Fellowship in Seattle, Washington. Then come fall as a church body we celebrated an American Thanksgiving with 2 turkeys and all the trimmings, it was a sweet time of food and fellowship. Then next on our calendar was our Creation outreach which entailed an evening where we viewed the film, “The Voyage that Shook the World,” put out by Creations Ministries International, we serve an awesome Creator.
Shortly thereafter we were blessed with the opportunity to travel back to the states for a short time for our dear friends wedding. It was such a treat to be back home amongst all of our dear friends and family. Upon our return we of course celebrated Christmas and New Years with friends and family here, and then prepared for our next concert outreach which was this month. Singer/songwriter Austen Case and band as well as the opening Austrian band “Inem” blessed us all with such a remarkable evening. Thank you to everyone involved, the Lord’s presence truly did fill the theater and His name was magnified that night.
It really has been a wonderful, challenging yet glorious year watching the Lord move and work in ways that only He can. We serve a big God who has great plans for the city of Salzburg and we are grateful to once again have received our Visa’s for this year so that we may continue to serve here in Austria. Please continue to lift up in prayer Calvary Chapel Salzburg, that we may be a light in this dark city and shine bright for His glory. Our desire as a church body is that we may seek rich spiritual growth and thus bare fruit for His namesake.
We trust the Lord for all that concerns us and all of our needs; He knows us better than we know ourselves and He only wants what’s best for His children. So thank you to everyone for all of your love and support for us here in Salzburg, we expect the Lord to do mighty things throughout this next year and we will continue to update on all the latest and greatest.
In His service,
Ivan, Michelle, Nollie and Ella Ibbotson
Prayer request:
-Individuals that received the Lord at the concert
-More co-laborers to come along side (incl.worship and children’s ministry leaders)
-wisdom and guidance for Calvary Chapel Salzburg (possible relocation)
-Good health during the winter months
Praise report:
-for receiving our Visa’s once again
-for the blessed and fruitful concert outreach
-for the faithful servants that already do serve in our church
Frohes Neue Jahr, (Happy New Year) 2010 already!!! Another year come and gone and the Lord remains faithful still. We are so loved and blessed by our Lord who has carried us through another year. There is much to remember as we reflect on this past year but here are just a few of the highlights.
To begin this past year we were blessed to have received our Visa’s for a year, God is good!! Then prior to moving into our new flat we had a spring outreach featuring Calvary Chapel Eastside’s own Larry Gifford, as well as a team from Siegen, Germany that assisted in preparing for our move. As summer arrived we geared up for another outreach team from Calvary Fellowship in Seattle, Washington. Then come fall as a church body we celebrated an American Thanksgiving with 2 turkeys and all the trimmings, it was a sweet time of food and fellowship. Then next on our calendar was our Creation outreach which entailed an evening where we viewed the film, “The Voyage that Shook the World,” put out by Creations Ministries International, we serve an awesome Creator.
Shortly thereafter we were blessed with the opportunity to travel back to the states for a short time for our dear friends wedding. It was such a treat to be back home amongst all of our dear friends and family. Upon our return we of course celebrated Christmas and New Years with friends and family here, and then prepared for our next concert outreach which was this month. Singer/songwriter Austen Case and band as well as the opening Austrian band “Inem” blessed us all with such a remarkable evening. Thank you to everyone involved, the Lord’s presence truly did fill the theater and His name was magnified that night.
It really has been a wonderful, challenging yet glorious year watching the Lord move and work in ways that only He can. We serve a big God who has great plans for the city of Salzburg and we are grateful to once again have received our Visa’s for this year so that we may continue to serve here in Austria. Please continue to lift up in prayer Calvary Chapel Salzburg, that we may be a light in this dark city and shine bright for His glory. Our desire as a church body is that we may seek rich spiritual growth and thus bare fruit for His namesake.
We trust the Lord for all that concerns us and all of our needs; He knows us better than we know ourselves and He only wants what’s best for His children. So thank you to everyone for all of your love and support for us here in Salzburg, we expect the Lord to do mighty things throughout this next year and we will continue to update on all the latest and greatest.
In His service,
Ivan, Michelle, Nollie and Ella Ibbotson
Prayer request:
-Individuals that received the Lord at the concert
-More co-laborers to come along side (incl.worship and children’s ministry leaders)
-wisdom and guidance for Calvary Chapel Salzburg (possible relocation)
-Good health during the winter months
Praise report:
-for receiving our Visa’s once again
-for the blessed and fruitful concert outreach
-for the faithful servants that already do serve in our church
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