TEEN MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL

Tom & Linda Maher Newsletter (Winter 2025)

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! We trust this letter finds you enjoying each day and looking forward to all God will do this year.

Our ‘Word of the Year’ for 2024 was DEVOTE. Our desire was to spend the year devoting ourselves to prayer. God gave us so many opportunities to pray; however, not in the ways we expected. We thought we would clear time for concentrated prayer, instead the Lord gave us many unexpected illnesses that resulted in sleepless nights which we turned into times of prayer. God’s ways are not ours; however, we would not trade those precious times. Our “Word of the Year” for 2025 is HOPE. The verse we are using is Hebrews 6:19 “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” We have a secure hope that Jesus will carry us through till we meet Him face to face. We desire to have a year where we remain hopeful and live out the presence of the Lord daily. Our world is changing and it is such an assurance that Jesus never changes. He will do what He has promised to do. He lives in us and works through us, what HOPE!

NOVEMBER

In November we had the opportunity to go up north for two weeks. We went first to Mississippi to visit my sister Karen who moved there several years ago and no family member had ever visited her. We had a precious morning laughing and remembering. We went on to Alabama, where Zach and family had moved in September. We were able to meet and hold our newest granddaughter Meridith Joy who arrived October 14th. We had a special time with Zach, Alyssa, Elinor, Tigs and Merry Joy. Papa helped with a few handyman projects and I played with the girls. We then went on to Michigan to spend time with Tom, Deena, Elsie and Jude. We had Thanksgiving with them and quickly realized our grandson Jude is a major football fan; it was so enjoyable to watch through his eyes. I enjoyed talking with the kids and taking walks on their beautiful property. We did experience some snow which is pretty to look at, but we were grateful it did not cause any travel issues.

DECEMBER

December was a month that was joyful and relaxing. We celebrated Christmas with Kalah. She came and stayed with us for three days. We played games, took walks, shopped, and watched favorite shows. We had times with our four grandchildren who live nearby, including a cookie decorating day. They enjoy overnights with Nana and Papa. We got some games that were nostalgic to us, Operation and Spirograph. It sure is fun teaching them to play.

THE NEW YEAR

During December, January and February, TMI has 16 Overseas Boot Camps operating in nine countries. Hundreds of teens are being discipled to grow in their own spiritual journeys and then to share the Gospel! On Tuesday January 7th we got a phone call asking us to go to Peru. Those who were meant to go had to cancel last minute for health reasons. We prayed and on January 9th we were on a flight. Peru was running its first Boot Camp in 20 years, and the administration wanted experienced eyes on the ground to ensure it was running correctly. What a surprise and what a blessing! We went from cool Florida to 95+ jungle weather and about 50 million biting insects. We had a blast! We loved seeing the joy of the Lord on each face. I have a bit of a Spanish background and for the rest there are wonderful translating tools. We built what will be a lasting friendship with the coordinator Esteban and his wife Rubi. Esteban was so humble and so excited to be leading this Boot Camp. He was organized and joyful. There were 54 teens and 12 leaders on four teams who came for the program. Several of the teens had parents who went as team members in the early years. I always make friends with the kitchen ladies wherever I go. I really feel their job is often underappreciated, and I wanted them to know how grateful we were with their efforts to feed the group. They were so cute and joyful and took very good care of us. We also visited the site where our US teen team will be this summer. Transportation in country is on these little motorcycle-type taxis. Too fun! There is an old hymn called, ‘He Leadeth Me”. We can see that God was leading us to Peru and back and are so grateful for the opportunity.

NOW NOW

Tom continues in his daily responsibilities as Department Head for Computers/Graphics. He has multiple projects on his plate, as well as the training of others in the department. I continue to lead the Finance Department and I am teaching for the Bible school this term. I also am doing a bit of writing. We covet your prayers for wisdom in our responsibilities and that we will be a godly example to our Departments.

PRAISES

Praise God for the arrival of Merry Joy to the family.

Praise God for needed time away with family in November.

Praise God for the trip to Peru.

Praise God for the teens involved in Boot Camps around the world.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for wisdom in our responsibilities.

Pray for health and strength.

Pray for partners both in prayer and giving.

Pray that those attending Peru Boot Camp will see many come to Christ.

Pray that each of our children and grandchildren will seek the Lord and rely and trust Him to meet every need.

Because He Lives,