Family Letter 2004
by Gary and Karen Sweeten

Each year gets shorter and faster because it also gets better, far better. The aches and pains of aging are pale compared to the richness of the friends we used to call our children. Nothing quite compares to the joy of hearing our grandkids call us “Papa” and “Grandma”. Julie and Dave Knispel have Jacob (9) and Lily (2). Tim and Shelley promise more joy and excitement with a baby on February 14. Both families live within 20 minutes of us and we love to see them regularly.

Now we know why so many friends and family love grandkids. They are definitely easier than your own kids but they have better parents.

We are thankful for good health and wonderful medical care. After a couple of visits to Christ Hospital I can continue my travels and local ministry. Sometimes medicine is part of the problem. They can cure or kill. With adjustments in the medication I have managed to return to sanity and good health, at least for now. Prayers are appreciated for a strong heart.

We celebrated our 15th year at LifeWay Counseling Centers in September. The gift was a great new space. The Lord inspired us through Jim Donovan to see that our call is similar to guiding folks through white water rafting. The new design simulates a river with a fountain to greet each person and a prayer room for the deep water of peace. Hurting people regularly experience relief and healing from Jesus’ living waters found at Life Way.

Gary finds himself on foreign soil for several months each year with LifeWay Ministries Inc, Intl. The Lord’s plan is coming to fruition in many nations. He told us to establish equipping centers that can stand for decades. God’s love is thriving in Siberian labor camps, Asian cities and Ethiopian hospitals. It makes those long flights worth the trouble.

Personally, Karen works at LifeWay and enjoys her “Secret Club” whose members are sworn to confidentiality on pain of death. For twenty years they have supported each other with tears and laughter and remain best friends. We enjoy our warm association with the people at Harvest Fellowship. Golf has become a spiritual habit for Gary and he has widened his outreach to play weekly with needy pastors and leaders.

We always enjoy seeing old friends and hearing how God is creatively constructing their lives. May He who is able to do more than you can imagine give you His perfect peace.

12002 Maxim Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45249