God’s blessings poured out on us at Jesus’ birth, remind us of His blessings all year!  It has been a wonderfully busy year for our family, and we look forward to anticipation of all the things God has in store for us next year!  Here’s a glimpse into 2009:

Barry’s mom, Loraine, went home to be with the Lord on February 2

The Larson Family, March 28, 2009

Matt  and Ali were united in marriage in beautiful Boulder, CO, March 28.  They came home to Austin in August, and we gathered the whole family together.  (Those times are rare and precious!)  They purchased their first home in October…and were with us Thanksgiving this year instead of Christmas.

David graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Bible/Theology in May and we celebrated Mother’s Day with Emma’s family, too! David made ALL-AMERICAN in the pole vault at Nationals! David and Emma celebrated their 1^st Anniversary July 12! In August, they moved from Wheaton, IL to Grand Forks, ND, where Emma is pursuing a master’s degree and playing competitive tennis for UND.  David is working at Cabela’s and also for Grace Baptist Church in college ministries. He will start a new job with disabled persons in January.  Emma is recovering from knee surgery (Nov 20) and is hoping to get back on the tennis courts soon.

Sara was selected as Miss Minnesota First Runner-Up in June!  We are so proud of all her accomplishments.  She gave up her Miss Capital City title in October and is in her junior year at Bethel, majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Jacob sang in the ALL-STATE CHOIR Concert at Orchestra Hall, February 14…WOW! His 4X800m relay team advanced to the STATE FINALS in June!  And at the end of July, his soccer team WON the MYSA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!  Jacob’s high school soccer team made school history by advancing to the STATE High School SOCCER TOURNAMENT in October. He will graduate from Austin High School in June and would like to attend Bethel next year.

Pam’s trip to teach in English in China was postponed due to H1N1.  Now, the facility (Shamineau East) is having further difficulties with the government and the trip is cancelled.

Barry, Pam and Jacob are leaving for the Philippines Jan 29 and returning Feb 10…yes, we will miss the Super Bowl…. We will be heading up into the rugged mountainous jungles of Northern Luzon to do multiple film showings with Vernacular Video Ministry, and also a medical outreach partnership with a group of doctors, dentist, nurses and others from Manila.  We will be in Mapayao, which is as far as we can go since the road was washed out during the recent typhoons.

Please PRAY for us!  Pray that we would have the strength and energy to be effective helpers. (jet lag can be rough!) Pray that we will be the aroma of Christ to hurting people.  Pray that many will see Jesus through the films, through our love, and that they will turn to Him and trust in Him.  Pray that we will return with a greater love and passion to reach unreached people.

We are not asking for any help with the cost of the trip, but we would like to invite you to help with some vital equipment for the ministry there:

1. We are hoping to raise $2500 for an iMac computer system which will enable the team to edit new productions and to produce some children’s videos (dubbing from VVMI’s partner in Guatemala)
2. We would also like to have enough funds ($1000) for a projection system that will be used to spread the Gospel through video, in the rugged Mountain Province. 
3. We have also been asked to bring children’s vitamins, desperately needed since the typhoon.

If you would like to contribute to any of these needs, you can DONATE online at GiveMN.org  or send a check to VVMI, PO Box 37, Austin, MN 55912  (memo: iMac or MP) or send vitamins to our home address.