Westerfield's in NY

Hello friends and family,


We are very sorry it has taken us so long to post a blog. The Mark's family came out and visited last week and Doug was helpful in showing me how to start blogging. Hopefully we can post weekly to keep everyone up to date on events here in New York. We are truly grateful to all of our church family for your support in helping us get out here. We never could have fit everything on the moving truck if it was not for the help of the church leadership team and a few others. If you ever have limited space but alot to fit in it call Mike Altman or Doug Mark, they can fit a large block in a small hole. We got moved in and are not unpacked yet though due to the fact we want to do some painting and do not want to get too comfortable to where we do not get the work done. The necessities are unpacked but it does not look like a home yet! With that said though any one looking to visit New York we have room for you, so do not be shy. It was such a joy to see Hoosier faces when the Mark's visited.


As far as ministry is going we are geeked up to be serving here in New York! I promise you that there are things I am seeing and learning you could not learn in college or in the small city of Lebanon (we do miss Lebanon though!). The church is growing and has increased its attendance by about 60%. We have had two baptisms since we have been here and are starting new outreaches. There is unlimited potential here in the big city!


The kids are adjusting well. Ruby is doing great in school! She was forced to skip first grade by where her birthdate fell and we were naturally concerned as to how she would adjust. She has gotten only 100% on all her tests and homework (were' not too proud parents,huh!). Last week she won grand champion for the pumpkin decorating contest for the whole school. That was a big deal because her school has middle school students K-8th. Also she lost her first tooth! They grow too fast... Augustus spends his days helping me out or teaching me patience(more of the latter). He is growing up too fast to and is speaking in such big boy sentences. One day he got hold of some scissors and cut his bangs down to his scalp so we had to cut his beautiful curls off his head. We pray it comes back curly again for he looked so precious and the good Lord knows he will not have hair to enjoy if he follows our family genetics.


Farrah is working for a fashion firm in the customer service department and they really enjoy her work ethic. She has shard her spirtual gift of music here at the church but has not had enough time to pursue singing and dancing elsewhere yet with her busy work schedule. Pray that we can find strength and energy to get her out auditioning and performing. There's too much potential there to bottle it up! I am working diligently with the church and have been doing studies designated by pastor Kieth. I clean and repair the building which has gotten easier the longer we're here but there is never a let up on something needed maintained. 10th street church is much smaller than LCC and take it from me Greg Miller surley has to work diligently to keep up with such a large facility back home. Scrubbing toilets to reaching the lost, someone has to do it and it is so fulfilling to know you are doing it to the glory of GOD. If there was anything I could take away from being in New York, it would be to get connected to the church. Small group, worship, lawn and gardening, youth, toilet scrubbing, evangelism whatever it is, it is fulfilling when you are doing it for the Lord. We are blessed to have such a great church family, so be sure you are being connected. It will bring true joy to your life!


We really miss everyone and look forward to coming home for Christmas. We will keep blogging to update you on the events in New York and thank you all for your prayers and support back home.

Love in Christ,
Jonathan, Farrah, Ruby, and Augustus Westerfield