It’s a damp, chilly night in the Windy City, but we’re keeping warm inside with steaming mugs of spiced apple cider. As I contemplate the high points of the past month, BJ is digging into his notes from our Modern Israel class to prepare for the midterm. It is an understatement to say that we are learning a lot, and that God is growing us immensely. Time is passing quickly here, so that it’s hard to believe it has already been a month since our last letter to you. But so much has happened that I am hard pressed to sum it all up. So, here’s the important stuff. 

Over the last month,

• We celebrated the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jared & Danika Delello! October 11 was a blessed and joyful day, and we could not have been more happy to be a part of it. We are so excited for Jared & Danika, and can’t wait to see how the Lord will use their life together for His glory.

• Wedding weekend in Wisconsin was immediately followed by Moody Missions Conference. It was a busy and really exciting week for us, because we had the privilege of spending time with our friends Shmueli and Robynne, staff with Chosen People Ministries, who both work in different ways with the Israeli backpacker community. We got the chance to learn more about Chosen People Ministries at large, as well as get a better idea of Shmueli’s plans for hostel ministry with Israeli backpackers in Brazil. We are extremely excited about this ministry, and would love to be a part of it. Please be praying with us as we continue to seek God’s direction for us in Jewish ministry.

• In an effort to become more familiar with Chosen People Ministries (CPM), and gain valuable cultural and practical ministry experience, we have applied to go with CPM on their Outreach Israel trip this summer. The trip would also qualify as BJ’s internship, required for graduation from Moody. Total costs for both of us to go amount to about $9,000. For us it seems like an impossible sum, but our God does the impossible every day, so we know He can provide!

• Following Missions Conference, we returned to Wisconsin for family time, doctor appointments, and a visit to our home assembly, Wauwatosa Bible Chapel. It was such a blessing to spend time with family, and our family in Wauwatosa!

• Praise! God provided the rest of the money for us to go to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in January for a new and promising treatment for Carissa’s Lyme’s Disease. Several of our friends have seen radical improvement after this treatment, so we are hopeful. Although we know that no treatment works for everyone, and God has not promised physical healing in this life, it is so encouraging to see that He definitely has a plan and this treatment is clearly part of it.

• Prayer Request – While we were last in Wisconsin, Carissa had some new tests run to check for heavy metal toxicity and detox related issues. The results could possibly affect our plans for treatment in January. Please pray that we will be able to go ahead with the Lyme treatment as planned, and that Carissa’s body will be fully prepared to handle the intense detox that follows.

• Praise! The Lord has graciously provided for each school payment thus far, according to His perfect timing. Our remaining bill for this semester is $2,100.

Thank you so very much for your continued prayer and support. It is incredible to walk with God and watch Him provide, teach, mold and direct us, day after day. We are honored to be able to share this journey with you. May you have a blessed month – keep looking unto Jesus!

Love,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

*Featured Image: Visit to Filter Cafe for coffee, praying, dreaming & planning with Shmueli (right), of Chosen People Ministries, Vlad and Rachel (left), friends from Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue