Last 2018 Potter Update
Hi everyone,
As we come to the end of another year, we want to send you our year-end update with family news and a brief summary of the main events of this past year. (Some of you may have already received a hard copy of this letter….)
Some of the milestones and highlights of our lives:
- Grateful for those of you who supported us through prayer and finances
- 27 candidates appointed to overseas mission work
- Barry continues to serve as Acting President of OMF US
- A new OMF President appointed who will take over on March 1, 2019
- Almost 100 houseguests fed, lodged and cared for
- Two coaching workshops facilitated in Thailand and Singapore
- Dad Eachon passed away in July at the age of 94
- Grandson Jude Potter (age 1) got his first prosthetic limb
- Dad Potter doing well after two hip surgeries last year
- Doug and family back in Tokyo after 1.5 years in Colorado
Barry’s challenges this year have included lots of work, travel and office projects. At the same time, Barry also enjoyed the opportunity to coach and train in Asia. As for Jan, she was challenged with organizing, cleaning and planning as she continued to manage the guest home. However, Jan also found joy in meeting new candidates, welcoming missionaries on visits to our home and office, and hearing their stories about God’s faithfulness, provision, and protection. She is also on a team here at the office that reads and responds to missionary prayer letters.
Doug & Candice, Kiera (14), Kalista (12), Kai (9), Kole (7): Doug is still flying with ANA (All Nippon Airways) in Tokyo. He is now training pilots as he continues to fly the Boeing 767 aircraft to destinations in Asia. Kole, their youngest (on the autism spectrum) is doing well at his school.
Rochelle is presently teaching 6th grade science and 7th grade math while working on getting her teaching accreditation through the University of Hawaii. Her course work will finish in May, after which she will qualify for a long term teaching position.
Ryan & Nelle, Ezra (8), Luna (6), Vera (4) and Jude (1): Ryan continues to teach Bible and Industrial Arts at the Christian Academy in Tokyo. Nelle is involved in outreach to moms and families. Ezra, Luna and Vera are all attending Japanese school and are enjoying it. Jude got his first prosthetic limb in September. We pray that he adjusts well to it.
Cameron & Deidre, Cohen (8), Eliyah (6), Claire (4): While completing his PhD, Cami continues to teach and train, and to lead outdoor education trips, at Texas Christian University. Deidre stays busy with church activities and part-time work while managing a busy household. They are also currently fostering Deidre’s nephew Silas (age 10).
Brent is living in Tokyo, but spends much of his time in northern Japan where he has purchased property at Niseko, an international ski resort, and is building a “dome” which he hopes to rent out during ski season. His company, Japan Guide Groups, has had another successful year leading more than 1000 climbers up Mount Fuji.
We hope that you and your family have also had a wonderful year. It would be great to hear from you if you have the opportunity to provide us with an update. In the meantime, may your 2019 be richly blessed as you continue to serve the Lord. We really appreciate your partnership with us!
Barry and Jan