“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

As we think about the year 2022, we clearly see the faithfulness of God in our lives. From joyful and precious moments to busy schedules and very difficult circumstances, God has continuously provided for our needs. We are weak and imperfect, and the fact that God continues to work in us and through us is a sure testament to His faithfulness. In spite of our mistakes, His love and mercy never fail. In our weakness, He is strong, and He works all things out for our good and for His glory.

Looking Back…

After a busy summer of ministry, we have been working out of our home offices for the past few months, catching up on a number of projects. The studio has seen some progress with the needed repairs after the flood in spring, several printing projects are ready for the printing presses, another coloring/activity book will soon be available, and wonder of wonders, the Plautdietsch Christmas album has been completed! The music was sent out to radio stations in time for Christmas, and it has been uploaded to online platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. Physical copies are not yet available, due to ongoing supply issues, but we have hope that they will be available soon. It is our prayer that God would be honored and glorified by this album, and that it would be a blessing and encouragement to everyone who hears it.

It has been good to sing at local events such as music in the park, Low German music nights and various fundraisers. We have been encouraged by the continued support and encouragement we receive from so many friends and acquaintances. Something new we have been involved with recently, is helping several families who moved to our area settle in here. They come from the colonies, so life here is very different with many new opportunities and challenges. In November we started meeting with these families on Sunday mornings to provide them with a worship time in their own language. It’s nothing very sophisticated, just a simple time of singing, sharing Scripture and praying together. It has been a real blessing so far, and we are praying about how to continue. Some complications have arisen that we need to work through. Your prayers for God’s leading and provision would be greatly appreciated.

We are also happy to announce that our daughter-in-law, Nikki, has begun working with us part-time, and has been fitting in very well. She brings a lot of gifts and abilities that we are putting to good use! Welcome to the team, Nikki!

Nikki’s Notes

Hi! My name is Nikki Friesen, and I joined the Friesen family in September, when I married their son, Matthew Friesen. I started working with D’Friesens at the end of November. I will be working part time as their administrator. Since starting in November, I have been working on getting their music up on Apple Music and Spotify. I have organized inventory, logged purchases, created statements, and have been keeping people up to date on their social media platforms. I have also joined them in singing at their November fundraiser and in our home church. Overall, I have been just learning the ropes and helping to create new systems for a growing ministry.

Mark’s Remarks

Hi everyone! It’s been an interesting, challenging, but altogether good year, that has passed by very quickly! There have been lots of singing events, editing projects, and book and CD orders to fill. It’s good to have the Low German Christmas album finished, because that means we can move on to the next project, with new songs to learn and more time spent in the studio! It’s exciting to hear how lives are being changed and God’s work is being accomplished in many parts of the world, and it is so good to be involved, even in a small way.

Thank you to each and every one of you who faithfully make it possible for us to do this work. My prayer is always to be a blessing and to be used of God to fulfill His purpose on this earth. I am looking forward to another year of serving, learning, and growing in this work that God has called me to.

Looking Ahead…

As we look ahead to 2023, we renew our commitment to serve the Lord to the very best of our abilities, to be available to Him, to let Him work in us and through us in whatever way He desires. There is no place we would rather be than in the center of His will! What that will look like in the year ahead, no one can say for certain, but booking requests are coming in and the calendar is filling up. We are planning on spending some dedicated time in the studio, recording new music, together with Andrew and Deanna, early in the new year. There are projects in the works and some we are still dreaming of starting. There are songs to be sung, stories to be written, people to reach with the Good News of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are thrilled to be a part of this work and we look forward to serving alongside all of you, to build up the Kingdom.

Thank you so very much for your faithful prayers, support and encouragement. We pray a healthy, blessed, and productive year for all of you.

Praise For:

• Nikki, and the talents and abilities she brings to the team
• A positive reception to the Christmas album
• God’s provision of finances and prayer warriors
• A wonderful, supportive advisory board to work with
• A new year ahead, full of possibilities and opportunities

Pray For:

• Our family, as we process and grieve the death of Nettie’s mother
• Wisdom and integrity in ministry
• The Low German Sunday morning meetings
• Continued financial support in a tough economy
• Continued energy and joy in the work