Phil and Janelle Sutton Reaching People for Christ in Sanford Florida August 2009 Phil Sutton Family Update
Many of you have asked how our children are doing. We don’t do this often, but we decided to ask each of them to write a short paragraph or two telling of what is happening in their lives.
Brock and Heidi Update
I have been adjusting to some significant changes in my life. In the last two months, in conjunction with a restructuring plan which included quite a few layoffs, my boss has left Covenant College. This is the man who had taken me under his wing, placing plenty of faith in my ability to learn on-the-fly how to do programming and be a back-up for other programmers on campus. In the process, my job description has been pretty much discarded. I am learning to tackle another previously unknown field of study: Audio/Visual work. This is a “part-time” takeover of a full-time position in addition to my original full-time programming position. A/V has to be planned around events on campus, so my schedule has gone from a steady 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday job to a random assortment of late nights and weekends and sporadic partial days off in the middle of the week. All things considered, I am thankful that I still hold a place on staff at the college.
On the side, I have been tutoring in math for several hours per week and running an online business selling LEGO products. Every spare moment is spent sorting through piles of sets, bricks and plates to be listed in my store. This business has seen steady growth over the last two years and current inventory levels are up to about 80,000 pieces, with around another 100,000+ pieces yet to be listed. I am dreaming of the day where I can become a LEGO dealer full-time.
Heidi remains steadily employed as an x-ray technologist at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, works childcare with two-year-olds at church for Sunday school, and spends her free time reading, spoiling her puppy Penny, and cooking. Cooking to her is more than just making something to eat. It has become her passion and is an artistic outpouring. She dreams of a day that she can use her talent at cooking by serving guests at her own bed and breakfast.
This summer, Heidi and I were able to spend time in Wisconsin where Heidi’s sister, Leanne got married. While it may still be August, some cooler weather has reminded me that a new season is around the corner. School is returning to full session, which will add to an already full schedule, so pray that Heidi and I will be able to set aside time for nurturing our marriage and maintaining relationships with friends.
Kyla Update
Life is full of ups and downs right now. I’m still living in Florida and attending the University of Central Florida, but at what one would call a relaxed pace. I always get the question, What year are you? to which I respond with a sigh and long pause. I’m technically a junior, but its slow going.
Most of my time is spent at my job as a bookkeeper for Albertsons, but this is going to change soon. Our store is closing and though I’ve been offered a transfer, I’m not really sure where the future in the company is and it would require I work Sundays. Despite these nerve-racking challenges, I’ve had some encouragement from a new church I recently started attending called Crossway. The pastor and his wife have taken my roommate Jen and I under their wings and made us feel extremely welcome. It was a surreal moment walking into this church for the first time because I could tell right away that it is where God wants me to be. Since my current job is somewhat uncertain, I have applied for a position as an administrator at Crossway. I would appreciate prayer for wisdom as I determine my job future as well my future within this church where I hope to become very involved.
Another blessing is my new puppy, Bella. Fellow dog lovers can attest to the comfort an adorable companion can be (when there not chewing apart the cords to every lamp in your house).
Chad Update
Hello, my name is Chad Sutton. 2 years ago I graduated from Numinohi Christian Academy in Papua New Guinea. Since then I have been going to school in central Florida for a civil engineering degree. But, as I have seen over the last two years of being back in the USA is that I need a firmer foundation in God. I will be working this next year so that I can save up the money that is required to go to New Tribes Bible Institute. This is a 2 year school that I hope to gain a fuller understanding of the Word of God and what He wants me to do with my life. After that I have no set plans of what I should do, but I would like to go back to school and finish my degree.
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