December Update 2025

One Day, One Mercy at a Time

We are squarely in the middle of Advent season. As I read again through the recorded events of the first arrival of Jesus I am struck anew with how ordinary the days surrounding this pivot in history must have seemed to those that lived through those days. We get glimpses into the lives of Mary, Jospeh, and Elizabeth whose lives were ordinary before God broke in. We get a sense of wonder from them, but the crowds don't seem to be thronging with anticipation. I wonder how many had the vision to see the importance of the times as the days continued to roll along. How many of them looked back to see how the events that unfolded reflected Gods promise and answer to many long years (generations) of prayer? How many saw the reality of the situation beyond what they could see?

As I look back at the past year of TECH it could be easy to just see just one day, one plan, one rendering, and one moment lined up in a ordinary succession of days. The days can tend to blend together, and it can be easy to miss what Jesus, God with us, has been doing all along the way. For this update I want focus on just a few ways we have seen God answering prayers and moving at TECH.

• In February, Eric assumed the Team Lead role in his department at TECH. Although the new duties have consumed more of his time than he expected, and the transition occurred earlier than he had planned, reflecting on the year, it is clear that everything happened for a reason. This year has been more hectic than usual. Having someone dedicated full-time in the office allowed TECH to respond more promptly to all the moving pieces.

• As we shared in a recent update, one of the persistent and heartfelt prayers that Eric has held for several years is the desire to connect with and collaborate with other architects serving in missions. Over the years, Eric has experienced several false starts and attempts at collaboration that, unfortunately, never led anywhere meaningful or fruitful. Each effort seemed to fall short of the vision he had in mind. Unbeknownst to Eric, however, the Lord was actively working in the heart of another architect based in Greece, who harbored a remarkably similar vision and passion. This architect, recognizing the need for collaboration and the shared goals among like-minded professionals, took the initiative to reach out to several similar missions. His efforts aimed to bring us all together at the same table, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that had previously been lacking. While we all operated in silos, focused on our individual projects and aspirations, God was quietly planting seeds of connection and collaboration among us. It is fascinating to see how the divine orchestration of events can lead to unexpected partnerships, even when we are unaware of the work being done behind the scenes. Currently, this group is still in its infancy, but there is a palpable excitement and anticipation as we begin to explore the possibilities that lie ahead. We are eager to see how God might manifest His plans through this newly formed collaboration The potential for growth, learning, and mutual support within this network of architects is immense. As we move forward, we remain open to the guidance of the Lord and are committed to fostering this budding community of architects dedicated to serving through their craft.

• TECH has been praying fervently for an extended period for an increase in both staff and volunteers to help fulfill its mission and expand its outreach. We are actively exploring various strategies to raise awareness about our pressing need for additional hands and hearts. Despite our efforts, we firmly believe that God serves as our most effective recruiter, guiding people to us in ways that often seem serendipitous or extraordinary. Many of the individuals who find their way to TECH do so through a series of remarkable, God-ordained coincidences or unexpected events that lead them to our doors. A quintessential example of this phenomenon is our new architect volunteer, Bill. Hailing from Texas, Bill has spent the majority of his professional career in Alaska, where he honed his skills and expertise in architecture. His journey with TECH began in a rather interesting way; he has been aware of our organization since the late 1960s. Throughout his career, his path just did not seem to cross TECHs. In a significant turn of events, as part of his retirement plans, Bill and his wife decided to purchase a winter home in East Texas, conveniently located about 20 minutes from the TECH office. This decision not only brought them closer to family and friends but also rekindled Bill's long-standing interest in TECH. Since he began volunteering with us this past winter, Bill has quickly become an invaluable member of our team, bringing not only his architectural skills but also a wealth of life experience and a fresh perspective that has energized our projects. His story serves as a reminder the God can plant seeds that take decades to mature. In a culture of the instant now, it is a good reminder that some of the best things in life take time.

These are just three brief examples of looking back and seeing where God was active in the everyday moments. It can be easy to miss the miraculous woven throughout the mundane. As you close out 2025 may you look back and see all the ways the Lord was active even in those moments you didn't see Him in. Thank you for walking this journey with us this year! We know we have seen God's hand moving because of your prayers. We look forward to 2026 and watching as God shows up, often in the most unexpected ways.

Closer to Home

Spring has sprung is such a cheery way to announce the arrival of warmer weather. Fall has no such equivalent. Fall has fallen sounds depressing or like a trip to the ER. Either way, cooler weather has (mostly) arrived in Texas and our household is excited for the activities and holidays that this time of year brings. This fall brought high school for our oldest and middle school for our middl-est. We are now squarely into algebra (and other math we'll be unable to help with) school dances, and anxiety of not knowing if we are properly preparing them to launch into real life. Pray for us.

This fall Liam played on the high school golf club, Hannah was in cheer and volleyball, and Ranen learned how to roller skate and do a handstand. Katie started her second year of school much more collected and confident. Eric had the opportunity to travel to Colorado to help his Mum celebrate her 70th birthday. It has been a full but good and full season and we look foward to the Advent season that is quickly coming upon us.

Blessings,

Eric and Katie

How to Pray

- Pray for additional staff, specifically architects and engineers for Facility Solutions.

- Praise for the successful completion of the construction documents for a local church and a master plan for another church in South Texas

- Praise for a great summer and summer trip. We were glad to see everyone along the way and for the many miles traveled safely

- Pray for the new school year for all the kids and for Katie as she starts her second year teaching.

Ways to Give

Mail a check to:

TECH Team Advantage

25 FRJ Drive

Longview TX, 75602

(Please include a note designating the funds

for the Livingston ministry account)

Give Online:

Follow the link below to TECHTeam.org/donate and choose your preferred method of giving: credit card/ debit card, PayPal, or EFT.