Merry Christmas from the tropics! Well, Florida is almost the tropics!

The year began on a high note as we crossed the finish line at the Walt Disney World Marathon, just 9 months from my "one breath from death" experience in Denver. The entire marathon was a celebration of God’s work in our lives and we told our story to everyone who asked. And many did since our jerseys that we wore said we were the "One Breath From Death – Look What God Can Do" TEAM. Jan constantly expressed gratitude that she was not running in memory of me but with me, unlike many of the other team runners raising support for different diseases. As we approached the finish line, the race director had informed the finish line announcer about my story so the last 200 meters Jan and I ran hand in hand with the story being told and people cheering. It was a real "God moment" as we celebrated His power and grace.

Of course the highlight of the year was God’s continual healing in my body. I went for a check up in the spring to National Jewish and my doctor cleared me for a year, just amazed at the progress. By the end of August I was finally free from steroids, which took some weaning after being on some heavy doses for nearly 2 and a half years. Thankfully, my body has responded and I continue to amaze the doctors who saw me so sick to get to the place where I am in training for a marathon and two Ironman triathlons next year. Of course, my doctors attribute my heavy training to keeping my airways clear, thereby helping to save my life. I thank God that He put the desire in me and helps me as I swim, bike, and run.

We knew it was time to leave Winter Park Church and begin a new adventure which 2006 has proven to be.

God used my background in physical training to open some doors for me in the past year. I have been a coach and personal trainer when several that I had coached in the past asked me to return to coaching again. That progressed into teaching and coaching cross country for Circle Christian Schools. I am thankful for every opportunity to coach but God has made it known to me that he didn’t spare my life in Denver to coach, but to preach His Word. Thankfully, God has opened pretty regular opportunities to preach in pulpit supply through RTS (Reformed Theological Seminary). As we approach the new year, we are praying that God opens a pastoral call to ministry. Please pray for us on this matter as we follow God’s lead.

Speaking of RTS, Jan continues her counseling coordinator, "school mom" position where she is loved by the students and is known as the school cruise director. It’s hard to believe that RTS celebrated 40 years this past year. It seems like just a short while ago that we were at RTS in Jackson, MS where I was a student and Jan was an administrative assistant. We thank God for the seminary and the many people with whom we have been able to connect through the years.

Jan’s ability in the garden to keep everything looking fresh is always a highlight at 816 Fantasy Lane. We began planting trees and other plants in honor of God sparing my life. Jan has become so adept at landscape design that she’s been hired by several families to make their landscaping look as nice as ours. One of her projects was to take the extra tile from our tiling project, a project ordered by my doctor to rid our house of carpet, and make a stepping stone garden. Who would have thought you could use left over tile to add to the look of landscaping? Jan found a way.

In addition to her position as my supportive and loving wife, her position at the seminary, her landscaping, her work as a Mary Kay sales director, Jan is also a TOTAL SCULPT instructor and holds classes for women in physical training with a spiritual emphasis twice a week.

As we look back over the adventure of 2006 we are thankful for God’s faithfulness and the way He daily loads us with benefits so we are encouraged to face 2007 with hope of a great year as we trust you’ll be praying for us.

Godspeed,

Bob and Jan Brubaker