Hello Again

Philippians 1:6 

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 2:13 

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Dear Friends,

Hello again! Here is the first of our new prayer letters! Allow me to give you a brief update on the past three years, starting with how our family has grown. 

Last time I posted was shortly after the birth of our second child, Evangella. Nathaniel was two. Nathaniel is now 6, Evangella has turned 4, and we have been blessedly joined by a second daughter, Mariyah Robin, born April 2nd, 2023, as well as a second son, Jason Eli, born November 9, 2024. Our season of life has changed from having a couple toddlers running around to beginning the homeschool years. 

Nathaniel and Evangella, 4 years ago

Our children this year 

Nathaniel is in second grade this year. He is very factual and capable, helpful and fun. He delights us with his interesting and humorous conversations, his conscientious schoolwork and housework, and his playfulness with his siblings. Nathaniel enjoys building puzzles and legos, riding his bike, watching Octonauts, doing ANYTHING outside, and is our resident entomologist. 

Evangella is our little princess, brimming with liveliness and emotion. She is enjoying kindergarten this year and can also be found playing dress up or baby dolls, singing, looking at books, playing with her siblings or friends, and always ready for a new activity or challenge. Evangella has a very nurturing soul and helps take good care of her little brother and sister. 

Mariyah is a delightful two year old, growing so quickly! Perhaps the shyest and quietest of our children so far, she is becoming more and more conversational every day, laughs easily, loves to be included in what her siblings are doing but also very good at playing independently, and gives the best hugs. Mariyah adds a cheerful, gentle presence to our home that we are grateful for daily. 

We just celebrated Jason's first birthday! He is walking, babbling, showing off his new teeth and doing all the toddler things. He has been a friendly, smiling, cuddly baby and also is always ready to join in with what the family is doing. He sweetens our days and is greatly loved. 

We are still living in Paxton Illinois and attending Upper Room Bible Church but Benjamin's work and ministry has changed. After his original job as a maintenance technician for apartment landlords, he began working for an HVAC and electrical company Benjamin is certified in HVAC services and has learned much about residential plumbing and electrical installation and repairs. Last year, Benjamin was asked to lead URBC's Sunday night youth group program. He was hesitant to commit to this responsibility while working full-time and caring for our young family, but it quickly became the highlight of his week. God fanned into flame his passion for teaching the Word of God and caused him to ask, "Why am I not pursuing this passion full-time?" 

In May, Benjamin quit his full-time HVAC job and our family spent the summer serving at Camp Shoshanah in Keeseville, NY, Benjamin working as the dinner cook. We enjoyed this time of reconnecting with old friends and spending extended time with our families. 

Family picture taken at Camp Shoshanah

Family picture taken for URBC directory

In September, Benjamin accepted an offer from URBC to be the Associate Pastor / Youth Director. His duties at Upper Room include overseeing the youth Sunday school classes and Wednesday night Awana program, leading the Sunday night youth group, and preaching monthly. Benjamin supplements his part time income by working out of our home to offer handyman services. He is very busy, but feeling so fulfilled in using his God-given gifts of teaching and serving.  Benjamin also participated in a Men for Missions trip to the Philippines in July of 2023. 

Megan spends her days as a home-maker and homeschooling mother. She also facilitates a group for young moms on Thursday mornings, called Little Candles, designed to unite and encourage moms of little ones to seek and serve the Lord first as they serve their families. She helps Benjamin with youth group on Sunday nights.

Our family also hosts a young adult small group at our house on Thursday nights, studying through the discipleship book Multiply by Francis Chan. 

Over the past four years, we have witnessed the goodness of God in meeting our every need through changing circumstances and causing growth in us despite our mistakes and disappointments as we continue to follow him. We can testify that God is ALWAYS working for our good and His glory and that continuing to come to Him with open hands is the most fulfilling way to live. We are thankful to be His servants and to share life with the beautiful children and friends He has given us. We look forward seeing more of His heart revealed to us as we follow Him step by step. 

You can partner in prayer with us for these things: 

1) That we would continue in our family motto to "Grow in and Serve the Lord together as One."

2) That we would serve the Lord well in the direct ministries He has given us at church and in our daily lives. 

3) That God would raise up other leaders in our church, young or old, who are surrendered to the Lord, with a passion for God's truth and for loving people. 

4) That the leadership at URBC would gave clear direction from the Lord in leading His local body at this time. 

5) For our dear friend, Rachel Crutcher, believing wife and  mother of 3 school aged children who has been battling stage 4 cancer for two and half years now. 

6) Our friends who just lost their house to a fire.

 If there is something specific that we can be praying for you, please let us know! 

Picture taken on a trip to Radar Farms with our friends, the Crutchers

Thank you, and God bless,

~ the McEndarfer Family

(Benjamin, Megan, Nathaniel, Evangella, Mariyah, Jason)