Graf’s Smokesignals

Entries from December 2008

Germany 2008

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

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Soccer Fans

Although unplanned, it was nice that our trip home to Germany coincided with the European Soccer Championship games. We were able to join many German fans in rooting for the national team.
Another wonderful celebration we were able to take part in was our nephew Nikolai’s wedding to his lovely wife Anne!

Nephew Niko and his lovely wife Anne

Nephew Niko and his lovely wife Anne

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Merry Christmas And A Happy, Blessed New Year!

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Solomon asked: “Can it be that God will actually move into our neighborhood?” 1 Kings 8:27 (The Message)
John states: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes…” John 1:14 (The Message)
Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008


Merry Christmas and  Blessed New Year 2009!
Thank you for your prayers and support throughout the past year!

Categories: Articles · News · Uncategorized
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Update on a possible New Ministry Home for YWAM Kamiah

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Northern View

Northern View

A little over a year ago, we moved out of the building that had been graciously donated to us for ministry use for many years by local friends of YWAM.  We have since had a sense that the Lord wanted to give us our own “domain” for ministry, and we have prayed and thought about this for quite a while. A few weeks ago we began to actively pursue finding a property in our area. We met with a local Realtor and looked at a variety of properties for sale in our area, both with buildings and without. One of them clearly stuck out.
This home is large enough to house staff and students for Discipleship Training Schools. It allows for the possibility of an ongoing sports-outreach to the community and other weekly events, such as Bible studies and youth meetings. It is in great shape and requires almost no renovation or changes to be usable to us. Here are some of the advantages of this property:
Location is only about 3 miles out of town, so it is both close, yet not in a zoned area, that would prohibit us from using it for ministry purposes.

  • The property is self-contained with its own septic and water supply. Not to mention the beautiful view.
  • The home sits on a 11.5 acre almost completely usable property, in other words, there is much room to expand for building cabins for more housing and a pole building for meeting/classroom/office space.
  • We have learned that the owner has already dropped the price to $ 350,000 from $ 395K. Comparisons with other properties clearly let this one emerge as the one perfect for our purposes.

We are quite aware that this is a significant amount of money to be raised, but we have received encouragement from our board to carefully pursue the project and begin a capital fund raising campaign.

View from South

View from South

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Teams making a difference for Jesus!

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

This year we hosted three different outreach teams, from Molalla, Sutherlin and Portland, Oregon. We feel so blessed by the wonderful, quality, hard-working, Jesus- and people loving and servant-hearted groups.
Although they were here one after another, the work they were involved in was true team-work. All three groups worked on repairing, scraping, caulking, priming and painting First Indian Presbyterian Church. The church had received a new foundation last year and now desperately needed the exterior work. The teams also did a great job in reaching out to our community and especially in relating to our young people. They did a worship concert in the Park, put on the annual Kamiah Hoop Camp and Vacation Bible School and a very well prepared Field Day with games, sweets and activities.
I think, we are most encouraged, every time, when we see how young people give their time, talents, money, yes, their whole life to the Lord., working hard in His Service. To see how their dedication and service for the Lord enriches them and blesses others is priceless!

Categories: News · Outreaches · Uncategorized
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Where we serve

December 18, 2008 · Leave a Comment

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