Jeremy Crooks ('98)

Jeremy writes:

"Our kids continue to grow. Jared is 9, Vanessa 8, Olivia 2 and Erica 1. Even now, we are preparing financially for them to be able to go to MBBC when they finish school. Speaking of school, we are really blessed to have our older 2 in Wyong Christian School.

"In terms of an update of what is happening with us. This year we planted a new church in Wyong (it looks to be about 100 kilometers north of Sydney). It is located in a 'socially needy area' and so getting the right balance of meeting people's physical and spiritual needs is a constant challenge. However, we are encouraged with t

he new relationship inroads we are making into lives of people who have no church background. Don Lawson, Phil Patch and I are elders and we share preaching and pastoral responsibilities. It is a challenge time-wise as we all work vocationally too. However, it means we are able to see a new work established without requiring salaries.

"Stephanie unexpectedly lost both her grandparents this year. We were actually in the US when her grandmother died, so she was able to make the funeral. However, this Christmas has been hard for her - particularly when thinking about her family who she doesn't see often.

"Work-wise, I continue to operate my own HR consultancy business. The Lord has blessed with plenty of work and finances this year, inspite of the financial crisis. While the longer term business outlook is uncertain, I am blessed to have regular and stable clients in the short to medium term. This year I also had Peter Prusak (MBBC business senior) join me for an internship - which was an encouragement."