Christmas Letter 2025

 

MERRY    CHRISTMAS

Dear Friends and Loved Ones, near and far,

I was trying to frame in my mind what I wanted to share in my Christmas letter, and I realized that more than anything I want to invite you to be a part of two big things going on for us right now.

First, our book is ready!  If you have enjoyed Rick’s teachings down through the years, these are his words on the Beatitudes. (In our 50+ years of ministry we have rarely asked for money, but ….) Please, we need you to purchase the book in order to offset the cost of publishing it. But more, we want you to be encouraged and enlightened by the psychological/cross-cultural applications that God has led us to share. If you could add our video on your media with a recommendation, we would also appreciate it.  Then, please, we also would love to have your feedback.  Any author understands how hungry we are to know how our words have been received. Thank you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t7r2-6lb4E

Blessed: The Healing Power of the Beatitudes

by Dr. Richard Marklund and Dr. Ann Marklund

Secondly, I (Ann) am teaching a Digital Media course this year at our school, Virunga Valley Academy.  Whenever I say that, the general reaction is laughter, because what am I, as a 72 year-very-old educator doing trying to teach a digital media course? And the laughter is warranted. However, the Lord really laid it on my heart last year to help the students promote VVA more fully on media outlets.  The goal is twofold: 1) showcase our students so hopefully they can gain the attention of some universities, and 2) recruit teachers for our school who are self/mission supported, and retain the international Christian flavor which is helpful for our student body.  It truly is an incredible school whose foundation is the Lord. Would you share this link and watch for future downloads to promote our school? We will probably start adding our videos to youtube, Instagram, tiktok, etc. within the next few weeks.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F9DyD2pA_0b-Gd-U-18dQ5wfqwGGN3LV/view?usp=drive_link

Beyond that, we are fine or as well as can be expected at our ages.  We will be great-grandparents in July.  Jeremiah (Peter and Bobbi’s oldest) and Savannah are expecting.  New exciting milestone.  We covet your prayers for strength as we continue to receive God’s blessings in this New Year.

All our love,

Rick and Ann