December 2016 / January 2017

Dear family and friends,

It's hard to believe 2016 is over and we're already into the 2nd month of the new year! On December 4th we sang during a Sunday evening singing service at North Shady Grove Church in Cascilla, MS. Then on Sunday, December 11th, we sang during the mission's conference at Heritage Baptist Church in Picayune, MS. We were blessed to be able to be in the services on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. We were greatly encouraged by the generosity of the people of Heritage Baptist Church in the area of missions. I am thankful for Pastor Wilson allowing us to be part of the meeting. The Scott family was very kind to us and we enjoyed staying with them while we were in Picayune. I am thankful for the many missionaries I have met in my life and glad God is allowing my children to be influenced by such selfless people.

In December we were scheduled to sing with a great group of young musicians known as “Tomorrows Bluegrass Stars” at “A Bluegrass Kinda Christmas” festival in Raleigh, NC. Because of the many Christmas related activities at our own church we felt led to cancel our trip to NC. I hate we missed the festival, but I am glad the kids did not miss out on celebrating the Christmas season with ourchurch family. We are thankful for Mr. John Colburn for putting together “Tomorrows Bluegrass Stars”and helping many young people from all over the country find opportunities to share their interest in music.

In January we had to cancel another trip to North Carolina because of snow and ice in the mountains. Our annual anniversary revival here at Bethany Independent Baptist Church started on January 15th. We look forward every year to Bro. Tim Green preaching in this revival. This year we were blessed with special singing from the Rochester family on Monday night and the Caudill family on Tuesday night. Seeing other families serving God together encourages us much the more to press on trying to serve our Lord as a family. On January 27th, we enjoyed being back at Fred's Pickin' Shed in Banner, MS. It had been a few months since we had been there and we had a great time as usual!

I am thankful for the great year we had in 2016, and know that, if we stay in God's will, 2017 promises to be even better. Please continue to pray for Misty's father, Andy, as he struggles with cancer.Pray that God will show himself mightily to Andy and the rest of the family. Please pray for our health as well. As I type this letter the Flu is inundating our area. We have time scheduled next week to record a new CD, so please pray that we can stay healthy enough to get it done. Please pray for my father and sister as they are in Papua New Guinea. My dad, Pastor Tim Ellis, will be there for the next 3 weeks, and my sister, Melanie Ellis, will stay and work with the missionaries there at least until the end of the year. Lastly I'd like for you to pray for clear direction for us concerning the ministry God has given us as we go forward. Thank you so much for your prayers and for laboring with us for Christ!

May God bless you all,

The Ellis FamilyJonathan, Misty, Brianna, Caleb, Benjamin, Brinly, and JoshuaSinging for his Glory1 Chronicles 16:9www.ellisfamilybluegrassgospel.com