What a difference a year makes! When I look back at the last 365 days, I am beyond overwhelmed by the way God has worked in our lives and the lives of those we know. For my husband and I, one of the biggest blessings from the past year has been Fusion. Fusion is Faith Bible Church’s young marrieds ministry that started just 12 short months ago.

My husband and I have always been close to our families, but moving thousands of miles away from all of our family meant that we often felt disconnected from truly intimate relationships.  Then we became a part of Fusion.  Never before had we been surrounded by so many like-minded couples who love God’s Word and are fervently in pursuit of becoming more like His Son. In a matter of months, we had a new family—a family who loves us the way Jesus commands His disciples to in John 13:34, not because we were particularly lovable all the time.

This year also marked a year of infertility for us as well as making the decision to move on to adoption. I cannot express the depth of my gratitude for the women of Fusion who came along side of me to bear my burdens (Galatians 6:2), comfort me (1 Thessalonians 4:18), encourage me (Hebrews 3:13) and spur me on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Fusion also brought the Tracys into our lives. As our mentor couple, they have been an invaluable source of biblical wisdom and encouragement, and I know we will be better parents (eventually) because of their example of grace-filled parenting and honest discussion about some of their difficulties.  And anyone who knows the Tracy family knows that they are a blast to be around!

When I think about Fusion this last year—from the first meeting last December to the new couples who joined this fall to serving in L.A. together (pictured right)—I can’t help but praise God. The way that God uses His people is a masterpiece that I am humbled to be a part of.  A reflection of the past year makes me even more excited for the experiences and growth that God has for us in 2012!