Dear friends,

Our transition out of Madagascar in February was very tough for our family logistically, physically, and emotionally. And yet we thank God for the many sweet moments and joyful times with friends and the church body that were interspersed throughout our final weeks in Madagascar. We also praise the Lord that our oldest three daughters (Izzy, Lydia, and Anna) were able to testify of the Lord’s saving work in their lives and be baptized at our final church service in Madagascar! Since they were saved in Madagascar, they wanted to be baptized at their home church in Madagascar.

The VIDEO above will give you a snapshot of what the Lord did during our final weeks in Madagascar.

Next Steps

We are now living in missionary housing adjacent to Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. Our schedule since arriving Stateside has been busy, but we look forward to the opportunity we will have in the coming days to worship and recharge as we pray along with you and our elders that God will give us direction to where He is leading us next.

We praise the Lord for the sweet fellowship we have had with family and with so many brothers and sisters in Christ since our return to the US. Ashley and I were richly blessed by our time at the TMAI Symposium and then my time with many brothers at the Shepherds’ Conference. After that we spent a number of days with a beloved supporting church in Atascadero to participate in their annual missions conference. Then, just this past weekend we spent three days in San Diego to share about all the Lord’s been doing with another wonderful church. In all of these things, we have been so encouraged to learn that so many are praying for our family in this transition and about where the Lord will take us next!

Every country needs sound biblical teaching! Since there are tremendous needs in many countries, it means that we must carefully and prayerfully evaluate where we could best use our gifts. Join us in praying for the Lord’s clear direction as we seek His will regarding opportunities in multiple countries across four different continents. As the picture becomes clearer, you will be among the first to know.

We remain as missionaries with GMI during this season of praying and seeking counsel about where God will lead us in the future. We greatly appreciate your prayers on our behalf! Thank you for your continual love and years of strong support.

All Glory be to Christ,
David Ellingson

He is my Rock

“Surely my soul waits in silence for God; From Him is my salvation. Surely He is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” — Psalm 62:1–2

As the recent trials and heartache have crashed against us, I have been so thankful that I have my Rock and my Stronghold. Trials are so good for our souls. They strip us of our independent, self-sufficient thinking and make us cling to our unchanging Redeemer.

These last few months have shaken our family and been the hardest and most painful transition our family has ever been through. But I am thankful for what He is teaching each of us about trusting Him, depending on Him and glorifying Him. I see Him working in our daughters’ hearts as they experience this test of their faith. Their faith is being tried and stretched through this season.

We are all still grieving and processing much loss at this time, but we are also keeping our eyes on things above where Christ is (Col 3:1-4). We see the hand of God as He provides for us and draws us closer together as a family.

We are all thankful to be able to plug back in at Grace Community Church in LA and find sweet refreshment from the preaching, teaching, and Bible Studies. The girls are thoroughly enjoying connecting in the High School and Middle School Bible studies and Clara is also excited to make friends and attend classes with kids her age.

I sincerely thank you for praying for our family during this difficult time, and for reaching out with words of encouragement and support. We know that God only ordains what is right and we can keep trusting Him.

“Remember this: If any other condition had been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you could choose your lot, you would soon cry, “‘Lord, choose my heritage for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows.’” — Charles Spurgeon

In His grip,
Ashley

Here are individual videos of Izzy, Lydia, and Anna’s testimonies and baptisms on YouTube:

• Izzy’s video
• Lydia’s video
• Anna’s video

• Praise God for His love and care for our family during this time of transition.
• Praise God for the blessing that our family and the church have been!
• Pray for wisdom and clarity as we consider the many opportunities in various parts of the world to determine where God is leading us next.

All Glory Be to Christ,
David & Ashley, Isabella (age 15), Lydia (age 14), Anna (age 13 on April 15th), and Clara (age 11)