“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Lk.2:11

God has been incredibly faithful to our family in 2016. Below you can read just a few of the highlights:

In February Kay and I attended our annual Pastor’s Conference in Orlando, (Hey, someone has to do it) and took advantage of the opportunity to spend some extra time in the warm Florida sunshine .

On March 24th Jeff and Rachel were blessed with another addition to their family. Jonas Earl Aupperle entered the world. How we prayed for this pregnancy, and God responded with a

beautiful baby boy! Jonas is a delightful little guy. We now have two Grandsons, who bookend our other 6 granddaughters: Reid our oldest grandchild and Jonas the youngest. I like to think of

them as “Alpha and Omega,” (not that we’re necessarily wanting to close the door to other future blessings!)

In July we rented a cabin down in Pigeon Forge and the entire family spent a week there. I wouldn’t exactly say it was peaceful or relaxing (with seven of the grandkids being 5 years old and

younger at the time), but we made some great memories hiking, go-karting, tubing, shopping and just messing around in the

rapids of the Smoky Mountains National Park. We are so grateful for these extended times together as a family and treasure every opportunity to have them.

Kay continues to work part–time at our denominational office in Ft. Wayne, when she’s not doing her favorite hobby of watching grandkids. I just finished my 14th year as Senior pastor at Hope Missionary

Church. God has so blessed us as a church family. In August we made the move to three Sunday morning worship services to accommodate the growth; and on Oct.2nd Hope celebrated 50 years of ministry in Wells County! It was a great day of connecting with those who were instrumental in establishing the

vision for an evangelical church in Bluffton, Indiana.

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Jenny & Tommy had a good year of "settling in" here in IN. This summer they moved out of their rental, and bought a house in

southwest Fort Wayne. In addition to staying home with their two daughters, Jenny started a part-time job this past spring working

4-10 hrs a week at the front desk of the YMCA. Tommy continues as a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Summit Middle School, and

this year he is investing his spare time in coaching the 8th grade boys basketball team. They have two girls: Isley (almost 4) and

Kamryn (2). Both girls enjoy playing with their friends at MOPS, doing crafts at home, and going to library story time.

Our son Jeff is in his 3rd year of serving at Taylor University. He received a promotion this past year and is now the Director of the Calling and Career Office; where he counsels students in exploring God's call and their job aspirations. Jeff is also working on his PhD

at Indiana State.

Rachel is a stay at home mom for their three children Reid (10) who is a sports fanatic and loves to

play whatever sport’s in season; his sister Jaelynn (6) who delights in using her creative skills in art and photography; and of course Jonas (see front page). Jeff & Rachel purchased their own home this year & now live in Upland, right next to Taylor’s Campus.

Josh & Jill are currently living at New Tribes Mission's Missionary Training Center in

Missouri. They are in their 3rd (out of 4) year of training in

order to be full-time missionaries targeting

unreached people groups. They're still praying about and

deciding on the coun-try in which they'd like to serve. Elsie (6) is in 1st grade. She loves music and is turning into quite the reader! Jovie (4) loves wearing "twirly" skirts and making others laugh; and Maizie (18 months) also loves to ham it up. It's been a hard year for Josh and Jill with moves, transitions, and the recent loss of Josh's Mom, but they are thankful for the Lord to

cling to during these times.

If you’re receiving this letter, it’s because you’re loved. We are so grateful for family & friends who have impacted our lives thru the years. May each of you know the peace that only Christ can offer.