2024 Big Update

Happy New Year!

Before we share updates about the past year and the changes ahead, we want to start with a heartfelt thank you! Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement, and generous support. Your belief in us and our mission strengthens our faith and allows us to continue serving in ministry.

A Year of Refinement and Growth

Looking back on 2024, it has felt like a season of refining fire—full of challenges, growth, and God’s unmistakable presence. Despite the difficulties, we have seen His provision time and time again, both in our personal lives and in ministry.

One of the biggest joys this year was leading The Journey Bible School in its first year. Walking alongside our students daily—whether in the classroom, in discipleship, or the everyday rhythms of life—was an incredible privilege. These students travelled across the east coast of Australia, encouraged churches and schools, and embarked on cross-cultural trips. But perhaps the most significant lesson they learned was that missions are not always grand or glamorous.

At its core, missions are found in the mundane—in doing laundry, washing dishes, meeting neighbours, showing up faithfully, and sharing the love of Jesus in the everyday. This is the reality of missionary life and the foundation we have sought to instil in our students.

Family Update

In our family life, we have seen God bless our children with growth and development.

Lia graduated from Kindy (Kindergarten) and will be entering primary school. Her confidence has grown, and she is a lover of beauty, whether it is make-up, face paint, fashion, craft, or taking in a good view. She expresses herself with thought and internally.

Maeva is two going on 8 years old. She is our resident performer, always singing and dancing. She is a bringer of joy and cuddles. And Simon, affectionately known as Si-guy, has grown into a funny, speed-loving boy. He is the best at locating anything missing in our household, be it keys, phones, homework, or toys. It is wild to think our twins are not babies anymore. They are full of energy, caring, climbing toddlers who will happily take on the world as long as they have their partner in crime.

This year, Lily had ongoing health struggles. She had a structural issue with her thyroid that caused breathing and swallowing issues. By God's grace, the problem was found after a series of inconclusive tests. She underwent surgery in late October. Now that the structural issue has been resolved, our prayer is that it will not be a cost to the functionality of her thyroid.

A New Chapter in Melbourne

Our biggest news to share is that we are moving to Victoria, east of Melbourne. There were many factors in this decision, but the most important is being closer to Lily's Dad as he enters a new season of life. We deeply desire to be physically present with and support him in this time. Walking alongside aging parents is not an easy journey; we are grateful to have the ability to be closer.

With this move comes a significant change in ministry. We will no longer be working with Teen Missions. However, we are so grateful for the doors God has opened—Mark has been offered a position with Christian Youth Camps (CYC) as the Leadership Development Coordinator. CYC operates several camps in the Melbourne area, providing opportunities for schools and churches to experience the gospel in a tangible way through camp ministry.

Camp ministry played a formative role in Mark’s faith—Camp Lake Stephens was instrumental in shaping his walk with Christ as a young person. Now, we are excited to be part of this kind of ministry again, helping others encounter Jesus in a life-changing way.

Financial Support

With this new position, our family will be transitioning out of financial support-raising. This is a big change, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude. Thank you for your support over the past two years—your generosity, prayers, and encouragement have sustained us in this season, and we do not take it for granted.

If you would like to continue giving, support can be received through the month of January, but not after February 1. Mark officially starts his new role on February 10, and we are incredibly grateful for the ways God has provided in this transition.

As we step into this new chapter, we would love your continued prayers:

• For wisdom and strength as we adjust to a new role and community.

• The kids as they transition to a new school.

• For my father as we seek to support him in this new season of life.

• For CYC’s ministry—that through camps, young people would encounter Jesus in a real and lasting way.

We are so grateful for each of you. May 2025 be a year of God’s goodness and grace in your life as well! We want to finish this update by leaving you with a song another TMIA staff member wrote for us as a parting gift. It features some interns and students. May it bless you as it blessed us.

With love and gratitude,

Creekmore Family