It has indeed been far too long since we’ve been in touch. And there is so much news to share with you! Here are the highlights…
2013 ~ My Hope America with Billy Graham
For most of 2013 I was privileged to work with the team behind the scenes of the television programs for this historic evangelistic outreach. Words cannot begin to describe the privilege it has been to be a part of this project. Over 20,000 churches were involved throughout Canada and the U.S. resulting in more than 100,000 decisions for Christ! You can watch a full-length report of the project here: http://billygraham.org/video/hope-across-america/
GRM Board Meeting in December
L to R: John, Fred Bogdanov, Rev. Kevin Davenport, Dr. Mike Beals, Michael Peters, Esq.
At this year’s meeting of GRM’s Trustees, we were encouraged by Philippians 3:12 “…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” It has been three years since my dad, Paul Northrup, went to be with the Lord and we have been careful to wait on God for our next steps. Clearly now is the time to press on!
Puebla, Mexico in January 
From Pastor Gabriel Borja, La Comunidad Cristiana Church: “It was such a blessing to have John visit us in Puebla recently. It’s always great to have someone who understands our culture and our needs bring a word of Hope and encouragement to our congregation. We’re thrilled to be a part of what God is doing with the Buenas Nuevas churches in Cuba, and John’s visit connected our church in prayer with our Cuban family. 
John also spent some time with our new media team, training and planning for the future of our city-wide ministry. This will allow us to minister to areas in town where we still don’t have pastors but leaders can use a DVD to share the Word. I also thank GRM for their constant support of Centro Agro Cultural (ABC School) over the years, bringing Christian education to Puebla. We are excited about doing more ministry together with GRM in Cuba and Mexico.”
A Different Trip to Cuba in January
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15
John with Pastor Isidra in 2011
Heaven welcomed another hero on December 16, 2013 when Pastor Isidra Bermudez Hernandez danced into the presence of Jesus. She left behind a tremendous legacy, but also a family that deeply grieves her passing. Although the annual pastor’s conference was postponed to give Pastor Juan Carlos and the family time to recover, I felt strongly that I should go to Cuba to be with this family that has, over the years, become as close to me as my own family.
Encouraging the church in Sancti Spiritus
During my time in Cuba on this trip, I was also able to visit and encourage several churches. It’s a highlight of each trip to visit the church my parents began in Sancti Spiritus and the church my grandparents founded nearby, too.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Cuba. In spite of overwhelming obstacles they are living vibrantly for Jesus.
Please Keep Praying!
Thank God with us for his wonderful faithfulness to GRM over the last 60 years.
Ask God to give us strength, provision and guidance for 2014 so that we can be effective in the ministry God has called us to carry out, and…
For the greater glory of our Lord Jesus Christ as we work together with you for his kingdom!
Your brother,
