2011 Annual Third Person Christmas Letter

Michael Airgood wonders if this tradition has worn-out its welcome. But, in the absence of proof, Michael will go ahead anyway.

2011 was a big year for Michael. It was legendary, really.

Michael spent the winter finishing out his year of service as an Individual Volunteer in L'viv, Ukraine. His final months as a volunteer where very full and fulfilling. He worked to help establish a preaching point in Stree, Ukraine that will hopefully become a new congregation soon. The English club he helped teach produced students with greater speaking skills. He was sad to return home, but received good news from the Bishop who promised to ask the United Methodist mission board to hire a new missionary in Ukraine.

Sadly, Michael wasn't able to make it home in time for his close friend Jonathan's funeral. Jon died after a long struggle with cancer, and even a continent apart Michael and Jonathan grew even closer during Jon's final months. Jonathan Pound was an inspiration to all who knew him, and the causes he cared about most continue to blaze in the hearts of all who knew Jon.

Michael worked for his parents in Kane for a few short weeks, but quickly realized that living and working in Kane would not be a long-term solution. He completed licensing school in the North Georgia Annual conference in the spring and became licensed to be a local pastor in the United Methodist church.

In June it appeared that the Mission board would not be able to create a new position. At annual conference Michael agreed to serve a small United Methodist church in Western Pennsylvania. The following week he had his take-in at Robinson Evangelical UMC. By the time he met with the committee, GBGM had unexpectedly approved a new missionary position in Ukraine, and Michael was a strong applicant.

The church in Robinson didn't know how long Michael could be their pastor - and neither did Michael! But, the church was gracious and kind to their new, young pastor and things went exceedingly well. Michael stopped blogging during this time because the town was very small, and no personal story could be shared without offending someone in the town. Even with this limitation, Michael loved every minute he served that small congregation. He participated in the baptism a young woman and her toddler son - a highlight of a lifetime!

That was sadly Michael's final Sunday with the Robinson congregation. Three months into his appointment in Robinson; Michael Airgood was hired by the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries as a standard support missionary working as a church planter and youth ministry developer in Ukraine. This is his dream job, and the answer to his lifelong calling. Michael is ecstatic about the opportunity. He immediately left to begin training before being commissioned.

Michael was arrested five days before the commissioning service. He was one of the 700 protesters arrested on the Brooklyn bridge protesting corporate greed, corporate influence in politics, and extreme wealth inequality. He spent six hours in a holding cell - and he could imagine his good friend Jonathan sitting in the cell with him. At Michael's court date he accepted an ACD - as long as he is not arrested in New York State in the next 6 months, the case will be dismissed and the record will be sealed. Michael is proud of his generation for taking a stand against the systemic issues that allow extreme poverty in America, but is thankful that the long-term repercussions will be mild!

Michael finished out the year preparing for his return to Ukraine by itinerating in over 30 churches across the US and raising support for GBGM. He leaves for his first three year term in Ukraine in a week!

He is grateful for a wonderful year full of adventure and surprise. He certainly didn't expect to get arrested, be hired for his dream job, or have the joy of sharing in the sacrament of baptism: at Christmastime we celebrate all the surprises God has in store for us.

Here's to 2012 being half as full of adventure, joy, and growth!