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January Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER

Connect. Nurture. Grow.


Happy New Year!  The year began on a joyful note—time with my family and even winning the Golden Plunger.  As lighthearted as that moment was, it felt symbolic.  I sense the Lord gently opening and stretching me, inviting me to take the plunge with Him into the fresh and new work He is doing.

Have you ever realized how much you missed something only after it re-entered your life?  Basketball has always been woven into the fabric of the Eaton family.  Growing up, my four siblings and I played, watched college games, and faithfully filled out March Madness brackets.  After 2006, basketball largely disappeared from my life—until a couple of years ago, when my nephews started playing.

This season, basketball has returned in an unexpected and meaningful way.  Through St. Theresa’s basketball, the Lord has provided a local community that has been a deep gift to my soul.  I didn’t realize how much I needed that sense of belonging until it was there.

This year, we’ve also welcomed new students into TCK Connect, our online community for students living overseas and those re-entering their passport countries.  TCK Connect is a safe space where students can connect with peers who truly understand their experiences—no explanations needed. It’s a place where they can relax, be themselves, have fun, and share honestly about their lives.  Each week, we play either a game or have a chai chat about a topic that relates to what our students are experiencing and during small group time the students name their struggles (thorns), their joys (roses), what they’re hopeful about (rosebuds), and prayer needs.

One student in our group has spent most of his childhood in Western Asia and is now facing a significant decision about which university to attend this fall.  He’s shared his journey with us throughout the semester, including the tension and uncertainty of choosing well.  He and his dad may travel to the U.S. next month to visit the schools that have accepted him, though he’s unsure whether that will make the decision clearer.  It has been such a joy to watch the other students in our small group come alongside him—offering encouragement, wisdom, and support as he discerns what is best for him.

Those of you who have stepped into caregiving roles for loved ones may resonate with another story.  I’m currently walking with a single woman who has served with CRU for 25 years and is beginning her re-entry into the U.S. after living and serving in Germany for the past 14 years.  She is moving closer to family and stepping into a caregiving role, while also navigating a transition in her new ministry role.  We’ve been talking about these first six months as the initial phase of her re-entry journey—a tender season of adjustment, grief, and growth.  

As we continue meeting, we’re focusing on tools to support her wellbeing and wholeness.  We’re also exploring how she can use this current season to cultivate rhythms and practices that will anchor her when she relocates and begins caring for her family.

God continues to amaze me and bring a huge smile to my face.  Over the past month and a half, since beginning fundraising for 2026, I’ve been deeply encouraged.  I am in awe of the five new donors who have partnered with us in this beautiful mission adventure with Jesus.  I’m also profoundly grateful for those of you who have faithfully supported this ministry for some time.  

Since December, we’ve raised 58% of the 2026 budget—$65,500!  Woohoo!!!  Go Team!!  I truly cannot do this without each one of you.  Would you prayerfully consider helping us reach our giving goal by March 31, 2026?

One-Time Gift Opportunities

Would you prayerfully consider filling one of these giving slots?

·      1 partner at $10,000

·      4 partners at $1,000

·      1 partner at $5,000

·      5 partners at $500   

·      1 partner at $2,500 

·      4 partners at $250   

·      1 partner at $2,000

·      4 partners at $100   

I would love to come alongside you and serve you and your community by offering a mini-retreat.  This 1.5-hour experience introduces practical debriefing tools that support reflection, spiritual health, and a deeper walk with Jesus.  Mini-retreats can be offered in person or via Zoom.  If this feels like a good fit for you or your community, I would love to hear from you.

I’m also excited to share a meaningful milestone in this season of ministry.  I’ve begun working with my first official life transitions coaching client.  Over the next few months, we’ll be walking together as she stands at a significant threshold—discerning whether to remain in her current role, step into something new, or move toward retirement. 

It’s a sacred space to witness someone pause, listen deeply, and attend to where God may be inviting her next.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to come alongside her with curiosity, compassion, and discernment as she navigates this important transition.

 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now, it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” 

-- Isaiah 43:18-19


PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise the Lord for $38,153 has been raised for my 2026 budget!

Praise the Lord for my first coaching client!

Praise the Lord for new students who have joined TCK Connect!

Praise the Lord for St. Theresa’s basketball community! 

Pray for 2026 fundraising of $27,346.

Pray for trip to Thailand, Feb 5th-21st, for a missionary retreat and debriefing 3 TCKs. Safety in travel about 9 flights. Connection with the people. Wisdom. Fun.

Pray for wisdom & discernment when meeting with people for care.

Pray for students of TCK Connect to feel seen, heard, and connected. (Thurs & Fri)

Contact Information:


Donate Online! (Follow the prompts) 
www.WorldOutreach.org/783

 

Mail Checks:

  World Outreach Ministries, Inc.

  P.O. Box B

  Marietta, GA  30061

  (Make a check out to WOM & in memo or in a note write Shannon Eaton #783)

 

Bill Pay:  free option via your online banking

  (Use the same information for checks)

 

Shannon Eaton

107 Old York Rd Apt 5

New Cumberland, PA 17070

(724) 967-1437


Email:  shannon.eaton76@gmail.com

Coaching:  lifetransitioncoaching.shannon@gmail.com

FaceBook:  fb.com/shannonreaton

Instagram:  instagram.com/shangirl94


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