Family Announcement

This past Sunday, we shared with our church family at the International Evangelical Church (IEC) that this coming year will be our last year serving full-time at IEC. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the honor and privilege of ministering here. IEC is a truly unique church—marked by the love of Christ and a passion to disciple the nations for the glory of God. We have been blessed by their hospitality, encouraged by their service, and strengthened by their faith.

It is with deep sadness that we prepare to close such a rich and fruitful chapter of ministry and life here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At the same time, we are excited about what lies ahead. In the summer of 2026, we will move to Kandern, Germany, where Steve will serve as a Teaching Pastor and Elder at Black Forest Christian Fellowship (BFCF). For more than 25 years, BFCF has ministered to students, teachers, missionaries, and the international community—representing over 30 nations—in the border region of Germany, Switzerland, and France.  

Benjamin and Daniel will be attending Black Forest Academy, which we trust will be a wonderful place for them to grow and thrive. Black Forest Academy is recognized worldwide as a premier school for children of missionaries. More than half of  BFAs students are boarding students while their parents serve globally. Noah will graduate from Bingham Academy in June 2026, and we are so proud of his hard work as he prepares for college. Samuel is now in his second year at Samford University, and we are grateful to see his continued growth in both his studies and his faith. Margaret is excited for this next chapter as she looks forward to ministering to the women and young people at BFCF.

Our time at IEC has been one of the greatest gifts of our lives. We have loved serving here and are profoundly thankful for the relationships, experiences, and ministry opportunities God has given us. Yet, for many family reasons, we sense the Lord is clearly leading us into this next chapter in Germany.

To those who have faithfully supported us—thank you. We remain deeply dependent on your partnership in prayer and giving, and we will continue serving under Orphanos as our support organization.

We are especially grateful that we still have ten more months to serve at IEC, and we look forward to serving and finishing well.

With Christ’s love and gratitude,
The Winstead Family