Mid-Year Update! (Jan-Jun 2025)

January/February/March

Ministry Highlights

• Sabbatical: In February, Jeff was able to take his first sabbatical—a sacred time dedicated to rest and deep reflection with the Holy Spirit. This period allowed him to pause, recharge, and sit quietly in God's presence. Upon returning, Jeff experienced a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, confident that God has exciting plans in store for the near future. We are grateful for this intentional time of renewal and the fresh inspiration it has brought.

• HS Retreat: In March, Jeff had the privilege of leading his first High School Spring Retreat. The retreat was thoughtfully designed to create space for students to encounter Jesus in meaningful ways. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with students engaging deeply in their time with Jesus and participating in powerful conversations. The impact of those moments was truly phenomenal, and we praise God for the Spirit’s work among our young people.

Family Fun!

• Woo Family Trip to Disneyland! During Jeff's sabbatical we had the opportunity to go on a special vacation with Chrissy's family. This trip to Disneyland was a wonderful way to celebrate Junia's 3rd birthday and the recent adoption of Chrissy's niece, Abby. Junia loved hanging out with her baby cousin and her favorite rides were Dumbo and the Tea Cups (we rode rides both multiple times). We were also really excited to drive through Santa Barbara on our way back north and were thrilled that we got to show Junia Goleta Beach at sunset.

Disneyland!

Window Rock: One of the incredible places Jeff visited on his Sabbatical.

Goleta Beach just before sunset

April/May/June

Ministry Highlights

• Missional Serving: Last Fall Chrissy had committed to be a part of a Good Neighbor Team (through World Relief) to help welcome a refugee family and provide support during the initial resettlement process. After several month of waiting and discouraging policy changes at the start of the new year, we thought perhaps we wouldn't be paired with a family after all. In April, however, we got word of a potential family match. In May, we got to meet a family from Afghanistan who settled in Elk Grove just a few months prior. We found out that they only speak Pashto but through some translation help discovered that they could use some immediate support in several areas including learning English, getting a new fridge, and transportation to help them access other local resources. Almost every week since then, at least one member of the team has been to visit the family and troubleshoot various needs that have popped up. Despite the awkwardness of the language barrier, it has been such a joy getting to befriend this family and incredible to witness their tender hearts and resilience.

• Pacific Plunge: In April, Jeff led the Middle School group on the Second Annual Pacific Plunge—a memorable adventure that combined fun, faith, and fellowship. The weekend included staying overnight at Marin Covenant Church, culminating in a stirring morning where the group ran into the Pacific Ocean together. This experience fostered camaraderie and spiritual growth, and we celebrate the joy and unity that this event brought to our middle schoolers.

• Mexico: In June we joined our church's family mission trip to Mexico. This was Junia's first time out of the country, Chrissy's first time flying with Junia without Jeff (he drove down with students), and our first mission trip together as a family. Junia did really well through the whole trip. It was incredible to watch her and see her curiosity grow in a new culture and context. We are so grateful for all the support from family and friends that enabled us to go on this trip together.

  
  

Personal Highlights and Updates

• 10 Year Anniversary: In June, we celebrated ten wonderful years of marriage! Reflecting on a decade together, we often find it hard to believe how quickly time has flown, yet at the same time, it feels like we have lived so much of our lives together. We have grown and changed so much as individuals and as a family over these past ten years and we are excited to see what God has in store for us in the coming years as we continue to gain clarity in our callings and as our family continues to grow.

• We're pregnant! We are so excited to announce that Team Kaetzel is expanding once again! Baby Boy Kaetzel is due in January 2026!

• Duke Divinity: Following his sabbatical, Jeff felt strongly that the Holy Spirit was guiding him toward pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry. After applying to six different schools and being accepted by all, he chose Duke University for this next step. However, with the arrival of Baby 2, Jeff has decided to defer his enrollment until Fall 2026, trusting that God's timing is perfect. We continue to pray for this exciting season of growth and pursuit of calling.

• Jessup University: Another outcome of Jeff’s sabbatical was a renewed interest in teaching at the college level. Through answered prayers and open doors, Jeff is thrilled to share that he has been hired as an Adjunct Professor at Jessup University here in Rocklin. This fall, he will be teaching "Gospel Worldview" to a class of 30 students, and we are excited to see how God will use this opportunity to influence and inspire the next generation of believers.