First of all, we wish to thank all those who have already partnered with us in our ministries. Most of all we cherish the prayers of our friends. We can do nothing without them.
This has been an eventful year for us here in the states. We have been here to see both sets of parents through some serious illnesses. Lois is now good as new with the new joint in her hip. We have been privileged to enjoy our first grandchild, Summer Dawn, who is now four months old. We also have greatly enjoyed sharing our story of God\’s protection and blessings while in Africa. We trust that it has been an encouragement to you to realize how God has answered your prayers.
We all know that it is better to give than to receive. While we are \’on the field\’, our concentration is on what we can give and how we can serve. There are needs from the missionary kids that we are called to serve. There are needs from the missionary families that we serve. There are needs in the local African churches that we help. There are many opportunities to give and serve and God gives us a real joy in doing just that.
However, while we are here in the states, our focus has had to change. Much of our time and energy has been on raising the support that we need to get back to our ministries. It is a strange transition to switch to the receiving end. There have been so many who have caught our burden and have come along side us with support. Our home church has increased our support substantially; they now supply 29% of our support. Not only churches, but individuals have pledged to provide monthly support. With such a cloud of witnesses, we are spurred on all the more to return to Africa. Our goal is to leave in May in order to connect with our colleagues on the field who are leaving in June as their help in getting settled will make a big difference in our adapting to a new field. That added pressure makes us pull out all the stops to raise that last bit that we need.
We long to be back to the joy of giving again. We encourage you to consider coming along side us and give us that last push to get us back to the field. Even a small pledge or increase is tremendously helpful at this time.
Soon it will be time to say those tearful goodbyes to our friends and loved ones. We know that the joy of ministry will help to off set the parting sorrows. Please consider your part in helping us return.