As she lays in bed, she fights off the tears. For years she’s been preparing for this event. Only in the recent months has this date been written on the calendar. There is a growing anticipation and excitement among her friends and church family. Fundraisers! Special events! Even a dedicated Sunday service has highlighted their support. She feels trapped in her feeling as this will come at great cost. For years there’ll be empty seats at holiday meals. She will no longer be there to celebrate their birthdays. Memories shared will be over a phone/text and no longer the physical interaction ending in hugs and kisses. A new normal will come with adjustments and a conscience choice to have an attitude of gratitude. She gave each of her grandkids a special travel gift but to her oldest granddaughter, she gifted a journal. She’s explained to her it’s to write those special moments or experiences down. She hopes she does. It will be material for those future conversations. She is learning to be thankful for new technology despite the distance and loneliness that lies ahead of her.
In another room lays a little girl. All her known life, her parents have been preparing for this big day. Over the last four years she has moved multiple times, made new friends and said many goodbyes. Her parents keep telling her of this far away place that will become their new home. In this place, they speak a different language and cultural that she will learn and respect. Like every firstborn, she feels that unspoken pressure to lead by example; her siblings will certainly be looking to her! She’s been given a notebook from her Nana so that she can journal. “Journal what”? she thinks. “How do I draw or write down the things I’m experiencing? I’ve never done that before”. Today, Mom and Dad bought us special outfits to travel in. The departure day has finally arrived. Everything they own has been packed up to go to their new home. The rest has been given away to other families. Her mom has tried to let her keep things that are special, but not everything can go into suitcases. She is sure that she will have new things when she settles in to her new home. Such an adventure lies in front of her.
The spread of the Gospel requires the sacrifice and dedication of an extended team. These are often the most difficult for extended family members. Let us continue to stand together, praying and encouraging one another daily. When our family was leaving for the field back in 1995, my father prayed, “As you gave your son that I might have life, I give my son that they might have life”. His cost was our reward.
What been going on…
….We just finished hosting a parents weekend. What a fantastic time we had with parents of graduates at our training center. This focused time gave us a chance to thank, encourage and give them a sampling of what their kids had been taught over the last two years of training. A father concluded the day by saying “today my head and my heart have come together. I have always believed with my head that Ethnos360 is a good organization that I can trust with my kids, after today my heart also knows this”. Another mother said that the day ‘changed her life’. How thankful we are to the Lord for ministering to these families in these ways.
….In the latter part of April, we helped Dave’s parents move from New Jersey to Florida to be with his sister and brother-in-law. We were thankful for this open time in our schedule to help them make this BIG move. They left the area they have called home since 1986. They settled in NJ after serving in France as Missionaries for many, many years.
…. we will travel to CA to teach at the IT Project (Intensive Training for College age students who are interested in Ministry overseas). This is happening in June. Again many miles we will be putting on our car, but so thankful for a great vehicle to do ministry miles with! They also requested that we return with or barista equipment. A great way to connect and share life around a coffee!
…. Lord willing, in July, we will be flying from Springfield, MO to INDONESIA! Yes, Preston and Stephanie have moved to their location of ministry and are needing school things (computers and what not) so that the kids can begin formal education via internet starting this Fall. We will be the ‘mules’ for this and are very excited to do this trip. We are constantly checking the internet to see if traveling restrictions are changing for international travel. So far, we will have to quarantine for a few days in Jakarta. We are planning on being there for a month. Appreciate your prayers for us as we do our best to stay on top of things for this wonderful gift from our Lord.
Praying always for…
Confident expectation as He does His work in and thru our lives.
A passion for His Bride and love and pursuit for the lost.
Wisdom and clear direction in these days. What do the days ahead look like? What adjustments are we needing to make?
Adjustments parents are facing as the move away from the familiar and friends.
Good management of our health, time and finances.
Continued open doors and hearts to invest in.
Praise. People are hearing the gospel for the first time. You are part of the team that makes this happen.