March - April Update

Great Start

Our missionary partner in Portugal, David Booth, told us that deputation is a time that God will make Himself and His calling known to us. We have seen this to be true from the very beginning, and these last couple months have only further proven this. March started off with a couple great meetings in Michigan where we met many wonderful people and had an encouraging time of fellowship. We then flew to California for a missions conference where we were also able to bring our sons Lacory and Andrew. It has been a blessing for us to include our children in our journey, and for them to see the work of God first hand.

One quick story

Last week I reached out to a pastor to confirm a missions conference that we had scheduled quite a while ago that was coming up in a couple weeks. Unfortunately, they were unable to have us. I had a lot of emotions after this news and was discouraged that something we had planned so far in advance had fallen through. We only had two weeks to find another meeting in that area. Two things happened that week. First, God provided another meeting almost immediately. Second, the very next day, I received three phone calls from pastors telling me that their churches are partnering with us. It seems like every time we are faced with a disappointment, God then sends us blessings above what we could ask or think. I am continuing to learn that God is in control and to simply trust Him.

Our travels have taught us many things. One joy has been meeting other missionaries, and another has been seeing the hand of God work in lives around the world. If I could share another quick story— I met Bhim Ghimire and Cody Ferreira at a mission conference outside St. Louis. Bhim, who is now a missionary, grew up in Nepal. It was there he was saved, and he is going back to start churches in his home country. Cody, an assistant pastor at the church hosting the conference, grew up in Trinidad. Aside from them being good friends from college, a common factor they share is that both of them were reached by missionaries. As a missionary, it was encouraging to see the fruit of two different ministries.

Left: Bhim Ghimire Right: Cody Ferreira

What’s next—

These last couple weeks have been nice as we were able to be home. We were able to celebrate Easter together as a family and spend time with extended family and friends. Later this week we will head to Ohio for a couple weeks. And this summer, we will enjoy spending a couple weeks home after a couple weeks on the road. We will be going to Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.

Thank you so much for your friendship and continued prayers. Please continue to pray for our safety as we travel, God’s hand of protection on our family as we are away, and that God will continue to guide us to the partners that He has for us.