November - January 2024 Update
Enjoying the Missionary Life
I remember the first time we were introduced as missionaries, and I recall how strange it felt being called that, instead of my long-running title of youth pastor. Being called a youth pastor was much more than just a title; it was my identity, allowing me to love and be loved by a special group of people. However, when God gives us a calling, I believe He also instills a deep passion in our hearts for that calling. We've been saying that our favorite part of deputation has been meeting all the wonderful people God has allowed us to encounter. I feel that Christians are some of the sweetest people on Earth.
This new journey we are on still feels a little surreal at times. A fellow missionary friend sent me the picture above, and it truly touched my heart. To see our name and picture on a church wall made my heart skip a beat. Sometimes we can take things for granted, but I find it amazing that thousands of people in so many churches are thinking about us and praying for us. God has been so good to us, and I believe it's all because of the prayers of God's people. So, thank you very much.
A church in Oklahoma loving on Mary
Wrapping Up a Busy Season
As I write this, we are flying home from another meeting in Georgia. It's a bit challenging to jump back into things as we have thoroughly enjoyed a well-needed rest. We spent about a month and a half at home with our family, realizing how much we missed them. November marked the end of our busiest season of missions. It started off great as we visited a long-time friend of our church in Pennsylvania. The last time we knew her, she was teaching in Nebraska as a single lady, and now we had the chance to meet her husband. We then flew from Pennsylvania down to Louisiana and hit the ground running again.
Lately, many of the churches we've visited have been quick to inform us about our partnership. Praise the Lord; we are now at 80%.
Reconnecting with a long time friend
Needed Prayers
Please continue to pray for our visa process as we have started it and are realizing that it might be a bit challenging. Seems like there are quite a few hoops to jump through. Our goal is to be in Portugal by November, which is awesome since it's sooner than we originally thought. We are excited as we plan our next survey trip to Portugal, where we will start looking for housing and other necessities for our time there.
Thank you again for all your love and prayers. Billy and Mary
For a Printable version of this update please go to:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tQHgcmGujxiLM_u0MD3vQwI82iG5mYF/view?usp=sharing
