Newsletter January 2008

January 2008

You would think that being home for six weeks would be long enough to enjoy vacation, visit family and friends, and do my needed Ministry Partnership Development ------ NOT!

The main topic of conversation when I first arrived on December 12 was the recent disastrous flooding in Lewis County, Washington (where my family lives), and in other parts of the State. My brother Jim had water in his garage but was otherwise okay. Some church members and other friends were badly affected.

My niece Samantha had learned how to do flood cleanup on a short-term mission trip after Hurricane Katrina, so she trained kids from her youth group on how to help. They have cancelled their scheduled Spring Break mission trip to Louisiana so they can help out more locally. I was pleased to see how her experiences on youth missions were multiplied -- Samantha really used what she learned, set a good example, and passed on her knowledge to others. If you want to see more photos and videos of the devastation, go to: http://www.chrononline.com/ and http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/MapsData/Aerial/SlideShow_ChehalisFlood.htm

During Christmas vacation I saw most of the family, played with the kids, etc. The great-nephews and nieces have certainly grown a lot. Those little ones really get into everything! Garrett and Maleah got into the pop frig.

My brother Jim is recovering nicely from knee surgery. His wife Marie had a stroke on January 2 that mainly affected her memory and cognitive function. She has made good progress so far, but still has a ways to go. Please keep them both in your prayers.

Some snow and hard freezes made it difficult to get around at times, although the conditions did not interfere too much with my visits. I saw many friends and supporters. My apologies to those I did not see – you are on the list for the next time!

I was also able to visit three churches. In two, I shared about my mission during the church service, as well as doing ‘counsel time’ at their AWANA children’s groups. The kids learned that once you invite Jesus into your life, He never leaves. But sometimes we disobey and do things our own way (sin). Then we need to admit to God that we are wrong (confess) and give control of our lives back to the Holy Spirit so that He can help us do the things we should.

Please pray for my sister Marilyn, my co-worker Jan Beal, and me as we go on a Campus Crusade “International School Project” trip to Guatemala from February 13 to March 2. Conferences in Guatemala City and Flores will train teachers in how to use the “Foundations of Christian Ethics” curriculum in their classrooms using the Jesus film and biblical principles.

My plan (always subject to change) is to return to the Pacific Northwest in late Spring/early Summer to continue the visits and work on ‘Ministry Partnership Development.’ Incoming support has decreased over the past 5 years while expenses have increased. I appreciate your faithful prayers and gifts, and ask for your continued help. As you pray, ask yourself, “If I were going to be a missionary, whom would I ask to help me financially?” Then let me know so I can arrange to meet with them. They can also share in this partnership to reach the world for Christ!