Sending Church:
Baptist Temple
2655 N. Grant
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 831-2631
Missions Address:
BBFI
P.O. Box 191
Springfield, MO 65801
(417) 862-5001
Home Address:
7962 Spring Hill Lane
Springfield, MO 65803
Phone (417) 833-2555
Cell (417) 861-3312 |
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Dear Pastor and Praying Friends:
What a blessing it has been for me to be able to serve among the Navajos! During the month of February, I journeyed to Gallup, NM and Window Rock, AZ to serve with the Ted and Tonie Ferris and Scott and Carrie Merritt. Despite the mud, cold, and a snow storm the people from many Navajo churches came for teacher training. I was humbled by the sacrifice of these missionaries to prepare food and for the commitment which brought the people out. One pastor drove well over 200 miles each evening, and it was a special blessing to me was to have Mrs. Billie, an elderly Navajo pastor’s widow in attendance.
When the Lord first began dealing with me concerning giving Him more that just my heart, my pastor suggested that just perhaps He was directing me to the mission field. I was absolutely sure that was not the case as it was not what I wanted to do. Then we had something called a missions conference. I had never heard of one, but showed up and found Dr. Phillips, Missionary to the Navajo, to be the speaker. God used Dr. Phillip’s messages and slide presentation to prick my heart and direct my steps toward missionary service. Since that time, the Navajos have held a special place in my heart.
After serving there, I continued on to California to report to a supporting church and be in the mission’s conference at Brea Baptist with Pastor Rader. What a blessing to spend time with these wonderful people and have them become a part of my support team.
I will be completing the second half of my furlough this spring and summer and will report to some churches as well as help with Vacation Bible Schools during this time. I see the providence of God in the timing of my furlough as my friend’s mother is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for a brain tumor. Since we all live together and MaryLou carries a heavy responsibility as the principal at CSOS, it is such a blessing that God in His wisdom brought me home to be available to help with her care and drive her to her daily treatments. Please remember Mary VonderStrasse in your prayers. She is like family to me; she and Mother have quite a friendship and genuine closeness.
After teaching in England this autumn, I will be quite busy with assignments in The Philippines, Australia and Vanuatu during the first six months of the New Year.
Please pray for wisdom in planning, strength for the journey we have before us, Mary VonderStrasse, and Mother’s continued health.
In His Care,
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