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
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Dear Pastor and Praying Friends:
Since I last wrote you, I have traveled many miles, made many
wonderful new friends, and served with missionaries who go the
extra mile - over and over. My first area of ministry was in
Vanuatu with
Steve
and Lynn Spore. There I met people who face many
challenges, but have the gift of generosity, hospitality, and
service. I conducted in-service training for their Christian
school teachers and did Sunday school training. The teachers
pooled their funds to have a lovely island dress made for me and
also prepared a Melanesian Feast. I tried many new foods and
enjoyed sweet fellowship with these wonderful people. Steve and
Lynn Spore are remarkable to say the least. Their church had
outgrown the rented facility and a beautiful new church building
has been built - by hand. By hand means from the concrete floor
up, everything was done by hand. For the wood elements, Steve
took logs, had them milled into 2 inch thick boards, then cut,
glued, hand planed and built every door, facing, etc. It is
beautiful! I have been asked to return and hope to do
so.
Next, I was in Australia where
Drew and
BethAnne Paul serve our Lord. I was able to do Sunday
school training and a Mother’s Day event for the ladies. The
Pauls have a unique ministry with a number of young couples who
are actively learning to serve the Lord. Drew writes songs and
is able to accompany with his guitar and a harmonica all at the
same time. BethAnne teaches the children and has other ladies in
training. Their hospitality is outstanding. They are kept busy
with discipleship and many avenues of ministry.
While in Australia, I was also able to spend time with
Julie Sullivan who met me in Sydney and the
Keefe’s
in the Canberra area. Both of their churches are new church
plants and not yet ready for a Sunday school training, but I
enjoyed being able to visit with them, learn from them, and
encourage them. I have been invited to return and hope to do
so.
New Zealand was an exciting stop. I stayed in the home of
Ellie and Hardy Santoso, parents of
Erwin
Santoso, missionary and soon to be church planter. They
are wonderful people and Ellie is the best cook ever! The
Sunday school training was attended by 4 churches and received
with great excitement. I was also able to spend time with Ken
and Jennifer Young, former missionaries who are now fully
supported by their church. They have a vision for their church
to help plant new churches in Auckland and New Zealand. I
have been invited back and hope to do so.
Both Australia and New Zealand remind me of England. So many
sayings, cultural choices, and even the foods are very much the
same. I enjoyed that greatly as England is my second home.
While I was away, our home was damaged by a tornado. We only
lost the shingles off the roof, but we have lots of interior
water damage. Portions of ceilings fell, and wet walls and
carpet had to be or will have to be removed. A new roof is on,
but the interior is a mess and we are still waiting on the
insurance company for the interior to be approved for repair.
Not the rest I had hoped for!
For the past year or so, I have been having problems with my
back and right leg. My leg recently began giving away without
notice, and at times, I would simply be stuck for a short while
until the pain lessoned. X-rays indicated I have a spur in the
hip joint. I pray that it will be a “fixable” thing.
Please pray for Mother as her memory and mobility are
declining, my back and hip problems, our home repair, and
that I will be able to get a visa to return to England in
September.
Joyfully serving,
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