Mary E. Herman
Missionary Teacher to Regions Beyond

  


June 30, 2009

      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
 

  


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,

   


Mary Herman

Committing the things I have learned to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.  II Timothy 2:2

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