Friday, January 18, 2008

Happy to Be Here

We are now located at Happy Acres Missionary Transit Center in Woodstock, GA. This is a marvelous facility dedicated to short-term housing for missionaries on furlough or deputation. They have a two-story building with various accommodations. We are occupying three rooms. The room Teresa and I share has a kitchenette which is very convenient.

The kids have a place to do their school work in their bedroom, a library and a sitting room, and I can get some office work done while they do so. We also have had opportunity to have some family fun time. It is amazing that though we are together most of the time that does not mean that family time is a regular item on the calendar. Most family time is spent in the car as we travel from one church to another. We are also enjoying some time to read and catch up on correspondence. The holidays put us a little behind in that department.

Praise the Lord for this merciful provision and the meetings we will participate in while here. That got off to a rocky start as two meetings had to be rescheduled due to conflicts. But the Lord was again gracious as both meetings were repositioned. The “down-time” has allowed us to visit a couple of churches we may not have visited otherwise. These have been refreshing to us as well.

Progress Toward Our Goal

We began furlough May 23, 2007 with a significant support deficit and a worrisome personal debt. So far we have made progress on both accounts. Our debt has been reduced due to a generous gift from a family member. We still have one more hurdle in that direction and need to raise the funds to eliminate this problem. The benefit will be a reduction in our operating budget making our monthly support goal more attainable.

Support has also increased. So far three supporting churches have increased their commitment by a total of $225. Several other supporters are considering similar action while some of our new contacts are weighing adding us to their list of supported ministries.

We need to raise an additional $600 per month to be fully supported. GFA has a sensible requirement of 100% for returning missionaries. This makes a lot of sense when you consider the volatility of our economy here and abroad. Pray with us that this goal will be reached soon so that we will be able to actively plan our return to PR.

Steven’s Situation

Our oldest son, Steven, is just 12 credits from finishing his bachelor’s degree at Bob Jones University. As a result he is finishing his final semester by correspondence. Since the close of the fall semester, the Lord has provided a car and lodging, but a job is still needed. Until he can afford the expense we will be helping with his apartment costs.

We are certain the Lord has a special niche for him, but finding that job can be a daunting prospect. He has the advantage of knowing three languages, but lacks any significant experience. Many jobs he is interested in require the experience he does not yet have. Pray with us for his prompt hiring.