Happy Trails

Well, I'm off to Columbus this weekend. It has been a good couple of weeks at home sharing with different individuals and getting some office work done, but I'm anxious to travel and visit with some more of my ministry partners! I'll be heading to Peace United Methodist Church where I've visited twice before. Each time the church has had a new pastor and this time is no different. I'm excited to see old friends and visit with Pastor Ben. From my chat with him, he's enjoying the church and learning much from his congregation. It will be good to fellowship with them all. Another blessing about this trip is that I'll be staying with my brother, Gary. I have yet to see him since I've been home. Hopefully we'll have a good time together. ;D Well, off to bed...have a busy day planned for tomorrow! Until next week...

Camp Sychar

July 29th and 30th were spent in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, at a holiness family camp: Camp Sychar. The first time I attended the camp was in 1991. I absolutely loved it!! Though the camp has changed a lot over the years, the people remain the same. It's wonderful to go back and visit with old friends and make some new ones. The 29th was Missionary Day at the camp and I was able to hear some OMS speakers along with WGMers Barbara Pinkley (Kenya) and Ubaldo and Teresa Salazar (Nicaragua). Ubaldo, Teresa and I were on the Mexico field together for a little while. Their work in Aguascalientes, a city just two hours from Irapuato, resulted in a new church plant. Today Felipe and Ana Coronado, a Mexican couple, are pastoring the church. Please lift them up in prayer! I'm now at home again trying to put things in order. There's tons to do around here! I think one of the biggest plans is a huge lawn sale. Dad has an acre and I think we just might fill it. So, if you're in the area, come on over and make a purchase. I'll post dates later. Blessings!

Fun Meetings?

Yes, they most definitely were fun! Returning WGM missionaries spent the first two days talking about experiences from our perspective fields and how the United States has changed in the last four years. For the last four days some new missionaries joined us as we talked about differnt ways to communicate our missionary story. Here's a picture of our gang...minus one family who had to leave for a family emergency. I would appreciate your prayers as we've gone our own ways to share our story and raise support to return to our fields. Thanks!

A Long Drive with a Quick Visit

I left McAllen, Texas, on July 8th and was only a little behind schedule. (I left at 6 instead of 4am.) I was surprised at how well I felt driving after so much travel! After about 12 hours of driving I stopped for the night in Muskogee, OK. It was nice to be able to rest and not be in a rush nor responsible for anyone else. Okay, maybe it was a selfish moment, but it was fun!

Wednesday I headed for Jefferson City, Missiouri, to see a friend from Asbury College. Natasha and her family had just moved about two weeks before and were still getting settled into their new home. I don't know how it happened, but I didn't get a picture of the whole family (sorry Natasha and Justin!). I did get a pic of the youngest, Paul.

I then headed on to Marion, Indiana, on Thursday in order to begin a series of meetings at World Gospel Mission headquarters. It was good to be there and catch up with several mission friends. I only see them about once every four years and they do so much for me while I'm on the field. Thanks guys! You are very valuable ministry partners. I'm sorry I don't say it often enough!! Life in Marion will have to wait for another time. My long trip had several quick visits, and each visit was a huge blessing. Thanks for the hospitality!!!

January Update

The following is my January "Chronicle's" Postcard. I figure those who look at the blog can get the full update. Enjoy...and thanks in advance for the prayer support! Another year on the field has come to an end...and a new one is to begin! 2008 is sure to be a year of change and adventure. I've come to learn one needs to ask of the Lord and then patiently expect Him to work. So, I've asked...and now am waiting. Join me in prayer and grateful expectancy as God works His wonders...as only He can. The following are goals and prayer issues for the coming year. A major concern is my support funds as my account continues to decrease. If you are able to send a financial gift, thank you. I hope you will also take time to lift up these projects and requests. That way, we will be able to rejoice together as He answers. Be blessed wherever you are and let me know how to pray for you!

• Complete a Sunday School program for Transformación, my home church in Mexico.
• Attend LeaderLink, a leadership conference in Florida, March 1-6, 2008.
• Finish editing SIETE manuals for lay-leader training and Sunday school use.
• Prepare a national Mexican team for ministry in El Salvador.
• Raise funds and take Mexican youth team to WGM Peniel ministries in Stockton, CA . The trip is scheduled for June 25-July 5, 2008.
• Prepare for Homeland Ministry Assignment. I will be leaving Mexico in August 2008 to begin a year of traveling and sharing.

Hope to see you!