Out West

Ministry Update

Years ago when I was in college, I heard a seasoned evangelist remark that an evangelist must have bats in belfry to schedule meetings in the state of Arizona during June. Yet, we find ourselves heading to New Mexico for two weeks of meetings this month. Granted, NM is not AZ, but it is very hot.

The summer will be a full one with not only our own meetings, but also vacation Bible schools inherited from a friend who was unable to keep all of his scheduled meetings. Things will taper off slightly around the first couple of weeks in September, after which our fall schedule will begin in earnest. Thank you for your prayers for our safety over the thousands of miles that we will cover this year.

After living in our current trailer for eight years, seven of those full-time, we have come to the decision that it is time to replace our trailer. The reason for this decision is not because what we have is falling apart, but rather we can no longer accommodate our family with the present configuration. We would like to sell our current trailer and get another one that we have already picked out to replace what we have. With the present economy, anyone trying to sell anything faces an uphill struggle, a struggle only compounded by the fact that an RV is considered a luxury item. God has all these details in His hands and we can trust Him to do what is best in our lives.

Family Update

School’s out! We have been enjoying our summer break for almost two weeks now! I don’t know who is more excited – the students or the teacher! We are looking forward to a very busy summer of camps and vacation Bible schools. The Lord has given us safety in travel this spring, and provided for all of our needs.

Our house in Indiana is for sale, and we are looking for the Lord to provide the right buyer in His time. Please pray with us about this step. There are so many decisions to be made.

I had the greatest blessing this week. We stopped at a church for the night, and prepared to spend the midweek service with them. The assistant told us that we were welcome to peruse the missions closet while we were there. I was amazed when he opened a door and an entire store appeared before me! It was like a small Goodwill, with clothes on racks according to size, as well as household goods, shoes, jewelry, and miscellaneous craft items. The Lord knew that some of our clothing needed to be replaced, and He provided amply for almost every member of the family! It was such a blessing! Now I have to pray that the closet rods hold up under the strain!

Everyone is healthy and strong right now, and although we have had a bit of sickness now and then, it has passed quickly. Probably the only thing any of us are suffering from at present is torrential boredom on the long drives! I have endeavored to fill the hours by reading aloud several classics of literature. We most recently finished “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Graham. Even Paul enjoyed the rollicking adventures of Mr. Toad! Right now, we are forging our way across the prairie with Laura Ingalls Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie.” I am ever a lover of good books, and I am attempting to instill a love of reading in my own children. I anticipate a summer full of adventure and learning!