Hello there! I'm afraid I need to make this up-date rather short! I am currently in Abingdon, VA. I had the pleasure of speaking at my home church yesterday for the last Sunday of their mission's conference! I am also staying in town for a few days so that I can visit with friends and "family" from when I was young! It is always good to be back!
However, due to this, I don't have much time and I'm also using a computer in the public library that has a broken space bar so I have to bang it pretty hard to get it to work (but all of the other computers are occupied so switching isn't an option)!!! Given that, I think I'll just let you all know that I am doing well and that God is blessing me greatly through many wonderful visits as well as opportunities to get some studying done!
Thank you so much for continuing to pray! I'll write a longer up-date next week and will hopefully have pictures to attach then! Blessings!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
February 19, 2008
Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all those whom I love! It is special holidays such as these that I am reminded how much I am loved by all of you through your faithful support and prayers. Thank you so much!
I just have a couple of quick things to share with you in regards to some of the prayer requests I mentioned last week.
First of all, we recently found out that Grandpa could be released from the hospital as early as the first week in March. This will mean that some decisions need to be made concerning his transition, based on what kinds of things he will be strong enough to handle. Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek wisdom through this decision-making process. Pray for Grandpa too, because regardless of what decision is made, the accident has taken a toll on him and he will not be able to be as independent as he was before.
Also, thank you for continuing to pray for my financial support level. Praise the Lord...the gap has closed ever so slightly as a couple of people have raised the level they are able to give and a friend recently asked to be a new supporter. However, I continue to be slightly below 70% and need 80% before I can return to the field. Yesterday, I was also able to get a copy of the support application for the church where my parent's attend in Suffolk. I will get that filled out and I believe the committee will be meeting at the end of March so that they can discuss their mission's budget. There are also a couple of other churches/individuals with whom I have been in touch concerning this deficit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for this need.
Well, I think those are the highlights for the time being. I will be travelling for about the next week and a half (starting in Bedford, VA with a visit to my aunt and uncle...then on to Abingdon to speak at Abingdon Bible Church...after a few days there, I'll go to Winston-Salem to stay with Carrie Bonner, a childhood friend...finally, I'll have class in Charlotte and return to Franklin in time to give a presentation in my Sunday School class here on March 2). Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. You are each such a blessing to me!
I just have a couple of quick things to share with you in regards to some of the prayer requests I mentioned last week.
First of all, we recently found out that Grandpa could be released from the hospital as early as the first week in March. This will mean that some decisions need to be made concerning his transition, based on what kinds of things he will be strong enough to handle. Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek wisdom through this decision-making process. Pray for Grandpa too, because regardless of what decision is made, the accident has taken a toll on him and he will not be able to be as independent as he was before.
Also, thank you for continuing to pray for my financial support level. Praise the Lord...the gap has closed ever so slightly as a couple of people have raised the level they are able to give and a friend recently asked to be a new supporter. However, I continue to be slightly below 70% and need 80% before I can return to the field. Yesterday, I was also able to get a copy of the support application for the church where my parent's attend in Suffolk. I will get that filled out and I believe the committee will be meeting at the end of March so that they can discuss their mission's budget. There are also a couple of other churches/individuals with whom I have been in touch concerning this deficit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for this need.
Well, I think those are the highlights for the time being. I will be travelling for about the next week and a half (starting in Bedford, VA with a visit to my aunt and uncle...then on to Abingdon to speak at Abingdon Bible Church...after a few days there, I'll go to Winston-Salem to stay with Carrie Bonner, a childhood friend...finally, I'll have class in Charlotte and return to Franklin in time to give a presentation in my Sunday School class here on March 2). Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. You are each such a blessing to me!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions!
Sorry I'm a little late up-dating my blog this week. I got wrapped up in my studying and things yesterday, which meant that I lost track of time. The day was over before I realized it! Oh well...better late than never!
I decided that this up-date needed to focus on answering a few "frequently asked questions" that I have received recently. I'll do my best to straighten out any confusion...
1. "How is the unrest in Bolivia?" Well, I haven't heard much recently about the politicial unrest there. It calmed down over Christmas and most people felt it would remain calm until after Carnaval. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything new. There has been some difficulty with flooding in Bolivia for over a month or so. I have read that 40 or so people have died and thousands have lost everything they own, including their home. Flooding usually contributes to a rise in food prices because so many crops and animals will be lost. This economic difficulty combined with the already heightened emotions of the people and the fact that the food prices were already high (with a decrease in the value of the dollar) doesn't make for a great situation. They could definitely continue to use your prayers!
2. "I didn't realize you were so far behind in your financial support, what happened?" As I mentioned in number 1, the value of the dollar has decreased which has meant a larger amount of support is needed in order to provide for my living expenses while there. Also, I am now considered a career or member missionary with SAM, which means an increase in the amount I need to raise compared to when I was an associate. There are several reasons for that. Basically it is because now I will be returning with the mindset that I will be investing more in the people and in my own personal living environment. I need things that will last and may wish to share more with others as the need arises. This increase will also help provide for retirement, which I didn't have before. Anyway, my support also dropped because I lost a couple of faithful supporters over the last 3 or 4 months. One of them was my aunt who passed away on New Year's Day. Finally, I have struggled to find new monthly supporters and am currently waiting for God to provide them from among those I already know or from those I have only recently met! If you know of any rock I have left unturned, as far as my part is concerned...I'm open to suggestions!
3. "How is your grandfather?" Grandpa is doing quite well. He got a good report yesterday that he can put full weight on his bad leg. He describes it as having to learn how to walk all over again, which isn't easy for anyone much less someone who's 102 years old! He remains in good spirits and it is a joy to spend time with him! I am thankful for these moments! We haven't heard anything yet about when he will be able to come home from the rehab center. I'll be sure to let you know when he does! You can be praying for my parents as they approach the transition of Grandpa returning to the house. There will be a great many decisions to be made!
Well, I think those are probably the three most common questions I get asked right now...if you think of additional concerns that you have, feel free to drop me an email or add a comment to the blog! Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support and prayers!
I decided that this up-date needed to focus on answering a few "frequently asked questions" that I have received recently. I'll do my best to straighten out any confusion...
1. "How is the unrest in Bolivia?" Well, I haven't heard much recently about the politicial unrest there. It calmed down over Christmas and most people felt it would remain calm until after Carnaval. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything new. There has been some difficulty with flooding in Bolivia for over a month or so. I have read that 40 or so people have died and thousands have lost everything they own, including their home. Flooding usually contributes to a rise in food prices because so many crops and animals will be lost. This economic difficulty combined with the already heightened emotions of the people and the fact that the food prices were already high (with a decrease in the value of the dollar) doesn't make for a great situation. They could definitely continue to use your prayers!
2. "I didn't realize you were so far behind in your financial support, what happened?" As I mentioned in number 1, the value of the dollar has decreased which has meant a larger amount of support is needed in order to provide for my living expenses while there. Also, I am now considered a career or member missionary with SAM, which means an increase in the amount I need to raise compared to when I was an associate. There are several reasons for that. Basically it is because now I will be returning with the mindset that I will be investing more in the people and in my own personal living environment. I need things that will last and may wish to share more with others as the need arises. This increase will also help provide for retirement, which I didn't have before. Anyway, my support also dropped because I lost a couple of faithful supporters over the last 3 or 4 months. One of them was my aunt who passed away on New Year's Day. Finally, I have struggled to find new monthly supporters and am currently waiting for God to provide them from among those I already know or from those I have only recently met! If you know of any rock I have left unturned, as far as my part is concerned...I'm open to suggestions!
3. "How is your grandfather?" Grandpa is doing quite well. He got a good report yesterday that he can put full weight on his bad leg. He describes it as having to learn how to walk all over again, which isn't easy for anyone much less someone who's 102 years old! He remains in good spirits and it is a joy to spend time with him! I am thankful for these moments! We haven't heard anything yet about when he will be able to come home from the rehab center. I'll be sure to let you know when he does! You can be praying for my parents as they approach the transition of Grandpa returning to the house. There will be a great many decisions to be made!
Well, I think those are probably the three most common questions I get asked right now...if you think of additional concerns that you have, feel free to drop me an email or add a comment to the blog! Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support and prayers!
Monday, February 4, 2008
February Already?
Well, here we are in February...unbelievable! Classes have started up once again. Last weekend I had Theology Survey II. It is taught by the same professor that I had last semester for Theology Survey I, which is a good thing, I really learned a lot from him! It was a good class, he somewhat jokingly started off class on Saturday morning by saying that we were going to spend the whole day talking about Christ! I can't think of a better way to start the day. We talked extensively about Christ's divinity as well as His humanity and the relationship between the two. This conversation transformed into Christ's death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course, since this was a theology class, you may be able to imagine where the discussion went next...Calvinism, Arminianism, and their views on predestination. All in all it was an extremely interesting class. Of course, I was equally excited that we got out early and I was able to make it back to Franklin by shortly after 8:00pm!
I enjoyed watching the superbowl last night! It was only the second one I've seen in 4 years, and the last one that I saw was on cable television in Bolivia (with Spanish announcers, no memorable halftime entertainment, and no cool commercials)! This year definitely made up for it!
I have a great deal of studying that I need to get done today, so I'm going to make this up-date a little shorter than usual. Before I do, I just wanted to ask you to continue praying for my monthly support. The outgoing support is important too, but thankfully I have had a couple of large one-time donations recently, which has helped this area some. Currently, I am more concerned with the need that I have by way of regular monthly donations. Please pray that God would continue to provide people who can commit to faithfully donating each month, even if it is only a small amount (small amounts can add up quickly)! I think I am still close to $1000 short in this area.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I feel so blessed to be able to partner with you in this way!
I enjoyed watching the superbowl last night! It was only the second one I've seen in 4 years, and the last one that I saw was on cable television in Bolivia (with Spanish announcers, no memorable halftime entertainment, and no cool commercials)! This year definitely made up for it!
I have a great deal of studying that I need to get done today, so I'm going to make this up-date a little shorter than usual. Before I do, I just wanted to ask you to continue praying for my monthly support. The outgoing support is important too, but thankfully I have had a couple of large one-time donations recently, which has helped this area some. Currently, I am more concerned with the need that I have by way of regular monthly donations. Please pray that God would continue to provide people who can commit to faithfully donating each month, even if it is only a small amount (small amounts can add up quickly)! I think I am still close to $1000 short in this area.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I feel so blessed to be able to partner with you in this way!
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