At Long Last!

Can you imagine with me for a moment —missionary families reuniting from all over Europe in one place after three years of isolation? It reminded me when we came back from Italy on a furlough and how many people showed up at the airport to welcome us “home.” After years of missing Thanksgivings, Christmases, and birthdays, the times that we had been looking forward to with friends and family had finally arrived!

In the same way, the excitement and anticipation of our coming reunion near Stuttgart continued its crescendo as August drew closer! Ken and I were super excited to be traveling again. It seemed surreal, to be honest, as we boarded the first long flight (one of many). Though we had done this many times before, somehow this first post-pandemic trip was filled with a new euphoria, as if it were our very first time!

We had been busy trying to get everything packed and ready. Through your generosity, our bags were brimming with items for the Vacation Bible School for the missionary kids, teens program, and ladies tea. We love being able to play a part in how God wants to strengthen and sustain these servants of Jesus!

After first landing in England, Ken and I immediately hit the road, or rather the trains, running full steam — navigating through strikes and cancellations — to visit three families in London and Cambridge before hopping on a flight to Germany. With each visit, the Lord once again let us feel his pleasure and the confidence of walking in the calling he has given us. We hope each of you reading this experience that same pleasure that comes only through obedience and joyful surrender!

Surrender is not always easy — and certainly not always the first thing that I am drawn to. However, I’m going to be completely honest with you, this past year God has been teaching me personally about complete surrender to Him in every area of my life. It is easier said than done! There were so many times when Ken and I weren’t sure how details were going to be taken care of for our visits and the conference he was diligently working so hard to plan. Setbacks seemed to line the path of so many efforts! With so much uncertainty earlier this year regarding travel restrictions, much of the planning had to come together just a few short weeks prior to our scheduled departure. Yet, God worked in our hearts leading us to trust him for the outcome and at long last the day had arrived!

As families started arriving at the Bible conference center in Germany, you could see smiles were ear to ear! Eyes connected, tears swelled, and hugs were long and strong! Soon the air was filled with a palpable joy and laughter. It was the sweet release that comes after a long-held breath!

Quickly, we launched into fellowship over an evening meal and it was hard to break these gospel workers away from each other! The theme of the conference was “Renew!” Each session focused on strengthening the worship, walk, and work of our missionaries, many of whom felt depleted of nearly all reserves coming through the global pandemic in the European context.

A highlight for me came on Thursday afternoon. Our ladies tea is always filled with laughter, stories, lots of yummy German cakes and desserts, and, of course, coffee and tea! I shared about the Satisfying Oasis of Surrender (S.O.S.)— lessons I’d been learning about finding contentment and satisfaction in God. Little did I know how the Lord would use this time to help these dear missionary ladies do excavation work in their own hearts. For nearly three hours, and through many tears, the Spirit of God was bringing healing and hope to a group of wives, moms, and singles who had been toughing it out for the past three years. As barriers came down, hearts were lifted up! It was a beautiful experience to share together!

Ken and I met together with eighteen of the thirty-two families we serve during the first eleven days of our time back in Europe. We were so grateful to be able to have those meaningful conversations in person once again! Some families just need to share their joys, while others need someone to help them carry deep burdens. The bottom line is that missionaries need the help of the body of Christ. It’s up to us to buttress these global workers, often feeling isolated and discouraged, so they can minister out of the overflow of healthy hearts, homes and habits.

Thank you for enabling us through your prayers and gifts to sustain these servants of Christ as we provide soul care, shepherding, and strategic input! As we give care and support to those already on the field, we are ensuring that after years of sowing and cultivating gospel seeds their labors will ultimately multiply into a harvest new worshipers for Jesus!