It’s the night before a flight. A flight that involves me staying in the tribe for the day until the missionaries are ready to come home. I can see on the weather map that a stationary front is moving in over the Eastern Philippines which means rain and nasty weather – stress. Bailey and I just put the kids to bed and Maycie was complaining off and on through the afternoon about her stomach hurting. We braced for a possibly long night of getting up to help her because she knew she had some leverage. We were near the end of a movie when we were interrupted by Maycie crying, and then throwing up all over her bed.
We cleaned her up, changed her bedding and held her on the couch in the living room. I had to start thinking, “if this continues I’ll be in no shape to be flying in the morning, and I need to let Stranges know right away.” Everything seemed okay and we started heading to bed and getting Maycie ready to go back to bed. Maycie puked again. While I was taking her clothes and other dirty stuff to the laundry room Bailey gathered her own pillow and things for the night and headed to Maycie’s room. She knew that if I had to help in the night it would mean I’d have to cancel the flight and the Stranges who had waited a long time to be reunited with their tribal friends would have to wait for another opportunity. It wasn’t even a discussion. Bailey barracaded herself in the bedroom and I got a good night’s sleep and woke up fresh for the flight.
As I was flying overhead at the tribal airstrip I called Bailey on the radio to let her know I’d be landing soon. Just as I called, Dylan started screaming on the floor next to Bailey and Maycie decided it was time to toss her cookies again – all over Bailey and the floor. Bailey stayed at the radio, mess and all, until I was on the ground and safe. I had no idea anything had happened until I got home later that afternoon. Amazing.
It isn’t fair that I come home with all the stories and get to see all the tribal churches while Bailey stays at home on the radio. However, it was never more clear than it was yesterday that I can’t do this job without her, and the missionaries can’t do their jobs like they do now without her. We are a team and without Bailey our ministry wouldn’t work. I just wanted to let all 5 people who read our blog know just how amazing Bailey is. This is just one small example among many.
Ruth says
Thank you for being a great example of motherhood, and of being a godly wife. I do not know you, however, this has touched me today, thank you.
Teri says
I loved reading this, thank you for sharing it. I really enjoyed meeting you when we were visiting my parents. And I think you are a wonderful team as husband and wife and I think Maycie and Dylan are blessed to have you as parents!
– Jason and Shirley’s daughter.
Sheila Walton says
A wife of a missionary is also a missionary. Will be praying for you and the family. Grandmother of Danny and Philippi Brooks.
Lynn says
What a wonderful tribute to your wife/partner in the work of tribal missions. I will now pray for you all and follow your blog to see more about your work. Thanks to both of you for doing what God has enabled you to do.
An associate at NTBI, Jackson
Melissa Schuurmans says
😀 That’s what I’m talking about. A true “help-meet” and an appreciative husband doing exactly the work God called them to do. Amen!
Linda Rosengren says
I must be another of the five! We were some of those missionaries who were out in the tribal village (in Indonesia), and just want to say “Amen!!” to what you said! Thank you both for allowing the Lord to use you to help and encourage the folks in the tribal areas!
Trish says
We aren’t one of your five but we were very encouraged. We pray for you and your family and serving and loving like Jesus.
Nancy Bradley says
Just goes to show it is a partnership.. doesn’t work without both parties!! Thank you for all you do!
katey says
a lot more than 5 read THIS post! I get new tribes updates on my facebook page, and this post was such a blessing! i read just a couple days ago how God leads us to do “the next small task at hand”. It’s not very glamorous most of the time, but it sure is beautiful!
David and Kristia Abbott says
We must be one of your five readers. Very honoring post. Thanks for both serving God 100%!