A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens.

July 2013 and we found ourselves heading to Michigan for our customary year of Home Assignment. Just like every other furlough year, we arrived tired, weary, and ready for a break. It had been a difficult four years on the field, filled with challenges as we worked to see unity amongst our missionary teams. We also saw our children “fly the coop” on their way to adulthood. Weddings and grandchildren blessed our family;  our son’s deployment and a serious car accident reminded us of how fragile life is. We just needed a few months to rest and regroup and we would soon be back on our feet and ready to engage with friends, family, and churches. Or maybe not. Dorr had been struggling with his energy level and ability to concentrate the last two years on the field and found that he continued to get worse instead of better. Suffice it to say, we passed through 2 1/2 years of some dark times. Dorr’s health deteriorated to such a degree that he could not get out of bed before noon and would spend the rest of the day in a chair or on the couch. The smallest task was nearly impossible. Those who know Dorr would find it hard to believe. He has always been a super athletic, strong person; a hard worker and one to always be active. He struggled physically, mentally, emotionally, and spritually.  He refers to this time as a “dark pit”.

Through many different factors, and ultimately because of the grace and mercy of God, we have seen Dorr’s health improve. He is not 100% by any means, but he is on his way. We are thankful and grateful for what God has done. Though we don’t understand the whys of it all, we know that our faith has grown and our dependence upon God is being perfected.

^” He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”

We are excited to say that we are on our way back to Mexico. We head that way tomorrow, January 2nd. We will be returning to our previous ministry at New Tribe’s National Training Center in Chihuahua. We will continue to be involved in training and discipling our Latin brothers and sisters in the  ministry of reaching the unreached. As we get involved again in that ministry we look forward to sharing their stories with you. Their backgrounds and history may differ from yours, but their understanding of God’s grace and their heart to reach others comes from the same Spirit.

May God bless you and your family in 2016!