You Did It!

Bringing Indigenous Churches To Maturity                      May 11, 2016

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Encouraged to Encourage Others

Hello Friends,

You Did It
Cheryl and want to thank you all for the kindnesses you have shown toward us and we just wanted you to know that we have received all of the funding necessary for me (Doug) to head to Papua New Guinea this summer.  We appreciate all your generous gifts and it was a real blessing to watch as the Lord used all of you to provide in this way.

The Purpose

The main reason for heading overseas is to be an encouragement to many of the new missionaries that have been there for a term or less.  When new missionaries get there, the newness of the situation can have different effects on folks.  Some are so thrilled by being there that everything looks wonderful and they are full of enthusiasm.  Some take more time to get used to the people and climate and generally just need a little longer to adjust and evaluate their surroundings from a less western viewpoint.  Still yet, some struggle as they are away from the family, friends and surroundings that they are familiar with.  None of these responses are unusual but time is needed, and it varies with each person and family to evaluate their situation from a more objective perspective.  Consultants, field leadership and veteran missionaries can help them out with this and my part will be to go over and be a reference point for home and also to let them know that I know how they feel, having gone through what they are going through also.  I sometimes jokingly tell young folks that the reason the Lord sends young folks overseas is because they have no clue as to what they are getting into and the reason He brings us older folks back is so that we can tell them it was worth it.  Pray that I will be able to be a blessing to those whom Cheryl and I have had a small part in encouraging to reach the unreached.

More Yet To Do Before Heading To PNG

In a couple of weeks Cheryl and I will be heading to Hugoton, KS for a church missions emphasis.  It will be our first time there and the father of one of our NTM missionaries is a member of that church.

During the month of June I will be teaching SS at First E Free Church in Wichita, KS.  It will be good to get into 2 & 3 John and Jude.  These are often neglected books but have some interesting insights into the life of the church and believers.  I will also be heading to Dallas to do a Perspectives Intensive class on Lesson 14 at the end of June and then the next day have to return to Wichita to be involved in a mission emphasis Sunday at our church.

In July, I have two events.  I will be attending the Perspectives National Conference in Baltimore from July 13-15 where I look forward to connecting with many local and regional coordinators.  I believe that this trip will be very beneficial in making connections.  Then a week later, I will be off to PNG.  I love this job.

Our Family
Our family is doing great.  Cheryl loves taking care of the grandkids during the week and what a blessing she has been to this family.  She takes very good care of all of us and never complains.  Thanks.

Leah is the General Manager of an On the Border Restaurant in Mesquite, TX.  In six months she has brought the store from the middle of the pack to being in the top 10%.  She is really good at it and really knows the restaurant business.  So glad we all keep in touch.

Daniel and Jane are here in Wichita and just had their son, Henry, dedicated to the Lord this week.  It was an honor and joy to be involved.  Daniel is working as a machinist and Jane works at the church and homeschools their daughter, Maddie.  Blessings all the way around.

Joel and Katie are also continuing to work away here in town.  Joel  continues to be a store manager for Walton’s, Inc. and Katie is a faithful pharmacy tech at Dillons Pharmacy but is staying home more to take care of their daughter, Lacey.

Investing In the Future
At this point, we know of at least 10 new people who are going to be starting their missionary career with NTM by heading to one of our Bible Institutes or Missionary Training Center.  The Lord has allowed us the privilege of being involved in their lives and we want to be there for them, not just to challenge them into NTM but to help support them through the whole process.  Much of the traveling that we do is to encourage these young families and singles on the journey, answering questions and visiting with parents and church leadership.  It is a team effort and we want to be there for them when questions arise, which they inevitably will.  We are so privileged to still have the heart and desire that we have always had to reach the unreached.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.  Without you, there would be even more tribes who would not have heard the gospel of the grace of God.  As John said to Gaius, “I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”  3 Jn. 2. May the Lord bless you as you labor for Him.