As we drive down I-90 in New York State today toward Vermont, Ellen and I have been discussing the blessings of the past month or so. The summer began with a great visit to the CGBCI Conference in PA. We were able to reconnect with friends, talk with the Foreign Missions Panel, hear great speakers and share a little bit about our ministry. The kids were able to be a part of children’s conference with Sam enjoying his first year of YCON (youth conference) which included Paul and Sam’s first white water rafting experience. We were blessed this summer by having our church and CGBCI Foreign Missions Panel formally endorse us as missionaries! Our commissioning service will be this Sunday.
We are currently headed “home” from an awesome week at Camp Christigan as the camp missionaries and camp counselors. Our kids were able to be campers. We had an amazing group of kids and teens who were so honest and open with their struggles. They were such an example to us on how to be transparent and how we need each other’s prayers and encouragement as we live in this fallen world. Praise God that so many of these wonderful young adults decided to follow rededicate their lives to Christ. We were able to share each day at camp about our upcoming ministry and about missions in general. Craig Noyes (dressed as a tribal person) was able to join us during mission’s time for the last day, helping Paul answer camper questions. Speaking of Craig, It was a blessing to spend some time with the Noyes family this summer as we prepare and pray about being a missionary team together.
Some things to pray for:
• Strength and peace as we face moving and a crazy schedule over the next few weeks
• The Lord’s direction toward an overseas field & more teammates
• Financial support to be raised: $48,000/ year while we are at the training center
Family e-mail: ellenpswenson@gmail.com
Financial Support: checks can be written to Grace Brethren Church memo Newfields/Swenson and sent to….
Grace Brethren Church
P.O. Box 217
Grimes, IA 50111
The Swenson Tribe – prayer letter 2 photos
Thank you for this great update. Paul, Ellen, and boys–I have always seen you as missionaries–now it’s official!
Hope to see you Sunday. God bless your travels with safety and rest!
Love, Shary in Vermont