Can it possibly be? Over twenty two years ago Shirley and I left sunny FL in January for Jackson, Michigan. Our goal? Study the Bible for two years. At that time we had thoughts of serving with AWANA or me possibly taking an assistant Pastor position at our home church in Clearwater. Alas, God had other plans for us. We attended New Tribes Bible Institute and caught the vision for what God is doing through New Tribes Mission. We finished the NTBI degree, went on for further training with NTM and started serving full time at NTBI Jackson in 1996. Now, 19 years and numerous ministries later, we are wrapping up our time in MI and headed to New Mexico. We are excited for this next chapter in our lives and thankful there is work to do for NTM out west.
NTM has little representation west of the Mississippi and I will be spending much of my time attempting to expand awareness among churches, youth groups, camps, christian schools and colleges about what God is doing to reach the nations. Lord willing, we’ll find some students for NTBI and missionaries for NTM. Initially I will be focusing on the NM area and as time permits hope to include the neighboring states of AZ and CO. With Megan and Rico in southern CA, perhaps there will be opportunity there too.
We’ll need great wisdom as we get started and trust God to provide direction and open doors. Would you pray for us? We are packing and getting ready for our July 7 move. Our son Michael and his wife Rachel have offered to let us live with them until we can find our own housing…a huge blessing for sure.
We’re leaving Jackson with very mixed emotions…grateful for the many years God has allowed us to be in ministry at NTBI; for the many relationships we have built over the years at NTBI and Skiff Lake Bible Church; and for the many ways we have seen God work through staff and students over the years to get the Word of God into the hands of tribal groups who never knew about Jesus! Thousands of believers are worshiping today as a result of what God has done in Jackson and around the world. To God be the glory! Great things He has done!
And yet there is a sadness with the realization that we will not be a part of the beautiful Body of Christ functioning at NTBI this coming school year. Thankfully we know His Body is in NM too! So… “lead on O King Eternal!” What a loving Father we have! Thank You LORD!
And thank you for taking the time to read this; thank you for praying for us.
For the eyes of the LORD look to and fro throughout the whole earth; to show Himself strong on behalf of them whose hearts are bent toward Him. 2Chron 16.9
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