Ears to Hear!

Dear Praying and Supporting Friends,

We just returned from almost a month interior and then a bit of traveling to other villages on our way out. We spent time as a family fixing up and preparing the houses that our team has used for so many years in the village. The Lord has raised up 2 young indigenous missionary families to water the seeds we have planted. We’re excited to see what God will continue to do in that area for His glory. Pray for these couples as they respond in faith the God’s call on their lives.

The 2 couples that will be heading into village ministry

The River system we lived many of our years on!

While in the village one of the older believers became sick and passed away. We were sad to hear of this and were immediately involved in caring for his widow and family. Tim was asked to do the service and it was a great opportunity to share with many unbelievers about the hope and Life that this dear man testified of! As we reflected on his life we saw an ironic truth. This grandpa who was almost deaf, took the opportunity to listen to our little solar recorders that Tim has recorded hundreds of hours of lesson on. He could turn the volume very high and hold it up to his ear and listen over and over to the Gospel in his language. Later he gave a clear testimony of his faith in Jesus as his Rescuer and eventually was baptized. How ironic that so many in his family and village who can physically hear just fine, never wanted to hear the Gospel being taught weekly in their village. But this man who was hard of hearing, faithfully listened to God’s Story and found eternal life!

We were able to purchase one of these grandpas a new pair of crutches (had a leg amputated) and Titus was so excited to surprise him with them!

Leaving the village was bittersweet as we don’t know if we will be back as a family again. So many years, so many hours of studying the language and teaching the people, so many memories made for our little family way out in a little unknown-to-most village. But it was a sweet place where we experienced many miracles big and small, felt God’s presence with us even in the very discouraging and difficult days, and planted many seeds of the Gospel that we are hopeful will grow into trees of faith and Life for many in the years to come.

Burial in the village

Widower with her family

Reading through Saul’s conversion in their language for the first time!

On our way out of the village about 8 hours away we met with a missionary family who are just a couple months into beginning their journey in a large village that is way off the beaten path. It was quite a trip in to see them for a night but we are glad to know how to relate and pray. Then our last stop was to be involved in a couple days of “camp meetin’ ” of sorts for the tribal believers who have had the Gospel in their language since the mid 70’s. Lots of hours of sitting on the floor is not our kids’ favorite thing but the boys loved swimming in the river and getting to eat rice and snake meat with their hands! (the way most people in the villages enjoy eating their rice meals). Tim and I both had times of sharing with the large group and also in a ladies meeting and we’re thankful for the encouraging connecting time!

Grilled snake for supper

This puppy “took us in” in the village for 3 weeks

A favorite memory/landmark spot near the village

We’re now in town fully involved in leadership responsibilities and other ministry with the indigenous missionary training. On top of that Andrea has taken on the oversight of the mission’s guest home. This is where the tribal missionaries live when they are not in the village. It’s also a hub of activity for supplying mission’s teams with supplies, and hosting visitors from overseas.

Thank you for the many ways you have upheld us in prayer and shared financially with us. Over the years many have asked us to share if we ever had a financial need. God has provided in so many and abundant way in our life for which we are unspeakably thankful. We are in a place currently where our monthly support has dropped below what is recommended by our mission. If you would like to partner with us with a financial gift you can follow the Give link at the top of the page.