Strategic Swerve

Dear Friends,

We have come to a point in our family life where we are facing a big transition. In July of 2025 we will exit Asia Pacific and begin a season of transition for our two graduating seniors. Some of our friends here have referred to this time as a, strategic swerve.” Dina and Abby will officially finish High School this week. They are the top two in their class of the Ullum Institute of on the go learning.

We have accrued a year and a half of home assignment ministry where we are allowed to base out of the US while we carry on ministry responsibilities for Asia Pacific. During the next year and a half our plan is to base out of Jacksonville FL. During that time Dina and Abby will begin their journey of reentry and life in America.

I don’t know if you have ever thought about how disorienting it can be to move to a different country. Moving to a different country involves leaving behind what is familiar, adapting to the unfamiliar and adjusting to new ways to live. Of course moving to a new place can be full of adventure, but if you have ever actually made a move like this its also got a lot of scary unknowns as well. Now to throw in one more twist, the “different country” you are moving to is actually your own passport country.

This is the experience for many kids who grow up on the mission field. Both Dina and Abby were born and raised here in Asia Pacific. As they face the immanent move back to America, they genuinely feel like they are leaving their home to move to a foreign land.  

We would appreciate your support and prayers during this time of transition. If you are interested in practical ways you could help us as we make this transition back to living in the States for the next year and a half we have included a list of some things we need help with.

Ministry here in Asia Pacific has been full of training opportunities with several different groups. Below are some pictures of recent ministry with both our foreign workers as well as locals.

The transition back to the States will obviously affect the whole family as Andrea and I will be back in America for much longer than we have ever been in the past 25 years. Col 4:5b says “Make the most of every opportunity.” We appreciate your prayers as we adjust to this next season.

Practical Needs:

-We are arriving on the 9^th of July and need a place to stay for a few nights as we get things ready to drive up to Michigan for a few weeks with Andrea’s parents.

-We are looking to buy a car. If anyone has any leads on a reliable used car please let us know.

-If anyone has 7 – 9 year old boy clothes that are needing a new home that would be helpful.

–Bikes for the boys and Andrea and I would be a treat if someone had some that aren’t being used.

-Any opportunities to share about our ministry with groups that you are a part of would be great.