April 2018
Dear Teammates.
Our son, Chris, knows a lot about missionary life. He has told us numerous times that making a transition to another culture and place has its ups and downs. Even though Guam is part of the United States, it is not only 8,000 miles away from Virginia, it is quite a jump culturally. Though everyone here speaks English, when we go out we often hear more that we can’t understand than we can. We enjoy a meal when we can say “Please pass the potatoes.” Usually it is, “Can I have some more rice.” Back in Virginia, hunters would regularly give us venison. Right now we have some great fish in the freezer, a gift from a Palauan friend. We are enjoying new foods that represent the cultural mix of Guam. Like the waves and tide that surround our island we have had our ups and downs.
A while back I wrote to our granddaughter, Carrington. There is a lot of change in her family. I “We need to keep stability in our hearts.” That comes from walking with the Lord.
More than the changes that come from relocating, the changes of new tasks, new responsibilities and new pressures have kept us busy making adjustments. February and the first few days of March were spent in preparation for our annual board meeting, then the intense three days of the meeting, were particularly challenging. For the sixteen months we have been here, we have made do, muddled through, gotten along, and by God’s grace figured out ways to keep going. That was the number one question our board considered: Can we, should we, will we, continue? I served for about a dozen years on the PIU Board of Trustees, for the last several years as chairman. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for the work that board members do. The seven members worked hard for the three days of our meeting. By the end of the first day they (we) had reached a consensus. We will go on. What we are doing is too important not to continue. The task before us is formidable (see the prayer list below). We know that we cannot know the workings of God, but we do see what we are doing as being in line with the commands and priorities of Scripture, so we see ourselves like the Israelites with the Red see in front of them and Egyptian army behind them. “Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). Pray with us that we will pass through this time to firmer ground.
Word from Kathy:
It has been a busy but good semester here at PIU! I love working with the students and spend time with them in many ways, such as teaching Music 201 two nights per week, attending dorm devotions with the girls, having them stop in to talk or get help with studies. Living on campus provides many opportunities to interact and just "be around" for them. One of the girls has asked to meet for discipleship. They have given me the name "Mama Kat" which is a real honor. I take advantage of the Mama part at times...loving them, giving them rides to the store or appointments which gives me opportunity go deeper into their dear hearts, or even telling them to "clean things up" if needed!!! Just like a mom! Some days find me doing "banking runs" or errands for the school.
Our church has been a great blessing to us. We have met many wonderful new friends there and have some opportunities for ministry from time to time. We enjoy looking for ways to encourage our pastor and his wife.
Our apartment is very nice and has become our "other home" where we enjoy our down time.
The "winter" has been milder and one of our favorite weather and adventure times found us driving around the south part of the island in glorious weather one Sunday afternoon. We also discovered a gorgeous overlook that is hidden away and watched kite surfing which was amazing! It was just one of those special days that was good for the soul being together and seeing God's mighty creation.
There are only three weeks left before graduation and much to be done in preparing to
see all of you! Your prayers and notes have come at times to bring great encouragement. Know that each of you are a part of the ministry of PIU.
We have your name on a prayer card on our kitchen table and pray for you too. Please let us know how we can uphold you.
God bless you and keep you and we send our love and prayers to you.
Kathy
Prayer and Praise:
- · Praise the Lord that a group of PIU students had a successful ministry trip to Saipan, a neighboring island. This trip is part of our “reset.” It is the first such trip in seven years.
- · Pray for a good end to the semester.
- · H. was privileged to speak at a church on Easter Sunday.
- · Pray for traction for our student recruitment and fundraising efforts.
- · We need others to help us with these efforts. Pray for effective networking.
- · We are in the reaccreditation process. I have been spending about 8 hours a week, writing a self-study proposal, the first step in the process.
- · People in that hard-working World War 2 generation, taught us much that I know about work. One lesson was, “Don’t quit until you get to a stopping place.” With the reaffirmation of our accreditation, efforts to stabilize the finances, build a recruitment network, fill some staff vacancies, we aren’t at a stopping place. We plan to stay for a while. I would say that indicators at this time point to us staying through the 2018-19 academic year. We praise the Lord that we are healthy, overall. Kathy has (hopefully had a pulled muscle in her groin that has kept from exercise-walking for a couple of months. Pray that it will heal. My shoulder has healed to the point that I have actually been able to do a few pushups. Pray that health concerns won’t hinder us in what we are doing.
- · We bought a 2000 Nissan pickup for a second vehicle and to use for campus maintenance. Pray
that it will serve well. It has already been hauling furniture. We praise the Lord that a friend gave us four new tires for the truck.
- · Dave Owen’s last scan was not as conclusive as hoped for. He has another April 24.
- · Pray for some neighbors with whom we are trying to build a relationship.
- · We are making plans for a trip to the mainland in May.
We leave Guam May 9. We'll be in Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina and should be in Covington by the 19th. H will leave VA on June 13, and Kathy on July 2.
We are privileged to be your partners in this venture for God’s glory,
