How many times in a week do you say something like, “I’m busy right now, I’ll get back to you later.”? It’s a normal happening. Generally, we call or text back in a short while.
When Kathy and I lived on Guam the time for us was about half-a-day
ahead of most of our family back in the States. Often “later” meant either they
or we were in bed, or at work or school. There were two windows of
communication, one in the morning, and one in the evening. Calling a grandchild
for their birthday or reaching out to a long-term friend for support could be
complicated—often frustrating. I won’t mention dealing with the IRS at 1:00 AM.
😊
It’s just one example of the many things that stress those
who live in another place, with a different culture, where “everybody” speaks a
strange language, and where the days and nights are all mixed up.
Liebenzell USA appointed Kathy and me as Missionary Care
Associates to help ease the stress for missionaries serving in difficult
places. Quite often when I talk to one of “our” missionaries they will
apologize for not being at our monthly SMMM (Second Monday Missionary Meeting),
or not sending a thank you for a birthday present their child received. Kathy
or I always assure them that no apology is needed. We host the monthly
fellowship/prayer time, send gifts to MKs (missionary kids), and do the other
things we do to be a blessing, not create another obligation. Our goal is to
build a community of care. Missionaries are like the rest of us. We work better
when we have encouragement. Many of you have contributed to the fund that
allows us to encourage these valued servants. That encourages us. Thank you.
Here are some reasons we are thankful, and some matters we
would appreciate you praying about. Not all of the following are directly
related to our work with LMUSA, but they represent who we are at this point in
life. Thanks for joining us in praise and prayer.
·
We praise the Lord for the good health we enjoy.
We don’t take it for granted. Kathy is a dedicated walker. Over the last few
months, I’ve gotten back into regular biking. Thank you, Lord.
·
My supervisor at the mission is Mike. Mike has
been diagnosed with Lyme disease. He is suffering with general fatigue and
weakness in his legs, particularly the right leg. Please pray for Mike.
·
It is fun to send birthday presents to the MKs
on behalf of the mission. Sometimes it is complicated. International mail is
expensive, often uncertain, and in at least one case nonexistent. Kindle books
sometime work, as does Amazon. Pray that we can find creative and wise ways to
bless the kids.
·
We are mostly past COVID in our day-to-day lives
in North America, for some of our missionary family the virus remains a nagging
problem. Sometimes it complicates travel. To vax or not can be a big issue.
Pray for wisdom.
·
I’ll be traveling to Zambia in January. I’ll be
visiting with several missionary families, speaking at a staff training
gathering at an international Christian school, speaking at an English-speaking
church, and participating in a national church conference. It will be a full
two weeks.
·
It’s likely, sometime in the next several months,
that Kathy will head back to Guam to help one of our missionary ladies finish
up a remodeling project, as well as encourage others. Pray for wisdom on this
decision.
·
We are seeking to encourage a young family who
are planning to go to Ecuador. If you, or your church are interested in
supporting a sharp couple, let me know. Please pray for Steven and Gwen.
·
Kathy and I continue to minister on Sunday mornings
at a little church about forty miles from our home. Pray that we can help this
congregation get back on a firmer foundation.
·
Kathy is speaking at a women’s conference in New
Hampshire, next month.
·
Our family is well. We are glad to see
significant ministry that comes from sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.
·
We are thankful that your past generosity is
enabling our current caring-for-missionaries ministry. Our current ministry
expenses are covered. We’ll keep you posted. If you have questions, get in
touch with us.
We are busy, but we welcome your contact. If we don’t pick
up the phone or answer an electronic communique right away, we will try to get
back to you. You have permission to bug us. We respond pretty well to good
natured nagging. As I rode my bike today, as I often am, I was impressed with
the beauty of God’s world. We hope you are enjoying your part of the world.
Look around in wonder and look up in thanks.
By His Grace,
Kathy & Howard
