Dear Partners,
One of the words of advice that I give to young preachers is to “never start with an apology.” I’m going to contradict my advice as I start this letter.
I have been very negligent in communicating with you who are partnering with us in prayer and support. I’m sorry.
Let me see if I can make up for my sorriness and bring you up to date on what is going on with the Merrells and this next phase of our ministry.
First: What have we been up to? We returned from Guam in May of 2021. Our ministry there was busy and full of challenges. Among other tasks was leading the school through the process that led to the renewal of PIU’s accreditation and managing all of the demands that came with COVID 19. I figured I was going to need some decompression time. Thus, a year and half project of rebuilding a vintage travel trailer. If you are interested in the project, check it out at https://68frolic.blogspot.com/. The more recent posts are about the big trip Kathy and I took in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. The earlier posts are about the trailer transformation.
As far as our member care ministry: I’ve been working with Mike Branch, LMUSA Global Ministries Director in maintaining regular communication with missionaries, including a monthly Zoom meeting with any of the missionary family who choose to join us. I’m working to get in a groove of reaching out to our missionaries and especially their kids, on birthdays and other special occasions. I continue to work with the LMUSA Board. One of my goals is to expand our internet-based connection as a means of encouraging missionaries. I, or we, will probably do some traveling to meet with our missionaries where they minister. I would also like to minister in churches, especially churches associated with LMUSA, but not limited to those. Missions is fundamentally the work of the local church. Helping churches have a heart for missions and a soft spot in their hearts for missionaries is something we want to do. Contact us if we can help. We don’t draw a salary from LMUSA. Any funds in our mission account will pay for travel expenses, gifts for LMUSA Missionary Kids, etc. I’ll let you know when a trip is being planned. You can get in touch with us with any questions you have about partnering with us financially in this member care ministry.
Howard & Kathy Merrell, caring for those who are reaching.
Other ministry: Our work with Liebenzell is a part-time endeavor. In addition to that we are involved in our local church in teaching, music, and occasional preaching. I am currently involved in helping to fill the pulpit in a little church about 40 miles from Covington. We want this phase of our life to count for Christ. We appreciate you praying for us as the Lord brings us to your mind.
Nuts and bolts: You can call us at (540) 620-7077, Kathy; or (540) 620-8429, Howard. We get our email at covbchm@gmail.com, Howard; and Kathy at kmusiq@gmail.com. Our postal address is 2106 S Carpenter Drive, Covington VA 24426. You can make online donations to our fund at https://liebenzellmission.org/give/merrell/.
Thanks for your interest in our ministry and the work of the Lord around the world. We’d love to hear from you.
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