Being back in the States we often find ourselves commenting to one another, "what would our friends back in the village think about this…" going to a pig roast where the fat, skin, and bones are thrown away, manicured lawns, meals out that cost more than they live on for a month, going faster than 25mph in a vehicle are just a few examples.

Looking at these differences reminds me how God undertook for us over and over again, giving the grace that we needed when we needed it to face all kinds of challenges. I hope this does not sound like trite Christian jargon when I say that by the grace of God we were able to survive these past three years in Indonesia. I mean that sincerely and literally. Being here in the States I have been reflecting back on these things and see it so clearly as the gracious hand of our good Shepherd leading us. We also know (because many of you have told us) that your prayers supported us through every hill and valley.

We have been in Michigan since mid-June and we are having such a great time visiting family and reconnecting with many people who are part of our sending team. We are so thankful that we have been able to spend special time with Andrea’s one remaining grandmother, who just yesterday (June 23) was called into her reward. She was 93 this year. She was living here with us at Andrea’s parent’s house so we were able to be with her in her final hours.

This time in the States continues to be a time of refreshing and refocusing for us as we look to the Lord and seek to draw near to Jesus. One specific prayer that I have is that God would give wisdom and a clear sense that He is the one who is calling us to continue fulltime ministry there in Indonesia. We would appreciate you joining with us in that prayer with confidence that God hears us and gives sufficient wisdom and guidance to his children.