A friend has told us that living in the States compared to living in Africa is like living in Disneyland. Although we've loved visiting our favorite haunts (Outback!) and having fun, we have also been working hard each weekend. So far we have visited three of our supporting churches~EFC of Mount Morris, our sending church; the Community EFC of Champaign/Urbana; and EFC of Sycamore/Dekalb.
As you can imagine, being with the flock we shepherded for 13 years was especially sweet. What a joy to see the familiar faces of dear friends, and quite sobering to remember those who have since gone home to be with the Lord. Neal and Adam were able to be with us that Sunday and at the risk of embarassing them, Tracy had them stand to pay honor to them. Our children have endured suffering and have sacrificed by willingly sending their parents to the mission field~something the Lord sees and treasures.
Our host family in Champaign/Urbana was the Fried (pronounced freed) family. What delightful friends! We traveled down on a Saturday for a small group get-together, and stayed overnight with them. Their girls have the gift of hospitality, like their parents. Their oldest brought us breakfast on a tray the next morning~a yummy fruit salad, blueberry bagels, and juice. Thank you, Frieds! What a ministry you have!
That Sunday morning found us with Flat Stanley at their church. You may recall that during fund raising in 2007 we had a mascot, Balto, the traveling gnome. On the spur of the moment I drew Stanley, a very difficult creative task.
I taught Sunday school that morning to a wide age range of children. During the worship service Tracy shared our ministry during the "Missions Moment" and then preached about what Africans can teach us.
Have you ever thought about what those things might be?
The following Sunday also took us back in time to our old stomping grounds. For five years the EFC of Sycamore/Dekalb was our church home while Tracy attended seminary. Wearing the outfits Joyce made for us in Africa, we shared our ministries of AZ during the adult Sunday school hour. Sitting at the table with the brother and mother of fellow teammates, the Whitfields, reminded me of Chris and Seth's sacrifice as well. God sent His Spirit during the worship services, moving many to consider how they will be zealous goers and senders.
As we visit churches on weekends, please remember us in your prayers. Not only do we desire to share with people about ACTION's ministries, but we also desire to raise up potential missionaries and its needed funds.
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