This past Saturday, we had an opportunity to gather with many dear friends before departing for Nampa, Idaho. The special get-together was hosted by Tim and Suzanna Bond who welcomed everyone with open arms as we bid farewell to our friends and supporters who made the past eleven months of ministry partnership possible. Tony and I could not have been more thankful. The words of encouragement that we received throughout the four hours blessed us immeasurably. "Whenever I think I'm part of a team that is helping spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, I get very excited," said an exuberant long time friend. Others also stopped by to tell us that we were their first missionary family that they have partnered with. There was one comment that was shared by almost everyone in the room and that was that they would pray for our family and for the ministry.
The grace that has been extended to us by churches and individuals has been a direct result of the prayers that have been made on our behalf. We are humbled and grateful for the prayers that are made in order that we may soon serve dedicated pastors and remote church leaders in the developing world.
As the afternoon drew to a close, we thanked the Bond family for hosting such a lovely event. Although it would have been nearly impossible to have met with everyone who makes up our ministry support team, this casual yet special gathering allowed us to express our love and sincere thanks for making our entrance into missionary service possible.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
