Short Furlough is in the Books
The end of April and beginning of May found us in the state of Illinois where we were able to report to five of our supporting churches. We then went down to Missouri to finish out the trip with a couple of days of R&R (along with sorting, sifting, and packing), one more supporting church, and then back to St Louis for our flight back home to Zagreb. We are so very thankful for the watch-care and protection of The Lord as we traveled and for all of the wonderful churches and friends that were so kind to us during this time.
We made it home after about 32 hours (long layovers) on May 15th. We are especially grateful for Ronnie & Cheryl Munson who came for the 2nd part of this furlough relief. It has been a blessing to be able to have extra time to get back into the swing of things here. The last full week of May we welcomed two new summer interns: Luke Johnson of Moore, OK and Annalisa Quinn from Philadelphia, PA. We converted the old nursery and office space in the church for Luke and Annalisa is staying with Ms. Sarah Bradley. Please pray for them and for us as we desire to see this time used of The Lord to deepen their relationship with Him, direct their steps for Him, and further develop their talents and abilities for His service.
Spiritual Battles….
Eph . 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. “
I have been disappointed in myself because I wasn’t better prepared or expecting the challenges we have faced as we have returned. It has been quite diverse, personal, and stressful. We were told that the Visa process changed while we were in the states, which meant we had to submit everything in a different manner, jump thru hoops, etc (very stressful). Then we were told that those steps were unnecessary and it was bad information. UGH! We are still waiting to hear if our application for our 7th year will be approved but as of the writing of this letter it does seem hopeful. We also ask that you pray for our extended family (mainly health related) and for our kids/grandkids (life changes).
It seems that many of the missionaries that we know are all echoing the same things that we have been experiencing . . . a significant increase in the intensity of the ongoing spiritual warfare. Satan has really been attacking us and many others. The diversity of his weapons is vast and it would seem that Satan has been pulling out all of the stops.
