Merry Hearts

The past couple of weeks have been full of activity, excitement, and yes, a bit of drama. We began the month of June at our home church, Bible Baptist in Pickens, for the church’s 50th Homecoming celebration. It was so good to be with our church family again and to celebrate such a milestone. That afternoon, we were also able to stop by and visit a shut-in couple at the rehab center where they’re currently staying. This precious couple are like grandparents to us and have been faithful members of our church for nearly the entire time the church has been in operation. I won’t go into detail about their health issues, but if you would, please keep the Pattersons in your prayers. They need physical healing, and they’re facing some difficult days ahead if things continue as they are.

On Monday, the 3rd, Jason had the opportunity to attend a preacher’s fellowship at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Enoree, SC. I can’t tell you much about what happened because all I received were “man details,” but I do know Jason was able to make some good contacts and had an enjoyable time, especially when they served him a steak lunch!

We had plans to attend a jubilee later that week, but that idea fell through because of Jason’s work schedule. Attending nightly meetings and then having to get up and go to work at 3:00 in the morning just doesn’t work very well.

On Saturday, we received an extra special blessing in the mail. One of our supporting churches sent us a packet with letters from some of the children in the church. We were their missionary of the month, so they spent the entire month praying specifically for us and our mission efforts. Each of the children created their own card using construction paper, markers, stickers, glitter, and so much more. They were so precious, and we were overjoyed by their thoughtfulness. It’s amazing how encouraging it is to know someone is thinking of and praying for us.

On Sunday, June 9th, we spent the entire day with Midview Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC. Jason was able to share our burden during Sunday School and the morning service. He was also invited to preach that evening. The people were so friendly and asked some great questions about our mission goals. We enjoyed having lunch with the pastor and his family and getting to know them better. All in all, it was a blessed day.

Tuesday morning, we had the opportunity to join a local church, Gethsemane Baptist, for their weekly GEMS meeting (Gethsemane Energetic Mature Saints). They treated us to a wonderful potluck lunch and gave us a chance to explain our call to Wales and tell about our mission efforts. It was a great time of fellowship, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

I entitled this update “Merry Hearts” because we’re super excited about our missionary friends, the Downeys, coming home for furlough in just a couple of weeks. As you may remember, the Ronald and Tennille Downey are missionaries in Wales, and we will be working alongside them as soon as we raise our support. They have been in Wales nearly 22 years and have built up a good work, but they are eager to have help, and that’s where we come in. They will be in the states for two months, so we’re looking forward to spending time with them and even joining them for a few meetings and activities while they’re here.

As you can see, we’ve been going hard hoping to raise support, but we’re also trying to make sure we don’t lose sight of the fact that we’re still ministers here. That being said, we’re doing our best to minister to everyone we come in contact with, whether it be at a meeting, in the grocery store, or in the rehab facility. God has blessed us with health and strength, and for that, we’re extremely grateful as we need both for this deputation journey.

And, of course, we are grateful for your love, support, and prayers. Some of you have contacted us to let us know you’re thinking of and praying for us, and you have no idea how much that means to us. It’s such a blessing to see God’s people standing behind His work and working to encourage one another in the faith. God bless you for that!

Continue to be in prayer about Jason’s job situation and a new home for Barnabas. Both of these situations weigh heavily on our hearts, and we would appreciate your interceding on our behalf.

Bless you, dear friends! We love you all!