This weekend was one of memories and reunions. It began on Friday, June 21st when Jason and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. Though we weren’t able to spend much time together due to Jason’s work schedule, we managed a nice dinner out on Saturday.

On Sunday, we celebrated another milestone—the one-year anniversary of our surrender to the call of missions. This was an exciting time for us, and the Lord worked it out where we could spend the day surrounded by life-long friends.

Sunday morning, we had a meeting at Lupton Drive Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee with Pastor Dustin Taylor and his wife, Stephanie. We’ve known Dustin since our days in Bible College, and Stephanie and I attended school together since we were very young. What a joyous time of fellowship we had with them and their precious church family. Jason taught the men’s Sunday School class, and Stephanie invited me to teach the ladies’ class, which was such a blessing and encouragement to me. We presented our burden for the country of Wales during the morning service and had a nice, long lunch with the Taylors afterward. We laughed and chatted for hours, and it was so refreshing to be amongst long-time friends.

After lunch, we drove a little over an hour to Sweetwater, Tennessee, where we visited with Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church and its pastor, Jay Scruggs. Pastor Jay attended the same church Jason attended before leaving Florida to go to Bible College. They knew each other for a few years and had lost touch over the past twenty-plus years, but deputation brought them together again. Additionally, one of Jason’s best friends now attends Lee’s Chapel, so it was definitely a day full of memories and laughter. Jason was given the opportunity to preach and present during the evening service, and afterward, we stayed around and chatted with the pastor and his wife for quite a while. Finally, we had to say goodbye because we were facing a nearly-four-hour drive home.

Though quite tiring, it was an exciting and encouraging weekend as we were reunited with old friends and introduced to new ones. Now, we’re looking forward to what should be Jason’s last few days of work. Lord willing, if all goes as planned, this Friday will be his last day. It’s scary to step away from a steady paycheck, but we know this is what God would have us do, and we’re trusting in His care and provision.

We do still have a few other decisions that need to be made very soon, so we appreciate your prayers in these matters. We want God’s will in all things, so we’re praying for His wisdom and guidance.

God bless you all, and thank you for your continuing love and support!