Last Monday afternoon we drove into our driveway in Keizer, the early evening sun dropping in the west.  Three colorful flower pots hung over the front porch and two red and white geraniums flanked the door.  Inside the house was bare, characterless.  But a small circle of warmth lay on the kitchen counter next to the phone book -- three welcome notes from our church family, close supporters and Thelma, Helen and all the mission ladies of the Miriam Noyes Circle.  A welcome backed up by a fridge full of the essentials and two cupboards full of staples -- insurance against starving while putting our house in order.  After seven days, our house for the next 12 months is beginning to take shape as home, starting with that small circle of warmth

What a beautiful reminder that we are never alone in our mission to Congo!  Our work is made possible because all of these other people share a part of the call.  Some pray.  Some share words of encouragement.  Some help us to evaluate past accomplishments and chart future work.  Some provide financial support.  Some challenge us by example and unflinching word to go deeper in our walk with the Lord.  And undoubtedly some will pick us up when we fall and put us back on the road.  Mission grows out of God's call to the community of believers and it is sustained in that community.

This coming Saturday, July 18, we gather with the members of our missionary partnership team to map out a plan for the coming year.  Two weeks later we join missionary colleagues for an evaluation and planning conference at Eastern University.  Pray with us, that we may live with grace, serve others with love and glorify God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.