Journeys in Iowa
  


I arrived to Indianola on July 8 and stayed with Soozi Ford (who heads up my MPT) and her family.  Soozi and I traveled to Waverly, IA during the first few days, to be a part of the Mid-American Baptist Women's Conference.  I met so many wonderful women who showed me incredible love and care.  I made many new friends and had many more invitations to visit churches throughout Minnesota and Iowa.  We were able to share about the importance of being in relationship with others and especially how important this is for missions. Soozi and I shared not only about the Dominican Republic ministry but also the recent changes in the ways American Baptists will be supporting their international missionaries.  There was a an outpouring of support for my ministry in La Romana with the Maranatha church and the Good Samaritan Hospital.  Thank you, ladies!

 

From there, I traveled to my home church, First Baptist of Keokuk, IA (getting back to my roots!) and had two wonderful events there.  The church hosted an ice cream social (Sunday night) and a brunch (Monday morning).  I was able to share about my ministry in La Romana and bring them up to date.  In both events people shared their concern for keeping missionaries on the field through financial support as well as their desire to continue building relationship with the ministry in the Dominican Republic.  There will be several from Keokuk who will be taking part in another missions trip to La Romana next January. 

 

In addition to visiting my home church family, I was also able to visit with my brother and his family for a couple of days, which was a real treat since I don't get to see them very often. 

 

More than anything, my first week in Iowa reminded me of the AMAZING churches and people there are within American Baptist Churches.  They also really know how to cook! :)

 

During my last week in Iowa I visited churches in Boone, Indianola and Des Moines as well as a Junior High group at Dayton Oaks camp.  I was able to take a few days off (mostly studying) but also managed to find time for a bike ride on some peaceful trails around Indianola while enjoying the cmpany of Soozi and her family.  We also squeezed in an early Saturday morning trip to the incredible Des Moines Farmer's Market!

 

This week, I've been back in Missouri for a few days, and today I travel to the National ABW Ministries Conference in Carlinville, IL.  On Sunday (July 26th) I will be with the First Baptist Church of Davenport, Iowa.   Then I'll have a few days off before traveling to Philadelphia for The Conference for Returning Missionaries, which begins on August 1st.  While there, I'll spend a week meeting with International Minsitries staff as well as fellowshipping with other missionaries who are in the US for travel this year.  Lots to do in the next few weeks!  My certification exam is on August 12 and I'd really appreciate your prayers for success and peace during the exam.

Prayer Requests

• Travel safety for Kristy, as well as time for rest and renewal.
• Success on Kristy's national certification exam on August 12th. 
• Gratitude for those who have given sacrifically to support Kristy's ministry, and for those who are considering additional support for the coming year.

(Texas)

Mission Partnership Team:
Soozi Whitten Ford (Iowa)
Rex and Becky Cooper (Illinois)
Cyndi McNamara (Massachusetts)
Bob Beck (Massachusetts)
Michelle Siemens (Texas)