Dear Friends in Christ:

Ten months have come and gone since our return from South Africa to the USA and we praise God for His abundant grace and mercy.On August 30th we arrived from South Africa to the news of the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and then Rita.After frantic phone calls, we were assured that family in Louisiana and Texas were doing as well as could be expected amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

During our time of home assignment we were graciously invited and served as missionaries in residence in the American Baptist Churches of the South region.What a blessing and a time of renewal and revival this has been for us.The pastors and members of our ABCOTS churches opened their arms and hearts to receive us and extended the hospitality that the south is so well known for.We enjoyed the rich history and culture of Richmond, VA where we lived and were blessed to be with our grown-up children again.Almost ten years ago we left them as teens, one in college and the other newly graduated from high school, and began international ministry.Now they have both completed graduate degrees and one is completing a doctoral program.God has upheld them and kept them safe and we are so grateful.

We witnessed God sustain and open up new ministry opportunities and saw churches and organizations extend their reach as they shared Christ's love to those in need, particularly in storm affected areas.The Holy Spirit moved on many hearts and lives, young and old.Adult workers and students planned mission trips, items from books to prom gowns were collected and distributed, and rubble removal through construction was completed, all with the intent to serve and to minister to those who had suffered loss.It was truly the local church going to the nation and obeying Christ by visiting, feeding and clothing "the least of these" (Mt. 25:40).

As we return to Africa, Zambia being our new assignment, we are excited about the opportunities that God has opened up there for us in ministry.In South Africa, and other countries of Africa, we have been involved in ministries of leadership and theological training, church planting, evangelism, pastoral mentoring, educational ministries with women and youth and ministry with HIV/AIDS infected, or affected women and children.We have been invited to participate in similar ministries with our new partner, The Baptist Convention of Zambia.We ask that you partner with us in prayer as we minister and model Christ and Christianity in Zambia, a country that professes to be Christian but is experiencing the rapid growth and spread of the Islam religion.

Please visit the www.internationalministries.org website to read journal entries and get updated information.Missionaries can be found at the IM People pull down menu.

In Christ,

Charles, Sarah, Chasah, Caleb and Charliese West