Many of you know that our daughter Jamie is graduating this week from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and that our son Micah is graduating from high school in June (he will then head to Pacific Lutheran, where his sister paved the way).  Obviously, it’s a big year for us and we face an empty nest with a mixture of excitement and mourning.

Many of you also know that we are headed to the U.S. for six months of home assignment (a.k.a. U.S. /Puerto Rico assignment), arriving in mid-July for a re-entry conference in Pennsylvania.  We will be living in and traveling out of Olympia, WA.

Why is this important? 

Well, there are a number of reasons. First of all, we covet your prayers for the transition. We face many changes of place, schedule and everyday family functioning with both kids out on their own and the travel that comes with US assignment.  We want to say good good-byes to our friends, colleagues, and lifestyle here in Costa Rica and good hellos to our friends, family, and culture in the States.

Secondly, since we’ve been out of the US for a time, we have not been able to see many of you as often as we would like. We want to catch up, hear how you’ve been and share what we’ve been up to in Costa Rica and where we see God leading in the future.  We’d love to schedule time to be with you, in your churches and/or with your ministry or women’s groups, but our calendar is filling up quickly. We don’t want to miss the opportunity to be with you during the fall and winter so let us know as soon as possible if and when you’d like us to visit and we’ll try to make it work.

Thirdly, due to a variety of causes, giving to our ongoing support has decreased over the last year. We trust that God will provide and are so thankful for the countless ways many of you have faithfully helped us to live out our mission call.  The good news is that from May 18 through July 31, 2012, a group of generous donors have agreed to match dollar for dollar any extra contribution over and above your regular giving or match any new gifts.  Every dollar you contribute will be matched 100% out of the challenge fund.  The more you give, the bigger the match.  You may give as often as you like.  Funds will be matched dollar for dollar until the challenge fund runs out, or until July 31, whichever comes first.  The instructions are listed below. 

Thanks for your faithful financial support and your prayers.

Mylinda

International Ministries has made it easy to have your donation matched.

Starting May 18, 2012, you may:

Give securely online using a credit card

Give by sending a personal check

By phone call to 1-800-222-3872, ext. 2323