While in training at MTI (Missionary Training International) in Palmer Lake, Colorado, I was struck with an idea. The thought is this: “We have a hope of being in the Dominican Republic as soon as possible. The Judsons had a period of three months of waiting on a boat till arriving in India. Our time of networking is a period of waiting for us.”

            What does it mean to wait on the Lord? Isaiah 40: 31 says “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV). We, now, are not living an empty waiting but a full and active waiting and that excites us!  The moments we “soar” have been awesome so far.  We have “soared” with the World Mission Conference, the All Staff Retreat, visiting churches, meeting donors, and celebrating new monthly donors.  Your prayers and support are ways that God renews our strength.  Thank you!

            James 1: 2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (NIV). We often hear a criticism of our support raising process that it puts an undue burden on us as missionaries. However, I see it as a great joy! This period of waiting is a period of relationship building.  It is a joy to meet people who hear our story and who get excited about what God is doing.  We are filled with joy as we serve the church in sharing our calling and the joy we receive from the church as they rise to the challenge of missions is worth every mile we travel.

            Another joy we have found in the waiting is watching the hearts of our children being transformed by the Holy Spirit. This past Thursday, we went and worshipped with the staff of Messenger International and were blessed to hear and meet John and Lisa Bevere. While talking with them John asked the kids if they were excited about going and Elisabeth, with great excitement, responded very positively about being excited to go! It brought great joy to both Sarah and myself.

In this short update, we really want you to know that we are doing well.  We are still looking forward to December as we hope expectantly to reach the 100% mark.  Your support and the churches that join us are making a big difference in not only our lives, but in the mission of advancing the Kingdom of God.

Prayer requests

• We had some ups and downs with food the past few weeks as I (Peter) was contaminated on multiple occasions.  I am still recovering from the turmoil gluten does to my system.  Please pray for safety and God’s grace as we travel.

• This fall we are looking forward to connecting with some regions at their annual/biennial meetings.  Please pray for the connections to be made.  We will be contacting regions again in September when we return to Pennsylvania to finalize our plans.  These are awesome opportunities to have our display up and share with pastors and church members about what God is calling us to in the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

• Please pray for the kids as they prepare for a new school year.  Last year we home schooled them and this year they asked to go back to public school.  We agreed hoping that with our transition (this December God willing) that they could and would transfer to the international school in Costa Rica in January as we start our language training.

Praises:

• We are making friends and connections here in Colorado.  It is a joy to connect with missionaries from other agencies as we are trained and prepare for the field.

• God keeps surprising us with our children and their heart for missions.

• We continue to be safe as we travel.

Thank you again for your support and prayers. 

Pete and Sarah