Jesus spoke to the paralytic and invited him to “take up your mat and walk”

We have spent the last several weeks “taking up our mat” -- only it’s been so much more than just a mat.  It’s been beds and blankets, pots and pans, books and book shelves, clothes and dishes.  The Perkins family has packed up their belongings in Kodaikanal and is now residing at 113 Stoney Ridge Road, Ripon, WI.  We are on a US/ Puerto Rico assignment period, back for a time of renewal and reporting.

The paralytic didn’t get to the point of walking by himself.  He had friends to carry him to Jesus and help make the way for him.  We also were assisted by many friends along the way before we could “walk” (ride, fly and take moving sidewalks) our way around the world.  In India we had friends who offered to store boxes and appliances and even our vehicle.  A former classmate of Anna’s showed up to lend his strong arms on moving day and then prayed us off as we left.  Pushpa cleaned and cleared things out behind us.  Many friends and family worked to prepare a place for our arrival.  Bob Carman put in many hours as power-of-attorney in buying a condo for us.  Barb Birmingham, our realtor and member of our home church, who went above and beyond, even leaving her delicious homemade cooking in the frig to feed us for the first few days.  Bill, brother and airport pick up.  Friends who left a “Welcome” sign at the door and made the beds.  God has provided and we are grateful for each one who was a part of that. What a blessing they have been! 

We are looking forward to sharing our stories and being able to say thank you in person to many who have supported us over the last two years that we have been in India.  We will be available for deputation speaking starting in September.  In fact, we have already scheduled a week in the Indianapolis area in early September to be at a mission fair and worship with a couple of our partner churches.  If you would like to have us visit, please contact us at the addresses below.

David and Betsy Perkins

113 Stoney Ridge Road

Ripon, WI 54971

travelingperkins@yahoo.co.in