SPRING IS SPRINGING
Dear Friends,
For those of us who live in the Midwest, Spring can’t come soon enough. We feel the warmth of spring enveloping us, and we are thrilled! Like Solomon, we rejoice that winter is past, flowers are appearing all around us, and most of all, the time of spring singing has finally arrived. Thank you for the investment you are making in church leaders around the world. Your kindness helps carry them through every season, whether the trees blossom or rain doesn’t end. Indeed, like Habbukuk, we rejoice no matter what, in God our Savior, who fills our hearts with His presence and gives us real hope.
This summer BrookLink is on the move again. In a few weeks, Dan and Lynne Green head to the Czech Republic to pour into theological students, refugees, and church leaders. We are so thankful for their 20+ years in this region, and how they see the fruit of their worthy labor. Dan shared, “We return to the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Prague to teach on coping with loss, followed by teaching seminars in churches in the area. We plan to return in July to serve at an English camp to help 50-60 campers learn English.” Please be in prayer for Dan and Lynne as they prepare their hearts to serve and anticipate unforeseen navigation, which is inevitable in ministry. Dan continues to provide monthly consultation and teaching through online education, mentoring, encouragement, support, and counseling for over 500 Iranian pastors and church leaders.
In Late June, friends Keith Doyle, TJ Addington, Ian Lawson, and I will gather for a few days in the Canadian Rockies to do some long-term planning for BrookLink. Stay tuned – it’s exciting stuff. I finished up my monthly Zoom teaching on the Book of Job with China Partner. I am writing materials on discipleship this summer in preparation for outfitting denominational and business leaders in two East African countries in late August. We are in ongoing discussions with a West African leader about possible training(s) in several West African countries in 2024. These important and organic conversations and connections have great potential for our future work, so we covet your prayers for BrookLink.
Ian and I continue to appreciate the epic trip to India as we reflect on how God opened so many doors. Mission India Founder and President, Saji Lukos, shared this insight about our time and how it continues to impact church leaders, “We are deploying 150 graduates and identifying the unreached locations where we can safely place them for community engagement, especially establishing Christ-centered communities.” I hope this young graduate’s testimony encourages you!
News from the home front: Terry and I just welcomed our newest family member—our oldest son, Nate and his lovely wife, Amy, have a new little boy, Felix! We can’t wait to meet him in person soon. But before we hold Felix, I get to hold our other newest grandson, Elliot, son of our daughter, Ruthanne, and her husband, Robert. It’s official—we now are grandparents of ten (10) grandchildren. Can you just picture Terry and me bursting with joy over our growing family? Both Terry and I are planning to be home for the summer before our travels pick up again in the Fall. Lord willing, we hope we will get to visit with many of you.
Your continued prayers and support are vital, and because of them, spring feels so much more inviting. Thank you so much.
Every blessing,
PS: A Special Prayer Request: I’m scheduled to undergo surgery to replace my right hip on May 25th. My friends who have had the same surgery have told me it’s, “a walk (not a run) in the park.” I will use the month of June to recover and anticipate no issues. Your prayers are appreciated.
Terry and I were thrilled to enjoy a recent Facetime chat with our grandchildren. Felix (upper left corner) set the stage for us!
