We're Back!!

We’re home and back to our normal activities, work and loving on the hounds. The Costa Rica mission trip was rewarding in so many ways. New friends were made, old relationships refreshed and talk of Jesus resounded in the hills, churches and streets. All in all, it was a good trip to work with U.A. Amen Ministry.

I’d like to thank a few people that helped make it possible. Our Aunt Elaine Gilbert gave us a bed and ride to and from the airport in Houston. Alyson Peterson gave us peace of mind about leaving the hounds behind with her daily care and hands-on tending of both our dogs and the feral cats we feed. Life goes on whether you’re home or not, so must the feeding and tending of the four-legged critters. Mandy and Gary Ripps covered the kids in Papa John’s class at church and Carolyn Ripps covered my middle school kids…thank you for your support and  the willingness to jump in. Then there are all of you that covered us in prayer for the duration of the trip. Missionaries without prayer covering are called targets!! All sorts of spiritual issues come up against you when you step out to do the Lord’s work and prayer warriors are a vital part of our ministry work. Thank you all for your faithfulness and prayer coverage!

God fanned the fire in our bellies for mission work to a new high. Life necessitated a hiatus in mission work in other countries for several years. It was a heart-ache to step away from and this trip to help minister to the people of Grecia, Costa Rica, brought back the familiar longing to take the news of Jesus Christ to all who have not heard of His love for them. We are praying and seeking His guidance for us. We ask that you pray for us and Truth in Love Ministries. A new year and new vision for Truth in Love is upon us. We need your continued prayer support. We need people to come along side us as partners and encouragers as we step out this year where ever the Lord leads us. Already opportunities are popping up!

Meanwhile, Papa John is back at work. I am back in my office with a refreshed determination to get Book One, Redeeming Grace, ready for submittal to a publisher; then get back to working on Book Two of the series. The blogs are calling and I’m excited to get back to writing. Our respective classes with the kids at church can only benefit from the enthusiasm we brought back from Costa Rica. We love our life, our little home, our friends and family. It’s good to be alive and serving the Lord as He directs! See you tomorrow!