July 2023 Update
West Africa Trip – At the start of June, I had the wonderful privilege to take a trip to Nigeria and Burkina Faso to visit with several VBM missionaries. Graham and Olivia Young are doing a great job in Abuja, Nigeria, learning language, culture, and ministry under Missionary Mark Holmes. In Burkina Faso, Dallas and Ashley Brown are being greatly used by the Lord to reach people for Christ in their first church plant. Nate and Emily Wilkerson are wrapping up French language school under Missionary Keith Shumaker and are making plans to move to Benin next month. Please pray for these missionaries and for many more laborers to carry the gospel to these very needy countries.
New England Trip – The last half of June, our family was up in New England visiting several churches that have partnered with us over the years. We also enjoyed a week’s vacation in Maine, which was very refreshing after a busy year.
Reentry Meetings – Toward the end of June, we enjoyed “Reentry Meetings” with Andrew Wilder to Bolivia and Jason and Charity Rishel to Burkina Faso. It was wonderful to celebrate all that God has done through them and pray with them as they take a furlough and prepare for the next steps God has for them. The Rishels are in need of additional support for all the ministry with which the Lord has blessed them. If you would like to hear about their work, please reach out to Bro. Jason at jerishel2@gmail.com.
Marriage Retreat – July started with VBM’s annual marriage retreat in Greenville, South Carolina. Pastor Matthew Herrell and his wife Crystal were a wonderful blessing to all the couples in attendance. Bro. Jim and Sandy Roberts did a great job organizing the event. Please pray for your missionary and their marriages in particular as that is often an area Satan attacks especially on the mission field.
World’s Cheapest Mission Trip – July 11-14 we held this event in Atlanta, Georgia. It is an opportunity for churches, youth groups, and individuals to experience different cultures, learn about other religions, and share the gospel on a mission trip while spending only $200! We have another one coming up on August 1-4. There is still space. Find out more at visionmissions.com/wcmt.
UK Trip – Finally, I am currently in England, visiting the churches the Lord allowed us to start and leading a mission team with people from North Carolina and Ohio. It is great to be able to see many friends and hear of all God is doing. Please pray that we will be able to be a blessing and encouragement.
Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership in the gospel!