We have Internet, phones, and trash pickup.Our kids have started school, and we know where the best prices on fresh vegetables are.So we are feeling a bit settled in our home just south of Dayton, Ohio.But everything still feels temporary.Our rental house feels a bit like a large hotel room, and I am not bothering to really learn the names of streets.Why learn them when we will soon be gone?We will be here until next summer, and then we are off again to the field.

I think about the Jewish exiles living in Babylon a lot these days.They were living in a place that did not really feel like home to them, a place they did not plan to stay.Jeremiah writes them a letter and says:

Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (29:4-7).

The prophet is telling them:"Invest in relationships and the community where you are living.Act as if you will be staying for a long time."As the chapter proceeds, it becomes clear that God has other plans for these captives: they will not live forever in this land.But for now, they should dig in and "seek the welfare of the city" where they find themselves.This is good preparation for the next place that God will lead them.In other words:"Value the place where you are.It has important lessons to teach you and opportunities for good work."

I plan to listen to Jeremiah's counsel in the remaining 10 months (only 10 left…2 are already gone!) of our US/Puerto Rico assignment.I will try to learn what God can teach me while I'm here.I will try to be open to what opportunities for ministry come my way. I shall "seek the welfare of the city where I have been sent."

This will also be a time of preparation for us.Our central task while we are in the States is to strengthen our Missionary Partnership Network.This is the web of people who are interested in our ministry and undergird it through prayer, cards and letters, and financial support given through International Ministries.And hopefully some of you will visit us on the field next term.Mission trips are a wonderful way to participate in and learn about missions.

Our primary way of strengthening this network is through visits to churches.We are willing to preach in your worship service, do a mission presentation on Wednesday night, meet with your missions committee, or have lunch with your pastor or mission chairperson.Invite us!Contact Ruthie Stevenson at International Ministries, your regional office, or us directly to arrange a visit.

We want to make good use of our year in the States.The best thing we can do in these remaining 10 months is strengthen our relationship with you, our supporters and friends.We appreciate your faithful support of us.You make our ministry possible.

May you find the grace of God in your particular place,

Jim Kelsey (along with Debbie, Ben, and Luke)