At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out.
Numbers 9:23a, NIV

God has enabled miracle transitions for us since the end of June.

Out of the interior of D R Congo, we were celebrated by fellow missionaries and our national Baptist partners of CBCO before boarding the plane for departure from that beloved field of service.

Into the history and magnificent geology of Cape Town, South Africa, we were privileged to visit Robbins Island, the Cape of Good Hope, book-stores and art museums.

The fourth of July weekend, we landed in LAX to be hosted by two of our children (Kim, her husband Jason, and Kent) those first poignant days in America. Atherton Baptist Homes in a suburb of LA had graciously renovated an apartment to receive us. The next weekend, daughter Taelor and husband Mike, in the Sacramento area, flew us north for a visit. (No grandchildren, just granddogs at this point!)

Out of our California nest we were drawn by three conferences back-to-back: for debriefing (Colorado Springs, CO), for briefing (Black Rock, PA), and for sharing our stories (Green Lake, WI). With what rejuvenating and stimulating fellowship we were gifted all along the way -- even while making airport connections!

Back into family ties we flew, to the DC area to visit with an adopted sister and many friends of Lynn's recently deceased parents. Picking up the Mazda sedan inherited from her Dad, we drove to South Carolina for a visit with Lynn's older sister and husband. Then, with belongings and borrowed camping gear in tow, we camped across country following Route 40, reveling in the majesties of the USA.

Since the end of June, God has blessed us to be in three continents (if one counts flying into London), 15 states, plus Washington, DC, where we worshipped at the National Cathedral. This same Lord guided the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years and into the promised land. We are told that His people encamped at the command of the Lord and set out when the cloud signaled them to go (Numbers 9:23).

While less dramatically than with cloud and fire, we have felt the presence and direction of the Lord during this season of traveling. His mercies are new every morning! We thank Him too for the time, talent and treasures that many of you have shared with us, particularly our Mission Partner Team and Network.

And journeying-on we go, as we visit many churches during these months of regional missions conferences and the Word Mission Offering. Poverty can be described as lack of choices. In this land of plenty, we are eager to fellowship with followers of Christ who hunger and thirst after righteousness -- for, as Jesus says, we shall all be filled.
We trust that you are digging deep to give sacrificially to ensure that the World knows God's abundance in love.

In Christ,

Lynn and Virgil