Feeling Blessed by Godly Wisdom and Counsel!

During these past 18 days since we've been back in the US, God has so beautifully orchestrated time with godly and wise couples. We've been able to spend time in prayer together, share our victories, and our heart's desires as we begin this...unplanned by us, but ordained by God----time back in the states.

The top photo is of Jeff's parents, Stan and Eleanor, who have been a constant stream of encouragement to us all of our 29 years of marriage. They have prayed for us unceasingly, supported and listened at all times. How wonderful it was to be able to spend time with them in Diane's hometown, Minneapolis, and enjoy the fall colors at Lake Minnehaha Park together, soaking up their love and godly wisdom!

The second photo is of George and Donna, our pastors to missionaries. They "just happened" to be taking a trip to Chicago from California, which put them on the interstate just a couple miles from the home in Iowa in which we are staying. They served the Lord for 30 years in Venezuela and had some excellent counsel for us! They were a great encouragement to us as we enjoyed a Mexican meal together. We were blessed to be able to share this special time together and glean from their godly wisdom, as well.

The third photo is of Dave and Becky, who served faithfully on the mission field in Bangladesh. We spent an evening together in their home sharing a meal, battlefield stories and good humor! How precious to nurture this friendship that God orchestrated a few years ago through their implementation of our "Senders" group. Dave and Becky were scheduled to visit us in Rio in October to provide some leadership training, and instead we were able to enjoy some time together here in Iowa!

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

"Honey, I'm Home!"

So much has happened since we left Rio on September 16th! God has his fingerprints clearly on all of it and it is so encouraging in the midst of the unknown, to be reminded that HE alone is in control....as usual! He is meeting all of our needs each step of the way!

Let me begin by sharing where we "landed" on September 17th. God provided us a "home away from home" near our church and Hannah's high school. We've been blessed with the opportunity to live with a wonderful, godly couple in Johnston, Iowa. They are a part of our "Senders" group and have been praying for our ministry during the past five years. They have graciously opened up their home to all four of us! Above is a photo of Dean and Julie.

We have enjoyed our time here immensely and God has knitted our hearts together! We've broken bread together, prayed together, shared our hearts for ministry, and laughed like crazy! We share similar senses of humor and each time one of us comes home and enters the house, we yell out, "Honey.....I'm home!!!"

Ephesians 4:19-20 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Harvest is Plentiful.....

Dear Praying Friends,

Last April we had the privilege to travel to CENA in Sao Paulo with a group of students from Carver College in Atlanta, Georgia. Traveling with us from Rio was pastor Frido and Sonia (above) from our church in Recreio.

After this mission trip to CENA, God placed it on Sonia's heart to spend a month serving at CENA. She leaves on September 27 for 1 month.

Please join us in praying for Sonia as she serves at CENA, which is located downtown Sao Paulo in a dangerous area. Pray for her safety, for effective ministry and fruit that remains!

Serving together,

Diane

Standing Firm in our Faith!

Dear Friends, Family and Supporters,
Yesterday we were informed at the Federal Police that our visas were denied, with no other option except to leave the country in 8 days! Wow! Serious business! How do you move a family 6,000 miles in that short amount of time?! We haven't figured that out yet....but when we do, we'll let you know! So far, we've experienced the emotions of shock, unbelief, bewilderment, sadness and anger. We've put great effort in the last 5 years to obtain and maintain our Visas!

Praise God, we are now experiencing peace, excitement and humor! Peace---knowing that even though our address will temporarily change, our eternal destination has not! Excitement---knowing that He will glorify Himself through this and use it for good. Humor---because we've realized that not many people can say they've been deported! This is one story we won't ever forget!

Although we don't understand what God is doing, we have faith that counts on Him in spite of the confusion. We've got a million things to get done before we leave and just want to ask you to join with us in praising Him ahead of time for what He is doing and ask you to pray as we attempt to take care of as many details here and leave as smoothly as possible!

Please also pray for God's wisdom as we return to the states and look at other types of Visas so we can return soon!

Serving together,

Diane (for the fam)