A Generous Response

The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity. Our travels took us to Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas. In each place we shared our story and asked people to join us in our new ministry at “New Day Orphanage.” People listened and responded in different ways, some committing to pray, others committing to come, and still others committing to give. We are so thankful for all our new and old ministry partners—old, not in age, but in years of working with us.  

Last week we were the missionaries for the LifeSpring Church VBS in Bellevue, NE. This is the church where we have our membership, but because of our travels, we are not there much. However, last week we were able to be there every day sharing about New Day Orphanage. Each morning during the opening session the kids of LifeSpring met Muchoni and Sisi, our first two orphans, through a daily puppet show.  It was a lot of fun! 

The highlight for the week was a competition between the boys and girls to raise money for the orphanage. This was called “Nickel Knockout.” Each day, after the puppet show, the nickels that had been collected that morning were brought in to the sanctuary in big buckets and weighed on a scale. Although it was a close race, the girls won the overall competition. On Friday we were presented with a check for $4,768.20 for New Day Orphanage. To say the least, we were in awe. Thanks so much kids (and parents) for your gifts to New Day.

During our travels, we did find a little time for fun and fellowship (see pictures below).

Wes caught a really nice fish in Purcell, Oklahoma, when he went fishing in a pond while staying with great friends and supporters, Keith and Sandy Huddleston. Thanks Keith and Sandy for the great time while in Purcell!

We had the opportunity to fly to Houston to visit Eric and Anna Tuitjer and family, German friends who live in Lagos, Nigeria. We met Eric when we were missionaries in Zimbabwe many years ago, but had never met his wife and children. We had a wonderful time with the Tuitjers. Thank you Eric and Anna for your love and support!




















When visiting Aransas Pass, Texas we had the opportunity to go salt-water fishing in the bay. It was lots of fun. I caught the most fish with a little help from Doyle, a member of First Baptist Church, who took us out in his boat. Thanks Doyle!  Poor Wes, although he had lots of fun, it wasn't his day. He did catch a few but let the "BIG" one get away. Can't win them all.

Melvin and Christine Williamson, Cleveland, Texas took us to see the Houston Astros play the St. Louis Cardinals. Wes was happy when the Cardinals won! It was good to be back in Cleveland where we lived for 8 years before going overseas. The people of FBC Cleveland will always have a special place in our hearts.

We could go on and on telling you about all the places we've been and people we've spent time with, but this blog entry would be too long. We just want to say thanks to everyone who fed us, housed us, entertained us, listened to us, supported us, and encouraged us!