Back in Mango
We have been back in Togo for a little over one week and have begun to settle back into life in Mango. What a joy it was to be in the United States this summer and to take part in so many different activities: visiting supporters and reporting to churches, spending family time in the mountains of Idaho, enjoying Camp Pinewood, celebrating Dad and Mom’s retirement, settling our two oldest girls into college, and so much more. It was a whirlwind summer as we did all of that and took care of some medical and dental issues that needed attention. We are grateful that we were able to accomplish so much in two short months.
It has been rather strange to return to Togo as a family of three! Our dinner table feels very empty, but our hearts are overwhelmingly grateful to see how God has provided for both Sierra and Ally as they “leave the nest.” We were able to spend a week in Santa Clarita, California, getting Sierra settled into her dorm and helping her to decorate her hallway since she is serving as a Resident Assistant at The Master’s University. From there, we flew out to Ohio and spent a week becoming familiar with the campus of Cedarville University and attending a very special International/MK student orientation with Ally. We are so confident in God’s directing each of them to these great schools where they are receiving exceptional Biblical training for a life of service. Meanwhile, although she misses her sisters like crazy, Valerie has adapted right back into the joys of her life as an MK teenager in Africa.
As we arrived back in Mango, we were struck again by the deep physical and spiritual needs of the Togolese people around us. God has opened the door wide for the Gospel to go forth in this region and at this time. The opportunities far surpass our “manpower.” Pray that God would raise up more evangelists, Bible professors, translators, doctors, dentists, nurses, radio broadcasters, technicians, mechanics, well drillers, accountants, etc. for northern Togo. Our teammates are stretched to the limit. There are so many ways to serve the Lord here and we foresee an urgent need for laborers next year as many of our colleagues will be going on furlough. Perhaps God is calling you!
