Home Service Planning

This month we’ll start the long trip back to the US for our first Home Service. The trip will span three days and take us from Medan to Singapore to San Francisco and then finally Phoenix. Finally in the sense of that’s where we’ll be based for our time in the US. But our travels in the US will take us to Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Chicago, Omaha, Mapleton, Kingman, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Henderson. Our basic itinerary is as follows:

April 2 – 7 – Colorado Springs, CO & local area
April 8-11 – St. Louis, MO
April 12-14 – Chicago, IL
April 15-18 – Omaha, Mission Central Iowa
April 20-22 – Kingman, AZ
April 29-May 3 – Los Angeles, CA area
May 4-May 13 – Santa Barbara/Goleta/Ventura/Camarillo
May 16-20 – Henderson, NV

If you see us in your area please reach out if you’d like to meet, either individually, small groups, schools, Bible study and LWML groups, and of course congregations. While our Sundays are pretty much all spoken for there is often time on a Saturday or even midweek to still meet with others. We’re happy to share about what the Holy Spirit is doing in SE Asia!

Also, if we’re in your area, know that we are always happy to have assistance with accommodations and transportation. This might mean staying with you or someone else that might have room for us in their home, or an unused home, or assistance with hotel costs. As well if there is someone in your community who has an extra vehicle we could use to get around this would be another blessing as well.

All of this travel is, of course, expensive. But it’s also an investment. An investment from the LCMS back to the partners and supporters who make our work and the work of other workers around the Region and the world possible. Synod could send out hired presenters to talk about the work of missions, but frankly time has shown congregations and people are more appreciative when they can meet with and hear from the individuals they are supporting. We had the opportunity to meet with many of our partners before we deployed to Southeast Asia, before we knew anything or had experienced anything to do with our field of service. Now that we have over two years under our belts we want to share what we’ve seen and learned and experienced with our partners who pray for us and encourage us.

Of course, our expenses are all budgeted for as part of our work with OIM (Office of International Mission) and comes out of the support we receive from partner individuals and congregations like yourself. However whenever we minimize expenses it makes that support go farther. If you have questions or would like to offer assistance while we’re in your area please contact me and let me know.

During this time we’ll also be working to get our boys situated as they won’t return with Gena and I to Indonesia. Having been blessed with over two years on the other side of the world they’re ready to return to the US to work and finish their university studies. Your prayers that we can find them suitable living arrangements during our time in the States is much appreciated!