Sometimes it doesn’t work to gather with a congregation interested in a visit. Sundays are, of course, popular days. Midweek days are much more difficult as pastors and congregational leaders worry there won’t be a big enough crowd to justify a visit. We’ve learned over time that the number of people present is a secondary issue. The Holy Spirit has a way of making sure the right people are there, and who can spread the word to others after the fact.
So it was we found ourselves with the Empty Nesters, a Bible study based out of Faith Lutheran in Adel, IA. They’ve been meeting together monthly for 25 years, since the last of their kids fled the nests. They’ve gone through all manner of Bible studies together and life together, and they invited us to join with them Friday evening to share a little bit about work overseas.
The four couples were very hospitable, and we enjoyed a thoroughly authentic Midwestern potluck, including a new thing for Gena and I – Iowa hamballs. Both before and during the meal we were able to share about our work, offer answers to questions about various locations in Asia, and encourage continued prayer and conversation. It’s very exciting to be able to talk about FOROs as a new way for groups like the Empty Nesters to become more personally hands on in mission work around the world.
Many thanks to the Empty Nesters for sharing one of their nests with us for an evening!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 