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“There’s no place like home!” No matter where you live or how good the trip was “there is no place like home”. We arrived home yesterday from a great and blessed trip to Germany and England, but it is good to be home. Once again we want to thank you for your prayers as we saw the hand of God working during the whole trip. We recognize that there are two people extremely important for the success of each trip, i.e. God and you, our faithful prayer warriors. We recognize the truth of Jesus’ words in John 15:5 “apart from me you can do nothing.” So even though we are still in the process of learning how to live daily this truth, we are learning how to depend totally on Him for all of life and ministry.

Last week we shared a little about our trip to Germany. We were, once again, impressed with the work Armando and Anita are doing with both the Spanish and German speaking people in Hannover. They have a very transit church with people constantly coming and going, but they are committed to reaching and teaching those people to be true followers of Jesus. As we drew near the close of our time in Germany, Armando was already asking what would be the module for next year. We shared together a few ideas and now put it in God’s hands for conffirmation.

Then, last Monday we went to Birmingham, England. We had a great time of fellowship with Jim and Sandy Bunch. They cleared their schedule and opened many opportunities for ministry. On Tuesday night we participated in the fun time that they have with the international students at the Globe Cafe.

On Wednesday morning we participated in the prayer meeting for the ministry that they do with the international students.

We followed the same theme as in Germany and taught on Spiritual Warfare. We shared with the Married For Life group over dinner on Wednesdat night,

 we spoke to a noon luncheon with about 20 people at Jim and Sandy’s home on Thursday,

 a group of pastors on Friday afternoon,

 the international cell group on Friday night,

 and preached at 2 different churches on Sunday.

We were able to sandwiche in a day in London to do some sight seeing on Saturday (some say that it was the best sunny day of the whole year – we felt blessed by God!).

 Monday provided a welcomed day of rest as we prepared for our trip home.

I am amazed at the international community in Birmingham. This is reflected in the neighborhoods, the work with international students that Jim and Sandy are involved in and the churches we spoke at. We encountered political refugees who were forced to flee from their countries or suffer imprisonment or even death. Some have been separated from their families for years. We worshipped with churches that are seeking how to reach both the British and the many families from around the world. The Saltly Baptist Church, where we spoke on Sunday morning, is trying to be a light for Jesus in a predominantly Pakistani community. They are praying for a break through for that first family to come to Jesus which will open the doors to others. The work takes a lot of work, patience and prayers. We sensed a real openness to our teaching on spiritual warfare as they faithfully serve Jesus in this post Christian nation. It appears that there is an open door to do a module in Birmingham next year, but once again, we will seek God’s confirmation.

Praise God that the trip went well, with no major problems. We even sensed God’s protection over Jonathan as he was robbed by some youth as he was walking to church last Sunday (in Brasilia). They took his watch and some money, but left him unharmed for which we are very grateful. One other item of concern and prayer is for Bruce’s Mom. Shortly after we arrived home we received word that she had suffered a stroke and was in the hospital. The nurse said that we should call the family members because they weren’t sure she would come through this. It is hard to be far away at this time, but we praise God for the opportunity Bruce had last year to celebrate her 95th birthday with her. She is a woman of faith so please join us in prayer that God will care for her and us at this time. We just received word that she is responding positively and even sat up yesterday. PTL

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