HERE WE GO AGAIN!!

 

I'm on my way (again!!)

I'm excited to be able to visit several long-time friends who are serving the gospel in Europe. One might think, "Hey, isn't Europe full of churches? Isn't that where the Reformation began?" Yes, that is all true. But after centuries of humanism, the churches are mostly now empty, the truths of the sufficiency of Scripture and the centrality of faith alone, have slipped out of the consciousness of the average European. The light of the gospel is dim. My friends in Spain, France, and Switzerland are boldly proclaiming those truths. 

Alvaro and Raquel are in Barcelona. I first met them when I was serving on short term missions in the Dominican Republic. Raquel is Dominican and Alvaro is a Spaniard. They moved to Spain from the DR in 2022. Since that time, they have been missionaries with European Christian Mission. We have maintained our friendship over the years, and I look forward to fellowship with them face to face.

My friends in France, Keith and Carmen, left their lives in the Pacific Northwest several years ago, sold everything, and settled in Nantes, France where they work with college and international students, providing teaching, counsel, and encouragement to young people who are in a transitional stage of life. Theirs is a multi-cultural community and God uses their gifts and love for the community as they open their hearts and home to any who are in need. Keith and Carmen have been a great encouragement and inspiration to me to make all my days that the Lord gives me to count for the kingdom.

Edwin and Jacqueline in Switzerland are friends we met when Jon was in graduate school in Santa Barbara. Fellow believers, we shared babysitting duties while Jacqueline took English classes and I taught art at the school Hannah and Jesse attended. My youngest, David, and their son, Christophe, became buddies and enjoyed playing together while the moms were busy with school.

My other friends in Switzerland, Jeff and Donna, have been friends the longest. We went to high school together in California, and because of our bond in Christ, we have remained friends through many highs and lows. They have been serving in Europe since 1976, first visiting Christians in communist countries behind the Iron Curtain, then 10 years of youth ministry with Youth for Christ. I have enjoyed seeing them a few times when they return to the US for visits, but I'm looking forward to getting to be alongside them on their own turf.

So, please follow my journey, pray for me when you think of me, and let's get together when I return. Let me know below that you're following me!