Our European Area Director, Jerry Coleman, spent a weekend with us a few weeks back. Below are some of his thoughts about our time together.
Jerry writes:
I always enjoy going to Belgium! I love connecting with our leaders and our churches! (And eating all the good food!) But it was especially fun to connect with some OLD friends - Todd and Deann. We've known each other since the mid 1980s - way back in the Camp Wildwood, Indiana days! Ever since, we've tried to keep up with each other and now, well, now we are working together in Europe! Three things stand out about our visit.
1) I just had a blast being included with their family! Todd's brother and family, Jeff, Mary and Mandy arrived at the Brussels airport just an hour after I did. It was tough to get a word in edge-wise, but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and just hanging out with his family! At lot of this visit was just that - hanging out with friends.
2) I really enjoyed seeing Todd and Deann in action. I know it has not been so easy to pick up in another culture - or cultureS - and languages. But they both seem to be naturals. I know there have been several challenging situations, but they both seem to handle each one with wisdom and grace. I like it that Todd doesn't have to do all the ministry stuff, but he encourages others to do the ministry and he supports a lot of different people to be involved. I like it how Deann brings joy and acceptance to EVERYONE. Her home is a place where all are welcome. Her spirit seems to be contagious!
3) I forgot, what was the third one? Vision! Yes, vision! (We talked until 2 in the morning on this one) I love Todd and Deann's vision for the future to see a bunch of house groups started. They notice that it's difficult for some people to travel from place to place, so why not just start house groups right where they are?! I see that they have hope for every person they come in contact with. Todd and Deann see value in each person. And they take people along toward Jesus, step by step, reducing fear and building trust.
During our "2 in the morning" discussion, Jerry asked us to consider the following future possibilities.
We would value your prayers as we consider the following possibilities for us.
1. Finish our 9 month commitment here in Belgium and seek another ministry in the states.
2. Extend our time through the end of 2008 or early 2009 when new career missionaries arrive.
3. Consider another 1 year visa term to serve in Belgium.
4. Consider an extended term commitment to serve in Belgium.
Obviously, these are BIG decisions for us and a lot has to happen in order for us to extend our time. That is why we need you to pray for clear guidance and direction. God has been so faithful and so good to us and we want to be faithful to follow His will.
Todd and Deann
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2 comments:
Hey guys, we praise God with you for the way he is using you there. May he give you peace and clear leading as you seek his will for the months/years ahead. Maybe our paths will cross in Michigan this summer?
Did Jerry say what I thought he said? Did he say you were "OLD friends" or that you were "OLD friends?" I wouldn't stand for those kind of back-handed comments if I were you Deann!
Dan
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