Honestly, when I think back on the missionary reports over my years of growing up in the church, I pretty much remember pictures and ‘blah blah…support…blah blah…new school…blah blah…thank you’.  Other than the pictures and native songs & artifacts, it ranked right up there with the annual church business meeting for best time to tune out (sorry, Bren).  Now, I’ve spent 4 years telling people I’m going to be a missionary to America’s deaf community, I’ve graduated, I’ve taken a major road trip that included a national deaf conference, and it’s past time for a report – inquiring minds want to know (at least, a few do). Now it’s my turn to make ‘blah blah’ sound, well, less ‘blah’.

I have no problem filling half an hour of conversation about the trip, what I’ve learned, who I met, hanging out with Murphy (famous for “if it can go wrong, it will”), and the really cool gospel presentation the Baptists came up with based on the Deaf Olympics souvenir pin from Taiwan.  Yet, it still seems that I should have something else to present – something with a “wow” factor to it…something that shows hands down that I’m right where God wants me to be, and all things are falling into place in a way that only He can arrange.  I am, and they will, but there’s nothing necessarily impressive to report right now.  I can say, again, that God is still good, and we’ve had some interesting conversations, and He’ll do as He has promised in me and among those who haven’t gotten a fair opportunity to meet Him yet.

When I take the time to sit down and write, I’ll tell some neat stories, and a few to make you laugh and/or cringe.  In the meantime, we’ll all have to be satisfied with the following:

• I ministered to a family in crisis, and was able to fix a technical problem, thanks to one of my contacts
• I found a deaf church near my family, and learned how one church is encouraging another in a tough situation
• I helped some hearing people understand a little more about deaf life in America
• I encouraged a few people that they were important, and worth the time to stop and adjust my schedule
• I shared an important insight with some people who felt unfairly abused – sometimes knowing another piece of the story can make all the difference
• I made some initial contacts that could grow into great things in the future of deaf ministry
• I shared in celebrating a new home, a new marriage, and (over texts) a new little person

I was able to minister to others in meaningful ways – therefore, I declare the journey a success.  I’d like for that to be a valid summation of my life one of these days.

Next on my list, and thus some items you could pray for, are:

• The right job for income, ministry value, and health considerations
• The ‘Faith Stories’ video project, and the friend that’s partnering with me on that
• The Bible Walk-through blog, and the personal Bible studies (and Bible study partners) that go with it
• Monthly camping trips where I can build relationships and perhaps introduce a few people to Jesus
• The next housing arrangement & location (the current one is decided through October)

Thanks so much for your encouragement, prayer support, and your variety of gifts.  I’ve received funds, food, shelter, gasoline, and gifts of time & heart that can’t be put on a tally sheet, and I appreciate them all.