There are times where God is at work in your life and brings about such an unexpected transition that it is hard to know what to say to those around you. This is one of those times for us. In the absence of poetic and profound words, we’ll just begin by simply saying what God is doing. Starting on August 6th, our family will be transitioning back to the USA to continue serving the church from there. This means that our thirteen years of missionary service is coming to a close. Even if we don’t fully understand why the Lord has led us in this direction, we are sure that it is the right place for us. The passion that we have had for missionary service over the years has been combined with a deep desire to be involved with what the Lord is doing closer to home.
We are confident that our time serving along the US/Mexico border and in Central Africa has prepared us and shaped us to continue bringing a missionary perspective to ministry in the USA. The Lord has opened doors for our transition by putting us in contact with Valleyview Church of the Nazarene in Amarillo, Texas. The congregation has graciously asked us to serve as their pastors, and we have accepted to join them starting in September. This is a bittersweet time for our family as we are going to miss so many people and aspects of living and serving in Central Africa. At the same time, we are so excited about the opportunity to be a part of a great church and continue this great journey of following the Lord.
Please continue to pray for our transition, especially for our kids who have really only known Congo as home. So many people have blessed us over the years with support, prayer, meals, and a place to crash for a while. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We didn’t make a list, but we are certain that we owe you. If you are ever passing through the Texas panhandle, our doors are always open.
God bless you & family in your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you all! You are a blessing for us in the central Africa field . We thank you for the God service you did and we hope that you will continue to practice good things there !
ReplyDeletePascal balibanga from Goma town in Drc
Gav, may the Lord richly bless you and your sweet family! We experienced two times the coming back to US adventure (our kids had to quickly learn USA stuff). Our hearts are with you. If you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your wonderful family. You will always be in our hearts. Africa will certainly miss you. Blessings and grace upon you as you make the transition.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you as you start a new chapter of your ministry. I know God has called you. Missions is in your DNA. Keep it alive. May God bless you in Amarillo. Africa will never leave your heart. We know. If you ever get close to Michigan...contact us. We'd love to see you again. John and Sandy Cunningham
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