Hellos and goodbyes . . . .

I hate goodbyes, especially to ones we deeply care for L but yesterday we said goodbye to a summer missionary who has been with our team since late May, Mary Margaret Gunn.  We already miss her so much!  The LORD used her in such great ways here in Ukraine, not only in the lives of the Ukrainian’s but in our family’s life as well.  We are so thankful for every minute that the LORD gave us to serve with her and we are so thankful for her family back in Jackson, Mississippi.  They have unselfishly supported her and the mission work in the Poltava area.  Please pray for her as she returns home for a month or so and then back to Appalachian State in August.  We know that the LORD will continue to use her in great ways wherever she is; she is a true and faithful light for HIM.

Hellos are good especially when it’s someone you have missed very much.  Yesterday, well last night, (after a few hours of delays with flights ect . . . ) we said hello to a young man named Taylor Clark.  He will be on our team for the remainder of the summer and we are looking forward to all that the LORD has in store for him.  Please pray for him as he adjusts to the time difference, culture, food, and recovers from jet lag over the next few days.  Please continue to pray for our team as we travel around Poltava State sharing the Good News that JESUS saves.

 As I was writing this I was reminded of a day when there will be no more goodbyes or hellos, no more tears, pain, misunderstandings, troubles of any kind.  Let’s live with the attitude of the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the Philippians in Chapter 1:21 for me to live is Christ and die is gain.  Let’s not be distracted from the mission JESUS has called us to.  Our lives here are but a vapor but eternity is un-measureable.   Let’s love the LORD with all our hearts and love each other as ourselves because there certainly will be a day when there will be no more hellos or goodbyes.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know." 5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:1-6

 Tuesdae, Mary Margaret, and Page at the Euro football championship outreach

 Mary Margaret patching up out parachute bag after long day of kids ministries

Taylor Clark on the right with the blue Toppers Uniform