Thank you so much for being patient with us and continuing to pray for us these last six months. Ryan and I can say that we are in a much better place than we were in December. The Lord has taught us and grown us. Though life's problems never cease from testing us, we are learning to find the joy in the various trials that the Lord allows into our lives in order to sharpen and make us more into the likeness of His Son (James 1:2-4; Romans 8:29). Many thanks to all of the people who have counseled and encouraged us with God's Word both formally and informally.Looking forward, we are ready to go back to Togo. But before I get too far ahead of myself, we should finally announce that we are expecting another little bright eyed wonder into our family this coming September. We've decided to stay in the States for the birth of the baby and then, Lord willing, go back to Togo as soon as we can secure Little B's passport. To our joy, the gender of the baby will remain unknown until his or her sweet arrival. Sorry about that, but not really.
While we wait for the arrival of Little B, Ryan is studying and flying to improve his pilot ratings. Until recently, it had been three years since he had been in the pilot seat of a working airplane. He has been dusting off the cobwebs and increasing his knowledge in order to be ready for our Togo team's aircraft to arrive in Togo around December or January.
Speaking of the airplane, a little over a year ago, the 1964 Cessna 206 was sent back to the States for some much needed tender love and care. We are pleased to report that N5180U is in the last stages of her total refurbishment, and she is looking good! Through many of you and friends of the Togo Aviation Team, almost all of the funding has come in to complete this project. Ten thousand dollars is needed for its completion and to finally get the plane back to Togo. Contributions can be made to account number 0763033 at www.abwe.org/give. Since we left for France 100% supported in 2013, we have been truly blessed by the prayer and financial partners the Lord has brought to partner with us. Two thousand dollars per month was initially raised in ministry/aviation funds. Part of this has been used to cover ministry expenses, part for language school, part for travel expenses to and from Togo, part to get our vehicle out of port last year, part to keep Ryan proficient as a pilot, and some of these funds have been used to cover our support deficit. In short, we are doing our best to be wise stewards with what has been so graciously and sacrificially given to the work God has called us to in Togo.
I mention the above to note that we have always had everything necessary to do what we have needed to do over the past three years. However, I also mentioned above a support deficit. This deficit has slowly accumulated to $900 per month. What this means is that as we anticipate finally having a functioning aviation ministry shortly after our arrival back to Togo, we are going to need to re-raise this monthly support in order to fully participate in the aviation ministry. Once again, we are asking you to join us in praying that the Lord would supply this need before our return this November. Those interested in partnering with this work can go to www.abwe.org/give and use account number 0134443.
On the Gnamssa family front, studies continue with Pastor Ali. Their group has grown to the point that more seating was needed! Please continue to pray for God's protection over the teaching of His Word and for Spiritual growth in the family and the surrounding Agamé region.
It has been a blessing and joy to meet with many friends here in the States. Catching up with friends face to face is always best. It has been fun to see how God has worked in and through you and your churches. Our invitation to meet over coffee remains open to whoever wishes. We are always happy to see you. Honestly though, we usually walk away from our meetings with friends as if we get the better end of the bargain. You guys are all truly wonderful!
Many blessings to you and the work our Creator has called you to.
