A group gathered in Kitgum just north of Gulu.

 

 

 

Another small group gathered in Roseville – just in time to send a live greeting.  Imagine – what it must look like to see from above,  all over the world people gathering, desiring to hear what God has to say in His word!

 

 

 

At the end of the day, the take-home nugget from Pastor Charles’ observation of the gospels today – the disciples became impatient with people.  No different than me.  But Jesus had compassion on the people, on the crowds.  How do I see people?  Pray that I see people like Jesus sees people.

 

 

By the time these words are posted, the 2nd and longest of 3 flights carrying Hal and Rich will have recently landed in Dubai.

January’s familiar pace is here.  It’s usually about this time year-end financial entries for businesses need to be complete.  It’s usually about this time the biggest winter rain storms saturate our back yard,threatening our door and storm drain thresholds. It’s usually about this time last minute packages arrive on the porch for escort to the other side of the world – requests for small items unavailable in the market place.  Or treasured items to gift from one child to another – a hope to connect, a gesture of love – are slipped into a hand or pocket.  It’s usually about this time we step around large dark duffle bags in the hallway and floor space; the scales are out of their usual place – right next to the bags for weight limits (not a bad idea right after the usual holiday celebratory eating!).  It’s usually about this time phone calls and phone-prayers from family and friends take place (we can’t say enough how grateful we are for each one of you!!); baggage content lists are finalized, must-take passports/visas/travel insurance documents checked off the list.  It’s usually about this time the aroma of a toasted sandwich signals it’s time – airport bound.  And this time, anticipating the separation for a time brings good-bye hugs and kisses and prayers – sweetened by our “enthusiastic agreement” (a little insight into our marriage), that this is the right time.  This is the right way for this trip – this time.  And usually about this time, we are so keenly aware of how grateful we are for each other and for each of you, humbled by prayers and encouraging conversations.  It’s during this time we recognize God’s work in bringing believers together to accomplish more than we ever could on our own!  It’s Him who deserves all the glory and the honor – this time and all times – “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  (1 Tim. 1:17)