Lake Victoria (Uganda) at the source of the Nile
Summer Ministry
We're enjoying the busy and warm start to the summer. Dave has been home more which has been a blessing. We're staying busy presenting our ministry in churches in and close to South Carolina. We also loved participating in our home church's VBS. The theme was "Jungle Journey." We enjoyed sharing with the kids about Dave's recent trip to Papua New Guinea and how God is at work in the "jungles" of the Simbai region.
Morningside's Jungle Journey VBS
Shawn Update
Our past updates often focus on Dave's travels and ministries. I (Dave) wanted to "brag" on Shawn a little bit. It's a long story as to the why and how, but Shawn graduated in May with two Master's degrees: a Masters in Education from Bob Jones University (BJU) and a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. She accomplished this while serving full-time as the Instructional Services Librarian at BJU, and of course publishing her first book, The Freedom Chain. She's been developing her website and providing homeschool advice. She's also active in encouraging, counseling, and mentoring women, and of course helps me as we prepare to serve in Asia. Why has Shawn invested so much time and work on education, if we're going to Asia in a year. The answer is that Asian churches are not only launching missions efforts, but they're also starting their own Christian Schools and launching Christian Education efforts. So while Dave is teaching and training church leaders in the area of missions, Shawn will be doing the same in Christian Education. We'll explain more in a future update, so stay tuned.
Dave with Simbai friends & Mentees in Papua New Guinea
Dave's Health Update
We mentioned in previous updates that I had gotten pretty sick while returning from India in late March. I had improved significantly but still wasn't doing "great" while in PNG. Thankfully my sister-in-law, Lori (medical missionary veteran & expert), treated me and kept me going. When I returned from PNG, I was still experiencing some unique symptoms and felt that something wasn't "quite right." I went to our primary care physician and multiple blood tests revealed that I was significantly low on 7 critical levels in my blood. The doctor almost admitted me into the hospital but thankfully I responded quickly to potassium and magnesium supplements. A follow-up visit and blood test last week showed that all but two levels have returned to the "normal" range and the 2 are just barely below acceptable. I'm feeling much better and thankful for God's protection and healing.
Dave meeting with a Pastoral Staff in Singapore
Girls' Update
We're thankful for the many that ask about and pray for our girls:
Abby - completed her 2nd year as the high school English teacher at the South Carolina School for the Deaf & Blind. She teaches primarily deaf students but also occasionally teaches blind students as well. She faced a lot of challenges this past year and is enjoying her summer break.
Sydney - will complete her paralegal studies and certification in August. She's working part-time at a local law firm learning the ropes. She continues to study Japanese, Korean and Thai with the hope of getting an international paralegal job to allow her to serve bi-vocationally in Asia.
Hayley - is continuing her college studies by taking several courses online this summer. She's also enjoying working part-time at a local restaurant in Greenville.
Dave with students in South Asia
Transitions, Transitions
Last month our home church pastor, Josh Crockett, was appointed as the new President of Bob Jones University. While we are excited for Pastor Josh & Karie, this added transition makes things a bit more interesting for our transition. We appreciate your prayers for God's wisdom, leading, and provision of both a new pastor for Morningside Baptist Church and a new director for ODBM. Pray for us as we strive to serve and lead well at ODBM, and at the same time prepare well for our new ministry in Asia!
Dave with the MBC Pastoral Staff celebrating Pastor Crockett's BJU Presidential appointment
Support Update
Many ask how our deputation ministry is going. We have an estimated 72% of our monthly support need. We're encouraged by steady progress and the opportunities to share our desire to serve and help churches in Asia advance the Gospel to the darkest, hardest regions. Pray with us for God's leading, more opportunities to share our vision in churches, and His provision to enable us to move next year.
Ancient Buddhist Temples in South Asia representing millions of Unreached People
Thank You!
We're so grateful for your prayers, encouragement and financial partnership with us. We look forward to connecting with you as the Lord directs our steps.
Praise the Lord with us,
Dave & Shawn
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