By Colleen
Howdy folks! We are back in North America for our MINA (Missions in North America), which takes place every three years as long term missionaries with MB mission (check out mbmission.org if you haven’t and see what our other brothers and sisters are doing amongst the least reached!)
Before leaving Panama, we had a visitor. The biggest tree frog we have ever seen!
Before leaving Panama, Kalea had her first sleepover party to celebrate her birthday. (The boys didn’t stayover, they just joined in for some playing the next day!)
Our MINA is a time for;
-Visiting with sending congregations and individuals
– Encouraging local mission
-Raising prayer and financial partners for the next term
We went on a short hike while in Oklahoma.
We left Panama August 20th and headed to beautiful British Columbia, Canada. There we connected with other missionary families who have left the field to fulfill their MINA during a retreat hosted by MB Mission. This was also a time to reconnect with the folks in the office who work so hard behind the scenes to make the ministry overseas possible. We feel very thankful to be a part of this family, they take good care of us!
We visited our supporting church in the BC area and stayed in the homes of the loving families that have partnered with us. After BC, we were in Saskatchewan, then to Kansas, to Oklahoma, back to Kansas (for a retreat in which 22 young people committed themselves to missions), and now South Carolina!
We have cherished our time with each family that has opened their home to us, keeping us rested, fed, and encourged! We feel truly blessed and loved by the team of people who have chosen to walk alongside us for God´s ministry in Panama. Although we have been go, go, go on the road, we feel refreshed by the hospitality and love of His people.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. – Philippians 1:3
John and Janice Goertz served many, many years with the ministry in Panama! And they continue to give of themselves to the ministry, even well into their 80´s!!!! Spending time with them was an amazing education and alot of fun.
We still have more visits to make in North Carolina, Ohio, and possibly St. Louis…..
We want to visit you, too! Please, please write or call us!!! (faithandfruit@gmail.com)
Alan´s cell: 864-324-2412 Colleen´s cell: 864-557-0682, house: 864-972-3405
Praise Him!
-For good health and safe travel!
– For being encouraged and prayed for by so many wonderful people!
Pray with us!
-For ease in getting caught up with homeschool for Kalea
– For obedience and renewed energy to live on mission in North America
– For God to give us courage to invite individuals and for Him prepare their hearts to join or continue to partner with us
Love you guys! Praying for you as you do your MINA. May you find rest and grace in surprising ways and places!
Hi Colleen!
Did you say what MINA stands for? I’d like to know.
You were in BC while Jennifer, Alex, the girls, plus Steve and I are in Oregon. Too bad we didn’t connect. I am so glad you have this time of “rest”–or should I quote the old adage – “A change is as good as a rest”?
When do you return? We’ll be back in Panama in March for a few weeks.
Malana