In these uncertain, challenging times we declare that the Lord is always faithful! We’re reminded of God’s love and goodness in so many ways and want to give testimony to his faithfulness.

Faithful in family and health. Sherry’s mom celebrated her homegoing on March 29th. Her brief hospice stay allowed for the family to gather and provide personal care. All seven children arrived before her passing. The family graveside service honored her for her faith and love for God and her family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (who were able to attend) represented her legacy to God’s faithfulness through all generations. We look forward to a larger celebration this summer where all of the family and friends can be together. We are also grateful to our own children and grandchildren and their love for God and for how God has provided for us and has blessed all of us with good health.

Faithful in ministry and support. Last month we celebrated 44 years of full-time ministry, 16 as pastors and 28 as missionaries. God has faithfully provided for us all these years. And God has used so many of you to stand with us in help and support. Thank you! This became so real to us in the last few months during our time of itineration. We were raising support both for our missions account as well as for LARTC construction. The Lord helped us to bolster our account for the next term and to meet important funding goals for LARTC construction.

We are amazed by the many projects that have been completed in the last six months! We’ve completed the first floor of the training addition with air conditioning, the entire block perimeter security wall and entrance, road and parking lot surfacing, lights, sidewalks and a retaining wall behind the atrium. Work continues on the roof façade and soffit. In the coming days we’ll send a special construction update by email! God has used you to sustain support for Panama’s Good Shepherd Schools through ChildHope sponsorship (Please see the report Real HOPE for Panama Schools).

Faithful in transition and legacy. As the Lord has shown himself faithful to all generations, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to pass on leadership and responsibility. Our desire has been to invest in the next generation of leaders, to finish well with new leaders in place. Almost 15 years ago the Lord gave us the 5-5-5 plan: 5 years to find a Timothy, 5 years to train him and 5 years to support him. The Lord has been faithful to answer our prayer and has honored our plan and timetable. We are finishing medical appointments, preparing to return to Panama next month. Please pray that the Lord will help us finish well in this last term of missionary service.

Paul’s words to Timothy in 2nd Timothy 2:2 have guided our ministry all these years: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” God continues to require faithfulness for his servants: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2, NIV).

Thank you for faithfully standing with us in prayer and financial support!