The service itself for us was very emotional. I began crying as we marched in and cried off and on the rest of the night. We were soo honored to be in that group and to be given the chance to return to the mission field. To be honest there were several times we doubted that we would ever make it to the appointment service. Not because we doubted our call, but because we didn’t think it would be possible we would get approved. There are many being held back, deferred, or just simply told no. But, praise the Lord, we made it! We are honored and humbled at the same time. We know that this is God’s will for our lives but we also know that it was possible because of all the prayers that were spoken on our behalf for this. Many of you prayed us through this long process and we can’t thank you enough. Many of our colleagues put in good words for us and fought to secure us a position- THANK YOU!
The service consisted of times of praise and worship, testimonies, a challenge from Dr. Jerry Rankin, and a presentation of our certificates. After the service there was a reception so we could visit with all the guests. We were very happy to have many people there to see and support us. We had friends from Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia. It encouraged our hearts that each one came. Here are a few photos from the night:
Marching in
receiving our certificates from Dr. Rankin
Us with Wendall and Jane Parker, retired IMB missionaries who served in Guatemala
Us with Joe and Sharon Tillery.
Sharon is an IMB Trustee and they both visited us in Guatemala.
Us with Jeff and Noemi Macumber.
They were appointed with us and will also serve in Guatemala.
This is Cindy. We read each other's blogs and she came to meet me. It was very sweet of her to come. She's also a Mississippi girl!
Us with Kala Baillio
She is a newly retired IMB missionary and helped us with our language study during our first term.
Me with Kathy Kelly.
She is an IMB Trustee and sweet friend and encourager! She also visited us in Guatemala.
Our friends Ms. Shirley and Mrs. Jeanette. We recently visited them in Dothan, AL and they have made several trips to Guatemala to work with us.
Us with Tabb and Tonya Pearson.
They have worked with us in Guatemala and we have visited them in Georgia. We love their whole family. They are dear people who have a great heart for missions.
Us with Allen and Laurelle Stoudenmire.
Laurelle is a former IMB Trustee and they also served a term in Guatemala. We have been friends with them since the first day we met. We recently visited them in Thomasville, AL.
And here's a photo of our certificates!
Pray for us as we prepare to leave the States (March 24) and return to Guatemala for another term. We are very excited about it and hope you will enjoy following along on our journey.
Oh my goodness, so exciting! Congratulations again! I'll be praying for you guys as you get all the particulars in order for your trip and relocation! :)
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you as you return to Guatemala and get settled in again and then along will come the sweet little one. Changes but good ones. Blessings to you as you go!
ReplyDeleteIt was really a special night. So thankful that I could come and meet such sweet people. I'll continue to pray for you as you prepare to leave.
ReplyDeletecongratulations of being appointed to another term in Guatemala. I will enojoy following your journey. and your are looking radiant!
ReplyDeleteWere you guys ISC your first term or apprentice? We have a little over a year left of apprentice, but they gave us our appointment service before we came. I know they are doing things a little different now, but I didn't know if you had to get appointed again when you go career. Praying you have a smooth transition back.
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