The SmartBox

 

​April 2026

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants." (Deuteronomy 32:2)

The SmartBox

How can children in poverty‑stricken communities gain practical education when teachers, textbooks, and even school buildings are scarce? In the midst of this challenge, how can we reach them with the good news of Jesus? Innovative Education International (IEI) stepped into this gap with a solution — the SmartBox — a portable “computer lab in a box.” Now used in 20 countries across four continents, this rugged trunk contains 20 wireless laptops, a router, and a server loaded with a rich digital library of educational programs for every grade level, including biblical resources. Read more here: Solar-Powered Learning, Christ-Centered Hope - SonSet Solutions

Five SonSet® Radios This month we heard in one of our Morning Connect times (devotional time) that a radio station ministry in the Sahel region of Africa had a request for five radios to be delivered north of where the ministry is located. One of the ministry workers gathered the five radios and got on the bus to deliver them. Terrorists stopped the bus and ordered everyone out of the bus and to lie face down on the ground. However, this ministry worker did not do that. God answered prayer, and everyone was allowed back onto the bus, and the five radios were delivered!

Family Update Those January babies are now about three months old! We praise the Lord they are both doing well.  Most of us were able to get together for Easter earlier this month (except for John R. whom we saw on our March trip out west.) It was great to be together and also celebrate John's mother's 84th birthday.

Praises: John is doing well in his first Moody Masters class. ​Jean had a good annual check up with her primary care doctor and her oncologist. For a great trip last month to see some of our supporters. Prayer Requests: For John's mother as she adjusts to a new living situation at Hubbard Hill retirement community. For us as we plan for a trip in May to visit supporters. For John to balance ministry and his Moody Masters classes.

Leprosy Still Exists

 

​March 2026

​And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Sumba Island

They suffered isolation from society. A lack of roads and social stigma caused them to live remotely – two hours by car and one on foot to reach the village.  Poguwatu is the name of this village, located in the center of the small Sumba Island of Indonesia. They are so isolated because of their leprosy that they lack resources such as water, electricity, and education. Read about the transformation in this full story online: Transformation Through Connection

Financial Things

Preparing and sending annual statements is always a big job every January for our finance department and John, too!  We gain a sense of gratefulness and are able to thank the Lord for our financial partners as we prepare, print, email, stuff and send.

Workers for the Harvest

We have been praying for more workers to join our team, and God has been answering that prayer! God has provided eight staff this year who either recently joined the team or are in the process of raising their financial support to join! One of these is Breck Conley. We met Breck while representing SonSet Solutions during a missions conference at a supporting church in Ohio. Breck joined us for a year-long commitment as part of our Discover program and serving on our IT Team. In addition, she was able to join us in Kenya last summer. Breck is currently 85% funded, but she needs 100% of the funds coming in before she can join us in the office again! Please pray for Breck to find the right people to join her support team. ​

Praises: Our two newest grandchildren (Ellis and Julian) are both doing well. Audio Scripture Ministries, a partner of ours, shared with us recently that an electronic Bible was found in the pocket of a man who was killed in an African country. It eventually made its way across borders and into the hands of another man two countries away, who trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. We praise the Lord for this technology that is used for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Prayer Requests: ​John has been accepted to Moody Bible Institute for a Masters in Ministry Leadership. Pray for wisdom, energy, and His will in this endeavor; he began his first class this month. Jean had her mammogram, and it was clear. Please pray that the rest of her annual tests are favorable. Pray for our SonSet Solutions team as we have several who are raising their support to join us full time!