October Trip

"We stand on the common ground at the foot of the cross, as sinners saved by grace, irrespective of the function, gifting, or place that we are given in the economy of God's purposes." – Alistair Begg 

What a blessed time this trip was. It was a trip we had hoped we could make this past spring. To sum it up a bit: 

• 13 states 
• 6717 miles
• 21 days 
• 4 different time zones 
• we both have visited all 50 states now 
• unmeasured prayer support, encouragement and fellowship 
• views of God's creation that took our breath away 

Thank you to those who took time to meet up with us, share a meal and/or hosted us overnight. Your hospitality was appreciated. It was wonderful to catch up with you and share about SonSet Solutions. We enjoyed all the meaningful conversations! We also realize that we failed to get photos of all those we saw; too deep in our conversations sometimes. So sorry! 

Even while we were away many, of whom we did not see on this trip, texted or emailed that they were praying for us, and we felt encouraged all the way around. We consider it a joy to hear how you are being used by God where he has placed you and share that common ground with you for God's purposes and his glory!

Praises

• We praise the Lord for good travel this month for mission business and to see many of our support team.
• Praise that John's back is much better! The plan of treatment was changed to a more conservative one with some supplements and perhaps therapy.
• No more breast cancer follow up until next year. In February, Jean will have labs and a mammogram.

Requests

• Fall brings many opportunities for SonSet Solutions to be represented at colleges, universities and missions conferences. Please pray for the Lord to call some we meet to serve full time at SonSet Solutions.
• November will be very busy. We have several hosting opportunities in November. Please pray for us to get back up to speed and get back into the swing of things. We haven't had an apprentice, intern or volunteer since March. There are days we are tired.

Water Monitors

 

SonSetLink®

Cody Hall recently returned from Honduras, working with Healing Waters International (HWI). Cody was able to install and train at three sites in Honduras. Fraternidad, Mercedes and Sante Fe were updated with the new model of SonSetLink monitor that is solar powered. The Healing Waters ministry builds holistic clean water solutions and spreads God’s love in at-risk communities around the world, empowering people not just to survive, but to thrive – physically, socially and spiritually. Projects are sustainable and provide long-lasting development in the community.  In addition, please pray with us that as these three HWI locations will be able to demonstrate the gospel being lived out by meeting physical needs as well as spiritual needs.     Our call to missions – 13 years and counting: Thirteen short years ago, we started missions service. This was the start in understanding the true nature of effective and fruitful ministry – flexing and stretching. John's career and training was in software development and business. He started mission service in software development, but over time assumed a variety of other roles – I.T. duties, chaplaincy, and Personnel Director. Jean's career and training was in nursing. Yet over time she assumed a variety of non-nursing roles, most recently head of Donation Services. How did we both end up in roles that years ago we never could have imagined? It's nothing other than the Lord's calling and enabling – and our being willing to answer the call. The Lord stretches and grows us, pushing us beyond perceived limits, so we may be increasingly fruitful and faithful. The life and ministry of a believer is not designed to stagnate – not even in retirement. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future. A call to missions: The need for workers in ministry is great – and nothing new (Matt. 9:38) Who can the Lord use for the cause of world missions? Anyone He chooses and calls! Callings are tricky, but often are borne out over time, circumstances, and wise counsel. We have many needs for kingdom workers at SonSet Solutions. If you sense the Lord might be calling you, we encourage you to take a step of faith and give us a call. We'd love to share opportunities for service – on site or even remotely. We are united to work together so that others may come to know Christ, choose to follow Him, and have true peace that comes from knowing Christ as our personal Savior.     Family Update (or look at our cute grandkids): Grandparenthood remains one of our greatest joys.

Praises Checkpoint Bible Camp was a blessing; three campers came to know Christ and others recommitted their lives to Him. Jean's radiation is complete. She had her last treatment on Friday, August 25. We are praising the Lord that she feels normal and was able to keep up with the schedule well.  Requests Please continue to pray for our church in Elkhart as we transition from our pastor of many years to an interim pastor. A couple of weeks ago, John suddenly experienced low back pain. An MRI showed a bulged disc and pinched nerve. John is scheduled for a cortisone injection in September and may possibly have physical therapy.

"Solar Power Survival Set"

Death, destruction, uncertainty, floods, food insecurity, bitter-cold winter days, missiles exploding in the night, electricity a “sometimes thing.” These words describe daily life in much of the country of Ukraine. Imagine living like this, raising a family, trying to feed your children, unable to use your cell phone to call relatives and know whether they are alive. The Ukrainian people are experiencing unimaginable hardship during the current season of war. Yet, amid this tragedy, God is at work. Please read the rest of the story here – https://sonsetsolutions.org/great-distress-greater-hope/ Jean's Corner ;) Cancer was not on my radar. I guess it's really not on anyone's radar, but there are other potential health issues I had been trying to avoid, so this was a surprise -- not that I thought I was immune from it, but it was a shock.  But the Lord is control, and I am so grateful for His sovereignty more than ever. Having said that cancer was a shock, I have to clarify that I have felt no loss of hope, no worry, but felt great peace. I have felt hopelessness and desperation before when my mother seemed determined to remain Buddhist forever. At that time, Proverbs 18:30 was a verse that I clung to: "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." That verse has never failed to provide me peace. God provided for my mother years ago when she turned from Buddhism and trusted Him, and He continues to do so. I want to take a moment to thank everyone. ​​Knowing you all are there for me and my family during this challenging time in my life means so much to John and myself. I would like to express our gratitude. Individuals, couples, churches, small groups, etc. are providing and blessing us, and the prayers, visits, calls, texts, cards, meals, gifts, gift cards and even cash have ministered to us greatly. There are no adequate words to say thank you for those expressions of kindness and love. Also, so many of you have continued to commit your prayers and support for SonSet Solutions. Thank you! We are united to work together so that others may come to know Christ, choose to follow Him, and have true peace that comes from knowing Christ as our personal Savior. Praises Jean received the official results which determined that there is no benefit to receive chemotherapy. John and Jean had visits from two college friends recently, as Jean was not able to attend the reunion at Wheaton College in May. They enjoyed a tour of SonSet Solutions. We are grateful for technology that allows us to "be together" for John's birthday. The new SonSetLink® Solar units have been shipped out to our partner Healing Waters International. These will go to Honduras and Guatemala. Requests Jean is able to serve with Checkpoint Bible Camp this upcoming week. Please pray that young people will respond to the gospel at camp. Jean will have radiation beginning July 31 through August 25. Please pray that she would continue to feel well during this treatment, as she hopes to keep working at SonSet Solutions and at McCoy. Please continue to pray for our church in Elkhart as we transition from our pastor of many years to an interim pastor at the end of August.