He is Done!

Well, it only took 25 years...but John is done and is an official Wheaton College grad; class of 2009, as of August 31, 2009. It has been quite a journey, but as we both reflect back to the purpose of Wheaton, we know that besides getting that degree, he and I were meant to meet there.

So to surprise the guy, we had a party this past weekend and it was really great to have his brother, Don, as well as Don's three youngest here all the way from Racine. They were a blessing to have as well as the rest of the friends who came to celebrate John's success. It was a fun time, and we all enjoyed ourselves.

More importantly, God is good to us all, and He is the Good Shepherd who cares for us: not just to provide a bare minimum and being stingy with us, but rather, a Shepherd who gives us the ultimate care, with blessings beyond we can imagine.

The Middle Nation, the Central Kingdom: China

Elizabeth had the privilege of participating in the "May with Asia" program with Wheaton College, this past May-June. It was a blessing for her to see such sights as the Great Wall while learning about part of her culture!

She stayed mostly in Beijing with a side trip to Xi’an. She met local students in both cities who wanted to practice their English. Please be praying for those they tried to witness to!

A similar trip was led by the same professor back in Jean's days and Jean got to go on the "Wheaton in East Asia" trip in 1980!

John and Jean are suffering a bit of empty-nesting with Elizabeth approaching her senior year of college, Johnny taking his college exams, and David learning how to drive. Good thing Anina is still small…for now.

We Have Answers to Your Questions:

During this time of our deputation we have had questions arise. Here are the answers:

• The money we are collecting now is going into our account at HCJB Global to meet our one-time outgoing costs. When we reach that amount, then the extra will be converted to a pledge. So the monies that have been sent in are very valuable to us.
• If you prefer to begin your pledges when we depart for the field, please note this on the pledge form.
• We feel God is leading us to Quito, Ecuador where God can use John’s computer skills and Jean’s nursing skills. A possibility exists that we may go to Colorado Springs, where HCJB Global also has a great need for John’s computer skills.
• John is still working full-time.

We appreciate all of you on our support team, and your faithful giving and prayers. Thank you so much! We are entering a phase where we really could use some new contacts! There are many ways we could use your help!