Update from Sept. 5

Bennetch “Back in the USA”: One Month Down, One to Go

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

We are 4 weeks and 3800 miles into our 8-week Home Assignment, and the Lord has blessed this time richly!  Based in the Cleveland area near Sarah’s family, we’ve traveled near and far to visit with supporters, friends and family. Many of our supporters (individuals and churches) have been backing us for 22 years, and still others have joined us in recent years. In a way we feel like wayfaring pilgrims, pausing at shelters along the way for refreshment, rest, and good company, fortifying us as we continue with joy in the journey. Moments of sharing and fellowship with brothers and sisters have been so sweet that these places and the people there truly feel like home to us. Yet our prayer is that we in turn are able to offer refreshment and encouragement to our fellow pilgrims on their journey as they follow God’s Call too; that we may “spur one another on to love and good deeds.”

From now till October 6, we’ll be in several churches in the Cleveland and Pittsburgh area, as well as Hot Springs, Arkansas. Brian has enjoyed preaching and we’re presenting our mission work in a variety of groups, which has been a delightful experience of interacting with so many people.

Meanwhile, our Associate team member Elisabeth has come to the U.S. in order to share her vision for Refugee Outreach in Rome. Finally, thanks to Skype we are able to keep up with our teammates and colleagues back in Europe during our absence.