Transitions in 2015, part 5: Partnering with us in a new location

As we look ahead to the move to Dallas in September 2015, we see it as bringing new opportunities to work with all of you who support us. Living in Papua New Guinea, we've often felt very far away, not as connected to churches, friends, and family as we would like. Now that we'll be living in the US, we will be more available to you. Instead of hearing only occasional updates from us from the other side of the world, you could actually call on us to come to you and be a part of what you’re doing—teaching topical seminars on music, arts, worship, Christian history; bringing a cross-cultural perspective to any of your conferences or gatherings; connecting you with other resources in the area of music and worship; helping you design curricula for your needs. We’re excited about the possibilities of even closer partnership with you.

Speaking at a church during our last furlough, April 2012

Also, as part of the World Arts faculty I will really enjoy helping missions-interested young people in your congregations find their place through the training I will be a part of. I’ll be in a great position to help you develop the next generations of missionaries. The World Arts course set (or other study focuses available) might be just the right follow-up for people you know who are looking for what’s next after an inspiring short-term missions experience.

What do we need from you? First, we'd like to hear from you after you've read all of these posts about our move. What do you think? What questions can we answer for you? (Please send us any questions we haven't answered, and after a week or so we'll make a FAQ post based on the questions we receive.)

Second, we value your prayers for our family as we look ahead to the transition. The kids are feeling a range of emotions--a lot of positive enthusiasm, and of course nervousness about the many unknowns, as all three boys consider Papua New Guinea their home. Joyce and I have moved quite a bit in our married life, but for us, too, it's been a while since we've undergone such a major transition. We will all be leaving very close friends. We know that God will take care of all the details--and sometimes the number of details is almost overwhelming. Pray that our last months in Ukarumpa will be good; that we won't have too much stress in all the decisions that need to be made for the move; and that our house here will sell and will bless another family as it has blessed us so greatly.

And finally, yes, we will still be dependent upon financial support from our team of churches and individuals who have so faithfully kept us going in PNG for 12 years. Our whole salary comes from financial contributions from churches, families, and individuals. In addition, we will have a lot of one-time expenses because of the move to Dallas. We don't own a home, a vehicle, or anything else substantial in America, so we're trusting God to provide whatever we need, just as he has up to this point. As God enables you to have all you need, please do continue to support us in this ministry.

If you haven't supported us with a financial gift before and you'd like to get involved in the new ministry role in Dallas--or if you'd like to give a special one-time gift to help us with moving expenses next year--please visit this site: https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/EA9B51. Thank you!

Thank you for following us through this series of reflections on our big transition in 2015. Please send us any questions you have, by e-mail or Facebook or by posting a comment below, and check back here next week for answers to everyone's questions!