Tragedy in Paris

Paris is in the news right now and it is not good.  Three hours ago terrorists attacked in 7 locations.  They set off two explosions at the largest stadium in the city during a friendly soccer match between France and Germany.  About the same time, other terrorists entered several well-known restaurants and opened fire on the occupants in the restaurants and outside on the terraces.  Not far away, a popular band was playing at a concert hall when terrorists entered, fired shots around, killing many, and are still holding approximately 100 people hostage.  Reports on the TV say that at least 41 people are dead and over 60 seriously wounded and in hospitals in the capital city.

Public transportation is closed down, as are the French borders.  Some of the terrorists are still at large and the police are out "en masse", alert and searching for them.

Thankfully, all of our personnel are accounted for. We appreciate everyone's concern and their prayers us, our personnel, and for all the inhabitants of Paris. Please pray for the families of those who were killed and those who are still being held as hostages.  It is such a horrible thing to happen in such a beautiful city.

A little deviation in our plans

Dear Friends,
This will be one of my last, if not THE last of my blog updates. (I know, I know.  It's been months since my last update!)   Glenn and I will be moving back to the U.S. mid- to late January.  The organization for which we work is in a severe financial crisis and needs to pull 600-800 of our personnel off the field within the next 6 months.  Those who are 50+ years of age and with 5+ years of service were asked to pray about whether God could use them in ministry somewhere else outside the organization.  Glenn and I are 50+ years old with 19+ years of service.

After much prayer, Glenn and I sensed God leading us to raise our hands, to voluntarily accept early retirement incentives offered by the company, and to leave the field by January 31, 2016.  We will relocate to Marietta, Georgia where we will stay in the missionary home of the First Baptist Church of Marietta for the next couple of months or up to a year while our plans develop.  We do not know where God is leading us beyond this; only that He is.   We are confident in the faithfulness of the God who called us to provide member care in Europe in 2006, and we have that same confidence in God as He calls us stateside in 2016.  To God be the glory!

As Glenn and I walk to a nearby neighborhood, we pass this sign that indicates a detour ahead.  Each time I pass it, I just grin at the truth of it in our situation!!!  We are taking quite a detour from our original plan!!!

Thank you for having taken the time to read my blog through the years.  I hope you will pray for Glenn and me as we resettle back into life in the U.S., or at least hang out there for the next couple of months before He moves us somewhere else in the world!