It’s with mixed emotions we continued our adventure, leaving Texas this morning. Our past 10 days have been filled to the brim with meeting new folks, connecting with old friends. I only wish we had more time – several intended visits.. ran out of time.
A few highlights included sharing with Crossroads body (and new connections!), taking our kids to an amazing Museum in Dallas, our Dallas Stars game with the guys from our business, and our last evening with Bo and Beth (got another steak in!). We received some neat times of prayer as well, nothing like several dozen folks laying hands on you and lifting up the continued work in Ukraine, and the country itself in these trying times. We’re hopeful this year, in spite of the war and political tensions, to host at least one short term trip this summer. It’s clear that more folks are interested in greater levels of involvement, even to moving over for a season – that’s an encouraging sign.
We didn’t get to see any cast members (or duck hunters, whatever they are these days), but was worth a quick stop.. Noah exclaimed as we pulled up, “The Duck Dynasty is real?”
We’re now in New Orleans, having stopped for a visit at Duck Commander, and our dear cajun Mom & Dad, Pete and Kathy Simoneaux. For 2 yrs we lived on the Bayou in south Louisiana.. 16-18 or so years ago.. I can’t even remember. It is so neat to reconnect with those in the faith, God has been so faithful to us all. I look forward to eternity when I think of these sweet folks. Hopefully God makes them cook there.
Sweetest Cajun couple this side of the Mason Dixon. We love Mr. Pete and Ms. Kathy!
Our plans are to continue on tomorrow after another quick visit in the city with another old friend, then onto Florida.. destination – Boca Raton, where Deb’s brother’s family – cousins that haven’t met, a reunion Deb is especially looking forward to. I too am excited to have a few days of rest after the past few weeks. We’ve been gone now almost 20 days, living out of suitcases.. but overall been very cool experience.
The Cafe continues to be open daily in Ukraine. Thankful for Shane who is manning the ‘management’ side of things in my stead. Still frustratingly dealing with ridiculous billing procedures, and a gas company that hasn’t turn the gas on – but things are progressing. We do need sales to climb back up, we’re in a post Christmas (Jan 7) and New Year lull.. it’s all new for us.
A few items to pray for :
– continued safety mercies/safety. So far no issues, van working great, and good conditions.
– couple possible meetings in Jacksonville, FL, as well as connecting with a few friends next week – but nothing like Texas.. just a couple things I pray will be a blessing to folks.
– YWAM is coming to Lighthouse in April!! A DTS outreach will be partnering with us to see some cool things take place in our area and other parts of Ukraine. I believe God is at work in this, and the way it has come together is really neat. Pray with us for God to work this all out in the coming weeks.
– Feb 13 event in Canada at Emmanuel Church – Deb and I will be sharing and the main thrust is to reach some folks that maybe wouldn’t normally darken the doors of a church. Pray as it gets advertised more that God draws people to this event so we can share our story, some practical tips, but mostly the love of God in the gospel!
Praise Note – This past week while in Texas, a ministry that serves the Persecuted Church in hostile areas of the world, contacted me to discuss a project. It was a project that we had originally declined on 6 months ago, because our company (Cypress) was trimming back and not taking on any new projects. Long story short, we are moving ahead and the guys from Texas will be producing a site for this ministry. I’m thankful that though we passed on it, they continued to pursue us and it now is perfect timing for both parties. It’s cool how God works like that.
Thanks for checking in,
Bruce