“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song.”
Psalm 28:7
Friends, it is my prayer that as you think of us you see that our God is trustworthy, a mighty shield, and a strong helper. He has led us faithfully and skillfully every step of the way during this chapter of ministry. Never once were we lacking. What a wonderful and faithful God we serve!
As we begin another chapter in ministry, I am eager to praise God as He continues to lead us.
We have moved back into our house in Chattanooga, TN and we are quickly getting settled. I have taken a job with a local church (Brainerd Baptist Church) as the Director of Adult Discipleship, and I look forward to starting on 1 August. Savanna and the kids are settling in also and getting ready for school, which starts in August.
Thank you all for your prayers and support over the last several years. Your kindness has been a ceaseless demonstration of the grace we have in Christ and has meant so much to us.
Arriving in Granadilla, Spain after a 9 month field service. This marks the beginning of a long refit on the Africa Mercy. Once the refit is complete in Durban, South Africa the entire family is scheduled to join.
Cooperate worship is an integral part of the Mercy Ships community. People of all ages, speaking many languages, from many tribes come together to sing praises to our God and hear the preaching and teaching of His Word.
Ben's technical role on the ship is the Ship Security Officer. In this role he serves the ship security guards. As a team, they protect the ship, crew, and the patients of the Africa Mercy.
On the Africa Mercy, we get to start the work day with singing, praying, and reading God's word. Corporate morning devotions are a part of our work day.
Even though many of the crew are not patient facing (work directly with patients), anyone can visit the wards and encourage the patients during visiting hours. Ben gets to take his violin student to the ward and play music.
One of the greatest blessings and opportunities for crew onboard is serving the local church. These saints have been working to bring hope and healing through the Gospel long before the ship arrived and they will faithfully continue testifying about Jesus long after the ship leaves. It is the work of Christ's body (the church) that will ultimately address the deepest wounds and needs of the nation.
