We Bring You This Short Interruption To Your Regularly Sche……
On Sunday, we celebrated Don’s 41st birthday. He spent his birthday weekend in ministry at a juvenile prison, where he was able to talk with four young men and share Christ with them, as well as play a game of basketball. Two of them gave their lives to Christ! This was another part of his “Other’s First” bucket list that he started last year, which you can read about here. We celebrated his birthday with ice cream cake; and on the 19th, we are going to the Van Halen concert. Rock On! Long live the 80’s.
My parents are doing well too. They are currently in Florida, visiting friends and family. Dad turns 70 on April 19th; Mom is still a very beautiful 29 year old! 🙂 My brother’s nonprofit, Love Transfusion, is getting more and more attention on the web, connecting those suffering from life-threatening sicknesses, loneliness, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or any other difficult situation with those who want to send messages of love, hope, and encouragement from all over in the world. In fact, one of the people featured on this site is my 11-year-old cousin, Gerrit, who has been battling brain cancer for 18 months. Recently Gerrit was sent home from the hospital to spend the last few weeks of his life in hospice care at home. My heart breaks for his family, and we know that if he goes, he will be with the Lord. We also know that God can make the lame walk, and in His sovereign wisdom, also heal a brain tumor. Please pray for Gerrit‘s family, even leave a comment on Gerrit‘s link, and also for the others on Love Transfusion. There are so many hurting who need to know they are noticed… and loved.
As for me, I am preparing for this wedding of a good friend, where I am not only decorating, but also standing beside her as she marries the man of her dreams, Joe. These last few months have been so sweet, celebrating this time of joy and anticipation and new life with her. Then in May, the summer starts, and trips to Thailand, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, India, Thailand and Guatemala again will come quickly! I am excited for each of these trips for different reasons, whether it’s reuniting with a host, seeing a ministry relationship I made, meeting a new country (PR) and culture and seeing what God does there, meeting the teams I will lead, and also seeing how Purchase Effect has, has the possibility to, and will continue to impact as it grows. I will also be able to meet up with some of our LTM (long term mission) teams for Southeast Asia, and do some pre-set up for the Long Term Missionaries to Thailand, who will go there this summer.
I would really appreciate your prayers for Don and my trips this summer. Here are the dates so you can know when we will be overseas:
Thailand | May 24-June 7 (Connie)
Costa Rica | June 29-July 7 (Connie)
Puerto Rico | July 20-27 (Connie)
India | August 6-18 (Connie)
Thailand | October 24-November 3 (Connie)
Purchase Effect is doing well. I was able to find more products in the Dominican Republic and am excited to share the stories! Now we are trying to build our internet presence as well as find local places to host us to sell. As we are still in the beginning stages of this business, I would appreciate your prayers as we make crucial decisions that will continue to shape this LLC.
Thank you for all of your prayers, and thank you for your support! Thank you for your emails of encouragement… and for your financial gifts. Don and I are so thankful for each of you.
praying. wrote down the dates. india sounds fun…