The summer has flown by, along with the three international trips I took during June–August! I took a photo of a picture on one of the visits. This was our office staff’s last meal at the office in Caracas, Venezuela, before it was sold. It was great to see all of them in July (one joined on Zoom). It has been wonderful to visit with former TEAM colleagues among my broad group of supporters. Others include supporters from the baseball clinics and police training groups that I translated for, and others I met while visiting churches on Home Assignments. Some go back before my missionary days, like those from my time at Prairie Bible College, church, or camp, and family members. Each visit has been inspiring to me, and I have enjoyed the hospitality shown and the new memories created.
I haven’t had time to prep all the photos taken on these trips, but hopefully I will have them ready for viewing soon. I didn’t want to start this letter off with another apology for falling behind on correspondence, so I began with the photo. I have read all the incoming mail and hope to respond. If I don’t get it done before I retire, I’ll work at getting it done next year!
Along those lines, please don’t write me until after September 7th, unless you are writing about a visit in Ontario. The reason is that I will be moving into my new apartment in Brantford, ON, on September 1st. It really will be a Labour Day for me and those helping me with the first load. Anyway, my internet will be connected sometime next week. Not having internet and being busy moving and getting settled in are my excuses for not getting back to you right away. I’m sad to leave my brother’s gorgeous property, but I am looking forward to having my own place. Praise the Lord with me for providing a new home in His perfect timing as an answer to our prayers. Thank you!
My focus now turns to visiting supporters in Ontario. For those of you in Ontario, please answer if you see a call from Mexico, because it’s probably me! I am keeping that number. For your convenience, you can call and text me at my Ontario number: 226-887-2909. But you need to know that it depends on me having an internet connection, so I will be out of touch for at least a few days next week. For those of you in the area, you can let me know if you’d like me to visit you at your place or if you’d like to come to mine!
Please pray for me as I take care of all the details related to the apartment, move-in, and set-up. Please also pray for confirmation regarding a new church and for His leading regarding future ministry. I’ve had some interesting conversations in Spanish in the stores around here, and there are seasonal opportunities with migrants that may be ahead. And please continue to pray for Ps. Willy and the El Faro church. Pray for fruit from the recent youth outreach to the children of the neighbourhood, for all the ministries as they resume, and for progress regarding the property title. I am looking forward to letting you know about answers to those prayers as well.
Some of you have asked for clarification regarding finances and my retirement. I am an active missionary until the end of this year, and there is a way to help in retirement beginning in January. I will try to have more info on that next month.
Other than a few headaches, I’ve been blessed with good health. Please pray that my good health continue. Please pray for no back problems, especially next week with all the lifting, bending, carrying, and moving. Due to my original osteopath moving, I praise the Lord for a new one nearby who has been a great help. I’ll be seeing her after the worst of the moving is over.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Brenda
