April has been a celebration of God’s generosity to us, shown through his people. We’re so
grateful for the mix of people He has brought into our lives.
We were in Pennsylvania March 31 to April 14. While there, we enjoyed gracious hospitality as four families welcomed us into their homes for one night or more. We were treated to meals, cups of tea and coffee and treats. Two churches invited us to speak. And more than that, we enjoyed conversations that encouraged us.
Although Anne Marie’s parents moved from her hometown, it still feels like “home” as so many people welcomed us so warmly. The only part of the welcome that was not warm was the April 9 snowstorm —3 inches in Paoli, where we spent the night—that caught us off guard.
During our visit, we attended the Evangelical Press Association convention. Anne Marie fought off a bad cold to lead an eight-hour writing seminar over two days, and she spoke at an additional seminar. She trained professional communicators from at least seven different Christian organizations.
As the president of the association, I led a day-long board meeting and the short membership meeting, and helped with some behind the scenes work. We welcomed 260 participants from across the U.S. and even a few from overseas to learn for each other how to better proclaim the gospel and news of what God is doing in people’s lives.
During the convention, we collected five awards for Worldwide Challenge, including four for design and photography and one for the magazine as a whole.
As you think of us in April and early May, please pray:
- For rest and strength after two weeks of travel. Anne Marie travels again this week and both of us plan to travel together the first week of May.
- For strength and wisdom for Anne Marie as she travels to Dallas to teach a writing seminar on April 20.
- For strong preparation for both of us as we work with staff members in Colorado Springs to prepare a week-long training there planned for May 2-6.
- For Bethany, as she finishes her semester at college while still fighting the effects of Lyme disease.
As we count our blessings, know that we count you. Thanks for being part of our lives.