Glory to God!

As of last Sunday, we have exactly 100% of our support - to the dollar, thanks to Friendship Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which asked us how much we lacked and voted to support us for that very amount. Praise God for moving the hearts of each of our churches and individuals to partner with us to take the Gospel light to Germany. In these economic times, 37 months of full-time deputation is on the quick side to raise support for a European country, and for that we give all the glory to God. The farther we got into deputation, the more I realized that our getting to Germany was going to have nothing to do with me and everything to do with God's sovereign plan. I know more about God's grace today than ever before, not because I am so great at seeking it, but because deputation has shined a floodlight into my heart, illuminating what all is really back there. And with that kind of view, my only hope is gospel saving grace. Grace that cleanses, restores, motivates, and enables me get back up and follow Christ. I quit a hundred times, but, by God's grace, always showed up at the next meeting.

I look back at a thousand precious memories as a family; new, lasting friendships; great food; over-the-top hospitality; amazingly scriptural churches and pastors; and faithful, beautiful servants of God in all walks of life. And, of course, there were the real head-shakers and an aweful lot of headaches.  But I wouldn't trade a single one of those for all we've learned. We are immensely grateful to be done, and as excited as ever to get over to Germany. We have airline tickets for January 4, and packing is in full swing. We leave tomorrow morning for our last (whoo-hoo!) conference in Downer's Grove, IL.  I know, we are crazy not to cancel it now, but something in both Daniel and me said to go. Thank you for your prayers, and please, don't stop now!