Thank you, thank you to all of you who have expressed your love, concern and help for us while we have made a very quick decision to return to the US for the summer! We have been overwhelmed by so many of you for your generosity towards us. God has been faithful through you to provide for all of our needs. We have a temporary place to stay that is near to Denise’s family. We have a car that was loaned to us for the duration of our stay. We have had friends and family give us places to stay for our trips between visiting family. We are truly humbled!

Prepping the kids for coming to America was fun. They were excited to learn about our expected trip. After long flights and a record fast time through customs (shoutout to customs agents in Chicago!), the kids were happily walking through the airport terminal looking for our breakfast. One volunteer was giving out coloring books to children, and the kids stopped to each get one. She asked kindly to Josh, “hey, do you know where you are?” Excitedly, he replied, “We’re in America!!” She looked at Denise and me, and we couldn’t help but giggle. We responded, “We live in Africa and have just landed to visit family for the summer. He’s excited to finally be back in America.”

 Our current ministry term has definitely had its share of personal challenges that we have had to endure. Most recently, we have learned of the failing health of both of our moms. Denise’s mom had a recent spell that caused her to not eat nor drink for several days in a row. Concerned, her dad called to inform us, and we made a quick decision to travel back to the US for the summer, allowing our family to spend some good quality time with her. Being in Iowa and visiting her almost daily over our first 2 weeks has been special for our family. The kids enjoy the toys at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Denise and I are enjoying catching up with news and sharing updates about life. Denise’s mom is weak. We have seen her go downhill from the last time we saw her. However, she has been awake and alert for most of our visits, listening intently as the kids laugh and play near to her. Abby will read to her. Josh will play with trucks and tractors near her bed.  

Precious time spent with
 Denise’s parents 

Abby and Josh reading
 to Roy’s mom 

During our first week back in the US, Roy’s mom called. She had a fall and broke a bone in her leg/hip area. Praise God she did not need surgery! But she needed a few days’ stay in the hospital, followed by a few more days’ stay at a local rehabilitation center so that she could safely learn to walk, sit, stand, and go up and down stairs before returning home. We know that God has us here for a reason—to visit and encourage our moms during this time. Were it not for our planned trip to visit Roy’s mom, she would not have been so determined to get well so quickly. We had some quiet play dates at home near her during our 2 week visit in July. Our kids added many happy memories while we were in NC: visiting family, going to parks, watching fireworks, and being spoiled by loving family members.

Our residence visa renewal is also one of the challenges we have been constantly faced with during this term. We came home trusting in faith that if God still has a plan for us to live and work in W. Africa, he will make a way for our visas to be renewed! We have submitted our visa applications to the embassy. Now we wait and pray for their favor. We are hopefully optimistic—we hear of other Americans who have recently received their visas. Please pray with us that we will get our visas renewed so that we also may return. We do not believe God is finished with our plans for ministry there. Abby’s school starts Aug. 14; thus, we are hopeful to have visas in hand so that we can keep these plans.

While home in the US, several ministry partners have called Roy, asking for prayer and help. Some specific American NGOs have been shut down in our country. These NGOs were providing food and clean water to villages. Now that these projects are abandoned, Roy’s friends are reaching out, asking for any help they can find to supply food for their family. In an agrarian, pastoralist society, food storage is very tricky. Last year heavy rains wiped out many fields, reducing the grain harvest they would expect to use for the next 12 months. The dry season has left these farmers and their families depleted of many resources they normally rely on to carry them through to this next harvest. Please pray with us that God will stretch the rice, millet, flour and vegetables they do have. Pray that our country will provide reduced prices of local foods so that these families will have what they need to withstand the next few months until harvest.

During seasons of challenges, we recognize God’s sovereignty. We know God is good and faithful. He makes a way when there seems to be no way. With just a spoken word, God makes the impossible possible. Recognizing these challenges—visa renewal, failing health of family, sufficient supply of food—we trust that God will continue to supply for the needs of his children. Our hope in Christ is what gives us the certainty that through all things he will work and he will receive glory. Our mission partner’s motto is ‘by prayer,’ and we know that it is only through God’s work in us that we are able to accomplish his vision. We thank God for your faithful prayers and support for our family and ministry!

 Roy, Denise, Abby and Josh 

 theanimalbridge@yahoo.com
  

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