Semper Gumby

(Above: Some of the guys at our new assignment.)

This was a phrase I often heard from my superiors in the Air Force. Plans and expectations seemed to be always changing. And if they weren't changing you were waiting for them to change! A few weeks after we got back from Japan headquarters informed us of a new need that arose. Although Okinawa would have been a good ministry opportunity, Cadence would like us to pursue a different one. We were grateful for the opportunity to have gone there and experienced ministry in quite a different setting than we are used to. We have been blessed and encouraged by Mark and Jen and the Harbor community! Our prayer is that God's work in Okinawa would continue to grow wide and long and high and deep in the love of Christ.

Cadence has given us a second (and in their opinion very promising) option. We have talked with Dan and Barbara Evans, Hospitality House directors near an AF base, and are very excited about this option. Wes and I would be involved in their house ministry, as well as forming ministry of our own with the Soldiers stationed at the neighboring Army post. We hope to build relationships and spend quality time investing in the lives of the guys fighting on the front lines! Details are still being worked out from every direction. There may be a possibility of some financial support from the Army chapel, which I'll explain more if it becomes a reality. As we pray and work through this process we hope that you will pray with us. We are excited for this adventure!

What? You mean I didn't tell you where we are going? Silly me! Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska!!

With love, trading flip-flops for wool socks,
Elaine

P.S. While I heard "Semper Gumby" there are variations on this motto of "Always Flexible". Check out our friend Brad's recent article in Enoch Magazine "Semper Flexus" on military ministry.