Sunday, June 14, 2009

And Be Baptized

This evening we moved our Air Force chapel service to a lake rec area on base (not that you would even know you're on a base, or near anywhere for that matter). We had a great picnic, church outside, and we baptized six people!!
Dan did most of the baptizing, but our dear friend Grace asked if Wes would baptize her. He was honored to do it for her. She is a single Airmen who works in the hospital (and calls Wellsboro, PA home).
You can pray for Grace, as well as Angie, Meredith, and Caleb, to continue to grow in their faith and to be open to being challenged in real growth.

Grace and Peace,
Elaine

Thursday, June 4, 2009

We've been assigned to Europe!


Hello patient readers and friends. We received official word today of our assignment to the European field of ministry within Cadence! That means the next step is for the European field director to pray and assess where exactly in Europe we'll go. It will likely be Germany, but Italy, England, and Spain also have U.S. military bases.
This is not an immediate or imminent transition, we still have ministry time left here. Once a location is decided we will receive a new support calculation estimating the cost for us to live and fund a ministry overseas. In a few months we will transition into more of a Partnership Development phase, much like last summer when we met with so many of you.
The history of U.S. forces permanently stationed in Europe goes back to at least WWII, possibly WWI but I'm not sure. There are American military members living their lives and raising their families all over Europe. They are vital parts of their respective communities in unique ways.
Among all of the obstacles facing anyone living overseas, finding a strong supportive Christian community to belong with is hard. Europe is overall very spiritually dim. Spiritual life, let alone a relationship with Jesus, is simply not a priority. If one did find a welcoming church, the chance that they speak the language is slim.
We are excited to serve Americans living overseas through a Hospitality House. Thanks for being along with us!! We'll keep you posted on further updates!

In Christ,
Elaine (& Wes)

p.s. Yes, things in Alaska are going very well. Spring has been amazing. Long beautiful days sure do make up for the winter!