The last several months have seen the loss here on Earth of four important people to Cindy and me.
While visiting Bob and Sue Woodruff in their home in Perth, Australia in January, Bob was telling us he had one last thing to do at the Bible college campus in Kujip, Papua New Guinea (PNG). In April, he was able to go to PNG and finish the work and then died that very night in PNG.
While learning of the loss of Bob, we got a text message to call Daniel Jones, our dear friend and son of Al and Kitty Jones. We learned on that subsequent phone call that Al had been diagnosed with Cancer and the prognosis was not good. Al passed away several weeks later in late May.
Both Al and Bob were crucial cogs in the development of Africa Nazarene University where Cindy and I served for nine years. Both have had an impact in Australia where we currently serve. We praise the Lord for their service and the legacy they provided for us as we served in two areas where they have left indelible marks to follow and guide us. Many lives changed forever by their Christlike example. Lord Help US to carry on their Legacy.
In early June we attended the funeral in Virginia of Cindy’s Uncle, Glen K Shomo JR, who lived to the age of 104. Two days ago we learned of the passing of Cindy’s Aunt, Norma Rowland White Spear. We hope to attend that home-going service at Nashville First CON, in Tennessee, later this week. Both of these dear relatives were living lives for Christ and were an example to us all.
As we live and serve for part of our assignment in the outback of Australia, we see a similar pattern of the Aboriginal Christian saints passing from this life and how that is leaving a gap in the current leadership. Please pray for the Aboriginal Christians helping us to establish a work in Broome and the Kimberley region. They have a burning desire to grow this generation to be Christ followers and pastors. We desire to follow the Holy Spirit on His desire and timing for this process. Please pray for the discernment needed in these days.
We only need $5,000 more to completely cover the need in the current step of this development process. Our opportunity will connect three of these Aboriginal Christian leaders to our greater Nazarene family which will gather for our Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Manila, Philippines in July. Cindy and I will also be attending to help mentor and connect these key people to our greater Nazarene body of Christ. Contributions can still be given on-line at https://give.nazarene.org/pledge/rcnorth#v35448
