Traveled, Traveling, Will Travel

The day before yesterday, I bought my one-way ticket to fly to Europe on October 16th of this year. With confirmation from prayers, my pastor, and Bro. Mark Priem, I now have a ticket to Romania. Once in Romania, I'll drive the car that I already own there into Odesa, Ukraine, to work as a missionary there. Having the date set makes the plans much more real in my mind. I'm grateful for God's provision and guidance during this time of raising support to go to Ukraine. And speaking of this time, let me update you on where I have been traveling these past few weeks and where I am going to be traveling soon.

In the last month, I took two trips to Michigan for two churches in the area that I grew up: Carleton Baptist Church and Taylor Emmanuel Baptist Church. Both churches treated me very well, and I was able to talk with the pastors about their ministry experiences (one of my favorite things). Here in Wisconsin, I presented my mission at Berean Baptist Church in Manitowoc.

My biggest trip, though, was flying into NYC to Open Door Bible Baptist Church in Queens. My sister's father-in-law, Bro. Pete Montoro, is pastor there, and in my visit I was able to spend time with my sister, brother-in-law, and (most importantly) my 2-year-old niece. Presenting and teaching there was a great blessing. I presented the work that I plan to do in Ukraine and taught in the Sunday school hour. In the evening, I went to the children's class to explain for them what Ukraine is like and what I will be doing there. I also got to teach to the teens at the church and answer some of their questions. Both of those opportunities were special because I love teaching children, and I enjoy the energy and responsiveness in teaching teens. The trip to Open Door Bible Baptist also gave me another unique opportunity: I met a Ukrainian lady who is a member there. I enjoyed getting to speak with her in her native language and hearing again the little expressions and ways of talking that I haven't heard since I've been in the States.

In the coming month, I will again be traveling to various churches, but my trips are mostly here in Wisconsin. I have meetings scheduled for most Sundays up until October 16th when I will leave. Please pray for me about the following areas:

• That God would direct my words and actions while I am at these churches and that He would work in the services

• That as I continue to reach out to some new churches, that I would be able to fill up the gaps in my schedule with other churches to visit

• That God would provide 100% of the support I need before I leave

• That the process of obtaining a visa would go smoothly. Bro. Priem is working on some of the documentation right now so that I can apply for a visa once I arrive.

As always, I appreciate your prayers and continued interest. I am praying that God will work through the travels ahead as much as He has in the travels of the past few months. And I look forward to October 16th when I can travel to Odesa to continue the work that God has for me there.