summer 2020 update

THESE EMAILS ARE SENSITIVE FOR SECURITY REASONS. 

PLEASE DO NOT PUBLICLY SHARE WITHOUT PERMISSION

If you no longer wish to receive this email, feel free to unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of this email, but please 

do not mark as spam

. Thanks!

Want to change how you receive these emails? You can 

update your preferences

 or 

unsubscribe from this list

.

This summer pretty much FLEW by, so we wanted to give you a quick recap of what we’ve been up to, mainly covering our month and a half long visit to the United States!

A M E R I C A

As we mentioned in the May update, we took a trip to the States this summer in order to spend time with family and raise more FR support.God blessed this trip in SO many ways. Travel was smooth from beginning to end (which was a concern, since...you know...the pandemic:

Other ways God met us during this time:

• We were able to meet with a number of you to hear and give personal updates.

• We gained a number of new supporters, not just for us but for other team members who are struggling to reach their goal.

• We got to have some poignant and encouraging conversations with members of Todd’s family.

• We enjoyed unhurried time with friends and family, caring and being cared for, laughing together, and making memories.

Here's a smattering of photos from our time: 

Many meals with family and friends–eating our moms' cooking!

While visiting a supporting church in Tennessee, we got to enjoy the glorious Smoky Mountains through hikes, swimming, and picnicking beside a creek.

Todd had the joy of sharing and preaching at his home church in Evansville, IN on Sunday

Spending extended time with Todd's grandparents

Todd visiting Cameron and Chris' (his dad) gravesite with Eric (Todd's brother, Cam's dad)

We got to be a part of the wedding of some dear friends!

B A C K  I N  D U B A I

A "chilly" 138 degrees greeted us upon arrival back to Dubai two weeks ago. But apart from that discomfort, our time has already been full of ministry opportunities–from leading prayer meetings, to taking students out, to caring for students in difficult situations. Because Covid regulations have eased here we’re able to have friends and church members over to our apartment as well which is quite a joy! 

The Summer Bible Discussion over Zoom was amazing to be a part of. Somewhere between 30 and 50 students attended each one of the 12 sessions. Many thoughtful questions were asked and the glory of Christ and Him crucified was proclaimed every week. We look forward to seeing what fruit God will bring about from this!

One highlight since being back was giving “Joy” a new journaling Bible. She had mentioned to us that she wanted one just like Brittany's one day, and while we were in the States we were able to acquire one on sale! We had Joy over for dinner to catch up and when we handed her the Bible she burst into tears. Those are the moments we’re here for. 

JOIN US IN PRAYER

• Please pray for the church here in Dubai, as restrictions on gathering are still severely limited. Our church has been meeting every Friday in our small groups over Zoom and Mondays for prayer (church-wide), but it's definitely not the same as gathering together! Pray for strength, encouragement, and for favor with the government.

• Pray for Michelle (Joy's sister). We are walking with her through some difficult decisions she needs to make as she seeks to follow Christ. Pray for wisdom and patience for us, and for courage and faith for Michelle. We're encouraged by what God's doing in her!

• Pray for provision for our team. A number of team members are not yet fully funded for this coming year. Join us in asking God to provide them with the funds they need!

• Pray for us – that God would give us wisdom in how to steward our time as things pick up the pace; that we would clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience at home and outside; that we would always, increasingly abide in the love of Christ and seek His glory in everything.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

- Colossians 3:12-15 -