Some of you like us are stunned. We are having a tough week as well and ask for your prayers. I know many of you might not understand the process of this journey, but your prayers and support are drastically needed as we deal with what God is calling us to do.

Yes…I too was stunned when my parents packed up for China and sat in our living room to tell us. Happy, but not happy. Sad, but not sad. Questioning, but not questioning. They lived down the street and our kids and I needed them. Our church needed them. I was mad, angry, sad…amongst other things.

I know some of you are as well about our announcement. Some have even questioned if this is God or Charles? Wow. I understand completely and if you saw the struggle over the past year and especially the last month, it would be obvious that launching out in this horrible economy with no job, no support, and no direction is not a wise thing to do. Only GOD could ask someone to do that.

Here is an e-mail I received from my Dad…you know, the one who would NEVER have trusted Christ…the one who was an alcoholic until I was 18…the one who decided to give the rest of his life to our God. What a story. Here is a recent story that he sent me this morning:

HR asked me and Mary to give the Christmas story and share our customs. We will have 2 hours to present this to managers who have many Chinese working for them here at our campus. The door was not opened for us but it was kicked down. This just is another confirmation why we are here. It was not the job but His job. When we left Loudonville we did not know where we were going or what laid ahead for us and there were many who did not understand our decision. I could not have even dreamed up an opportunity like this let alone be chosen to do it. Like Abraham, we packed up our tent and followed the calling.

I know you are feeling a bit like this now. But your map is already printed and you will not get lost when you follow His directions. This Thursday evening at 6:30, China time, is our time to present the “message’’ so get some folks together, if you would, and PRAY for us.

The English salon, as it is called, is when I teach company mangers English from 6:30 – 8:30 pm every Thursday evening since last April. To be honest there was many times I thought of quitting because I don’t get home until 9:30 and I am so tired? I tried to convince myself it was not worth the effort? Wow, I would have missed this opportunity had I quit. It has been a long 9 months teaching every week but I guess 9 months was better than wandering in the wilderness for 40 years until I was properly prepared.

Somewhere in China,

Dad and Mom