"home again home again jiggetty jig"

Whew! :) We've just had a very amazingly refreshing week! We just got back from Illinois today. . .and remembered once again what we told ourselves to remember over a week ago. . .to take pictures of our trip! But, did we remember? uh. . . . nope. : (
So, in the absence of pictures, you get to read excessive ramblings. Sorry :)
We had great fun with the kids at the missions conference at Liberty Bible Church in Eureka, IL! We learned about Elijah, Gideon, Samson, and life on the Amazon. (our missionary story was taken from "The Port of Two Brothers" - a highly recommended read!!!) Our fellowship with everyone there at LBC was such an encouragement to us! We left them Sunday night with a renewed sense of purpose for the things God has in store for us concerning ministry.
Since the missions conference was held over two weekends, we were able to take some days in the middle of the week to spend in sweet fellowship with some adopted parents and grandparents, and also some fellow peers in the Springfield area. On top of all those blessings, we were also able to take in the first session of Southern View Chapel's "Think on These Things" conference on Friday night. The speaker challenged us in our view of God's Word, reminding us that it IS sufficient for ministry to this world! We were challenged to trust that the Word of God is the power to speak to the hearts of men and reveal salvation to them. Why does today's "Christian" culture think it needs to become worldly wise and "seeker" friendly in order to reach unbelievers with the Gospel? When did the Bible become insufficient?!?
Now we are back home, glad to be here, surveying the piles on the floor (results of a hasty van unpacking job) refreshed, and rejoicing in the Lord's goodness to us. . .and we leave again on Wednesday. . .

Can't thank you enough for praying for us!!!! :)