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Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5​

As Coralee and I move toward a new phase of our lives and ministry we cannot deny that we move forward with many questions in our hearts. It’s easy to forget what God has done and become anxious for the future, Yet at the same time, we find ourselves looking back with wonder and thankful hearts for fruit that remains. . .The university of Nebraska, Dallas Seminary, a Bible study in Midlothian that became Midlothian Bible Church, a daughter church in Marshall, Texas, a year of tenacious evangelism in a hard place in Brighton, England, pioneering work in Austria that became Agape Austria, trips behind the “Iron Curtain” to E. Germany that became the “Matthew Work”, the founding of the Institute of Biblical Studies to train hundreds of workers across E. Europe and Russia, establishing a strong ministry in the country of Moldova, helping to launch Global Church Movements in Europe, and reigniting work in Bulgaria. Wow, what a journey!! In every one of these faith ventures, even as immature as we might have been, we have watched God move and we are blessed beyond words with fruit that does remain, with people who are serving Christ, with deep friendships that continue to enriched our lives. The tree of ministry grew strong, has born much fruit and developed deep, large, and intricate roots. (Attached is an email from a Moldovan staff person that has been a huge encouragement as we navigate getting older). We ascribe this to God and echo the words of Paul . . .

“Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.  You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

And You are the Team that made it happen

Without you, our faithful supporters in prayer, substance and emotional support it would have never happened. We are Thankful, Grateful and Blessed, yet these words seem so small compared to the feelings of appreciation in our hearts. We have people on our team who began supporting us financially in July, 1973, the month we became full-time missionaries to Eastern Europe. That is amazing faithfulness. Thank you all for your part in sustaining us in the past, the present and on into the future as the Lord leads.

Moving into Emeritus Status—What does that mean

For Us—

At first it has “only” financial ramifications. We won’t be getting a pay check. Thanks to your support through the years and Cru’s wise financial policies, we have what we trust will be adequate retirement funds. Coralee will continue working as a volunteer on her “Pioneer Women of Cru” project finishing the stories she is writing as a part of a larger anthology of stories. Ed will continue also as a volunteer professor with the Global Academy for Transformational Leadership teaching, coaching and grading (He will co-teach a module in Moldova in May) albeit with reduced time commitment.

For You— 

Because of our relationships that have developed over the years, you will be on our team until Christ comes to get us! After January 1, you may want to redirect your giving to other people and projects and we will be giving you some opportunities in the near future for that. Or you may wish to continue to contribute to our ministry expenses.  First, we will receive three months of “farewell pay” (a.k.a. severance pay) to which you can contribute. One of the benefits of emeritus status is that our staff account you have given to so faithfully will remain open and can receive donations. From that account we will be able to reimburse funds for ministry that we will continue doing. For example, Coralee and I have been invited to address the Moldovan staff conference in January. We will need finances for that trip and you may want to help us with that even as you pray for us. We have also given generously to other staff workers in E. Europe through the years and will continue to do so as funds are available. We can do that through this account if you so choose to trust us with your funding. We will keep you informed of those opportunities.

​Thank you for being on our team!