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Emily and I never envisioned that our present and future ministry on Eleuthera would be centered around only 1 month out of the year. When we were young and naive we thought we’d live and serve on the island forever. The circumstances of my father’s passing were unavoidable and unquestionably the right motivating factor for our return to the US and for our undeserved reception into new and equally fruitful ministries.
One of the things that we’ve learned in our annual return to the old “stomping grounds” is how “ministry” can be extended far beyond our initial expectations. Things look different – yes, but God is still working in our hearts and though our surrender to His plan and purposes.
One of our goals in returning to Eleuthera is to support and encourage the remaining missionaries that we worked with during our years as missionaries. Today, all of our lives look notably different than then did in 2016, and the only missionary that is currently left on the island (besides the Schrags) is Jennie (Parks) Butler. (We also just missed both Paul Voss with EBTC and the Kleppers from our WHS days, maybe next time all our flight schedules will line up just perfect!)
So, just before we head back to the states for another chilly winter, North Texas Missions took us all out for a reunion lunch. It was a wonderful time to chat, reminisce, and get caught up on the highs and lows of life and ministry. One unexpected joy of our lunch was getting to see one of our former students and WHS graduates, Jaced, who was our server at the restaurant. We saw how well Jaced was doing and that his maturity and kindness was a reminder of the goals of our work and service during our years at WHS to care for students such as Jaced.
You will never know how God will use your obedience to Him, to work and weave His will through the future months and years. And we are so grateful for the opportunity to return to the island and see His faithfulness for the ministry that was, and now for the ministry that still is.