Montana Juntunens

We took a few days of vacation last week to visit our son Mark and his family in Montana.  The days were filled with laughter, hugs, conversation and fun. 

On Saturday, we drove an hour or so up into the mountains and went fishing and hiking. The highlight was Mike helping the kids reel in the two fish caught that day.  We had great weather, but the smoke from fires further west kept us from seeing the mountains well.
We also enjoyed taking each of Mark's four older children for some individual time with Grandma and Papa swimming, eating ice cream and just being together.
Many times we hear what a sacrifice it is to go to the mission field and leave our children and grandchildren at home.  It is true that we miss them, but it is also true that God has allowed us to visit each of them at least once a year and we talk on the internet almost every week.
However, Jesus himself said, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:37)  We love our children and grandchildren more than we can express, but nothing can compare to loving Jesus.  Such a love involves obedience to his call to service, no matter where that leads.  As we obey Christ out of our love for him, he gives us the grace to be able to do what he asks us to.  For us, that grace includes frequent visits and internet calls with our sons and their families.  We do not feel deprived. We can say from experience, loving Jesus is worth it all.

Mmm... So Good!

Visiting churches is one of the best parts of missionary life.  We get to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ and renew long-time friendships.  Being in God's presence in the services with His family is always awesome and there is no match for the kindness and generosity of the Body of Christ.  Then there's the food...the best cooks in the world serve up their most delicious dishes at church meals.  Yumm!

Sunday we were welcomed at the Centro Cristiano Restauracion in Des Moines, Iowa.  Even though we do not speak Spanish, there was little communication barrier as we worshiped the Lord together.  Nancy's sister Leona and her husband Nick attend this church and were our interpreters for the day. 

The entire congregation, including the children, was attentive.

Mike spoke and Nick Venditti interpreted.  (It's not often we are translated into Spanish!)

After the service, everyone stayed for an Hispanic meal.  We were served nachos, chicken in bean sauce with rice, tossed salad and fruit salad.  Everything was delicious! As we were finishing our meal, the pastora came to our table and asked us to save room for dessert.

There was so much good food, we couldn't eat it all.

The pastora asked for those who had August birthdays to come forward.  Leona Venditti's birthday is August 9 and Mike's is August 20, so everyone sang a birthday song to them in Spanish and then one in English.  Happy birthday, Leona and Mike! 

Leona Venditti and Mike were the August birthday honorees. (The cake was Tres Leches, Three Milk Cake. Try it sometime.)

Churches Reaching Out

One of the advantages of itineration is being able to see in person what churches in the US are doing.  We have heard about several Open Bible Churches reaching out to their communities in practical ways, but now we are actually observing what they are doing.

Our son Paul is the pastor of the Living Bible Church in Austin, Minnesota.  He and his family were on vacation last week and over the weekend, so he invited us to visit and to share what God is doing in Eastern Europe.  We were happy to say yes, especially since we were pastors of the church in Austin for ten years before we left to serve in Hungary.

Jan announcing Saturday's Backpack Block Party.

Sunday morning was wonderful.  The presence of the Lord was in the worship, people were attentive to hear what we had to say, and we were able to catch up with many of our friends in the congregation before and after the service. 

During the announcements, Jan encouraged everyone to participate in this coming Saturday's Backpack Block Party.  For the second year in a row, the church is inviting the neighborhood children and their families to an afternoon of fun, food and games.  They will also give away a free backpack filled with school supplies for the first 75 elementary school children who come to the party.  What a way to minister to the needs of the community!  The Living Bible Church has many neighbors who struggle financially and a free backpack with school supplies is a welcome help.  Not only is the Living Bible Church a faithful supporter of international missions including ours, they are missionaries themselves to their own neighborhood.

May the Lord bless the Living Bible Church with good weather, plenty of happy volunteers, and another successful Backpack Block Party.  May many, many needs be met, not only physical and material, but also eternal as a result of this coming weekend.

That's Better News

Sometimes what happens is good, sometimes what happens is not so good, but we know that all the time, God is good.  Last week we had some rough times with minor surgery for Mike and a painful fall for Nancy, but praise God, our experiences are better this week.

Mike returned to the dermatologist's office this morning to have the stitches removed from his arm.  The nurse said he is healing well and that other than not overworking his arm, he is under no more restriction.  Good news!

My (Nancy's) face is much, much better.  I am looking more normal and I even spoke at church on Sunday for a few minutes without frightening any small children. Good news! I am looking forward to my dental appointment this Thursday, praying that the crowns will look good and work well for as long as I need them.

Mike speaking at Sunshine. The bandage on his arm is covering the wound where skin was removed by the dermatologist.

Sunday was a good news day at Sunshine Open Bible in Des Moines. We received a warm welcome and a generous offering.  It was especially dear to me to speak there because Sunshine is where I grew up.  As I walked in, memories flooded back--my baptism, being filled with the Holy Spirit, my call into full-time ministry, our wedding, Bible quiz team, Christmas plays and more.  I also remembered many adults from Sunshine who were influential in my life who have now gone to be with the Lord.  No one could ask for a richer heritage.  I thank the Lord for Sunshine Open Bible both past and present.

The awesome people of Sunshine listening to Mike speak.

We are grateful to God for helping us through some minor troubles the past week and for giving us good news this week.  God is good!