We left Taiwan, a month ago today! The morning started with a crack of lightning and the retort of thunder. As Ed and I took Brenda to the Tulsa airport, it was raining hard. Brenda's flight to MSP was delayed, but we said our goodbyes -- never easy! We were back to Ed & Doris' by a little after 6 AM. And, after we had eaten breakfast, the rain had stopped and we said our goodbyes to the Kuelzer's. What a wonderful blessing the family of God is! What sweet fellowship thru Jesus Christ our Lord!
We were on I-44 briefly thru Tulsa, which saved us lots of traffic lights, and then headed NE on Rt 66 toward Vinita. It was much quieter, and the road, for the most part was good. Nevertheless, we had 6 flat tires, 2 for each of us. My rear tire went flat for the second time within sight of the motel in Vinita - I just walked it in! About halfway the wind picked up (mostly into us) and it started to rain harder and harder. Fortunately, we are scheduled to be anywhere today and we took it slow. We arrived in Vinita by 1:30 PM, managing about 12.5 miles an hour. We were completely drenched! We've spent the afternoon repairing inner-tubes, and washing wet and stinky laundry.
Over the weekend, it was encouraging to look at a big 2-page atlas map of the US, and notice that Tulsa was located east of the middle of the page! We're on the right side of the US, and have come more than 1600 miles! In a month's time, one day at a time, we've crossed nearly half the US! I can't help but compare this Gloritrek to the challenges of church planting among a UPG! It won't happen over-night; but if you are faithful and consistent, God will bless and you'll see progress being made! It won't always be easy, and we'll be tempted to give up, but God's glory and lost people groups are worth the effort -- for we are servants of the Living God!
Tomorrow we head to Joplin, MO; and the College Heights Christian Church -- a model of what we would hope every church would aspire to be/do for UPG's!
Thanks for praying for us!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Dave,
ReplyDeletePraying for you brother. Keep safe. I had a thought when I read about your multiple flats. If the weather is hot the pressure in your tires will be higher so you might try running them a little lower. Just a thought.
Keep it up. You all are doing great! -Jon Ralls