August 2008 Newsletter

Back in Mozambique

We arrived safely back in Mozambique on August 7th. Our flight was uneventful, flying out of Atlanta on August 5th to Johannesburg, South Africa on a direct flight. After 17 looooong hours we were ready to get out of that plane and stretch our legs and get some much needed sleep on a horizontal bed! After spending the night in Johannesburg, we traveled 7 hours by road to Maputo, Mozambique and were glad to finally be home.

We always enjoy our visits back to the USA, but this trip was extra special, just too short. It was great to see our family and many friends although we regret that we were unable to visit most of our supporting churches this time. We have highlighted some of the reasons this trip was so enjoyable to us in the following paragraphs.

Don’s Parents and Family

When we returned to the USA last June, we headed straight to Kentucky to visit Don’s parents and brothers and sister and their spouses, nieces, aunts and uncles, etc) as well as some very dear friends. Before we flew back to Mozambique we were blessed to visit Kentucky again and preach in the church where Don grew up. Grapevine Christian Church in Madisonville has always held a special place in our hearts because it was also the first church where Don served as youth minister for 6 years after graduating from Bible College.

Aleta’s Parents and Family

Aleta’s parents Jerry and Judy Bliffen (who also serve as our forwarding agents) live in Orange Park, Florida on the outskirts of Jacksonville. One special event that took place during our trip to the States was the 50th wedding anniversary of the Bliffens. We were glad to be able to share in this special occasion and be with Aleta’s brothers and sister and spouses, nieces and nephews and aunt. Don was also able to lead the Wednesday night Bible Study at the Orange Park First Christian Church where we were married 28 years ago.

Keri Home from China

We were thrilled to welcome Keri (our daughter) home from China where she has been teaching English for the past year. It was great to hear her stories, see her photos and just be with her again. Keri has matured into a beautiful young woman and we are extremely proud of her. She is currently living in Orange Park with Aleta’s parents and contemplating going back to college to get her Teacher’s Certificate which will allow her to teach in public schools in the USA or provide more opportunities overseas.

Joshua and Tiffany Married

Of course of the highlights of the trip was the marriage of our oldest son. Joshua and Tiffany met at Atlanta Christian College where they are currently seniors. They were married on June 21st in Clearwater, Florida on the beach. We are thrilled to have Tiffany as part of the family. Although it rained during the ceremony, it was a beautiful wedding. Later after the reception, the wedding party was able to return to the beach just as the sun was setting for some gorgeous photos. Zac was one of the groomsmen and Don preformed the ceremony.

Missionary Recruit Retreat

We were able to spend a weekend with Matt and Dee Vargas and Cole and Ashley Small talking about missionary work in Mozambique. Both families are making plans to come to Mozambique full time in the next few years Lord willing. Matt is a civil engineer and a elder at our main sending Church in Seminole, Florida and Cole is the youth minister at Seminole. Cole, Ashley and Dee brought a youth group over to Mozambique last year. Both families are planning to come for another visit in October of this year to finalize their plans before beginning their support raising efforts.

Global Missions Conference

Don was able to attend a missions conference sponsored by the Churches of Christ in Dallas, Texas. The conference was filled with great speakers, seminars and wonderful singing. Don met several missionaries from other Portuguese speaking countries such as Brazil and Angola. They say that half the fun of any trip is getting there… Don made the 2500 mile trip on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Although it was a little hot with daytime highs reaching 104, the ride was awesome.

Our Living Link Church

We are incredibly blessed with a wonderful church family. First Christian of Seminole, Florida made our time in the states so enjoyable. Most of our stateside time is spent traveling to other supporting churches that we have very little time with our living link church where we are on staff. This time we were able to spend most of our Sundays at Seminole and receive some much needed spiritual encouragement and rest. The mission’s team stocked our pantry and two families loaned us their vehicles to use during our 6 weeks stay. Not to mention all the wonderful meals and visits we were treated to. It was hard, as always, to say goodbye but we know that we are in your prayers constantly.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership with us in Mozambique.

Together in Christ, Don, Aleta and Zac