PRAISE THE LORD FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP TO EGYPT AND TURKEY!
 At the Red Sea, Egypt Linn on Egypt: John and I had dreamed of one day going back and seeing our dear friends from the church he pastored for 6.5 years, but realistically didn't know when that might happen. But when we heard about the Global Member Care Conference in Turkey, we knew that was our opportunity to make the little jump over to Egypt. We only had three days to see LOTS of old friends but one dear lady gave a lunch at her gorgeous home after the service so we were able to see many friends at one time. We were even able to go to the Red Sea with our dear friends for a day and bask in the sun. While in Cairo we were able to have a meal with my God-son and his family. He was ten when we left Egypt and now is 16! Needless to say Jack has changed a lot! (see pic) His brother led worship and he accompanied on the keyboard.  Godson, Jack, in the Middle John preached at the weekly service and we were able to serve communion together as the folks came forward to receive the elements. It was quite moving to serve the bread to people I hadn't seen in six years! And to so many I had never met but esteemed for having taken their families to work in a difficult part of the world. We packed a lot into those three days and in some ways it seems like a dream that couldn't really have happened But it did! Sometimes God gives us our dreams! John on Egypt: It was a slice of heaven to be back in Egypt and reconnect with our friends there. These folks are very special to us, having lived and worked together there for over 6 years. But the thing I will never forget is that on the Sunday morning that we flew out of Egypt, twenty-one Egyptian Christians were killed in Libya. They were simple, common laborers who were employed in Libya to provide for their families back in Egypt. They were killed simply because they were “People of the Cross.” My heart breaks for their families in Egypt and for the many believers around the world who are persecuted for their faith, or live in fear of that happening.  Dear Friends, Ramez and Rebecca |  Antalya, Turkey John on the Conference in Turkey: It was so encouraging to meet and interact with many people from all around the world who are involved in doing the same thing we are: Serving Those Who Serve Overseas. Part of that was the fact that at least a half a dozen of the people with whom we co-labor and debrief here in North Carolina and Georgia were there at the conference in Turkey. It made us feel like we are part of a small team here in the southeastern part of the US which is part of the large, global member care team from all over the world, which is providing support and encouragement to Christian workers taking the good news of Christ to those who have never heard. What a joy and privilege!  Outside our Hotel Linn on the Conference in Turkey: Those four days were so beneficial for me; the plenary messages were provocative, inspiring and helpful. The interaction over meals was great and the view from our hotel window was breath-taking! But the best take-away for me personally was one seminar given by a Swedish woman entitled: Creative Ways to do Member Care. She showed us some different tools and allowed us to participate in several exercises that we can use with families who have children. One exercise uses picture cards that prompt family members to capture what emotions they are or were dealing with at various points in their journey. I am looking forward to using some of these various creative methods to help workers and their families unpack some of their stuff. We thank the Lord for allowing us to make this trip. He brought in the remaining finances we needed on the very day we left! God’s timing is amazing and He is utterly faithful. We praise Him and thank Him. Thank you for accompanying us by your prayers! We truly felt them. Warmly, John & Linn  Fun in the snow with the grandkids! Back at home in Raleigh, NC |
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