Thursday, October 1, 2015

Brooklyn and the 'Burgh

After four years away, September was the month when we were finally able to return to the 'Burgh (Pittsburgh) to spend a few months with my (Adam’s) parents. A few days later, on September 11, we were scheduled to be in New York City to visit the Brooklyn tabernacle. Amazing, when we arrived that Friday afternoon there was virtually no traffic, even in downtown Manhattan! Upon arrival, we were rather concerned about where to park, but a tiny space opened up for us. However, I didn’t know how to fit our minivan in such a small space. Thankfully, Daniel, our host, helped me out. He showed me that in Brooklyn you need to bump the cars in front and behind in order to carve out some space for yourself! Thank you, Daniel and Aida, for providing us with a wonderful apartment and for being such wonderful hosts!

During the weekend we were privileged to share our story at the Missions Ministry on Saturday. It was a great blessing to pray for many people who responded to a call to missions. On Sunday, though it was not planned, Pastor Jim Cymbala showed our video and asked us to share about our work, at both the 9 a.m. and 12:00 noon services. We were humbled to have the choir dedicate the song 'It Will Be Worth It All' to us. On Tuesday evening, we were able to share a bit more deeply at the prayer service. We were overwhelmed by the many wonderful people who greeted us and told us of their faithful prayers for us during our first term in Papua New Guinea. The people of Brooklyn Tabernacle know how to pray, and not only were we blessed and encouraged, but also empowered to seek God with greater fervency in our own prayers. Thank you to the missions team at Brooklyn Tabernacle and Pastor Cymbala for making us feel so welcome, and for encouraging us so much! We will remember our time with you when we return to Papua New Guinea. By your prayers and encouragement, we will continue stepping forward in faith, knowing that we have a great team of prayer warriors at the Brooklyn Tabernacle!

While we were in New York, we also had the opportunity to do a little sightseeing. We took the kids to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park, which both offer fantastic views of Manhattan. We also visited Times Square, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the new World Trade Center Observatory, Wall Street, and Battery Park. Needless to say, by the time we arrived back home in Pittsburgh, we were ready for some rest!

Overlooking Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Last Sunday, we were honored to share again at Ingomar Church, where I grew up, and where my parents have attended for over 30 years. I never imagined as a young boy, that I would one day be standing in front, as a missionary to Papua New Guinea! It was wonderful to share about our work with so many who have been praying and giving to support the work in Enga. It was very special to share with my parents in attendance, knowing how much they pray for us and support our work. My Aunt Kerry also flew to Pittsburgh to hear my message, and we enjoyed the opportunity to have deep, meaningful conversations about God during her visit with us. Thank you, Pastor David Streets, and the congregation at Ingomar Church, for making us feel so welcomed, for receiving us with open arms, and making us feel at home. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

God is good and it is good to be back in Pittsburgh, at a place that we can call home.

Asher and Bella enjoying the beginning of fall at my parents' house just north of Pittsburgh