We have finally arrived in Michigan to begin two months of furlough. Although I have heard them lament over ” leaving the work”, I am thankful that my parents have two months to rest a little and be refreshed physically and spiritually. Similarly, I have mixed feelings coming back “home”. I guess all missionaries feel the same. Leaving the mission field is tough on the one hand because you hate leaving the people whom you have come to love. I think of the elders, the families and their teens. My fear is that some will not continue walking forward with the Lord. On the other hand, I’m excited to see family and friends as well as enjoying Bob Evan’s breakfast. I take encouragement from the fact that the Lord has provided two young men to serve in Toronjal while I’m gone. Please pray for brother’s Nelson and Daniel. These two fellows have come alongside my dad and I just a few months ago. Daniel came under my dad for discipleship and I discipled Nelson. Soon after, Nelson began serving with me at Toronjal. Both these men attended the Bible Training conferences with Pastor Rod Phillips and continued learning how to exposit the Word in our Bible Institute. Both are excited and thankful for the opportunity to preach and teach.
As we are preparing to serve here in the States I wish to thank all of you who pray for us and show your love to us in many ways. We are committed to having the Lord work His will through us wherever He leads.
Then, we also had the visit of pastor Rod Phillips with a team of seven from California. They came to partner with us in the training of faithful men and women for the Lord’s work, so that men can carefully handle God’s Word in preaching and teaching and that women like wise would be faithful in their ministry to other ladies and children. The bible seminar was held both at Santa Cruz and at Samaipata. At the mountain village of Samaipata we experienced six earthquakes, the strongest being of 4.5. Then, as we traveled back to Santa Cruz on the mountain road we encountered several mud and rock slides. Praise God we had one another to be encouraged in the midst of danger and fear.
The testimonies of those that attended the bible seminar were also encouraging. Ricardo Justiniano that traveled five hours by bus said “I am truly amazed at how rich and relevant is God’s Word. I will bring other men to the seminar next year”. 
Fredy traveled for two days from Oruro. He didn’t have money for the bus fare, but we encouraged him by providing what he lacked. He said: “Thank you for making it possible for me to attend the training”. A
riel Ramirez, Gustavo and Neldi traveled 9 hours from Cochabamba. They didn’t cease to glorify God and express their gratitude for the opportunity of learning the importance of carefully and prayerfully study God’s Word.
One blessing, however, that I want to point out is how God is using David Reinagel. He is like a machine going everywhere, checking light fixtures, dryers, music boxes used in the mission churches, and the occasional other thing that is out of my vocabulary.