We are now only a few days before our departure for Bolivia. This past Wednesday we had the last of our meetings before getting ready to leave. This past few weeks we have had some really special meetings. On the 29th we were with the Victory Baptist Church and Pastor Derik Lawrence for their morning service followed by a cookout and then we stayed for their evening service that they had at 2:00 p.m. We are very grateful for this church and all that they have done for us.
Then that Sunday night we had a going away service from the Vision Baptist Church and Pastor Austin Gardner. This was a very special service with a time of prayer afterwards for our return to Bolivia. Pastor Gardner has had a vital part in our ministry and has been a great friend to us since we have become missionaries.
Then on the following Sunday we had our final service at our home church in Virginia. I was able to preach in the morning service and then that night we gathered together and had a special prayer time at the end of the service. I am very thankful for my pastor and all the people of my home church. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone but we know that many will be praying for us as we will be praying for them.
Then on this Wednesday night we were with the Iglesia Bautista Vida Abundante or the Abundant Life Baptist Church. This is a Spanish church that meets in the buildings of the South Charlotte Baptist Church, one of our supporting churches. It has been a while since I spoke a lot of Spanish but it was almost refreshing to speak in Spanish again.