update October

It's been a busy month with much activity with Shepherd's Staff. Lot's of road miles as I've been meeting with potential missionary applicants, sending church pastors and mission's pastors, missionaries and their support teams locally in San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties. Earlier in the month I was blessed to represent Shepherd's Staff at the Midwest Calvary Chapel Pastor's Conference in Hartford City, IN. Got to meet up with missionaries served by SS from the East Coast and Midwest who are serving in Africa, Peru, and the Ukraine. I also was able to visit my family in the Chicago area which is always a lot of fun!



Joe and Sara Nelson's care team with Pastor Cliff Watson at Calvary Valle Vista in Hemet, CA. They are new Shepherd's Staff missionaries who just arrived in the Philippines today, 10/28, in preparation for ministry in Thailand.

A special highlight of the month was participating in the commissioning service for a couple young ladies, both RNs, who are heading out to the very challenging mission field of Israel. One of them, Kristina, I've known since she was 4! She and her family attending CC Escondido in it's early years before her mom and dad were sent out to plant a church in Tennessee. As she and her friend, Maria, were sharing their stories I was so proud and blessed. While Kristina was sharing, a friend of mine from Horizon Christian Fellowship and himself a missionary in the Philippines leaned over to me and said, "In ministry, it doesn't get any better than this - to see the fruit of your work..." So true!



Of course, the big challenge this month has been being alone. The midwest trip was planned partly because my wife was going out to sea with the Navy for several weeks. As it turned out, her leaving was delayed and she was home a while after I flew out. When I returned 9 days later, we had one day together and then she was underway - and won't be home for a few more weeks. I miss her terribly but we do get to talk on the phone often and flood each other with daily emails.



View from the fantail of Pam's ship - pretty cool

I have been ramping up my ministry activities and fellowship opportunities and doing my best to keep busy and stay out of trouble while she's away :-)

On Monday, 10-25, I turned 61 - now that's sticker shock!




Our dogs, Roxy and Sweety celebrating with me!

When I was a young adult and before I became a follower of Jesus, I didn't think I'd live to be 30. And apart from Jesus saving me I likely would have destroyed myself. But thanks be to God, by His amazing grace He forgave me and redeemed me and made me His child and a man after His heart. And what a good life it's been! Sure there have been seasons of deep loss and pain and fear and even doubt - but thru it all, He has remained faithful and never stopped holding and loving me and I count it a priceless privilege to still be loving and serving my Lord and Savior!

That's it for now! Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!

Pat