Getting Our Feet Wet!

L to R: Jan Swing, Sally Cartwright and Gabe Swing

Getting out of our comfort zone is always fun. For ten years we've been working in Zambia, and now a bit in South Africa and Namibia. Consequently, our recent trip to Long Island, Bahamas was very challenging and interesting.

We were invited to come by Gabe & Jan Swing of the Bahamas Youth Network (BYN) because they thought that our training might benefit the pastors and leaders on the island. We went to have a look-see, meet some key people and get our feet wet, both literally and figuratively!

It was great to get to know Gabe and Jan and we had the chance to talk with them about Long Island, BYN and their vision for ministry there. Gabe is an EPC pastor like me (Doug) and used to be the youth pastor at our own Lake Forest Church (LFC).

Morning Sun, Long Island, Bahamas

Long Island is a 45 minute flight southeast from Nassau. It's about 80 miles long and 3 miles wide, at its widest. It is a very beautiful place, as you might imagine, with rocky coastline areas, pristine beaches and lovely weather. Oh sure, there's the occasional scorpion or tarantula (LOL!), but there are also friendly people, fresh grouper and snapper, beautiful birds and a relaxed "Island Time" atmosphere.

Yellow-throated Warbler

Its geography brings some interesting social dynamics to the island. There's no central gathering place, for instance, and settlements (villages) run along the length of the island. Because of the distance from north to south, there are two high schools, despite the island's modest population of 3,500. Few islanders can afford cars, so walking and hitchhiking are common.

In 2015, hurricane Joaquin devastated the island, especially the southern end. Damage was considerable and recovery is ongoing. The island is economically challenged, to be sure, with some living in extreme poverty.

Pastor Craig Fox, Assemblies of God

There are many churches up and down the island, including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of God and several independents. The churches are all quite small, dividing up the several hundred Christians on the island who apparently make up only about 10% of the population. We worshiped in three churches, the Assemblies of God, St. Peter's Anglican and Beulah Union Baptist. We also visited an interdenominational Bible study at St. John's Baptist Church led by Pastor Dixon of Highway Church of God. We were warmly received wherever we visited.

Pastor Dixon, Highway Church of God

We joined mission teams from SC and NC who came to do roofing and painting projects with BYN, and we even helped with the painting at BYN's Oasis Youth Center, just to get a feel for BYN's ministry. Some members of LFC and our friends, Daryl and Karen Poppen, came to work, as well. It was really great to see them!

One of the roofs we worked on was at Sally Cartwright's home (pictured above). She is a widowed grandmother who lost her daughter and two grandchildren in a boating accident a couple of years ago and is now raising her other grandchildren.

We also really enjoyed meeting Josh Linden, the young BYN missionary on Long Island. One of the highlights of our visit was attending the monthly BYN big group meeting that attracted about sixty youth from both high schools. We had a blast playing basketball and worshiping with them, and Josh gave a solid biblical message, as well. In addition to this monthly meeting, BYN has active small groups and a leadership development team, and sponsors an awesome summer camp, Camp Bahamas, in Nassau.

Sheneka Cartwright, St. Joseph's Anglican Church

We had great conversations with pastors and leaders during our ten days on the island. Some were enthusiastic about the possibility of our coming back to train and some were less so. We believe our approach to training could be a real encouragement to the interdenominational efforts that have begun among several of the churches.

Please pray for Gabe, Jan, Josh and the churches of Long Island, and for us as we stay open to God's plan for possible future training there. Thanks!

2017 is Coming into Focus!

Long Island, Bahamas (2/4-14)

As 2016 ended, Abby and I were not entirely sure how 2017 was going to play out. We knew that we'd be in South Africa and Zambia during the summer, but apart from that things were a bit, shall we say, fluid.

One thing we knew we'd have to face in 2017 is that Abby needed a total right knee replacement. This has been scheduled for March 29. Of course, this threw a wrench in our plans to travel to Rwanda and Ethiopia in April. But, Abby has no choice. Her knee limitations are simply too great.

So, at this point, what does 2017 hold for us?

February 4-14 (Long Island, Bahamas): Gabe and Jan Swing of the Caribbean Youth Network have asked us to come have a look-see. Their vision is to offer training to pastors who have never been trained and have no access to training. We'll be getting to know their mission to kids on Long Island and meet the pastors with whom they work. If things look good, we hope to return in the fall to do some intensive training. Exciting!

2/16-24 (Phoenix, Arizona): We'll be joining many of our GTN colleagues for our annual retreat. This is always a great time for strengthening our discipleship and connecting with other like-minded missionaries. This year, the retreat has been extended to include a two-day time of guided inner reflection with an emphasis on our own spiritual health. We're looking forward to this opportunity!

March 3 - New grandson, Luke Stephen, is due to be born to Jen and James!!!

March 29 - Abby will have a total right knee replacement.

April/May/June (Huntersville, NC): We'll be teaching at Lake Forest Church. Details TBA.

May 7 (Burlinton, NC): Doug will be preaching at Westminster Presbyterian Church, one of our mission partners. Westminster is pastored by our good friend, the Rev. Powell Sykes.

May 21 (Burlington, NC): We will be giving a mission update to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

June 23-July 4 (Pretoria, South Africa): Abby and I have been invited to teach at the Rise Mission Conference. We'll meet our dear friend, Percy Muleba, and join hundreds of evangelists and church planters from five Southern Africa countries (Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa). We will gather under the motto: "We are no longer a mission field; we are a mission force!"

July 5-August 15 (Zambia): We have a three week intensive training scheduled for Senanga, plus additional training in Livingstone, Mongu and Mwandi, with other possibilities, as well. As always, we'll be workjing with Percy Muleba of the Inyambo Mission Center.

Fall - Possibilities for the Bahamas, Rwand and Ethiopia are in the mix.

Please pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord both at home and abroad!

Merry Christmas!

Greetings from chilly Mooresville, NC! Thanks so much for your interest in and support of our ministry. We appreciate you and thank the Lord for you!

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Merry Christmas and may you have a very Blessed New Year!

Catching the Mission Vision!

Mission Team, Oak Island Presbyterian Church

What a great weekend! Oak Island Presbyterian Church celebrated their first ever mission weekend on October 15-16, punctuated by an amazing Saturday evening during which their sponsored domestic and international missions were highlighted. Abby & I were privileged to be the keynote speakers Saturday night, and I then preached on Sunday morning.

Oak Island Presbyterian is led by the Rev. Walter Taylor with whom, along with his wife, Agnes, and his children, we have been friends for many years. Walter is blessed by a warm and Christ-centered congregation and a great Mission Team which is working enthusiastically to make Oak Island Presbyterian even more of a mission church than it already is. And they're doing a great job!

Abby & I also enjoyed a special surprise when we checked into the Hampton Inn in Southport. Scott Gilland, the Assistant General Manger, greeted us at the front desk. Scott had been part of our youth group at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Charlotte (1982-83) when Abby and I were volunteers there, just before we left for seminary. It was a wonderful blast from the past and a real encouragement to us. Scott then joined us after worship on Sunday for a time of reminiscing. He is pictured standing to Abby's left in the checkered shirt and jeans.

Abby & I cannot do what we do in Zambia and beyond without dear partners and friends like this. We're grateful to Oak Island Presbyterian for the privilege of partnering together in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)!