As many of you are aware, my mother went to be with Jesus last month. Knowing that her time was near we had made many arrangements in advance. However, you are never quiet ready for the actual moment. Debbie arrived at Mom’s bedside within minutes of her passing and immediately called me. At first I began to weep but then I realized that within the last 8-10 minutes Mom had just entered heaven. So I began to think through what had just happened in her transition and what must be going on at that very second. Immediately the tears stopped and I began to smile. What a lady, what a legacy and what a homecoming!
Her funeral was a celebration of life and several who attended felt like they had been to church. We were able to live-stream the service to CMM in Kenya where about 250 pastors and leaders had gathered to celebrate with us. The pastors gave a long shout of triumph as well as sang one of Mom’s favorite Swahili songs. I was watching to see if Mom might just rise up out of the casket! She was laid to rest with family and friends celebrating a life well lived and in anticipation of the joy she is now experiencing and the joy we all shall experience in our futures.
Thanks to every one that sent encouraging words, flowers, donations, etc. It was “easy” to let a loved one go that had done what they wanted to do in life, blessed their family and left a legacy and example for many to follow.
After laying Mom to rest on Tuesday, March 8th in Hattiesburg, Ms., Travis left the next day for Kenya for the March conference that started the following Monday.We had to make a number of adjustments but as usual God’s Presence completely covered all the details of the conference. Our staff along with Travis, experienced another glorious conference. We will be sharing some of the testimonies soon but suffice it to say the glory fell, pastors were ministered to, thousands of Bibles and books were given out, anointed teaching and preaching lifted the leaders to a new level and over 600 pastors and leaders left CMM revitalized, restored, renewed, equipped and rejoicing.
Another powerful testimony and blessing was that without Debbie or I at the conference all things came together and the outcome was amazing: the bookstore was one of the best organized and run (thanks Jim and Donna Macchi); all the financial challenges of a conference were settled (thanks Pst. Chola/Sam and staff); everyone had plenty to eat (thanks staff); the pastors were overwhelmed with exceptional preaching and teaching (thanks to all the speakers); the grounds and facilities were exceptional; the worship team was off the charts; concordances and study Bibles were given out to senior leaders; hot water everywhere and most importantly the Spirit of God changed hundreds of lives and encouraged the leaders for the days ahead. It is so wonderful to see the vision live, explode and carry on even when we are not on site!!
2016 So Far….
After 3 months into the year, we have already experienced and witnessed so many of the expectations we have for this year:
What’s next….
Debbie and I have changed our travel plans due to all of these challenges. We will be extending our next trip into October. During that time we will be at CMM for the June conference (June 27-30), the marriage conference (July 21-21), Count Me In conference (Aug. 6-11) and the September conference (Sept. 28-30).
We are hoping to begin the first phase of construction in the late summer on the new dormitory #500for50 as well as finalize our living arrangements for a place in Kenya.
As always, we could not do what we do without all of you, your prayers, encouragement and support. We never take that for granted and realize what we do is an extension of your mission and vision through us for Africa.
Blessings and may God enlarge the borders of your tents in 2016!!
Ronnie and Debbie
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