Twin City Baptist Church

Today finds us in Lunenburg, Massachusetts at Twin City Baptist Church. Upon arrival at Twin City Baptist Church there was another care package waiting for us. I must say we have the best friends in the whole world. It was filled with all kinds of fun treats and practical items for us travelers!


Lets just say watching Ellia eat a Sour Patch Kid was the highlight of our week!


On Sunday morning we did children's church. Cute group of kids. I asked them to think of foods from Italy - my first three answers were

1. Tacos
2. Rice
3. Salad

I tried to explain those are not really Italian foods but great answers.

Later on a young girl answered a question and finished with a sassy "By the way - tacos are an Italian food!" I guess she told me.


Tonight I present our ministry to the church and will also preach.

Name in Lights

Exhausted would be a good word to describe our condition when we arrived at Jones Creek Baptist Church in Atlanta. We quickly forgot how tired we were when we saw this...



I know - this probably should not amuse us - but when you are on deputation - it does not take much!

The church is blessed with a gorgeous building and a very balanced pastor. I loved playing some offertories on the beautiful grand! Michael preached the message Sunday AM and then presented our ministry in the evening, also entertaining questions. Thankfully no one asked any questions pertaining to the solar system.

In the morning the pastor took our family to Chuck E Cheese. Ellia was all smiles and Natalia enjoyed “some” ice cream.


It was such a much needed time of refreshment. The girls had a blast and we were able to enjoy some fellowship and relaxation.

Westwood Baptist Church

Most of the churches we visit are very missions-minded. Very few have been as missions hearted as Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. They are so interested in missions and are serious about praying for and giving to the missionaries.


Each night there is a "meet the missionary" time where many people from the church have come to ask questions and hear our heart for Italy. Last night Ellia stole the show by waving to everyone during the presentation and making cute noises by strumming her finger to her lips.

This is a praying church as well. Each night after the service the Pastor has asked the missionaries to kneel at the altar while church members come lay hands on us and pray.


This church also is very giving. On Sunday they had the missionary wives come up and they honored them. Each wife was handed a $200. gift card for their own spending. Monday night they brought up missionary children! Each was given a special treat of a Wal-Mart gift card to buy toys! The Missions Pastor Jim Osborne (Uncle Jim) has really taken to Ellia and been so sweet to her.


This is such a wonderful conference! Both Erika and I are looking forward to what God has in store for the next two days!

Care Packages!

Upon arrival at the last three Missions Conferences from Connecticut to Missouri, we have been pleasantly greeted by a care package! There is nothing better than showing up to a church after a long trip in the van, to be welcomed by a hug from home, in a box.

The sweet friends in my prayer group back at home have been so thoughtful as to put packages together knowing that we were embarking on our longest road trip yet. Then just yesterday a large box was admired by other missionaries as we were seated for a conference dinner. I will admit that my family is blessed to have the best Team and friends from our sending church!

Last night we let our excited girls open the most recent package that came here in Missouri for Natalia and Ellia. This box came from their Aunt Katelyn who filled it to the brim with Dora bandages and backpacks, stickers, a First Book of Italian Words, Wall-e blanket, coloring books, lollipops and even gum! The girls were beyond ecstatic opening everything!



I share all this first to show how much we appreciate all of our friends who love us and have taken the time and thought to put a package together for our family. We will never forget such thoughtfulness. And for those of you who may not know us well, I want to share the joys of having such a great church family! We are so blessed!

Gateway Anabaptist Church

Over a year into deputation - and we continue to have new church experiences.

Yesterday we were at Gateway Baptist Church. Michael presented our ministry and then entertained questions! That is when the fun began. The church was the most inquisitive church we have encountered so the question and answer time lasted the longest we have ever experienced!

It is really the anticipation and suspense of not having any idea what you are about to be asked, in front of a crowd, that makes this stressful. The people asked all kinds of questions about our ministry, who we are, and what we believe.

Some of the questions Michael was asked include:

On which day of the year did Mary give birth to Christ?

Does the earth rotate around the sun or does the sun rotate around the earth?
After responding that the earth revolves around the sun, it was quickly explained to him how he was mistaken and how he has adopted a modern day lie!

Although I questioned the relevance and importance of some of these questions, the pastor did ask a very important question of a potential missionary - “What is the gospel?”

I am surprised that up to this point, we have never been asked this. There are so many interpretations and false gospel presentations - it was a great question to have us clarify.

This was a nice little church with a great spirit. We are glad the Lord open the door for us to visit with them.

Freedom Baptist Church

Due to a last minute cancellation I had an opening yesterday. The first person I thought to call was Pastor Calloway of Freedom Baptist Church. I asked if I could come preach and reconnect with him and his people and he graciously accepted.

Because of the distance I decided to go to the church without the family. Texting a friend and listening to sermons made the long drive go by pretty fast. Not safe, but fast. After preaching I got to hang out and talk with the church for quite a bit. They are very friendly and conversational.


Pastor Dale and his wife are the type of people you really want to be around. I wish I could spend more time with him - so refreshing.

Millheim Baptist Church

There is much that can be said about yesterday’s meeting. I am not really sure where to begin.


After what has become a short drive (4 hours) on Saturday, we arrived at Millheim Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. Pastor Lawrence quickly mentioned that the church was in a position to take on only one new missionary family for the year. He informed us that there were other missionaries the missions committee was considering on top of us and another missionary scheduled.

So as we went to bed that night we did not think there was a chance of support from this church, but still knew that God had us here for a reason.

In the morning Sunday School hour Michael presented our ministry and vision. Much to our delight Pastor Lawrence immediately got up and said “That was one of the best missionary presentations I have ever seen!” What a compliment!

Next was the Sunday AM service were Michael preached his heart out. After finishing the sermon - Pastor got up and asked the congregation if they were interested in partnering with us! Many “Amens” resounded throughout the church. We could not believe that out of all the missionaries they were considering - he was asking that question!

After the service he told us that he needs the missions committee to approve it, but that we should hear back from him in a few weeks.


This is was great lesson and encouragement for us. God is in complete control and is blessing us so much more than we deserve!