Being "Blessed" by Corryton BC, TN

Beautiful Rainbows at every sight

 Corryton Baptist Church has in the past and once again this September, chosen to come to Zimbabwe to “bless” and encourage God’s servants in a very special and unique way.

We, along with about 30 other couples and singles within the Zambezi Cluster and two other clusters in southern Africa, were invited to participate in this year’s couples retreat at Elephant Hills Lodge on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.  It was a time to get away to enjoy each other and our Father’s creation. It was a time for us to be taught and encouraged.  It was a time to challenge us to take a look at our relationships with our spouses and family life. 

We are very grateful and indebted to Corryton for their generosity and willingness to give this gift of love to us and so many others within our Cluster.

Battle of wills- McElroy's

We are thankful for Jeff and Debbie McElroy, who are gifted professional marriage and family counselors and offered their listening ears to whoever wanted to talk with them.  We are thankful for Pastor Rocky Ramsey and his wife Betsy who encouraged us and our people to remember who we are living and working for, and as we live and work out our calling, we do so “unto Jesus”. 

Pastor Rocky Ramsey

We are thankful for Alan and Emmeline Cottrell who led out in worship and Alan with his talented and various character sketches.

Mrs. ?.... Alan?

  We are thankful for those that came to cut hair; to teach various exercise techniques; IT specialists; and those who came just to encourage the Saints in whatever way they could.

David and I were able to take a walk and once again, after 15 years, in the Victoria Fall’s Park and see the beautiful, amazing Falls that David Livingstone “discovered” so many years ago.  Rainbow after rainbow at each water fall, reminded us of our Father’s amazing love, his powerfulness, his presence and love for mankind.

  We were able to white water raft 28 kilometers down the Zambezi River crossing over 19 rapids, of which many were categorized as class 5 rapids.  (To some this probably was a foolish activity as it really was quite dangerous, but the rafting was really fun we are glad we did it and probably will never do it again!J)

Starting point for rafting trip

At the base of  Falls (750 ft climb down... and later climb back up!)

Our guide, Gorden shouts "GET DOWN!"  -David & I are in the back

  We also were able to take a nice calm “sunset cruise” down the river with our friends on a large pontoon boat.

Nice visit with Mike and Lindy

We are back home now and preparing for more visits with our missionaries and also some meetings coming up in October and November.

Would you please pray for David as he continues in his role as Cluster Strategy Leader for Zambezi Cluster of Sub-Saharan Africa?

 1) Pray for wisdom, perseverance and discernment as David deals with so many issues, often seemingly not related to strategy.

2) Please pray for us as we prepare for an upcoming leadership training that will be held in South Africa.  Pray that this would be beneficial to all who attend, a time of encouragement and learning.

 3) Pray also for us as we travel by road to visit with our missionary personnel.  Pray that we be of encouragement to them.  We praise God for how he has helped us through so many miles these past years without breakdowns or accidents.  We continue to seek His protection and grace in our travels.

4) Pray for me, Janet, as I serve as Cluster Prayer Advocate.  Pray that I know better and effective ways of how to encourage prayer for our personnel.  I do want to be a stronger prayer warrior myself, faithful to bring our missionaries, their work, the lost etc… before our Father.