Recently we had a visit from friends from Brazil. Miles and Coleen Templeton are missionaries originally from the US, they have worked for the past 35 years with NTM in Brazil. A few years ago we took a team to work at the NTM School for missionary children in Vianapolis. The Templetons were our hosts and Miles was in charge of our work project. We didn’t expect that we would ever see them on this side of the Atlantic so were delighted to have them spend a couple days with us. 
They only had about a day and a half with us but we were able to visit Slemish – Miles climbed to the top; then we went to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and on to the Giant’s Causeway, Portrush and Portstewart for an ice cream! In the evening we took them to friends who had taught at Vianapolis School a few years ago. 
We have no photos of Joel's visit this time but recall the day a couple of years ago when Joel, Lauren and the girls climbed Slieve Donard with us.
Now this past weekend we have had friends visiting from Thailand. Dave and Fran Jordan have served with NTM for over thirty years, working with the Prai people in Northern Thailand. Their daughter was getting married here in N Ireland and so they arranged to see us. Also with them was the son Kaleb who lives in Thailand and two other daughters Kami and Kerri who now live in the US. Ruth went to mission school with the girls and was thrilled to meet up with them again after so many years. We had a great time talking about Thailand and the people we know there, reminiscing and generally enjoying their company. Once again we had the opportunity to be tour guides around our north coast. It was cold and windy this time at the Causeway but that just made the sea and waves even more spectacular.
They only had about a day and a half with us but we were able to visit Slemish – Miles climbed to the top; then we went to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and on to the Giant’s Causeway, Portrush and Portstewart for an ice cream! In the evening we took them to friends who had taught at Vianapolis School a few years ago.
At the weekend we enjoyed a couple of hours with another friend from the US. Joel Brooks was in N Ireland for less then a week while he visited some of the interns who work for UCF in Ballymena. It was great to catch up with him too.
We have no photos of Joel's visit this time but recall the day a couple of years ago when Joel, Lauren and the girls climbed Slieve Donard with us.
Now this past weekend we have had friends visiting from Thailand. Dave and Fran Jordan have served with NTM for over thirty years, working with the Prai people in Northern Thailand. Their daughter was getting married here in N Ireland and so they arranged to see us. Also with them was the son Kaleb who lives in Thailand and two other daughters Kami and Kerri who now live in the US. Ruth went to mission school with the girls and was thrilled to meet up with them again after so many years. We had a great time talking about Thailand and the people we know there, reminiscing and generally enjoying their company. Once again we had the opportunity to be tour guides around our north coast. It was cold and windy this time at the Causeway but that just made the sea and waves even more spectacular.
Life in mission necessitates many partings and farewells but with that comes many new friendships, those around the world who become like family to us. They understand our struggles and share with us in our blessings. What a joy it was to see all these friends again.
Mark 10:29-30
‘Assuredly I say to you, no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and land, with persecutions – and in the age to come, eternal life.’
Mark 10:29-30
‘Assuredly I say to you, no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and land, with persecutions – and in the age to come, eternal life.’
