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Dear Ricardo and Beth,
Every year the 5 World Area Directors (ADs for Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America), 3 Bishops and the FMWM Director of the Free Methodist Church USA meet in one area of the world to report, evaluate, plan and pray together. These trips afford the opportunity to learn about what is going on in the rest of the world and see local ministry first hand.
This year, we were in Bulgaria where European AD, Josue Fajardo, took us to see various churches as well as a Safe House that is part of the ministry there. It was initially built to help at-risk women and girls avoid human trafficking but the government requirements were practically insurmountable. When war in Ukraine broke out, it was repurposed as a home for refugees (and some of the people in the picture above were the first residents). That family has found more permanent housing and, because of the ministry experience achieved by this venture, the government has now approved the Safe House project! God works in mysterious way and we were delighted to pray in this beautiful space that will provide physical, emotional and spiritual safety to women and children!
We got back to Kentucky just in time to experience Hurricane Helene. Both kids braved wind and rain to go to work and class...and came home soaked to the skin! Our prayers are with those who were more directly affected.
In October, in addition to Ricardo's rescheduled trip to preside over the Annual Meeting in Vz, we plan to participate in partnership building activities in Fredonia,New York, Wilmore, Kentucky, Spring Arbor, Michigan and McPherson, Kansas before returning to Colombia. We look forward to seeing those of you who are close-by!
We deeply appreciate your partnership in ministry with us! It encourages and strengthens us.
Many blessings,
Ricardo and Beth
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