Monday, March 16, 2020

First Update for 2020

Dear praying friends, it has been a long time since we wrote an update and we apologize for that. Thank you for those of you who continue to pray for us regularly.

Disciples of Jesus school
We are nearing the end of our 2nd trimester at the Bible school. We have 11 students still going strong. We have begun visiting village churches with the students, giving them opportunities to minister and use their spiritual gifts. Please pray that they would continue persevering and that they would be eager to learn and obey God's word.

Moving house
We successfully moved house and are settled into a smaller one than before, reminding us that we need to downsize and give things away. The kids enjoy the "forest" out back and playing with the Kinlaw kids and other neighbors kids in the afternoons.

Christmas with family
Over Christmas and New year we were able to drive to Kenya to meet up with many of the Johnson siblings and their families and Dad and Mom Johnson. We spent part of the time in the capital city, Nairobi, and we also spent a few days at the coast. The kids enjoyed exploring the ocean reef at low tide and snorkeling in the marine park and seeing the beautiful sea life that God's creative word fashioned. After returning in early January we were blessed with a 3 week visit from Mark and Carol Mattix and Fionna (Gina's parents and niece). There were some home improvement projects, a hike, a stay at the beach, and a visit to Katavi National Park, as well as much time to talk and visit.

Car repairs
On our long drive to Kenya (3 days going and 3 days returning) we noticed that our car was burning a huge amount of oil. We knew that the engine needed a major overhaul. Luke decided to take the car to Burundi to get it fixed. We now have it back after 3 weeks in the garage. Please pray that our car would continue to run well and be useful for God's kingdom.

Furlough plans
Some of you may already know that we plan to be in the US from April 24 to July 16, 2020. We plan on traveling a lot, starting on the East Coast and making our way to the West Coast and back for our return flight. Because of the current Coronavirus pandemic we are holding our travel plans loosely. We continue to pray but are confident that our times are in God's hands.

Family
Gina is trying to get as much homeschool done with the kids before our trip. Michael (5 yrs) just recently learned to ride his bike and is starting to learn how to swim. Baby William at 9 months is crawling/cruising around the house and keeping us on our toes. We are thankful for each of our kids.

After their recent dental check-up, they are very happy!
Blessings in Christ,
Luke and Gina Johnson