Where Did the Time Go?

This is a commonly asked question that really doesn’t have an answer.  We all know that the clock ticks at the same pace day after day – and yet there are times when it ‘seems’ as if the days go by at double speed.

That’s how Gary and I feel about our three months in the United States.  Our sturdy Chevy Equinox logged 5,125 miles as we drove north from Las Vegas to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, then further north into Alberta, Canada and back down to Las Vegas.  Reconnecting with family and friends, ministering at partner churches, marveling at the beauty of God’s creation.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude for everyone who hosted us, fed us an allowed us to stay in their homes. Truly the Family of God in action.

When you travel a lot, there is no routine.   It takes a conscious effort to stay focused and aware of the Lord’s purpose and presence in our lives.

When everything in our lives is changing – the Lord is our Rock.  His Word, His presence anchors us to His heart.

I love this passage in The Passion Translation: 

So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change!

And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope! 

We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.  Hebrews 6: 18 – 20 TPT

Breathtaking Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Tim Hortons Coffee - a Canadian Tradition

Gary and I could never have imagined this life.  We find ourselves continually in awe, wondering how God got us to this point.  We are living out our dream, our calling.  It is the most rewarding life because we are following His heart, His voice:  saying Yes Lord.

NOW: Take your seat, buckle up and prepare to go with us around the world in this five-minute video. 

•  In this brief summary of what God is doing around the world you will see photos from Ghana West Africa, Thailand with the Akha people group, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and of course India – where we are based. 
  
  
• These faithful men and women are serving God in their home nations where we often cannot go.  We are blessed to support them in prayer, encouragement and financial support.  They are seeing a harvest of souls and transformed lives right where God has placed them.

God is moving through ordinary people like you and I.  Each of us has a mission field: it is right where our feet our today, touching those within our circle, within our reach. Say Yes to God.   Don’t give up! Don’t forget His promises to you personally. Follow after His heart and see what He will do.  

 The Journey Continues with our Faithful God  ~ Pat

 Follow this link to make a donation online

Living the Good Life God Has Planned

 For we are God's handiwork ….. that we may do those good works which God planned beforehand for us ….  living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.  
(excerpt from Ephesians 2:10 AMPC)

What an amazing promise! Gary and I are incredibly blessed to be living the ‘good life which God made ready for us’.  It’s a life that supersedes our greatest expectations, dreams and plans as declared in Ephesians 3:20-21.

Sharing the truth of God’s Word is a passion for both of us.    We truly believe that Jesus would have come for one soul, and we don’t hesitate to journey to a small gathering of hungry hearts. 

It’s a joy to be part of the Body of Christ wherever we go:  at a remote village cottage meeting, a gathering of church leaders, discipleship training course, Sunday morning services or a midweek Bible study.

Discipleship Training Course

The overriding focus of every teaching we share is the same message Jesus stated in John 10:10. He said that His reason for leaving heaven and coming to earth, was so that those who choose to believe in Him and accept His saving grace would have abundant life.  

Not just life – which is a wonderful thing – but abundant life – overflowing, victorious, healthy life, joy-filled life in Christ.

Cottage (Home) Meetings

Monsoon rains are coming to our part of India – and we’re heading back to the US for the next three months.  We plan to reconnect with as many of you as possible.  

MONTANA DATES

Come be part of our Montana meetings if you are anywhere close. 

• Thursday, June 19th – @ 6:00 p.m. CrossPoint Women, Corvallis, MT
• Sunday, June 22nd @ 10 a.m. CrossPoint Church
     Corvallis, MT with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
• Sunday, June 29th - 10:30 a.m. The Place Church
    Hamilton, MT with Pastors Mike and Denise Echterling

Wherever you are along your Journey with God, our prayer is that you will be encouraged today.  Gary and I are not special, or more loved – we are just two ordinary people, who serve an extraordinary God, and learned to say ‘YES’ when he says go.

True Abundant Life is only found in Jesus, lived by the power of Holy Spirit, anchored in the love of Father God.  His plans are so incredibly better than yours or mine! 

Thank you for sharing our Journey.  Let's continue together ~ Pat

Our Summer Adventure

As we left Montana, driving south on US 93, the Big Hole Valley opened up before us in a vast expanse, intersected by a seemingly  endless highway.  

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9 NLT

A fitting view as our time in Montana drew to a close.  The past four weeks have been filled with God's love and presence as we reconnected with family and friends, enjoyed the beauty of Montana, experienced God's bountiful provision and supernatural protection.

What a joy to share with our partner churches, bringing the message of God's great love for each of us.  A love that we must embrace and really, truly believe before we can share that message with hurting hearts around us. Your mission field is wherever your feet walk. The people in Your circle of influence need His love.

Our trip back to Las Vegas took us through Arizona where God truly showed up as we shared at Living Water Church and enjoyed sweet fellowship with friends.  Another drive will take us to visit friends in Durango Colorado, before we reach Las Vegas to repack and prepare to travel back to India.  

Airline tickets are booked leaving on October 5th - arriving October 7th.  India is home - our cozy flat (apartment) awaits us.  

Two days after we land, Gary heads to our favorite hill city, Darjeeling, West Bengal, to speak at a church conference.

What a great adventure. What an amazing God we serve. 

Our life verse sums it up:  Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC  Now to Him Who, by the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

May your heart embrace God's incredible love for you - and allow Him to lead you into His 'super-abundantly' for your life.  

The Journey Continues - Gary and Pat

Just Be Available

We left the heavy monsoon rains in India, and are now ready to leave the intense heat of Las Vegas.  August in Montana sounds wonderful - doesn't it?

Here's our schedule -  we are really excited to reconnect with our Montana supporters, friends and family. Please join us when you can.

• Sunday August 11th @ 10:30 a.m. The Place Church, Hamilton, MT
  with Pastors Mike and Denise Echterling
• Sunday August 18th @ 10 a.m. CrossPoint Church, Corvallis, MT
  with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
• Sunday September 1st @ 10:30 a.m.  House of Praise, Victor, MT
  with Pastors Jim and Lorraine Andrusky
• Tuesday August 27th @ 6:00 p.m.  - CrossPoint Women, Corvallis, MT
  
  

"Your mission field is wherever your feet are." Gary & Pat Richards

It's true! Everyone in your circle of influence needs a touch from Jesus.

Available is defined as: 'Present and ready for use, at hand, accessible; or willing to do something.'  

Am I available? Are you available? To say yes to the Lord - wherever and whenever He says 'Go'.

Here are a few thoughts from Gary on what it means to "Just Be Available"

People often ask Pat and I, “What is the key to your success in ministry and life?”  

The answer is very simple; “If you want to be successful and want God to work in your life, then be available for Him.”

As a young Christian, I read Matthew 22:14, ”Many are called but few are chosen.” I knew right then I didn’t want just to be called, I wanted to be chosen. But what did I need to do?  I prayed and asked, ‘Lord, how do I get from being called to being chosen’? 

He simply replied, “Say, yes to me and always make yourself available.”

This is all Pat and I know to do and it has taken us where we could never have imagined, doing what we would never have been able to do in our own wisdom, strength or ability.

But how do we actually make ourselves available? What does that look like?  Do I have to volunteer more, give more to the church, read my Bible more?  No. Being available can include those things but it is much bigger than that.

To be available means to say yes to God, whenever and wherever.  It means allowing God to be God.   Being available means adjusting our agendas, and plans to fit God’s agendas and plans.  It is having an eternal perspective rather than a temporal one.

It is prioritizing that which is a priority to God and includes:

• Submitting your time, talents and resources to God.
• Obeying Him, even when it is difficult and costs you something.
• Thinking more about God and His purpose for your life and less about yourself.
• Aligning yourself with God and His purposes daily.
• It means living with the knowledge that as a follower of Jesus your life is not your own, you have been bought with a price.

God has never asked about our ability or our inability, but about our availability.

Isaiah made himself available to God. Isaiah 6:8 says, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?'  Then said I, 'Here I am! Send me.' ”

The greatest thing that we can do to bless and serve the world is to be available when God calls.

So, I want to ask you one simple question today:   Are you available? I promise you, making yourself available to God will involve risk on your part. I also promise you that by being available you will be blessed beyond measure and you will be a blessing to others in ways you can’t begin to imagine.

Here's the link to one of our current favorite songs: Elevation Worship “Available.”  Click here for the lyrics.

As you listen, let it become a prayer and a tool to dedicate yourself to being available to Him.  It will change your life and the lives of others!

The journey of availability continues ~ Gary & Pat

We said 'Yes' to living in India - and look what God allowed us to experience

Montana Reflections

What a joy to experience summer in Montana. Days filled with blue sky, mountains, good friends and family, precious fellowship as we share God's Word and highlights of our India Mission trip.  Even as fire season starts, and the mountains are obscured by smoke, we see the goodness of God. 

If you are in the area join us Sunday August 13th at 10:30 a.m.  as we minister at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana. 

Looking Back - Love and the Taj Mahal

On our way home from our recent India mission trip, Gary and I spent a couple nights in Delhi and visited a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal.  

Commissioned in 1631 by Shah Jahan, as a tomb and memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the world, especially its intricate marble and stonework.  Each year, over 3.3 million people from all over India and around the world visit the Taj Mahal.

I was captured by the story – a memorial to love. I was captivated by the detail that went into its construction: a perfectly symmetrical layout, pure Makrana marble hauled from Rajasthan, India, 231 miles by river barge and then on carts pulled by oxen or elephants.  The marble was intricately inlaid with precious stones, finials of pure gold topped every dome.

People are drawn to the Taj Mahal because of its beauty, because of the story. It’s a love story. I was struck by this thought: scripture says that we are the temple of the living God. It made me wonder – does the story of my life, does the beauty of my life, draw people?

That’s the challenge and privilege of having the spirit of almighty God live within us. To be a worthy representative of His great love; demonstrating the love that brought Him to earth to die for our sins.  

The prayer of Paul in Philippians chapter one contains a key to becoming all that Jesus destined and purposed us to be – His glorious church, a pure and holy temple:

I continue to pray for your love to grow and increase beyond measure, bringing you into the rich revelation of spiritual insight in all things. This will enable you to choose the most excellent way of all —becoming pure and without offense until the unveiling of Christ.  And you will be filled completely with the fruits of righteousness that are found in Jesus, the Anointed One—bringing great praise and glory to God! Philippians 1:9-11 TPT

When light shines from the inside the Taj Mahal, through the translucent marble, the radiant colors of the precious stones are revealed.  When the light of Jesus shines through us – His glory is revealed.

The Taj Mahal is a monument to love:   The one who built it is dead. The one he loved is dead. You and I are a living monument – a living memorial to love. Jesus is alive. We are alive because of Him.

Let’s make this our prayer today and every day: to grow in spiritual insight so that we will wisely chose the most excellent way of all as we follow Christ.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Montana - The Journey Continues

The first half of 2023 has been a busy and very enjoyable time of ministry for Pat and I.  After three years of waiting to go overseas, our first 2023 India trip is over.  We’re expecting to return either late October or early November.  Plans are to base in India, and from there fly to Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia to reconnect with our ministry partners.  We’ll keep you posted when the dates are set.

Now our focus is on Montana.  It’s a great opportunity to have a time of rest and refreshing, minister in a few churches and visit with family and friends. After 4 years, Pat & her sister Cyndy will be taking a road trip to Canada to visit family.

We will be leaving Las Vegas on June 28 and returning August 15.  Pat and I so appreciate your love and prayers and ask that you keep the following times of ministry in prayer.

• Sunday July 16th - 10 a.m. CrossPoint Church, Corvallis, MT
       with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
• Tuesday July 18th - 10:00 a.m. Women of Worship,
       at Light of the Valley, Stevensville, MT
• Tuesday July 18th -   6:00 p.m CrossPoint Women, Corvallis, MT 
• Sunday July 23rd - 10:30 a.m. House of Praise, Victor, MT
       with Pastors Jim and Lorraine Andrusky
• Sunday August 13th 10:30 am The Place Church, Hamilton, MT
       with Pastors Mike and Denise Echterling

It will be great to see many of you in the Beautiful Bitterroot Valley! Words can never express how important you are to us. Thank You for faithfully standing with us through your prayers and financial gifts as we walk out the destiny the Lord has set before us.

The Journey Continues – Gary

Montana Reflections

Each return to Montana's Bitterroot Valley increases our sense of home and belonging.  There is a comfortable sense of knowing this place, and yet not knowing what new wonders await discovery.  Changeless - yet always changing.   Revealed - yet never fully known. 

Our recent visit was so encouraging.  We were able to reconnect with family, friends, and the beauty that is Montana.   The weather was perfect, the air was clear (no forest fires), we were well-fed, and well-loved.  We so appreciate the Pastors and churches that invited us to share the Word of God and what He is doing around the world - whether we can physically travel or not. Thank you to each of you!

Gary has been teaching on 'Living With Expectancy.'  Here are a couple of pithy quotes to whet your appetite:

'Expectancy is not wishful thinking or lustful desires.  It is based on God's Word and character.' Gary Richards

"Our asking, our thinking, our praying, are too small.  Our expectations are too limited." A.B. Simpson

 Here's a link to his message, as shared at Meadows Fellowship.  

There is an expectancy in our hearts.  We are praying and believing that we will be going overseas in the beginning of 2023.  Please agree with us in prayer as we seek the Lord for what that looks like and where He is sending us.

Your love, prayers and support is what makes this journey possible - we hope you will continue to pursue your Journey with God, with a Spirit of Expectancy.

Blessings -  Gary and Pat

Hungry Hearts at Youth Camp

After Montana and a BIG Announcement

Our time in Montana truly was rich and full. It was great to escape the heat of Las Vegas. Montana also has experienced unusually hot temperatures, but the cool evenings and mornings make it pleasant and refreshing. Scripture says that God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day, and that's how we felt as we spent time with Him enjoying the beauty of His creation.

An extended stay gave us time to fellowship with our network of friends, family and churches.  We were privileged to shared at several church meetings, ladies groups, a men's breakfast, and a youth group that raised funds to help with overseas missions. What a joy to see young people with a heart for God and helping others. 

We joked that we were 'getting fat on people's love', as we shared meals together, encouraging  and strengthening each other in the Lord.  

And now for an exciting announcement - we've published the first edition of our book! It's called 'No Problem. The Adventures & Misadventures of a Couple Who Said "YES" to God.'

You can get your copy two ways:

1. The self-published paperback version is just $5 and includes postage within the US.  Click here to order and pay online with credit or debit card.  

2. The Kindle e-book is available on  Amazon for $1.99.  Follow this link: No Problem Kindle E-book

Click here to enjoy a sample. It's written as if we were sitting across the table sharing a cup of coffee or tea, sharing stories of God's goodness and mercy.

Our prayer for you during this season of your life is from Ephesians 1:17-18 in The Passion Translation: "I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him.  I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones!"  

The Journey is exciting. Our God is Amazing.  Stay Strong ~ Pat & Gary

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

With the countries where we minister still in lockdown, we felt to spend more time in Montana. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Big Sky Country, visit family and friends, and share the Word of God.  

We will be flying into Missoula Friday, June 11, returning to Las Vegas Monday, July 26.

Here is our meeting schedule so far:

If you would like to invite us to share at a church service or home group - please send us an e-mail.

• Wednesday, June 16 - 6:00 pm Youth Night with The Place Church,
  at the paintball field Hamilton, MT  with Pastors Jesse & Michelle Haynie
  
  
• Sunday, June 20 -10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministry," Hamilton, MT
  with Pastor Nancy Pendergast
  
  
• Sunday, July 11 -10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministry," Hamilton, MT
  with Pastor Nancy Pendergast
  
  
• Thursday, July 15th - 10:00 am at "Women of Worship," Missoula MT
  with Pastor Lorraine Andrusky
  
  
• Sunday, July 18th - 10:00 am at "CrossPoint Church," Corvallis, MT
  with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
  
  
• Sunday, July 25th - 10:30 am at "House of Praise," Victor MT
  with Pastors Jim and Lorraine Andrusky

(For details on any of these meetings just reply to this e-mail and let us know what you need)

Our prayer for you is that you will be keenly aware that the Lord's goodness and mercy is following you, guarding you, every day of your life.

See you in Montana ~ Gary

Click here to listen to Gary's encouraging teaching "Catalyst" shared recently at Meadows Fellowship, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Learning to be Content

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being  content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

In this famous passage of scripture Paul emphasizes the value of being content in every circumstance that life sends our way.  I have to admit that I am still in the learning phase, especially as it pertains to the heat of our Las Vegas summer.

Gary and I enjoyed an amazing three weeks in Montana.   It was a joy to share about our mission work as we reconnected with friends, family, ministry partners and made some new connections.  We are grateful to everyone that invited us to share and generously blessed us with their love and financial resources. 

Montana had a cool Spring with lots of rain, leaving the mountains green and lush with a light topping of snow on a few peaks.   Rivers and lakes had high water levels, which we enjoyed as friends took us out boating and fishing.

The weather was just about as perfect as we could hope for with a variety of clouds, rain and sun that never raised the temperature over 85 degrees.  Back home in Las Vegas, it is hot and dry with triple digit temperatures forecast through August.  While we are grateful for air conditioning, we can’t help longing for the fresh, cool Montana air.  

Mark your calendar for Sunday August 30^th at 9 a.m. and ll a.m. Pacific Time – Gary will be speaking at Meadows Fellowship, our home church here in Las Vegas.  You can find the video link at MeadowsLV.com Gary Richards. 

You can also watch my recent devotional teaching on YouTube ‘God’s Got This'. 

Our prayer is that your soul experiences contentment in whatever circumstance you find yourself. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

 Learning to be content as the Journey Continues - Pat

Escaping to Montana!

YEAH!  It's time for Pat and I to escape home seclusion, a deserted Las Vegas and head back home to Montana!

This will be our first opportunity to visit and share with our Montana family, friends and host churches about our four-month long incredible trip to Southeast Asia.

We will be flying into Missoula on Friday, June 26 and will return to Vegas on Friday, July 17.

There are a few weekday spots open for ministry.  If you would like us to come and share with your small group or church about what the Lord is doing in Southeast Asia, through "Greater Works Unlimited", please email us at gary@gwunlimited.com.  I can promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Here is our schedule so far:

• Sunday, June 28 - 10:00 am at "CrossPoint Church, Corvallis, MT
      with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell.
• Sunday, July 5 - 10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministry", Hamilton, MT
      with Pastor Nancy Pendergast
• Sunday, July 12 - 10:30 am at "House of Praise", Victor, MT
      with Pastors Jim and  Lorraine Andrusky
• Thursday, July 16 - 10:00 am at "Women of Worship", Missoula, MT
      with Pastor Lorraine Andrusky.

(If you would like details on any of these meetings - just reply to this e-mail and let us know what you need)

Pat and I want to thank each of you for partnering with us through your prayers and financial gifts. We want you to know that each and everyone of you is very important to us.  Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are for you!

We are all coming out of a difficult time, but our Jesus is still in control and He is still the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).   Pat and I have been praying for you and we believe we are all going to be better and stronger then before.  Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP) says, "For I know the thoughts I have for, says the Lord, 'plan for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Blessings on your journey with Him - Gary

I left my heart ... Montana Reflections

As Tony Bennett’s classic song intones, a piece of our heart, our essence, remains behind in the places where we feel at home and secure.  (I Left My Heart ... by Tony Bennett)

Each return to Montana's Bitterrroot Valley increases my sense of home and belonging.  There is a comfortable sense of knowing this place, and yet not knowing what new wonders await discovery.  Changeless - yet always changing.   Revealed - yet never fully known. 

We were so encouraged during our recent visit.  We were able to reconnect with family, friends, and the beauty that is Montana.   The weather was perfect, the air was clear (no forest fires), we were well-fed, and well-loved.  We so appreciate the Pastors and churches that invited us to share the Word of God and what He is doing as we travel around the world. Thank you to each of you!

It was especially important that Gary and I have this time of refreshing and rest before we embark on our next great adventure!!!  

On August 27, 2019 we will be packed up and journeying to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and India for a four month mission trip. Our life-long dream has been to pursue the direction and calling of God for our lives and serve Him on the mission field.  We've been able to do that on a limited basis.  At the end of June, I retired from my job, so now we are full-time for Jesus.  This frees up our schedule to travel more, and for longer periods of time.

It's exciting! It challenges our faith and definitely disrupts the status quo.  Is it uncomfortable at times? Absolutely!  We wouldn't have it any other way.

Your love, prayers and support is what makes this journey possible - we hope you will continue to pursue your Journey with God.

Blessings -  Pat

Early Morning Reflections 

The Beauty of Montana

Thambalagamuwa: Day 2 of 2

Today we returned to the general area of Thambalagamuwa, but another 15 or 10 minutes further up the road, at the home of one of the members of the church.
As always, people were already waiting well ahead of the clinic start time. As the day continued, people kept arriving via foot, motorcycle, tuk tuk, and motor scooter, and waited patiently in the shade of the trees and patio in our host's yard.

Totals exceeded what was expected to be a short day. In 4 hours & 50 minutes active working time, we gave:
 148 total eye exams &
 128 pairs of eye glasses.

That's 148 distinct individuals who thought it worth their time to wait, sometimes hours, for a basic eye exam, in hopes of receiving help for vision impairment. And that's 148 people of differing religions and backgrounds who received time and personal attention and care from our team - including our host family, two local pastors, and one pastor's wife - who all agreed it is a privilege to be a tangible & useful expression of how Jesus loves.

Please be encouraged right where you are: You don't have to travel away from home to be used by God to show His love.  It doesn't have to be the biggest or the most lavish anything - you just have to look, and God will help you see a genuine need you have the ability to fill.


In case you wondered at the difference between the numbers of eye exams and distributed glasses, there are varied reasons some people do not receive eyeglasses at these clinics.
The best scenario is when they have perfect vision. Other reasons are typically for situations we cannot cover: different prescriptions in each eye, cataracts, glaucoma, injury to the eye, or extreme prescriptions strengths.

This gentleman informed us that he is a tailor and the reading glasses he received today will be very helpful in his daily work.



















After we'd finished the last exam and packed up our gear, our gracious hosts served tea in a traditional village manner, with chunks of hakuru or jaggery, a raw sweetener made from reduced kithul palm tree sap - you take a small bite of the hakuru then a sip of tea - yum!



On our return journey, we again debarked to portage at a very deep and rough section of the road. The little van has been impressive on its inaugural road trip with 5 adults and eye clinic luggage, but this would have been asking too much.





 
Once back in Trincomalee, we refueled with dinner at Trinco Lanka Seafood Restaurant, owned by friends of the local pastor - amazing fresh seafood! In a show of sisterly love, I gladly gave up my shrimp heads for Gary to enjoy.

Tomorrow we return to the same home for morning church service, and then continue our 6-ish hour drive back to Moratuwa.

This is a perfect illustration of the contrast in both geography and population between my home state of Montana and the nation of Sri Lanka. On developed roads in Sri Lanka (population: just under 21 million), with villages and towns peppered along many segments, the 6-ish hours covers about 270 km, or 168 miles. 
In Montana (population: just over 1 million, in a land mass almost 6 times that of Sri Lanka) the drive of 165 miles from Kalispell to Drummond will take just under 3 hours, through mountain & lakeside communities. You may see a few cows, deer, elk, bear - but not an abundance of three-wheel tuk-tuks. (Note: Click the text links for more information.)

 

And then Monday we rest up and prep for the week ahead - me to travel homeward, and Pat & Gary and the local team to prep for services in Moratuwa and eye clinics in Buttala. We appreciate all your support for this journey and your continued prayers.

-Cyndy 

COMING TO MONTANA!

Hi Everyone,

It's that time of year, that Pat and I look forward to every summer.  Heading back (home) to Montana for a time of ministry and visiting family.  

This year we are coming a month earlier than usual.  This coming October, I have a trip to India with the possibility of a trip to Dubai.  I am still working on the dates and will let you know when the schedule is finalized.

We will be arriving in Missoula, Friday, July 15 and returning to Las Vegas on Monday, August 1.

Here is our schedule:

• Sunday, July 17 - 10:30 am at "House of Praise", Victor, MT with Pastors Jim and Lorraine Andrusky
• Tuesday, July 19 - 6:30 pm at "Christian Assembly Foursquare", Missoula, MT. Youth Group and weekly House Meeting. Joining together. 
• Thursday,  July 21 - 10:30 am. "Woman of Worship", Missoula, MT with Pastor Lorraine Andrusky
• Sunday, July 24 - 10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministry", Hamilton, MT  with Pastor Nancy Pendergast
• Wednesday, July 27 - 6:30 pm at "Christian Assembly Foursquare", Missoula, MT with Pastors Mike and Marlene McGovern|
• Sunday, July 31 - 10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministries", Hamilton, MT with Pastor Nancy Pendergast

As we walk out the purpose and destiny the Lord has given to us, we want to thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and financial gifts.  Words can never express how grateful we are and how important each one of you are to us.

Our prayer for each and everyone one of you, is that you will continually grow in the love of the Lord and always be filled with the fullness of His Presence!

Pat and I will soon have some very big and exciting news to share with you.  As I write this blog details are being worked out and when everything is finalized we will be letting you know!

Blessings - Gary

Homeward: Safely Arrived In Missoula, Montana

Finally arrived home just after 9 PM Tuesday evening, with no further travel excitement - yay! Got a decent most-of-a-night's sleep (thanks for the extra melatonin, sis!) and enjoyed a quiet day at home to re-acclimate, unpack, and square away a couple small loads of laundry. Everything feels slightly odd - the experience of being busily away in a whole other culture and suddenly being back seems a little unreal - perhaps akin to Dorothy artiving back in Kansas. Plus, the comparative quiet and the colder weather are a distinct contrast. I will actually have to wear socks and closed shoes tomorrow - the horror!

But physically I feel well, aside from an unexpected floaty, dizzy sensation throughout the day. I barely managed to resist the pull of an afternoon nap, so I should sleep easy tonight and be ready for work in the morning.

But now, it's time for another spot of tea, personally imported from the historic  Mackwoods Estate.

The Lemon Puffs are irresistible enough to be one of the few items I brought home for myself - er, I mean, to share with Tom. They're two exquisitely flaky butter crackers, slightly salted, and married with a light, not-too-sweet lemon icing. Yum!

On that lovely note I'll sign off. Cheerio! - Cyndy