Happy Birthday

Our youngest son turned 18 years old on Thursday 27th.  

                            Happy Birthday, David.  We love you!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas from Jeff and Debra

Ministry update

We have been back in the United States for three months now. We are striving to serve the Lord in our home church in Springfield, Missouri. I am writing especially to thank all of you for your faithful prayers and support through the 16 years we ministered in the Czech Republic. We believe the Lord did use, and will continue to use the Words of the Lord we planted in their hearts of the Czech people. Several people have contacted us to declare how much our time in Czech meant to them personally. We know some were truly saved, others may still be on the way to repentance, but God will receive glory and praise through it all. The Word of God was faithfully preached and we have His promise that it will not return void.

After a great deal of time in prayer and meditation, we are convinced that the Lord would have us establish a base in Springfield as “Home Missionaries”. We will work alongside Pastor Norwood, to build the work here. The church has an aging congregation that gives sacrificially to support the numerous ministries sponsored by Grace Bible Baptist Church. In order for this to continue into the future, there is a need to evangelize, witness, and otherwise labor here. At the same time, I plan, Lord willing, to be available to fill-in for foreign missionaries needing to take a short term furlough. There is an opportunity to return to Czech for the summer months to labor in place of another man who needs to travel home. This will only be possible if we are able to maintain sufficient support. Even though I will be on staff here at Grace, there are not funds available to even assist with our needs. Therefore, we are asking you, those which know us well and have supported us for many years, to continue to do so, should the Lord allow.

If our supporting churches determine that this is not something they can support, I will need to find a secular job. Doing so will seriously limit my ability to minister as the Lord would have me to serve. It is still our greatest desire to see souls saved and to labor for the Lord. We love and appreciate all of you, regardless of how the Lord leads you in this matter.

Funds for Shipment

     We would like to thank each of our supporters who sent additional funds to help us pay to ship our belongings to the United States. I recently heard from the shipping company. The container should be arriving in Chicago soon, and then it will be transferred onto a truck to be delivered to us here in Springfield, Missouri.

Family update

We are pleased and excited to announce the engagement of our oldest son, James, to a very godly and sweet young lady that he met in college, Caitlyn Hosfeld. They met in January 2016 and have been friends ever since. James proposed to Caitlyn in August of this year. They plan to be married after they both graduate in May 2019. (They now have their wedding set for May 18th 2019).

James has also accepted a job offer from a company in Kansas City. He will begin work there after graduation as well. James spent the summer with them doing his internship in software production as part of his education requirements. While James is beginning his senior year in college, David is just entering his freshman year. We rejoice in what the Lord is doing in each of their lives.

Back in the United States

     We have been back in the States for several weeks now. We want to keep you all updated as to how we are doing. We are enjoying spending time with our children and grandchildren as well as getting reacquainted with our church family here in Springfield, Missouri. Along with some much needed time for rest, prayer and fasting, we have been serving our pastor and church. I have been teaching Sunday school, as well as working around the property to help complete some much needed maintenance tasks.

Brethren, we know that only eternity will reveal all that was accomplished during our ministry in the Czech Republic. There were souls saved, families were disciple, and the Gospel was preached to every creature the Lord brought across our path. We rejoice in all that He accomplished through us. Every Pastor understands the stress and burdens that have to be faced when setbacks arise in ministry. Often discouragement, self-deprecation, doubt, and even depression can set in. In spite of these things, I am certain that we have completed the work the Lord had for us to do in Brno. We are anticipating direction for continued service in the near future. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.