Excerpt from Christi’s journal:
Back in Iquitos we enjoyed a fantastic conference with about 60 churches represented. We were so busy we were never able to visit any of the local shops. Ron and Chris Ranalli did a fabulous job teaching “Leadership and the Big Picture”. Lunch was provided through funds we had raised in the U.S. On Saturday I was the speaker for the Ladies Meeting, with about 80 present. I spoke on “The difference between ‘Influence and Manipulation“.
Excerpt from Christi’s journal:
Our trip to Peru was full of excitement, adventure, unusual experiences, encounters with God and fellowship that was precious. Our hosts were John and Cindy Mortimer. Joining with us, as a part of our team, was our friend, missionary to Ecuador, Chris Ranalli, and his son, Tony. Chris and Tony were right at home speaking in Spanish, but John graciously interpreted for Ron in all the meetings.
Our first ministry trip into Egypt was amazing. We were able to visit three major cities: Alexandria, Cairo and Luxor (Luxor was the site of ancient Thebes). We enjoyed ministering four times for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, and also working in a medical clinic in the heart of Cairo, in view of the pyramids at Giza! This was an incredible opportunity to interact with the Egyptian people. We found them to be kind and generous, and many have become our friends. It was great to be able to work in some practical ways in the clinic. This site is built, literally, in the garbage-dump area, because the people’s lively-hood comes from separating the garbage by hand. They had pigs living in between the apartment buildings, doing their part of consuming all the food from the garbage. No it is not an ideal lifestyle, but that is where they are and we were so pleased to have the opportunity to join with our friends in ministering to them in their need.
2007 was a remarkable year for Christi & I. We stepped into the role of temporary pastors over Commonwealth Church at St. Mark’s in the heart of downtown London at the end of 2006 and to say we really enjoyed it would be an understatement. After more than a decade it was wonderful to be able to call London home again. A major metropolitan city, London is a global hub and truly a mission field. The congregation of Commonwealth Church is made up of over 25 nationalities, but they embraced us as family and we know that God sent us here. At the end of our time there Rod & Julie Anderson became the full time pastors and we look forward to working with them more in the future!
Yesterday we went Christmas caroling with our church folks after the Sunday morning service. It was really a wonderful experience. We went to about six different blocks of flats and sang in the courtyard of each and then different ones of us took turns delivering Christmas boxes filled with goodies to some of the more needy residents.