The key word for our family is transition. Things began to destabilize in our region shortly after our arrival from stateside assignment. On December 10, a major battle erupted across the river in the Angolan town of Calai. Since then, Rundu and its environs, have become quite dangerous. For example, missiles launched by the UNITA movement missed our house by less than a mile during our absence in Bulgaria. This has prompted us to become cautious which brings us to a new home.
A New Home
Bob and Oakie Blevins have recently retired leaving the mission residence in Tsumeb open.This has allowed us to move quickly into a safe place. We feel this is important as Dennis adjusts (and as we adjust to Dennis.) The move was not an easy one, but despite the boxes (as of this writing) we are beginning to settle in.
A New Couple
Mark and Stacey Conard will join the Ngangela team sometime in August, depending on when their work permits are granted. They have had a heavy schedule recently.
First, Mark was ordained into the gospel ministry on April 19. He graduated on May 12 with his M.Div. from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Their appointment as missionaries took place on May 21. They began orientation on June 7 and arrive on the field (with their two little girls, Grace and Katie) sometime in mid-August — that is, if there are no hiccups along the way. Be in prayer about this situation.
Stacey (left) joined Carol and Mark outside the lean to building that houses the Baptist Church in the Angolan refugee camp at Osire.