Written by Debbie Mulneix
One of the things I missed while in Asia was Autumn. I grew up in West Virginia and the state has some truly phenomenal fall seasons. I even love the bareness of the trees as winter begins because I understand the process is necessary for the new, vibrant season of spring. It was difficult to describe to people in the areas where trees only lose their leaves as new foliage is coming on.
I have come to the decision that my season has been, and still is, changing.
I will be retiring from International Ministries (IM) on October 31, 2019. I felt I needed to change my focus two years ago when I returned from the Philippines. I was excited to explore the new responsibilities of working with IM while living among my family in West Virginia and visiting several times a year with our partners in Asia. But now I realize my season as a missionary overseas is coming to an end. In other words, just like the trees, I need to make a break and strengthen my work with ministry here in the United States.
I have some deputation commitments before the end of October, but my focus will soon be on my home church, Philippi Baptist Church (Union), and specific local and international ministries that I support as an individual.
I have been blessed with an amazing Missions Partnership Team, including Rev. Dick Hepler, Rev. Dana Gatewood, Mrs. Sandy Phares, Mrs. Jeanie Phillips, Rev. Jim Stinespring and as volunteer assistant, Mrs. Susan Stinespring. I have had small churches faithfully support me with $25 per month and large ones with several hundred per month. There have been several churches that have spent time stuffing envelopes and hundreds of people that prayed for me, and I have been blessed. I chose this time to retire so these churches and individuals might seamlessly make support changes in their upcoming budgets. (However, I will still need support for September and October 2019, please.)
It has been a privilege and honor to work with our local Baptist churches, our international partners and with you for the last 20 years. Your faithfulness has been never-ending and your prayers continual. You have shown me mercy, understanding and forgiveness for my many shortcomings and faults. You have been examples of the “Hands and Heart” of Christ in so many ways, and I will always be grateful for you.
Philippians 1:3-6 says, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Blessings to you as you continue your support of the ministry of our Lord, both in our country and abroad.
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