June 2020
Entering full-time ministry. Moving. Settling in.
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May 29: Melissa’s last day of work
June 5: Close on our house
June 6: Leave AK & enter Canada
June 9: Re-enter the US
June 10: Reunited with our kids!
We are settled temporarily in Oregon, enjoying a quieter pace of life on Melissa’s parents’ ranch. But prefield ministry is still busy... just in a different way. We are working on an Islamic studies course, raising the last 9% of our monthly support, and staying connected with existing partners while prayerfully looking for new ones.
And yet, France is not issuing visas yet and we haven’t received the girls’ passport renewals that we mailed in April. Because of that, we aren’t sure if we’ll be able to start our formal language studies this fall.
But during a quick trip to the Oregon coast, the words in Psalm 32:6 took on a new life.
“Therefore let all the faithful pray to You while You may be found. Surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.”
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Today, our rising waters look like uncertainty about language school; big and necessary purchases (like new tires after a long drive through Canada); and learning to lean into challenges.
So as Psalm 32:6 says, we’re praying through things. We’re reminding ourselves of who God is and what He has promised. We’re learning and repenting and depending on His wisdom, timing, and strength.
As God reminds you, please pray with us about these things:
- Success, perseverance, and wisdom in the tasks before us
- God’s timing in language school
- Safety for travel to PA, July 23-26
- Full funding by July 31
We are we thankful for you, praying for you, and striving alongside you for the Kingdom.
Love,
Allen and Melissa Batts
(plus Ruth, Clara, and Hudson)
PS - Watch a video version of this update HERE!
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In June, we...
- Drove through Canada and saw lots of beautiful views from our Jeep’s windshield.
- Watched and befriended a lot of cows.
- Pet and ride lots of horses.
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Coming Up
We are taking a short family trip to Eugene, OR July 10-12 to visit a friend. Then, Allen and Melissa are flying to Harrisburg, PA July 23-26 for security training. If language school can begin in September, our family will travel to Alabama in August before flying to France!
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Support Status
God has provided 91% of our monthly support! We are praying for a couple more churches and family units to join our team; $70/month is about 1% of our monthly support. Now that we are in full-time ministry, we are drawing from the financial support that is given monthly. Thank you to our generous partners!
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Togo Central Team
COVID-19 has greatly impacted ministry as normal in the Kara region. Some teammates completed language school but are unable to fly into Togo. Some are in the States for now. And some are trying to minister within the boundaries established in-country. We have team video calls to stay apprised of the changing situations in Togo.
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