Our most exciting trip of the
year was probably to northern Germany, where we joined about 700
medical students and graduate physicians who had gathered from
all across Europe and even the Central Asian “stan”
republics to celebrate their Christian faith. Many were new believers,
having emerged from a lifetime of atheism. Others had been living
a hidden faith and many had never been out of their own country
before. A lot of celebrating and praising in many languages. It
was a privilege to be invited guests of the International Christian
Medical and Dental Association. That was safari salama,
indeed.
In spite of hurricane flooding, bare escape from bears, the stress
of job change, relocating across the continent, mission trips
as far as Mongolia, and other challenges, our children and grandchildren
have all come through wiser but unscathed. God is smiling on each
of three households and we long to know more of the fourth.
It is a privilege to be long-term mission volunteers (we used
to be called “Volunteers in Mission”) under the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). We thank God for health and roads of opportunity
to live out the Christian calling. We are anxious to hear what
roads you have traveled this past year and pray that you are once
more taking the journey to Bethlehem with all who come to adore
Him.
Lots of love,
Mia and Stan Topple
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
55 |
