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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

From a Very Quiet Place

Citylight Omaha, now live-streaming 

How things change in just a matter of a few short weeks. Even just a month ago we would have never imagined what our new norm is now. And the new name that we have given to this blog space (renamed as we approach our retirement very soon) is more appropriate than ever ... this has become a very quiet place.

How are we doing in these days where we are staying at home due to COVID-19?

On the Cru front ...

Our days continue to be very full, but this is not quite how we expected our last months as full-time staff with Cru would look! This unexpected turn of events means that we no longer can meet with students on campus, or even meet with them anywhere. It has been quite an adjustment to switch to online Zoom gatherings instead of face-to-face meetings.

It is especially difficult for us to keep in touch with many of our inner city students, who may not have adequate resources to connect online very well. It has been a joy to watch some of the students take leadership themselves, reaching out to encourage their fellow students in creative ways.


On the home front ...

Our six grown kids are watching over us closely during these days, and are pretty much keeping us on lock-down here in our home. Because of being in the most susceptible age category for this virus, they are wanting us to be extra careful. We feel so loved and cared for, and are grateful. They have even been bringing us our groceries and other needs! 

Our family text group is active all through the day, each day, as we hear directly from NYC (two sons), Wylie TX (a daughter), McCook and Plattsmouth NE (two more daughters), and from close by us in Allen Hills (another daughter). We are loving this constant daily, continual connection, and also receiving first-hand updates on affects of COVID-19 in these areas. We also love hearing from our oldest granddaughter Abigail & her husband Addison, as they moved to Japan on March 1st as long-term missionaries with World Venture.

Please pray especially for our two sons (Seth, Lance) living in the epicenter of the coronavirus in the US now, and also our daughter (Sara) serving on the 'front lines' as a social worker in a hospital in Omaha.

And in our hearts ...

We are encouraged, sustained, and at peace as we continually adjust and lay our expectations before our faithful, never-changing, loving God. Even though we miss our physical connections with those we love and serve, we never have to miss His close presence with us. We are so very blessed to know Him, and pray for many all over the world to be drawn to Him during these days of challenge. 

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock
where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in Him at all times.
Pour out your heart to Him,
for God is our refuge.
(Psalm 62:5-8 NLT)


How are you doing?

We trust that you are each doing well as you care for and love your families and friends during this time. We really would love to hear from you! Thanks for your friendship, your prayers, and for reading this ... and please share any prayer needs that you would like for us to pray for during these challenging times.

For more reading, you're invited (especially the gals), to read Cherry's posts this past month on her Pursuing Heart blog:

Two devotional posts:

Two recipe posts: