The imperfect team functions perfectly with God's help. We honor you.

When we traveled to Costa Rica this year, we purchased travel medical insurance.  It was about four hundred bucks and covered everything imaginable with a few stipulations...up to two million bucks.  In Costa Rica, the national health care system attempts to take care of all Costa Rican citizens with somewhat mixed results.  The privileged class can afford the private health care that is now available in Costa Rica, while those less fortunate use the national system.  

A friend recently had a surgery but pain medicine was not included in the discharge.  We received a call and were able to purchase some mild pain medicine from a pharmacy near our home and deliver them to the homebound patient that evening (almost any drug in Costa Rica is available over the counter, barring opiates and antibiotics).  With some of the pain relieved, recovery was enhanced, and today our friend was looking and feeling much better.

Before you think I'm a self-righteous blowhard, I want to let you know why I told you this.

We went to a sick person's home the last two days and delivered medicine and prayers.  This is how Jesus instructed us to serve in His kingdom.  

We were able to do this because of the perfect, beautiful, and lovely functioning of the body of Christ.  Let me explain.

Several dozen of you provided financial support for our mission activities this year, including visiting the sick and feeding the hungry.

Many of you graciously pray when asked, and several of you committed to pray everyday during our 37 days here.

Two extremely gracious families have agreed to care for our gregarious Shih-Tzu Katy while we are here.

One family is watching our home to ensure safety is maintained.

One family gave us a very early ride to the airport in Houston, and then made special arrangements to store our vehicle for our entire mission trip.

A group of teenage Christ-followers enthusiastically agreed to mow and trim our yard twice while we're gone.  Yes, my Minnesota and Illinois friends, in Lake Jackson we mow in the winter. :)

The Lord provided employment for me when my family returns from Costa Rica.

Our church in Lake Jackson, Hope Fellowship, commissioned us for ministry, laid hands on us in prayer, and continues to pray for us daily.

Our church in Minnesota supported us and prays for us regularly.

Our small groups are praying for us regularly.

Many people respond to our blog entries and Facebook posts with prayers and encouraging words.

Friends from several states where we've lived supported us financially, and pray for us regularly.

You see, Christ-followers, this is the body of Christ.  Everybody has equally important roles in the eyes of the Lord.  We are here, but we would NOT be here without you.  

Thank you.  Bill and Vickie, Bradley, Kristin, and Danielle