Before formally retiring from our pastoral and counseling work and imagining ourselves in the mission field, we must confess that we thought it would be a much less stressful retirement job. We were certainly mistaken about that!

Since launching as field directors with AFM, people have asked, “Just what do you do over there?”

We respond, “Lots of things, but probably not what you might think.”

The most important aspect of each day is prayer, beginning during our devotionals and reflecting on the many items daily added to our prayer lists. Continuing throughout our day, we pray for and with the many people God brings into our lives, whether in person, over the phone or via Zoom.

While no two days or weeks are alike, the following is what life has been like the last few weeks, living beside and working with our team in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Working with the team scrubbing, painting, watering plants out in the blazing sun, and cooking food for the new urban center of influence (Peace Music Academy and Ministry Center) that opened on March 27.

Traveling to our Thai Kadai project and spending an intense week filled with multiple meetings and a visit to the school. This was our first time meeting with all the staff in person, including their mission president, his family and the volunteer teachers.

Because of our 11-hour time difference with Berrien Springs, spending multiple late nights attending meetings and having conversations with the AFM administration.

Meeting new missionaries at the airport and supporting them through their son’s surgery. Plus, providing transportation, helping them choose a vehicle, finding them a home to live in, and furnishing it.

Visiting and counseling team members who need support in various ways, including many hours with an AFM worker from another country.

Weekly (sometimes more frequently) having phone conversations with each project family to discuss their personal and ministry challenges and pray with them.

Managing responsibilities at our home church in Khon Kaen, where Bruce is an elder. Because he is also a retired pastor, he is called on to perform baby dedications, marriages, baptisms, prayers for the sick and counseling for local church members. We both serve on the church board.

Keeping in contact with our non-Christian friends that the Lord has brought into our lives here in Thailand—both native Thai and those from other countries working here.

And trying to sleep at the right hours of the day.

Since returning to Thailand in mid-March, we have had only two weeks when we were home by ourselves. We are with others every day until July 11, and we are not complaining in the least. We love that we can serve God in this way in our retirement years and love the wonderful ways in which the Lord is working in our hearts and minds to round out the persons that He uses in a cross-culture ministry.

There is much work to do, and time is of the essence! Life, as we have known it in our world, is fast changing. God only is our security.

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