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Greetings from Springfield!

Let me introduce you to Ashley Cress. Ashley will be the person taking Jacque Burkholder’s place in the finance office as the new Administrative Assistant. Ashley and her husband, Ian, have been married for three years and have two wonderful foster daughters as well as two dogs. She met Ian at High Street Baptist Church. They currently attend church at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield where Ashley enjoys singing in the choir. She attended college at College of the Ozarks near Branson, MO.

Ashley has already been in training for a few weeks and will continue the training process until Jacque’s retirement date of August 17. Jacque will continue to be around the Mission Office on a part-time basis; she will be helping with contributions and other areas but in a limited capacity.

We had a wonderful time with our new missionaries during our annual Candidate School. Even though this was one of the smallest groups of candidates, the spirit and excitement for missions was evident. We have some amazing new couples and singles joining us in the task of reaching the world. Pray for safety and God’s provision as they are on the deputation trail.

As I sat and observed these men and women in classes and spent time training them, my mind often wandered to their testimonies and how God lays the burden of missions on people’s hearts as He calls them. I thought about the number of new missionaries through the years who have shared with me that their answer to the call came after hearing a missionary speak, entertaining them in their home or meeting them on a mission trip.

It just reminds me of the important role missionaries play in recruiting other missionaries. As you travel on furlough, you have the unique opportunity to share the Lord’s work in such a way that will encourage others to follow your example and give their lives to full-time service. Now, I know the Holy Spirit does the calling, but you can still have a part as you share about your country, your ministry, and your burden. The Holy Spirit can use these to prompt someone to answer His call to missions. I want to encourage you to be intentional about asking and allowing God to use you in challenging others to serve on the mission field.

Well, I hope this month is a tremendous, fruitful one for each of you. Remember to pray for one another. Many of your fellow servants are facing a lot of crazy things going on around the world. Isn’t it wonderful to know other people are going to God in prayer on your behalf? That is definitely encouraging!

Your friend,

Jon Konnerup

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