It is exciting to write this prayer letter as we have just completed five full months of deputation. We continue to stand in AWE at the goodness of our God! He is faithfully meeting each need and directing our paths.

We were able to visit with a dear nursing mentor and friend of Kari’s while heading north through Mississippi. We had the opportunity to get to know her husband during our overnight stay. The kids were tickled pink to each get to take a ride on Mr. Randy’s motorcycle. We then had the privilege of attending the wedding of two of Jim’s former students in Water Valley, MS. Last fall, Jim had received a “save-the-date” request from this couple. It was neat to see how the Lord arranged a meeting for us at the bride’s church where her dad happens to be the pastor. We were able to attend the wedding on Saturday, and Jim preached both services on Sunday.

In between meetings in Parsons, TN (where Jim was able to see two other former students) and Carthage, TN, we spent two days in Murfreesboro. It was exciting to be reunited with Jimmy and Katrina Goldberger. Jimmy and Jim were stationed together in Pensacola. Jimmy is the one who brought Jim to church for the first time as an adult, where Jim heard the Gospel and later was saved. What a great reminder of the difference that one person can make in the life of another. While there our family enjoyed visiting a civil war museum and battlefield, as well as a historic village from the 1700-1800’s.

We are currently in Kentucky (just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio) where we had our 32nd meeting. We again want to testify of God’s goodness. We wanted to take the family to the Creation Museum while in this area. Yesterday Kari felt led to pray that the Lord would put it on someone’s heart to help in this matter. Within a few hours, we received a message from a friend who had seen on Facebook where we were. She reminded us that they had moved to this area. She also said (completely unsolicited) that her husband works for the Creation Museum and could get us in for free! We were thankful for the opportunity to remind our children that God loves to hear and answer our prayers. He not only delights in meeting our needs but often our wants as well.

In one week, our family will be in Michigan. We are excited for several reasons. During our time there, we will get to return to Ann Arbor, where we spent our first four years as a married couple and where Matthew was born. We will also get to see Jim’s aunt and present our ministry in the church where Jim often visited as a child with his grandmother.

In our last letter, we mentioned about the property our co-laborers were looking at purchasing for the new church plant. The Lord did direct in the purchase of land for $80,000 which leaves money for construction. Bro. Mike has already enlisted an engineer to draw up plans for the building. Please continue to pray that the Lord will direct in each decision, and that this new church will grow as many are reached with the Good News of the Gospel. Also, a young couple from one of the Wilps’ supporting churches arrived in Paraguay last week for a year-long internship. Please pray for Casey and Hope Davis as they adjust to life in Paraguay. Also, please pray that the Lord would use this year to show them His will for their future.

The Lord continues to bless in regards to our support, and we are excited to report we have reached 55% of our needed amount to go to Paraguay. Would you please pray that the Lord would continue to direct us as we present the great need for more laborers in Paraguay.