April began with a calm morning on Easter Sunday at our home church followed by a whirlwind of meetings in IN, MO, FL, MI, OH, and WI. We’ve been able to teach children’s churches and sing specials, which aren’t areas we are normally asked to serve in! Halfway through the month, we had the opportunity to take a weekend and officially present our ministry at Treasure Coast Baptist Church in Florida. Nine months before we started deputation, I received a call from Pastor Rick Palma about his church taking us on for support, making them the first church to back us financially after our home church!
God providentially orchestrated a conference to close out the month. In mid-April, I received a call canceling a conference later in the month due to COVID. That same week I met a guest pastor at a church who invited us to come to his conference the very days of our canceled meeting! God has provided a miraculously convenient schedule for us the past eight months; you can see his hand in every aspect.
Another blessing this month was an opportunity to spend several hours with Bro. Mark Bosje, missions director for FBMI. Bro. Bosje and his family spent twelve years in New Zealand and have a wealth of information we have been able to glean in our conversations with him.
Lastly, we had a unique quantity of door to door soul-winning opportunities this month, which always provides for some unique (and memorable) experiences! We were able to witness to half a dozen people and hopefully will hear of some good results with follow-up in the future regarding their church attendance.
We are currently at 42% of our support and praying God would bring us past 50% by the time our baby comes (or is scheduled to come) July 9. This would keep us on track for our original projection of full support in Spring 2022. Thank you to all of those who have made deputation a joy and an efficient process.
God Bless,
Josh & Alyse Szwarga