Crusin' on the Tasman Sea

Greetings from Sydney, Australia International Airport. Ten years ago our family was gifted a beautiful cruise to Alaska. On this, the tenth anniversary of that vacation, Alberta and I were invited on a two-week cruise from Australia to New Zealand. What a blast to travel with good friends Jim and Jane Goode, visiting the beautiful lands 'down under'. Yes, we did even make it to Hobbiton in on the North Island and were treated to a complimentary refreshment at The Green Dragon Inn. 

We capped off our trip with a 3 day stay with our former co-workers, Vince and Chrissy Simmonds. We had a visit to these great friends on our bucket list, though they said our stay was not long enough to check this item off our list!

We were privileged to participate in a special welcome service at a Maori Community Center where the Simmonds are involved in leadership. God has burdened Vince and Chrissy with presenting the Gospel through the ministry of reconciliation between the Maori people and God and the Maori and his fellow man. In the picture shown here, Alberta and Chrissy demonstrate the "hongi" - a Maori greeting freighted with meaning. 
                                               

As foreheads and noses touch, two lives temporarily share one breath. It is such a beautiful picture of unity and intimacy. We rejoice as we leave the south latitudes knowing that God is wonderfully at work, reconciling cultures and people for His glory.  

Prayer Requests: 

1. Pray for for Vince and Chrissy as they seek to bring the Gospel into the brokenness of man and culture.  

2. Pray for our special Filipina friend, Merly, as she weds Danny Lovestrand on March 26. We and the girls have known Merly for 20 + years and are looking forward to celebrating their wedding with them. 

3. Pray for Alberta as she continues to navigate her online studies with our busy travel schedule. 

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta