Flying High

I (Steve) first met Rita Eltgroth at Bethany in the late 1970s. Deeply committed to missions, Rita went to Indonesia single, and served in some of the most difficult physical circumstances you could imagine.  The top picture is one of my first selfies taken in 2002 as Rita and I and a co-worker of Rita's prepared to land in the jungle. The landing spot didn't phase Rita but it was my first runway with water on both ends! Rita served faithfully for over 30 years in Indonesia in the area of literacy and medical training for people living in these primitive environments. Alberta and I provided pastoral care from our base in the Philippines.

Rita had always wanted to be married and trusted that desire into God's hands. Rita retired in 2017 and last year met John Carlson, also one of the 'Bethany family' who had been widowed a number of years ago. To make a long story short, Rita and John were re-introduced to one another and their relationship blossomed. Rita and John were married on June 26th and our itinerary allowed us to join them in celebration. Pray for Rita and John as they begin their married life. 

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for Alberta as she continues her preparation for her ministry trip to Thailand for the women's workshop.

2. Heather has moved out of her flat now and will be joining a friend in her flat in early August. Pray for a good fit for her with her friend Dannie and for something to open up in the future so she could have her own flat again. 

3. Pray for me as I continue to serve on our church's mission committee. Our leader had an accident and broke his hip so our meetings have been on hold and there are a number of issues we need to move forward on.

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta