Where in the world are the Witts right now?

The incredible view of the vast corn fields on the back porch where we are staying at.

We are currently staying at a beautiful place deep in Holland, Virginia where you have to take country roads to get to. The Carr family has graciously invited us to stay in their large fully furnished garage and the apartment above it which usually hosts Outdoorsmen (men's discipleship/fellowship ministry) once a month. We get to admire lots of taxidermy animals this family has hunted and our daughters are getting a desire to try out hunting themselves once that season opens.

It's been a blessing to see Jason's side of the family and go to different soccer and softball games of our nieces. We know we have missed out getting to cheer them on through out the years while we live in Kenya so we are doing our best to drive the distances and show our support when we can.

We are thankful for the churches who have welcomed us with open arms and friends who have received us to have a meal at their homes. We truly look it as a partnership with the Body of Christ as we go to share the gospel with Muslims in Northeast Kenya. We absolutely could not survive there without the support and prayers of churches and individuals. As we get time to connect with our friends and loved ones we are getting inspired by conversations and enjoy hearing about what God has been doing in their lives. 

One great privilege I have has been doing a Bible study with Allison Carr (the family we are currently staying with) while we are across the Ocean. We are going through a book called "Praying the names of God". Last week we were able to do the Bible study in person, face to face about God being the Prince of Peace. So special to grow in our walk with the Lord by reading scripture and applying it. This week is about Christ, Messiah meaning the "anointed one". This lesson talked about sharing in the suffering of Christ reading many different passages of this. 1 Peter 4:12-16 says,

 "Dear friends,  do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted  because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

The above message is contrary (opposite) from the prosperity gospel, that unfortunately is preached in a lot of churches- which can be understandable because of how attractive it is if you are living in poverty and battling sicknesses. As Jason and I serve as missionaries we want to make sure the message we teach others is always Biblical. Muslims should not convert to Christianity because their physical lives will be "better", because most likely it will remain exactly the same. Instead it's the acceptance of what Jesus did on the cross, making a way for us to stand before a Holy God as righteous (right standing). We can never be good enough or do enough good works to get into heaven. Thankfully Jesus' blood He shed for us, dying in our place is what gets us into heaven.Then He counquered death and defeated sin on our behalf through the ressurrection on the 3rd day! If anyone reading this has any questions about following Jesus please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are so happy to tell you about the hope we have for the future because of Christ, the Messiah.

In the meantime we are here in Virginia until July 10th and looking forward to seeing more of you in this area until then! Next, we make our way back to the Midwest where more adventures await. 

A glimpse of some of the taxidermy animals in the furnished garage we are staying in. 

Witt girls hanging out with cousins at a softball game of Kennedys (our niece).

At a soccer game on Virginia Beach that our niece, Reagan is playing a tournament. 

Sitting in lawn chairs with Jason's sister and Mom watching niece Machaiah play softball. 

Got to spend time with Vicki and Daniel Noggle and bedazzled jewelry boxes doing diamond art.

Stopped by Middlefield Baptist Church's VBS and see our friends Kelby and Allison Lilly who are now pastoring this church. They inspire us.

It was so encouraging to talk with Jon and Tammie Rismiller. We saw Jon in April when he was in Kenya. So great to see him there and now here in this side of the world. 

Walked down to see the Chowan River with Jon and Tammie. We had gotten to go swimming and tubing on this river with the Carr family a week prior.

Witt girls went tubing with Marlee.

Samara caught her first catfish ever while fishing with Tiffany and Stephen Butler.