Home Assignment 2026 - Stage 4

God’s family can be so amazing. Our time in Minnesota means meeting wonderful servants, sharing memories and getting to know new members of the congregation. 

Our arrival in Minnesota this time was even more surprising - the kind of surprising that only God does regularly. We were picked up at the airport by our friend Jimmy just as he was dropping off the couple with whom we would later be staying and who was loaning us their car for several days while they were away. We had met them originally in Europe when they came to sing. The songs they sang with Psalom, written by Constantin Zhigulin, have become standards in many congregations in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. I have translated some to Dutch. 

We picked the Cawyers up from the airport when they returned (in their own car that they had leant us) and our last few days were spent at their house. We last saw them in the Dallas area on one of our previous visits. Now they have moved to Minnesota and we were able to share even more time. 

It is these family times that are so important to our work wherever we are. Our first host was Jimmy, with whom we have stayed in the past. He connected us with everyone else in the congregation, made sure that things were arranged and made time in a busy schedule to eat dinner with us. He had a real home for us to stay for a few days. 

It was while we were at Jimmy’s house that we also did a few fun things together, bringing back memories of past visits. We went to the Mall of America - an absolutely huge mall with tons of stores and even an amusement park in the middle. We had always enjoyed going there in the past when the boys were young. Scott was also able to go disc golfing a few times at a local park which had a simple 9 hole layout. Simple because that is what is best for Scott when it comes to disc golf. 

Memories were also shared when we got to visit for a meal with the Davidson’s. Their boys have grown and this family continues to be a real influence on us and our work. They all take part in supporting the Bible camp (Flaming Pine) where both Shirley and Scott had memories. Scott even did some disc golf putting with the boys and Kent after dinner while Shirley caught up on news with Christy. 

On Sunday we were able to meet so many members of the congregation that we know (and test whether we still knew names) as well as meet new members. Scott taught the Bible class and presented the thought at the Lord’s Supper. Earlier in the week Scott had presented the Bible study with the young people and it was great to see them again on this Sunday morning. The potluck after services was a perfect opportunity to continue sharing.

This evening will be our last meal here in Minnesota for now and will be shared with more members of the congregation. The Edwards just married their daughter off this weekend (we had seen the soon-to-be-wed couple when Scott taught the young people’s study earlier in the week), but there is always a place at the table of the Edwards. This is a place of families - no matter what the family looks like. God has placed His children - all of us followers of Jesus Christ - into a family that is everywhere in the world. We are so thankful for this family and the opportunity to meet so many in such a short time. 

It is this family which has always made it possible for us to do our “driving loop” coming up tomorrow. We often borrow someone’s car and drive thousands of miles through several States so that we don’t have to fly. We will talk about that more in the next stage. 

Here are a few pictures of our time here. 

We have also added some late pictures to some of the other albums.

Make every effort

After a much longer flight than planned – but everything went well – we finally arrived on the first leg of our Home Assignment: Minnesota. The wonderful family at Woodbury made sure that we had a hotel to stay on that first night. That way we did not have to try to stay awake while we were only yearning for sleep, and no one had to wait up long to take care of us (we finally got in after midnight).

The next day we had time to figure out some necessary purchases (a phone for while in the US, maps for the gps, ibuprofen for possible headaches while traveling) before being welcomed at our first stay. For the 8 days we are in Minnesota, two families we know opened their homes for us: the Fraziers and the Davidsons. The Frazier’s daughter had studied in Maastricht and they stopped in to visit with us when picking her up. The Davidson’s have been our hosts almost every time we have stopped through, so we have watched their family gropw and change throughout the years. What a blessing to experience the welcome both families extend!

In between church family activities – Wednesday night cafe, men’s prayer breakfasts, ladies lunch with Shirley, life group dinners – we have been able to shoot some hoops, share good conversations, do a bit of shopping, or play with lego’s. Everyone asks if there is anything we would like to do, but are willing to leave time to just chill as well. We were treated to a special date night dinner theater show – Beauty and the Beast – wow! (amazing how long one can remember those songs). Above all, everyone is willing to share time and talk about themselves. It is so good to get to know people and see how we are family.

We have enjoyed getting to know the life groups and meeting new people – although we will more than likely forget many of the names. The faces, however, remain. I was reminded of this on Sunday morning after a wonderful time of worship when Butch (who had to remind me of his name) let me know that he remembers us specifically and regularly in his prayers. I let him know that I remember him and specifically that he had let me know this (about his prayers) the last time we had seen each other (in 2012) and that this has been one of the big encouragements in times of struggle. We know that he is praying!

We also worshipped with the Urban Ministry group in the evening - mostly a group of Hmong families – and spent time praying and studying with the men (at prayer breakfast) and ladies (at lunch). It is exciting to be part of so many people wanting to live their faith and encourage one another. We are reminded of how large and deep the family of Christ is. We are so thankful for every effort that has been made to make us feel at home, at ease and encouraged. What a blessing it is to be a member of the family of God!

You can see a few pictures already of our time in Minnesota – here. And I will be adding to the pictures as we continue this week here. Middle of the week we will be driving on to Muscatine, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. More to come next week. Thanks for stopping in!