It was a very, very busy three and a half weeks!

Naomi and I (along with the kids) are finally settling back into routines after being away for 24 days. Originally, the trip was supposed to be three separate trips, but they all got thrown into one, monster journey. Three different purposes also meant a lot more luggage! Occasionally someone would call it vacation… that always made me laugh.
September 2-12:
We flew to New Brunswick, my old stomping grounds, for my sister’s wedding and to visit family, friends, supporters. I also spoke at three churches. This time was too short to do all we wanted and to visit everyone, but we were thankful for the chance to do what we could in a short period.

September 12-16:

I traveled to Ontario where I met up with some of our other staff to video tape a testimonial video. The video records the salvation story of Michael, who was introduced to his Saviour through a Bible study using The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus.

The video crew

During this time, Naomi and the kids stayed in New Brunswick, taking a bit more time to slow down and visit with family.

September 16-18:

Our family reunited at the Toronto airport and we had a fun weekend of visiting friends in Stouffville, Ontario and a Ratcliff family reunion. We also had a chance to attend a supporting church in the area.

September 18-26:

Off to Owen Sound, Ontario to help teach a worldview evangelism seminar at the Word of Life Bible Institute where Naomi and I used to work. It was a very busy week of teaching, but we also got to visit many friends in the area and give an update at the church we attended when we had lived there.

Some feedback from the students:

“[the evangelism seminar] has taught me some great techniques for sharing the Gospel, and has shown me the importance of laying a good foundation with the Old Testament so people understand why Christ had to die. The visual aids are also a great idea in terms of clarifying things, especially for visual learners.”

“The study helped me connect concepts with a better understanding than I had before. It also gave me a better foundation for my belief by helping me make those connections. I may not be very good at expressing my faith in words, but the study has helped me to give structure to how I share it.”

“This has been very beneficial to me! I have learned a lot that I didn’t know before. I think I could now help answer unbeievers questions about God, life and death, and life after death! With being a fairly new believer, I found this super informative!”

“It has shown me a really good way to share the Gospel with those who doubt the Christian faith.”

September 26: Home!

After all our travels, the kids (and us) were very happy to finally be home. Adelaine went straight to her room and grabbed up some stuffed animals on her bed and just kept saying “I love this place! I love this place!” Ellie said that even though she often wishes she could live in different places, it really was special to come home. Ethan went right for his trains.

Overall the kids did well on the trip, but they were very tired (and so were we!). A big thank you to those who hosted us and helped us along the way. Though it was hectic, it was a blessing to fellowship with other believers and visit friends and family.

Life doesn’t slow down now that we are back. Ellie and Adelaine are now getting going in school, and I have a ton of video to capture and edit!