It’s been quiet here on our blog. Maybe you’re wondering why. I’ll try to explain as briefly as I can, because the reasons for my absence here at the Gazette are still in effect.
Our “furlough” was wonderful. We got to touch base with lots of our supporters, especially the supporting churches. A little over a week after we returned to Roatán the Silseths left for their furlough. Our great friends, Ken and Karen Anderson had been at the station for most of the time we were away helping Peter and Sandi keep HRGS on the air. They have continued on and are still at the station for about two more weeks.
Good thing!! God sure had things planned out. Ben and Pat Burkey, who served at HRGS many years ago had been planning to come help cover for Peter and Sandi after Ken and Karen returned to Tampa. Since the Andersons and Burkeys are long time friends who used to be at Radio HRGS at the same time, they chose to overlap their time in Roatán. As I said, good thing!
The Sipes Family
Mildred and I got word last week that her father probably only had a few days left to live. He’s a wonderful Christian man and is one of my heroes. But his kidneys are no longer doing their job. The Bible Basics leadership told us to not worry about the radio station. Much as we hated to “dump on” our courageous and hard working volunteers, we needed to get to Ohio. So that’s where we are now.
We only had a couple days to get things automated as much as possible to make life easier for those we were leaving behind. Mildred also had lots of financial work to do to get ready. The whole time since we got back to Roatán seems like a blur because we had so much to do in such a short time. We left Saturday on the very plane that brought the Burkeys to Roatán. We didn’t even get to see them because we had to go through security before they got out of customs and baggage claim.
We really don’t know how much longer Mildred’s dad will last. He says he is ready to go home, so we wait for God’s timing. It is always perfect and we just need to trust that He will work out everything for His glory. Since we got home from church today, it’s been a nearly steady stream of visitors. And I guess there have been lots of people over the past few days coming to see Ivan. So who knows when I’ll get to devote more time to blogging, email, etc.?
Our thoughts & prayers are with Mildred’s dad & with Mildred & the rest of her family. And with you, Jerry, as you offer support to those around you.
Thanks, Karen. We have really sensed the prayers of our friends around the world these days.