Visiting the USA to attend a “ministry fair” at the missionary training centre also meant Jonathan and Rachel Willcock were able to visit family. The ministry fair was a very encouraging time, during which they heard about needs from all over the world. The need is huge and as Jesus Himself pointed out, there are never enough workers. As well as speaking and being involved it was encouraging for Jonathan and Rachel to be able to spend time with students who are determined to follow God wherever he leads them, and to chat with veteran missionaries who told them they would do it all again if they had another life to give. Serving these people is a real privilege.
Jonathan also had a trip to Latin American for a Leadership Forum, an event that used to happen every four years, but now some virtual meetings have also been introduced. It was an opportunity to have mission leaders from all over the Americas and the Caribbean meet in person and think through several topics that connect them all. They were working in three languages: Spanish, Portuguese and English, which occasionally presented a challenge, but people were so gracious and willing to adapt, and in the end there was a resounding sense of unity and a commitment to working together to see the Gospel go to those who have yet to hear it, both in Latin America and around the world.
Jonathan recently had surgery, it was not life-threatening but resulted in a no-fly period of at least two weeks. He is now at home recuperating and enjoying having Rachel take care of him. It has meant that Jonathan was not able to make planned trips to Peru or Spain, but they are hoping to be able to go to West Africa mid-November. Please be praying for a smooth and effective recovery.
Once they return from West Africa they will stay in England for the rest of the year. After time with family and Christmas festivities, they will head to the Philippines for about three weeks to visit the missionary training centres there. Those three weeks will be very busy so they would appreciate prayer for stamina, good health and good rest. Also, that they would be an encouragement and help to the staff and students in the different programmes.
Thank you for your prayers. Taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth is a team effort.