Missions Conference Season

What a great couple of weeks we've had on deputation. Last time we talked we were in the middle of a small break in our schedule. We have definitely passed that phase of the Fall. We have been blessed, however, with several meetings pretty close to home. The past three weeks have been filled with three meetings within an hour of Rockford. We had a great time with an old college friend's dad in Beloit, and enjoyed a couple nights of a great missions conference in Creston. Both meetings were blessed of God and offered many opportunities to encourage God's people in the area of evangelism, and more specifically, Jewish evangelism. Last week we were invited by IBJM to attend a church planting conference in Springfield, MO. Leah and I did not know what to expect since we had not set up the meeting and really weren't sure what we were in for. The conference ended up being a picture of biblical generosity to those doing the vital work of planting churches right here in America. Over $45,000 was given to these different men of God over the three day conference. What an amazing opportunity to watch, and even get involved a little. At first I was hesitant to give since we are the "poor missionaries." As I watched the generosity of those around me, Leah mentioned to me that we literally survive on the generosity of God's people. Leave it to my wife to have the right perspective. We were able to get involved and support a few of the church planters! What an amazing blessing to give back after we have been blessed so much! The conference was also a blessing for some reasons we were not expecting. While at the conference we stayed with some church members, who our mission board described to us as "retired IBJM missionaries." When we finally met them, we found out there was much more to that story. Richard and Melinda Krecl are some of the most amazing examples of God's grace we have ever seen. The Krecls met in Bible college while they were both in their 40's. They fell in love and were soon married. Richard grew up in Brooklyn, so he obviously was aware of Jewish people. Melinda was exposed to Jewish evangelism because of a term paper she did about Dr. Gartenhaus in Bible college. After a few years of marriage, these newlyweds surrendered to the call of God on their lives to go to Israel! They put in over 3 years of deputation and were hit with the surprise of a lifetime. Richard, who was in his early 50's, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. They were at 87% of their support and making plans to leave in the next few months for Israel. They decided to stay in America and work through this situation. When we met the Krecls last week they were so excited to be able to help with the food cleanup at the conference we were attending. This couple is not content to sit and be bitter. They told us several times that they are looking for their niche as they endeavor to be servants of God in their new situation. What an example of God giving grace for any situation! We were also able to meet an old college friend of Leah's mom. Her house was destroyed in the Joplin tornado this summer while she and her husband were in it. We were blessed to be able to hear her story and how God absolutely spared their lives. Her perspective on life was amazing to see. The opportunities God has given us on deputation extend to so many areas of life. This was just another example of God allowing us to meet people that will help us to shape our worldview! Praise God for His love and His love for his people. Thanks again for your love and prayers. In case you missed it, or if you don't get our prayer letter, we announced this week that we are officially making plans to leave for Kharkov, Ukraine in July 2012. Pray for us as we start this process. If you would like to receive our prayer letter on a bi-monthly basis, please email me at joeyclapp@yahoo.com. Thanks again for your support.