News from the Nest

Dear Friends and Family,It’s hard to believe that it is already August! Where did the summer go?

Charlie and I are also going back to school. We have several new resources that we need to learn more about and “be schooled” in how best to use them. For me, it’s new software that will be helpful in printing and laying out the Missionary Resource Directory. I am going through the tutorials now and experimenting with the program. I would like to be proficient before the updated version needs to go to the printer.

Charlie is always learning new skills as ETS secures different items from auctions. His latest fascination is learning about solar panels. We acquired 15 solar panels as part of a lot of electronic equipment we purchased from a community college. Now he wants to see how they can be used to provide electricity for missionaries that are “off the grid”—-without electricity other than generator power. He also wants to learn how to effectively photograph, market, and sell the electronic equipment that was in the lot. This income will help ETS fund projects and pay expenses.

I was recently reminded that God cares about the details in our life. We live in the country and it’s not unusual to find “feral kittens” in our back yard. I love baby anythings especially homeless animals. We started feeding “Socks and Mittens” (yes, I name everything too) and playing with them everyday. They were very friendly and loving and we looked forward to seeing them sleeping under our shade tree and running to meet us when we came home. We were content to have “outdoor cats” (We already have two “indoor cats” and the thought did occur to me that I might soon be known as the “Crazy Cat Lady of New Hope”.

One afternoon we arrived home and no kittens came to greet us. We looked in their favorite places and could not find either one. We asked several neighbors if they had seen the kittens and found out that all of them had been feeding and playing with them but no one had seen them. One of my neighbors put up a notice in the post office asking for information concerning them.I “reminded” the Lord that He knows whenever a sparrow falls and surely He could watch over two little grey kittens. I also told Him I would really like to know if they were alright and not become some bigger animal’s lunch or been run over. Sure enough a week later my neighbor found out they had been adopted and were in good homes. It made me smile to know that God would let us in on the little details of two small cats."

We are looking forward to spending some time with Suzy, Tim and Oscar this month. Oscar has some new teeth and is starting to take a few steps. Suzy and Tim would like to do some sightseeing in our area and I know two willing babysitters that want some grandson time.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Each time your gift comes we realize that your prayers back it up. That is such an encouragement to us.

Blessings,

Charlie and Kathy Bennetch