September 2005

Dear Friends,

Ever wonder what it takes to get ready to move to a developing country?

Well, we’ve never done this before, so we’re learning. But God has been good. Here’s our recipe so far:

Sort out your belongings

What to carry? What to send? What to donate? What to keep here in the States. Despite having had little storage space at Langhorne, we admit to accumulating beaucoup. You should have seen our daughter’s face when the trucks unloaded: “Why didn’t you get rid of more?” Thanks to wonderful helpers from the church, it all got done. I can’t say enough about our packing and moving friends.

Say goodbye, over and over

(Remember: Goodbye means “God be with ye.”) We did almost two months of intentional closure: visits, meals, meetings. I especially enjoyed evenings at the Phillies with our son. “Since Bethany gets a house, I ought to at least get a few ball games!”

The climax arrived on September 11 with a service of celebration and commissioning. We were honored by the presence of our congressman, assemblyman, presbytery exec, fellow clergy, members, and neighbors. I can’t imagine missionaries going forth with more love and support than Sue and I felt that day.

Be patient and flexible

Expect the unexpected. Look for God in the details. Things never happen the way you plan.

What else have we been up to, lest the above seem a bit boring? During August we went to the headquarters in Louisville for training as Regional Liaisons. The concept behind this fairly new position is to travel (and travel) and build relationships. We strengthen the capacity of our African partners and strengthen Americans through involvement. I like to think of this as constructing bridges over which the gospel may travel both ways.

Also during August, Sue attended the meeting of the PC(USA) Malawi Mission Network. More recently we traveled to North Carolina to visit with the Snyders and absorb all that we can. We left there feeling connected and equipped—and deeply appreciative of their legacy. The Snyders, and before them the Warlicks, have given us enormous encouragement—and enormous shoes to fill.

Speaking of encouragement, we spent a day in Tennessee at the home of the Outreach Foundation. Rob Weingartner and his staff reminded: “You (missionaries) are the reason we (TOF) exist.” Truthfully, we couldn’t succeed without them or you. We’re all members of one Body, and we play on the same team.

So as I write, we are waiting for the Zambian government to issue an official work permit. Once it gets approved we can book air travel, sell the car, ship the freight, and finally step aboard a plane. Before doing so, we will say goodbye again to parents, siblings, and children. When we have information about our Zambian email and telephone connection, we will post it to this site.

Meanwhile, how can you pray with and for us? Several intentions stand out:

• Thanks for the incredible love of church family—both “home” and “extended”—which we trust you share in also.
• Thanks for the equipment given by Langhorne. True confession: I am still trying to learn it!
• Thanks for the heroes at WMD (Worldwide Ministries Division) and TOF (The Outreach Foundation).
• Pray for traveling mercies—especially in surprises, that God would be honored and that Sue and I are patient.
• Pray for the staff and students of Justo Mwale Theological College, our resident community.
• Pray for the suffering children of Africa: hungry, and many orphaned or homeless because of HIV/AIDS.

We love to pray with you, and look forward to receiving your requests.

Yours faithfully in Jesus,

Ted Wright