End of Summer in America

August 25, 2025

Introduction

My wife, Beth, and I have enjoyed a wonderful five months back in America this summer. Now, we are both excited to return to the continent we love—Africa. Long ago, I lost track of how many times I’ve crossed that big ocean, but I know it must be well over 50.

Summer Highlights

Our summer was filled with biking, visits to churches, and sweet time with family. Most recently, we spent a week in northwest Iowa where we were honored to be featured missionaries at the Okoboji Bible Conference. This was our third year being invited, and this year they celebrated 91 years of faithful ministry to thousands of families who return year after year. Okoboji has certainly grown busier and more congested over the years, but it remains a beautiful place with friendly, welcoming people. I pray we will continue returning there many more times. While there, I even managed to bike around West Lake a couple of times! We also visited Dordt University, five of our supporting churches, and several individual mission partners who faithfully help keep us on the mission field.

Family Sailing in Greece

Just before our trip to NW Iowa, we enjoyed a family sailing trip in Greece. It was an amazing time with our son Dustin and his wife Alex, along with our daughter Kelsey and our granddaughter Juniper. I especially loved seeing the world through Juniper’s eyes—so much beauty, wonder, and joy in simple things.

Team & Ministry Life

When I’m back in Iowa, I try to be in the office most days—especially Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, when we begin the day with prayer, devotion, and Bible study.  Most days, I can ride my bike to the office. I have a 20-mile round trip route and a 40 mile route, depending on how much time and energy I have. That time together for our devotions has been one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our team.

Food Container Challenges

Many of you have been praying for us as we work to get our food containers through customs into Africa. This serious issue has now dragged on for more than three months, despite our constant efforts. I sense we may finally be nearing resolution, though I’ve felt that way before. We’ve had encouraging meetings with Convoy of Hope—our longest and strongest partner in feeding children—and MFTH is making positive changes in food labeling. We are considering switching to larger bulk bags and will soon test a container shipment to a couple of our friendlier hubs. 

Current Feeding Program

For now, we’ve had to cut back—feeding about 40,000 children, only two days each week. Thankfully, the 12,000 children at our Del Cramer hub still receive a hot meal five days a week, thanks to our farm that provides vegetables, eggs, and meat through our Hunt Against Hunger program. Just last week, a short-term mission team from Hilltop Church in Waukee, IA, blessed us tremendously. Their hunters harvested nine game animals, providing us with several thousand pounds of red meat—an excellent source of protein for our children.

Personal Update

On a personal note, I would appreciate your prayers this week. I have struggled with carpal tunnel symptoms for years, but recently the pain and numbness in my hand and wrist worsened to the point of disturbing my sleep. After consulting with surgical friends, I decided to move forward with surgery. The only available time is this coming Wednesday—just one day before our long flight back to Africa. I’m praying for a smooth recovery (and maybe some strong medicine for the flight!). I could have had it done in South Africa, but I trust this will be the right solution.

Looking Ahead

As we return, I am eager to see the completion of our new church building at Mater Dei, the construction of a garage at our new home, and progress on our many water and sanitation projects. For my 80th birthday, we drilled our 80th well—and we hope to reach 100 wells very soon! We are so grateful to our friends at Hy-Vee and so many others who help us provide clean, safe water to thousands of children.

Child Sponsorship Program

Finally, I’m excited about our new child sponsorship program. It is up and running, though still being refined. Soon, you’ll be able to sponsor a child and communicate directly with them through your computer or smartphone—a far more interactive way to build relationships with these beautiful children.

Closing

Thank you for your prayers, love, and support. We head back to Africa with hearts full of gratitude, trusting God for the next chapter of ministry.

 

Scripture Encouragement

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." – Isaiah 58:11