FROM THE SUB-SAHARAN WEST AFRICA...

…to the beach on HILTON HEAD

Dear Joe and Patty and supporters of Shepherd’s Care,

What a lavish ministry of refreshment and renewal this retreat has been for us! "Thank you" is so woefully inadequate for this little taste of heaven… what a beautiful, gentle and oh so generous demonstration of our loving Shepherd’s Care for His weary sheep. The lovely, peaceful paradise….the permission to relax and have fun, to be still and bask in God’s presence with no agenda but to hear His voice and to accept His smiles, to delight in His beautiful creation and in each other … it has all been such a restorative balm to our souls.

After 25 years in the rugged, physically (and spiritually) parched, arid landscape of sub-saharan West Africa, these days in the lush verdant surroundings of HHI have been a feast for the eyes. The time away has been a gentle reminder to daily and intentionally look for His beauty in the people and elements of our ministry surroundings ... After all, Jesus has so lavishly set an example for us! He saw the beauty of souls drawn out from the quagmire of sin and gave His own life to make that possible. Soaking in His lavish love softens our hearts and and opens our eyes to perceive the beauty that He sees, even when the “surface” may appear tough, hardened and dry. It strengthens us to keep on being channels of His love to others. We love…. Because He first loved us…and because this retreat away has helped to move that head knowledge of His love for us down to our hearts.

From a leisurely bike ride in the neighborhood in the chilly mist and surprising a pair of deer in the front yard… to the pitter patter of rain on the roof while snuggled under soft mountains of duvet, to splashes in the hot tub under a moonlit sky, our hearts have been so showered with blessings. Tandem kayaking ridiculously out of sync, sighting a pod of dolphins as we strolled the beach at dusk…. Delectable restaurant meals and decadent chocolate cheesecake! In many ways it was a second honeymoon for us refreshing our love for each other after almost 31 years together. What delightful reminders of His lavish love for us.

Thank you for making this gift of refreshment possible, and for the shared moments together! We could have chatted for so many more hours!

May His joyous rest be yours as well,

Mark and Candy