May, a month full of blessings and challenges

This last month, the month of May, has been full of blessings and challenges.

May started out wonderfully as a team of scientist from NASA came and did a week long training session for certain employees who work with the Army youth. I got to meet my counterparts from all around Europe. We were briefed on many of NASA’s current missions, the findings of past mission, and the purpose of future missions. We looked at photos from many different satellites, from those orbiting Mercury to those traveling to the outskirts of our solar system. I was even certified to handle NASA’s moon rocks and meteorites that are considered national treasures. The purpose of the training was to help the youth I work with get excited about science and to get them thinking about future careers. The greatest part was to see the wonder of God’s creation like never before. How interesting it is to see the creation of the universe spoken of in Genesis in just a few verses while the creation of man has chapters devoted to it. As beautiful as His creation is, it’s an indication of what is really important to our God. That’s you and me.

Church has been going very well. The 12th CAB, the Combat Aviation Brigade here in Ansbach, has deployed to Afghanistan. There has been a slight increase in attendance since the deployment. That’s always welcome. But we have also been experiencing slight troubles with recording our Sunday mornings teachings. But I trust we’ll get to the bottom of it soon and get those messages posted so you can listen in if you like.

The last few weeks of the month I have been very sick. It started out as scarlet fever. After 4-5 days of antibiotic therapy my throat felt much better but I continued to have a fever. It started out at 102.6 and with the antibiotics it dropped to 100-101. The doctor was left wondering what was going on. So after a few blood tests, EKG, sonograms and x-rays he decided that I wasn’t recovering due to severe physical exhaustion. So I have been holding the couch down for the last 18 days now.

The day before I got sick, Ashley gave me a gift. I have always wanted a wired hair Dachshund. But I had resigned myself to never getting one as they are quite expensive. Ashley and one of the guys from our church found one unbelievably cheap. They got him for me as a loving gift. So I’d like to introduce you to the  newest member of our family, Gunther (pronounced goon-ter). What a blessing he is. So small and cute but he’s like an infant with teeth. I forgot how tiring potty training can be. Yet everyone is totally in love with him. Now we have two wonderful dogs and a great cat. Thank you Lord!

On May 30th we celebrated Austin’s 21st Birthday. God has blessed us with three of the greatest kids. These last 21 years with Austin has been full of humor, if you don’t know him he’s rediculously funny, and astonishment, just watching him grow from a boy into a man who loves Jesus has been incredible to watch and his heart is to tell others about Jesus.

Each of the kids have a strong walk with the Lord and desire to serve him. This week they are in Croatia visiting a missionary family we know there who are preparing to return to the states after 8 years in Europe.

You may have heard about two helicopters that went down in Afghanistan over Memorial day. They were from the 12th CAB stationed in Ansbach, one Apache and one Blackhawk, The two who piloted the Apache died in the crash. The pilot of the Blackhawk attends our church. He is credited with saving the lives of his 12 passengers and crew. The helicopter crashed hard but every one walked away from the crash with only minor injuries, at least that what I’m hearing at this time. Please be praying for the surviving family of the Apache pilots. One was married with a daughter and the other was married with no kids I’m told. Pray for the full recovery of the soldiers in the Blackhawk. Pray also and Angel, the pilot of the Blackhawk who attends the church, Diane, his wife and their three kids. Pray for their comfort and strength in the Lord as they wait to get further details on Angel. Also please pray for the in suing investigation. An investigation is common after crashes but will also be very stressful and taxing for Angel.

Finally on a personal note, we would like to ask you to pray about getting involved in the ministry with us. We have need to partner with people who are prayer warriors and others who desire to be part of the building of the Kingdom of God here on earth through financial giving. Please pray and seek the Lord on what part He’d have you play. I see us as the tip of the spear and you are the shaft, in fulfilling the great commission. He has called us all to go into the world and make disciples, but all can’t go. In 1 Samuel 30 God sets out the principle that those that go to the battle share equally with those that provide support even though they can’t go to the battle.

Saving Grace World Missions has made it easy for people to get involved. You can go to www.sgwm.com  and click on “Europe” on the world map, then click on “Gary and Tina Barrow” and sign up for weekly prayer request updates. You can also click on “Become a Financial Partner” and give a one time gift or set up regular monthly donations. If you prefer, you can send a check to Saving Grace through the mail. Just write “Gary and Tina Barrow” in the memo line and it will get to us.

We’d ask you to personally get involved in the great commission with us. Don’t put it off, seek the Lord’s face and ask Him what He’d have you do. I promise you won’t regret it. You’ll be storing up treasures in heaven.

Thank you.

God bless,

Gary and Tina Barrow


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