Stateside Ministry
Early Tuesday morning, June 10 we jumped out of bed, closed up our St. Croix apartment, and traveled through 4 airports, over 2000 miles, and 16 hours later to climb into our bed in our cabin in Maine! It is always good to go back home.
Many people said "Hope you have a good vacation!" Little did they realize that ministry does not stop on the mission field. Our schedule was to become packed with carpentry work, painting, cutting down trees, clearing up brush, as well as sharing our slide presentation to churches and individuals of our ministry here on St. Croix.
We also spent time reacquainting ourselves with family and friends. The youngest grandchild is still a little slow in reaching out to her grandparents.
We also spent time shopping for supplies needed. Prices are less expensive in the states so we purchase non perishable items and ship them.
We did get to see some familiar Maine sights and some we had not seen before, as well as kayak on the lake. We saw deer, eagles and loons. Spent some time swinging on our porch swing and listening to the call of the loons across the lake.
Time came to say our goodbyes to Ryan & Nicole and their family.
Seven weeks later we found ourselves back on a plane again but this time we headed to Atlanta for a couple of days to spend some time with Darrin & Charlie.
We arrived back home to St. Croix on July 31. Although it was good to get away it was good to be back home on our island.
Tropical Storm Bertha
We arrived back to the island on a Thursday night and Tropical Storm Bertha arrived on Friday night. We found ourselves scrambling around getting groceries, gas for the generator, and picking up lightweight items around our home. Bertha welcomed us home with some winds and rain, and some power outages.
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
Isaiah 43:2
Ministry at Altona Baptist church
We continue with our ministry at Altona Baptist Church. Billy will be teaching some in the adult Sunday School as well as assisting in the worship service. Cecilia will continue with the weekly church bulletin and assisting in the worship service as needed.
The Dorans are active in church leadership and members. They just celebrated 45 years of marriage.
Happy Anniversary!
Carpentry & Construction Projects
God has provided carpentry/maintenance projects for Billy to supplement our monthly support. Those are opportunities to build relationships and meet new people. With this flexible schedule Billy is able to spend time with Bible study in preparation for more preaching opportunities.
Ministry at Free Will Baptist Christian School
Cecilia returned to school in August. She continues to be the school nurse and work on government grants for the school. In addition to this she is teaching 25 fifth graders their Bible class every day.
Billy will be able to do some construction projects on the school when needed.
Island Economy
Unemployment continues to be high here on St. Croix. Hovensa, the closed oil refinery, is up for sale. There seems to be some interested parties in purchasing the property. Re opening the oil refinery would be a big boost to the economy here. This seems to be taking longer than the government expected and only time will tell if the sale goes through.
Praises & Prayer Requests
Praises
Ministry opportunities
Employment in these tough economic times
Prayer and financial supporters
Currently at about 30% of monthly support needed
Good trip to Maine & Atlanta
Prayer Requests
Ministry on St. Croix
Continued employment
Opportunities to share the gospel
Health & Safety
Wisdom & Guidance
Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support for the ministry here on St. Croix/
Billy & Cecilia
Contact Information
Billy 340-643-0820
Cecilia 340-643-0821
Tax deductible contributions may be sent to:
YES Ministry
PO Box 700697
St. Cloud, FL 34770
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