A letter from Nancy Dimmock in Lesotho
September 2009
Dear Friends,
The four four youngest Dimmock children on their way to school.
We had the opportunity to spend six weeks in the States this summer and it was good on many levels. We had time with family, both immediate and extended, and were able to reconnect to some degree. While the Internet and email are great for maintaining general communication, there remains the barrier of distance and shared experience. It was wonderful to be able to do some things together, to celebrate some birthdays, to swim and splash and play games, to clean up and organize our little house in Marion, North Carolina, to help college kids get organized to return to school and to spend some time (though not enough) just talking and listening.
We also had the opportunity to attend the missionary sharing conference at Presbyterian Church Center in Louisville. This is a kind of re-entry conference for those returning to the United States for interpretation assignment. It is an opportunity to connect with colleagues at headquarters, to talk about priorities and expectations and in general to feel a part of a “team.” We hadn’t attended in many years, so it was very meaningful for us. And we learned some very practical things, which I wanted to share with you.
Latest family photo of the Dimmocks, taken in August 2009.
One reassurance we received — and I wanted to pass on to you — is that our “care and support” is covered by your designated giving, and 100 percent of it goes where you designate it. If we are “over-subscribed” for one year, it rolls over to cover the expenses of the next year. This was an encouragement to us, helping us to see God’s hand at work to keep us on the field throughout an entire term and beyond. So thank you for sharing in our ministry in this way — either through our Directed Mission Support (D504843, which is the way churches normally give) or ECO 200333, which is the way individuals normally give. To give online, click the “give” button beneath our name below. [Actually, go to the link under "Give" in the left column —Ed.]
We also were encouraged by the commitment of our “bosses” and colleagues and fellow missionaries to the cause of Christ in the world. We sometimes feel like we’re hanging out here on a limb by ourselves. It was good to be reminded that we are not alone, but are supported and cared for, and we are a part of much bigger team (indeed a “great cloud of witnesses”) that is making a difference in each of the places where we serve, including the United States!
So, now, the four younger kids and I (Nancy) are back in Lesotho. The four older kids are back in their various colleges, in North Carolina and Indiana. And Frank is preparing to begin World Mission Challenge. He has been assigned to speak throughout two Presbyteries in southern California. Please pray for his stamina, godly perspective and motivation and safe journey all the way back home on October 13.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nancy Dimmock (for the whole family)
The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 49
