Important Note to Pastors Regarding Scheduling

My dear wife, Donna, underwent surgery on May 14th, 2015, when a stent was
placed in a major artery that was 99% blocked. We are praising the Lord that she is
recovering and doing well! However, the paragraphs below share a major decision and
a temporary change in our availability. Please read this. And pastors, please know that
this needed rest is just for the 12 months of 2016. We look forward to an abbreviated
schedule in 2017 and beyond that I explain here.
After much prayer and careful thought, I have decided to take Donna off the
road from all multiple-day meetings in 2016. At this point, I have 6 churches in 2016 (2
in AZ, 4 in CA) that have graciously agreed to share the airline costs to fly me to these
multiple-day meetings. Donna and I will be accepting invitations to be in churches on
Sundays within a few hours drive of our home during 2016. This could be called a
sabbatical or a furlough! Most missionaries come back to the States after a four-year
term and take a one-year rest from the rigors of the ministry and report to their
supporting churches. Weve traveled for 13 straight years (almost like perpetual
deputation), more than 3 terms, without a furlough. I used the expression perpetual
deputation, because like missionaries on deputation, we have been living out of
suitcases and multiple toiletry bags all these years. All of these years and miles have
taken their toll on both of us, but especially my dear wife! I can also just tell that my
body, mind and spirit need time to rest and be refreshed.
Then, beginning in 2017 (if Jesus tarries), we will begin taking multiple-day
meetings again, but on a more abbreviated schedule. We will accept invitations for
multiple-day meetings from the last 2 weeks of March through the first 2 weeks of
May. (Our NYC outreach ministry is now set for the last 2 weeks of May each year.)
Then, we will also accept invitations from pastors for multiple-day meetings
anywhere in the country for the months of September, October and the first few
weeks of November. The other months we will be staying home and doing Sunday
meetings in the South East. We are no longer spring chickens and know we need to
slow down so that we can continue on serving the Lord for as many more years as He
allows us to travel, to sing, play our instruments, and teach and preach. The 5 month
schedule (September through mid-November and mid-March through May) is the
schedule that I believe is best for meetings (the prime months when most pastors
schedule evangelists), is best for Donna, and a schedule that better matches our
current stamina level.