Al & Diane Mellinger's Missionary Adventure

2022 Update so far!

March 28, 2022 – It has been an interesting year so far.  We have connected with several new groups we are now in conversations with about how to engage the poor, we continue to work with the groups we are already committed to work with and we are involved with the group from the senior center above the Jackson Store monthly.

We find ourselves in conversations weekly with people around us in need.  Sometimes we feel like there are too many opportunities before us and so we are not sure how to proceed.

When we were in the Balkans and just getting started it was very much the same way.  Pursing all options that presented themselves to us – trying to figure out which ones we should pursue. Sometimes they did not lead where we thought but they put us in touch with the people God wanted us to connect with.

We are doing that and it will take time. Keep praying that God will continue to guide us, as we are busy breaking new ground for the kingdom.  At a recent conference gathering, we were reminded that the US is now the 3^rd largest mission field in the world.  There is so much for us to do here that is different than what the local church is doing and yet is important kingdom work.

That being said we covet your prayers. We are going through a bit of a tough time (which happens every few years in ministry). Whether it is the testing of our faith or the enemy attacking we know that we depend on our supporters as we seek God and seek His direction.

Thanks for your prayers.

If you would like to know more and get involved click here.

 

 

 

Got Faith?

March 25, 2022 – The past week we have had our granddaughter ‘Faith’ staying with us. She is 3 and from the time she wakes up until she goes to sleep she is non-stop energy.  She is always investigating whatever she finds. She does not seem to fear much but goes ahead and tries and/or touches everything.  That means we have to constantly be watching and making sure she is safe.

She is full of questions wanting to know more. Sometimes she is thinking and then explains to us what she has figured out – watching logic and cause and effect become real to her is amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

She loves music and wants to dance when it comes on. She doesn’t like to dance alone so Granma and/or Pa have to dance with her. Needless to say, we are a bit more tired than normal but to watch her learn and grow is encouraging.

As I think about our time with Faith I am reminded that Spiritual faith requires much of the same things. Trying new things without fear, going for it with all your energy, trusting God to keep us safe, asking lots of questions, and figuring out the impact it will have.  Finally, we need to learn to celebrate and bring others in as we do!

Faith has reminded us to keep going and to trust the God, who loves us and cares for us, is watching out for us just like were watching out for our granddaughter, making sure as she grows and tries things, she has what she needs.

We hope and pray that God will be growing your FAITH as well!

This week pray for

…the store staff as they interact with people and increased sales so we can help more people in need

… additional prayer/support partners for the work – personal and developmental

… our friends in the Balkans who are working with Refugees from the war.

To help with our personal support click here

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

 

 

It's been a while but ...

March 11, 2022 – It has been a busy and crazy time – we had an unexpected trip to see Diane’s mom in Florida as she went into the hospital. The conflict in Ukraine has us in communication with our friends in the Balkans as they are impacted by the refugees.  We also have spoken at several churches and groups over the past month as well.

But we want to give you a few updates on what God is doing. 

Our monthly meetings with the senior above the Jackson location is still impacting the residence. Still connecting and praying for the residents as they have needs.  Had another on the street prayer time with one of the residents.  These encounters are so special.

(Two of our helpers for the Senior Residents - they come to befriend the folks and be Jesus to them)

I also had the pleasure of meeting with a teacher and his autistic students who make natural soap that we have in our stores.  They use the profits to help other schools and kids in need. I was so blessed by the time I spent with them

Recently while filling in at our Ann Arbor location I was helping a customer and noticed she had a Slavic accent so I asked her where she was from and she said: “you don’t want to know” (which told me it was Russia). She then shared how she was getting hate calls from folks she knows yelling at her for what was happening. I told it that we were glad she was here and it was not her fault (she said I have been here in America for 20 years).

(by the way from now until the end of March 5% of all in-store and online sales will be given for Refugee Assistance in the Balkans - https://youtu.be/Lhw9nqbOavw)

It reminds me how many people are hurting and needing a kind word and concerned spirit.

This week pray:

• Contacts and meetings with folks who can help us fund and/or start programs with the poor here in the states.
• Our personal support – with economic times some donors have had to stop while other donors have had to cut back – pray for Diane and me as we look for new support to continue the development of helping the poor around the world.
• Our upcoming travels – with the reality of rising fuel cost it will take more to get to where we are going and Pray that the schedule flows without too much back tracking.

Marketplacemanna.com – online store

To help with our development fund click here

To help with our personal support click here