Greece 

​Danny is feeding a vulture at a rehabilitation center in Africa. The bird was heavy and strong. His claws could be felt through the thick leather glove. He pulled at the meat between my thumb and fingers. His size and power was a surprise as he jumped on my arm and went after the raw meat.

Once he gobbled the small snack I dropped him to the ground. He could have easily turned and pecked at my face. It was certainly an uneasy feeling once he latched on to my arm.

Cathy and I are traveling on Monday to a volatile area of the world. A large portion of the refugees escaping the Middle East are coming through the Island of Lesvos in Greece. We will be going to visit missionaries on the island and in Athens. This will take us to parts of the world that are deeply troubled.

The places we will go and some of the people we will interact with have seen the atrocities first hand. Many have never met a Christian before. The stories they tell are moving and powerful. We will see some who have witnessed visions from the Lord.

Pray for our understanding, wisdom, graciousness and courage as we come alongside Christians and Muslims who have seen this tragedy up close and personal. Pray that we encourage and guide everyone's heart toward Jesus.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
​ www.deeperstillmissions.com 
​
Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved. Photograph was taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Central America.
This on the field report is written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and our goal of missionary retention.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Report from the Field
Mpumalanga, South Africa

Today we are on a bus riding to Johannesburg, South Africa. Tomorrow we will catch our flight to Atlanta. Then we will be home within twenty-four hours. It all happens so quickly.

The last two months have been filled with beautiful sunrises, stunning sunsets and precious moments with friends and co-workers in the vineyard. Words seem to fall short as we consider all of the ways it has impacted our lives.

Yesterday was a microcosm of these last two months. We felt the thrill and joy of a new birth. We also felt the agony of the death of a granddaughter. Two meetings yesterday reflected those themes as we met with close friends and missionaries serving on the field.

Lunch was a time of heaviness laced with joy at each others presence. This couple had buried their first granddaughter that come prematurely. Issues in the ministry compounded the sadness and left us with heavy hearts. But the laughter and joy of sharing together lifted our spirits. The value of looking into each others eyes and encouraging one another is eternal.

The afternoon was punctuated with a special meeting. Eight day old Nathan nestled in the arms of Cathy. The little gentleman only weighs 1.8 KG. She touched his hair and spoke about its softness. Oh he is so cute, she remarked. This missionary family had gone through a similar time of great stress but thankfully the little one made it.

Timing has been perfect as the author of eternal life has appointed each meeting and opened the windows to people's hearts, minds and souls. It seems almost uncanny that the creator of the universe is placing us in the correct places to sit, actively listen, thoughtfully question and lovingly encourage missionaries and pastors.

Going deeper still into the lives of ministry people on the field is such a privilege. You have put us in the perfect position to love, support and uplift others. Thank you for that vision.

May you see today His touch behind the tears and smiles of your life.

Cathy and Danny
www.deeperstillmissions.com