Mr. Thomas

The cool part about being involved and supporting those involved in ministry is all the cool friendships that you build. I (Zack) first met Thomas through my friend Deanna's blog. He was a very dedicated servant in their student ministry in Jena, Germany. When they left to come home, Thomas and his wife and family took over the ministry. I stayed with Thomas and his wife and son while I was in Germany last fall. They were awesome to have me in their home and cook for me. When Jenn and I learned that we had a 13 hour layover in Frankfurt, I immediately emailed Thomas. I didn't really think he would be willing to drive 3 hours to see someone that he has only met twice, but he was! So, on Monday, we will get to hang our with a real man's man in his home country and see it from a great man of God's perspective.

The photo above was taken on a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Jena, Germany. From left to right, Jeff, me and Thomas.

Please pray for Thomas' family as they continue to minister to the university students of Germany.

He's Back... So let's get back to fundraising!

A sense of normalcy returned to the Dove household last night, as Zack returned safely from Norway & Germany. I look forward to all the stories he has to share, but he was beyond exhausted when we got home. By the time we pulled in the driveway, he'd been traveling for 23 hours straight!

We are thankful that God provided safe travel and a good experience for all involved. Please be in prayer for the pastors and church planters they worked with while in Norway. And pray for the Norwegian people: that they will be awakened to the truth of God and the gift of His Son.

And now that Zack is back, I want to return the blog focus to Vera's fundraiser. Some people have asked about progress on our own adoption. Once we complete the fundraiser, I'll start sharing a little about our adoption. But not until after we do this for Vera and help her find her family!

I've increased the goal amount to compensate for paypal fees, and because we're doing so well with so much more time to go.

I have no doubt that with 34 days left in the fundraiser, we can exceed this goal. Be a part of Vera's hope - donate today! And please continue to pray that a family will step up and commit to Vera very soon.

One more day!

Have I mentioned that Zack comes home tomorrow?
And can I just tell you how excited I am?!?!?!?
(of course, William is, too)

I'm so thankful that God gave him the opportunity to go to Norway and Germany, and I'm thankful that I have a husband who actively seeks to follow God's path.

Yet, I've also really missed him. It's tough having your best friend half-way around the world for 12 days.

But soon, he will be back home! About 34 hours to go...

More Norway

Today is Zack's last full day in Norway. He & his buddy Jeff will be traveling by plane/car to Jena, Germany on Saturday. Please pray for safety & health for both of them.

Yanira, Joseph & Deena (the other three from "Team Norway") are headed back to GA tomorrow. Please pray for travel safety for them as well.

Happy Fall!

The wind began to blow yesterday, and with it came cooler temperatures. October is almost here, and it would appear that the fall weather is arriving, too.


I think fall is probably my favorite time of the year. I love changing out our wardrobes from shorts and t-shirts to long sleeves, sweaters and jeans. I enjoy the carnivals, parades, and festivities of this season. And I especially enjoy watching as God changes the color palette of creation. There’s just something about the beauty of yellow, orange and red leaves, and the crunch of them beneath my feet. I’m thankful that God created seasons for us to experience (in both nature and in life!).

While I’m excited that October is ushering in autumn, October also means that Zack’s long-awaited mission/vision trip to Norway. He leaves this Friday for Norway, and then on to Germany the following Saturday. In our 11 years of marriage, our longest travel separation is 5 days, so these 12 days might be a bit tough. Of course I’ll have my favorite little guy with me so I certainly won’t be alone or bored! But I will be flying solo for almost two weeks.


So if you think about it, please say a prayer for Zack as he journeys to 2 countries he’s never seen, and seeks to discover how God intends for our church to further His kingdom in Norway. Pray that the vision team will have safe travels and will stay healthy, and pray a hedge of protection around them from any outside forces that might cause them to miss out on their purpose.


And pray for William and me, too! We will be out of our routine for a while, and will have to work a little harder to make sure we get things done (school, work, soccer, church, a birthday party, household duties, etc.). Thankfully, I have a great mother-in-law who is going to help me with his school schedule. And I’m excited that my mom is going to come and spend a few days with us, too, which will be a big help as well!