BEEF...it's what's for dinner!

For the last several year we have been privileged to be a part of a missionary group here called BEEF - Bicol Evangelical Ex-pat Fellowship. We get together once a month for a meal, fellowship and a time of prayer. We are a very unique bunch of folks - all from different backgrounds, countries and denominations. But we all have one thing in common - we are here to share the Gospel among the Filipino people. Our monthly BEEF meeting is always a special time of encouragement and support from our fellow missionary friends.

We had an extra special treat this month because we got to welcome back a couple of "former BEEF-ers", Ray and Deborah Miller. They've spent the last couple of years in the States and have just arrived back in country, so we were really excited to see them again.

Bob French, missionary with World Team, shows Wade his latest Bible study book.

As much as the adults enjoy our time together, I think the kids enjoy it even more. There's just a special bond between MKs that can't really be explained. Here, Carly poses with two of her best friends in the world...Junia and Mikayla.

There's always plenty of nonsense during our meetings! I'll just let this photo speak for itself!

Our June meeting was held at the Hagen's house and the kids had a blast swinging on the "super" swing!

And the big kids enjoyed playing too!

One of the hardest parts of missionary life is the frequency to which we are always having to say "Good-bye." Missionaries are always on the move it seems, and as exciting as it is to welcome new people to our group, it's always hard to let others go.

It was with sad hearts that our BEEF group said goodbye to the French family. Bob and Koleen, along with Dave and Debbie Johnson, started BEEF several years ago and have been the "backbones" of the group ever since. The good news is that they won't be too far away - they are only moving to Manila! But it still won't be the same not having them here in Bicol. Hopefully, we will still have many opportunities to see them either when we are in Manila or they travel back down to Bicol.

To Bob, Koleen and the girls - we are so thankful for all you've done for BEEF and for us personally. We will miss seeing you every month, but are praying the Lord will use you mightily in your new place of service. We love you and hope you can come back to visit often!