TheJourney in Africa

Today is  Tuesday, October 30, 2012 Hurricane Sandy is one cold lady! Irony: I came from Louisiana and ended up on the edge of a hurricane! I encourage you to read this powerful message on the Sovereignty of God by my pastor, Charlie Bailey. Our newest short story collection,  Christmas Jelly, is now available. I’ve posted one of my favorite …

Every person I know back home has had a chance to hear the Gospel.  Many are lost. However, none of them haven’t heard.  There’s a church on every corner in Beauregard Parish. People like the man in the photo haven’t heard.  Everyone deserves one chance to hear about Jesus. The vision of the International Mission Board is that a multitude …

An An Adult Male Purple Martin Wings and Roots   If you ask what I like best about purple martins, I’d reply, “It’s how these birds have wings and roots.” One of the joys of my rural life is the six months yearly the martins spend as my guests. These migratory birds, members of the swallow family, first arrive in …

Thursday, October 11 The following powerful story is from a choice couple serving in a difficult part of North Africa. I cannot list their names but beg you to pray for them and their sweet children. Dear Friends and Family, Thank you for being such an encouragement to us. I was watching a man across the street painting a house. …

The Journey Curt and DeDe Iles serving on East African Engaged Team                 Curt and DeDe Iles will begin serving in Uganda in 2013.  They’ll be working as Master’s/International Service Corps workers with the International Mission Board.   After two months of training in Virginia, they’ll make a short Christmas trip home, and …

  We’ve been in Houston for a few days. It’s always a good trip to make me glad I live twenty-five miles from a traffic signal.     Trivia:  Did you know you can drive from Dry Creek, Louisiana to Pineville and never be stopped by a red light?   If you know the path, let me know.   As …

So our friends and readers can know what’s going on, here are frequently asked questions concerning our upcoming journey to Africa as well as our writing, plans, and dreams. When are you going? DeDe and I will first go for two months of training in Virginia. (Oct. 15-Dec.15).  We’ll return home for the holidays and leave for Uganda on January …

Part of our application process to serve with the International Mission Board was writing a 6-10 page “autobiography.” My wife DeDe looked at this requirement and shook her head.  “There’s no way I can write six pages about myself.” Curious Curt had a different reaction.  “How can I limit it to ten pages?” That’s why we make such a good …

On The Journey Sunday, July 1 Mrs. Audry Tyler, age 90, shuffles past me on her walker.  Another church member says,  “Curt, I heard you’re going to be overseas on missions.” “Yes, we’ll be gone two to three years.” Mrs. Audry, who served me hundreds of lunches during my school days, says,  “Well, Curt, you won’t be seeing me again.” …