It all started about five years ago. Our girls were in our back yard playing one afternoon when they heard the train coming down the nearby tracks. As the engine approached, they yelled at the top of their lungs and waved at the engineer. It worked! He waved back and tooted his whistle. Since then, greeting the train has become a fun daily ritual. We have wished we could meet that friendly engineer before we launch to the mission field.

Recently, Steve answered a knock at our door. The gentleman said, “Hello, I work for the railroad. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your girls waving to me.” Realizing he was the engineer, Steve invited him inside. He told us that passing our house is the highlight of his workday, and he misses the girls when they are not out there. Not long ago, he had been feeling down after a coworker had been killed in a job-related accident. But, passing our house, he saw the familiar friendly waves from our girls. With tears in his eyes, he told us how that had lifted his spirits.

Our hearts were warmed by his testimony of what a difference such a simple thing as waving could make in someone’s life. We then told him that we would soon be going away as missionaries, and it was good he had stopped by so we could meet him.

Our girls have been brightening the corner where they are. They are also anxious about going to PNG where they can brighten the corner for some Gogodala people. Will you help us reach the Gogodala for Jesus by pledging monthly support?

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