In 2004, Josh and Cara told our elders that one reason they got married was because they both had a heart for doing mission work and at some point in the future they wanted to be missionaries. Little did anyone realize at the time, including Josh and Cara, that the perfect opportunity would begin to present itself just three years later, and that they would be headed to the mission field in 2009.
Josh and Cara Blackmer are a special couple, who desire to do the Lord’s work in a foreign land. But, they are not the only ones who wanted them to be missionaries.
The PBL elders wanted them to be missionaries. When Josh and Cara arrived here, the elders looked forward to the day when we could send out “our own missionaries.”
The PBL congregation wanted them to be missionaries. As soon as plans started to be presented for Josh and Cara to head to the mission field, this congregation jumped right behind them in full love and support.
Sister congregations of the Lord’s church around the country wanted them to be missionaries. Josh and Cara have travelled over the last year raising support from congregations all over this land—other congregations who also got excited about this family and their work.
Troy and Andrea Spradlin wanted them to be missionaries. Before Troy ever headed to the School of Preaching, the Blackmers and Spradlins were spending time planning and praying for an opportunity to do mission work together some time in the future.
The Paraguay Mission Team currently in Asuncion wanted them to be missionaries. When the Blackmers and Spradlins were searching for a field in which they could labor together, the team already in Paraguay was looking for a mission team to come and continue the work there.
God wanted them to be missionaries. How else can anyone explain this great couple finding each other, finding a mission-minded congregation like PBL, meeting Troy and Andrea, raising all of their needed financial support in tough economic times, and being able to step into a mission field that is looking for laborers?
Josh and Cara, please know and remember that you are loved! All four of you will be missed at PBL, but you will always be in our prayers!