After months of planning, prayer, and preparation, the day has finally come. Sunday, July 20, 2025, marked a significant milestone for our family—it was our first official day back on the road to present our ministry to Ghana and begin raising support to return to the mission field. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we first stepped out in faith on deputation. In many ways, it feels like a familiar road… but this time, the journey is richer, deeper, and more exciting than ever before.
We’ve titled this blog post “The Road Back to Africa” because that’s exactly what this season of our life is. After serving in West Africa for 13 years—first in Ivory Coast, then Ghana—we returned to the States in 2014, never knowing what the future might hold. Now, by God’s grace, we’re heading back to where our hearts have always remained: Africa.
A Sunday to Remember
Our first stop on this new journey was Beckwith Baptist Church in DeRidder, Louisiana. We’ve got some longtime friends there, and walking into that church felt like coming home. The joy on familiar faces, the warmth of the fellowship—it reminded us just how blessed we are to be part of God’s family.
I had the opportunity to preach from the parable of The Good Samaritan, a passage that means a lot to us as missionaries. It’s a picture of going out of your way to reach someone in need, no matter the cost. That’s what missions is all about: crossing boundaries, loving people, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.
After the service, we shared a delicious lunch with friends at a little café on the local golf course. It wasn’t fancy, but it was special. The food was good, but the conversation and laughter were better.
A Summer Revival in Temple
That evening, we traveled over to Temple Baptist Church, where Pastor Dwaine Hyatt was kicking off their Summer Revival. We were thrilled to be part of the first night. The church was alive with excitement, and the atmosphere was filled with joyful anticipation.
A singing group from West Coast Baptist College was there, and a young preacher named Reece Alvarez brought the message. Let me tell you—he brought the Word with fire and compassion! It was encouraging to see a new generation taking up the torch and preaching the truth with boldness.
After the service, we stayed around for some good ol’ fashioned fellowship. I had a great time swapping stories with Jerry Bell, a former special forces soldier and a law enforcement officer for over 62 years. That man has lived a life of service. He even showed me a ring that the Governor of Louisiana had given him as a token of appreciation for his decades of dedication. I could have talked with him all night—stories like his are the kind that stick with you.
Why We’re Doing This… Again
People often ask, “Why go back? Why now?” And the answer is simple: God called, and we said yes.
We’re returning to Ghana to serve alongside Missionary James Ruckman and Hope of Africa Baptist Mission, helping with church planting, training national pastors, school ministries, and launching a Bible institute to prepare the next generation of preachers and teachers.
This isn’t just a second chapter—it’s a new book. A new generation is rising in Ghana, hungry for truth and ready to be trained. And with God’s help, we want to be part of what He’s doing there.
Getting Back on the Deputation Trail
It’s been a while since we loaded up the vehicle and hit the road to raise support, but some things never change. The miles are long, the beds unfamiliar, and the coffee sometimes questionable—but the blessings far outweigh the burdens. Each church, each handshake, each prayer whispered over our family—it all fuels our hearts for the journey ahead.
We’re already seeing God work. Our calendar is filling fast with opportunities to share our burden and reconnect with faithful churches who still believe in the Great Commission. It’s exciting, humbling, and energizing all at the same time.
How You Can Be Part of the Journey
We want to invite you to be a part of “The Road Back to Africa”. There are several ways you can help:
- Pray for us: This journey is big. We need wisdom, strength, and open doors.
- Schedule a meeting: If you’re a pastor or part of a church family, we’d love to come and share our burden with you. Give me a call at (936) 275-5177
- Support our mission: Every dollar raised goes directly toward getting us back on the field and keeping us there. You can find giving information on our about page.
- Follow our story: Keep up with our blog here on consfords.com and sign up for our daily email updates so you never miss a post.
Businesses That Help Us Get There
As many of you know, we’ve recently closed our hardware store in San Augustine, Texas, and rebranded our little coffee shop as HOTS Coffee. This new venture helps support our mission work, and we’re thankful for every latte and loaded tea that contributes to getting us back to Africa.
We’re also grateful for Bland Lake Hideaway, our family’s getaway spot in East Texas. Every stay helps fund our return to Ghana, and we love seeing friends come out to enjoy God’s creation while supporting a great cause.
Our sending church, Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas, has stood behind us every step of the way. We are so thankful for their leadership, love, and commitment to world missions.
Come Along With Us
This is just the beginning of the journey. There will be more churches, more stories, more lives touched. And we want you to walk this road with us.
So buckle up, friends—it’s going to be a great ride.
To learn more about our ministry, watch our video and read our story. And don’t forget to share this post with someone who loves missions!
The Road Back to Africa has begun—and we’re thankful you’re on it with us.
You know that Uncle Larry & I are so proud of you; we will miss y’all while you are on these deputation trips, & of course Aunt Lu will cry for y’all when you all leave for Africa! Knowing that you will be in the Will of our Heavenly Father sure makes our “see you later’s) a whole lot easier. Stay safe & remember always how much we love y’all, prayers for you, & good faith to you!