Suzanne and I had the wonderful priviledge of visiting the Great Lakes area of Africa last year. It was a trip that, for many reasons, helped us know that God was leading in our international endeavors. I won't go into the many different pieces that came together before, during and after that trip. Let me briefly mention one.
While in Bujumbura, Burundi, the captial, our team had the opportunity to visit the American embassy. To make a long story short, we wound up meeting the Ambassador, Patricia N. Moller. To a small group of wandering and weary American travelers Ambassador Moller was very gracious. In a later email correspondence, she related to me how impressed she is with the willingness of so many Americans to give so much to travel so far to try to assist others in need. I've come to see some of that American generosity first hand as we continue to move along this road to Central Asia.
We've believed from the beginning that this call is from God. We have said for years that when God calls, he will provide. It's one thing to believe that and another to have to live by that. In our new venture we are having to depend upon God at a level, and in a way that we never have before. We haven't known where the funds would come from to support this commitment. We believed that it was important to honor our commitment to the Conference and the church by finishing out the year's assignment (our last Sunday is coming in four days - August 10th). Doing so meant that there would be no time for traditional deputation or funding. We didn't have any idea where the funds could come from, but we said we trusted God to provide. (That doesn't mean that we haven't wondered how it could possibly come together.)
PTL! He has proven faithful. We haven't yet seen all the funds come in, or even pledged, but God has demonstrated his generosity through our brothers and sisters. Literally thousands of dollars have come from unexpected sources. We are thankful, and humbled, by such trust.
We still have a ways to go in our funding. The prices for some things have lurched higher (think airline tickets). Other things escaped our plans and haven't been budgeted for (think furnishings at the house). We are truly confident that none of this has escaped God's attention - nor will it escape his provision.
Receiving funds from friends, family, acquaintances and even some unknowns is more than a blessing. It is part of the fulfillment of a lifelong commitment to do God's will and trust for his blessing. God is pouring out a blessing on us. Lord, find us faithful.
While in Bujumbura, Burundi, the captial, our team had the opportunity to visit the American embassy. To make a long story short, we wound up meeting the Ambassador, Patricia N. Moller. To a small group of wandering and weary American travelers Ambassador Moller was very gracious. In a later email correspondence, she related to me how impressed she is with the willingness of so many Americans to give so much to travel so far to try to assist others in need. I've come to see some of that American generosity first hand as we continue to move along this road to Central Asia.
We've believed from the beginning that this call is from God. We have said for years that when God calls, he will provide. It's one thing to believe that and another to have to live by that. In our new venture we are having to depend upon God at a level, and in a way that we never have before. We haven't known where the funds would come from to support this commitment. We believed that it was important to honor our commitment to the Conference and the church by finishing out the year's assignment (our last Sunday is coming in four days - August 10th). Doing so meant that there would be no time for traditional deputation or funding. We didn't have any idea where the funds could come from, but we said we trusted God to provide. (That doesn't mean that we haven't wondered how it could possibly come together.)
PTL! He has proven faithful. We haven't yet seen all the funds come in, or even pledged, but God has demonstrated his generosity through our brothers and sisters. Literally thousands of dollars have come from unexpected sources. We are thankful, and humbled, by such trust.
We still have a ways to go in our funding. The prices for some things have lurched higher (think airline tickets). Other things escaped our plans and haven't been budgeted for (think furnishings at the house). We are truly confident that none of this has escaped God's attention - nor will it escape his provision.
Receiving funds from friends, family, acquaintances and even some unknowns is more than a blessing. It is part of the fulfillment of a lifelong commitment to do God's will and trust for his blessing. God is pouring out a blessing on us. Lord, find us faithful.
Suzanne and I leave Colbert in just over one week. Three weeks from today, God willing, we will have arrived in our new city and be working to prepare the house. Is time going quickly? It's just a blur.
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