There are many things that we are thankful for this, our first, Thanksgiving Day for our family in Amdu. We’ve had great health for the most part this year, we’ve been on the receiving end of much generosity that has brought us out of significant debt, and we need all our fingers and toes and more to count our deepening Amdu friendships. Did you know that there are no missionaries under 35 in Amdu? The language learning statistics are stacked against and yet, thankfully, we’re all progressing “normally” through the Amdu gauntlet. That is something we’re very thankful for.
Today we are at half of our water storage capacity after a week and a bit of no rain. We’re expecting company for the weekend which always uses the water up faster than normal. But we’ve never run out – not yet. We’re so thankful, and for the great amount of sunshine that keeps our batteries charged that run our fridge and freezer and laptops. Tomorrow MAF will bring a load of groceries to our front door, landing on an airstrip that we didn’t have to carve out of the jungle ourselves. The pilot will be a friend that we will try and coerce to stay longer; much to be grateful for!
Next week our coworkers return to Amdu after two months out seeking medical attention! We have missed them and are thankful that they are finally returning. We are thankful for our team mates and that we are not out here doing this alone. In our first year together in Amdu there have been monumental challenges to overcome, and here we are on the other side of many of those challenges – together. That is very significant and something we’re incredibly grateful for.
We get the sense from our communication with some of you that God is gripping your hearts with the Amdu story. We want you to know that God is gripping our hearts with the story of your faithful generosity and concern for our family! Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth to give generously to the needy in Jerusalem. He told them that their generosity would cause the recipients to glorify God because it would stand as a proof of their belief in the Gospel and the Gospel ministry! We are evidence of the truth of Paul’s words. As you give to us we are encouraged in the Lord by your confidence in the Gospel message that moves you to sacrifice for us! Thank you isn’t enough, but it is so appropriate, especially now.
Gratefully from Amdu,
Benjamin and Missy