Road trips are a great time to think, pray and for Brion and I to actually have uninterrupted conversation. On our most recent road trip, we were talking about our inadequacies. There are so many aspects that go along with being a tribal missionary that neither one of us feel qualified for. I think this is especially hard for Brion as the man of the house. There are so many different variables to living in a remote jungle and we have to know how to fix stuff, make stuff and be Christ to people that may or may not like us. As we think about these things it can be overwhelming and we feel like Moses in questioning why God called us, of all people, to do this task. But we know that God used Moses even though he felt inadequate. We know that this is truly not us alone in this work, but Christ in us. Psalm 115: 1 says, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
Missionary Technology
Last week we traveled to Missouri to take our final class; Missionary technology. We learned so much in our Missionary Tech class and are so thankful that we had an opportunity to take this course. It was a long week in Missouri. We had lots of class time, both boys got sick and were not sleeping well and we were trying to catch up with friends in the area. God is faithful and we got everything done that was needed and we made it home safely. We were also a bit overwhelmed when we found out how much money it takes to set up solar electricity in the tribe (which is what we will be doing) but even in that, yesterday God showed us that he is in control and we have nothing to worry about!
Packing up!
What stays and what comes with us? That is what we are trying to decide as we start to pack up our house. We are only bringing as much as we can take on the plane with us, so we are praying God gives us wisdom in what to pack and what to sell/store/give away. We are at 70% of our monthly support, which means we only need 5% before we apply for our visas and buy our plane tickets. If you have been thinking about joining our team and supporting us financially, now is the time! We have been so blessed by everyone who is praying for us and partnering us financially.
In God’s timing
When we first realized we wouldn’t be moving to Colombia in January as we had previously aimed for, we were a bit discouraged. God has used this time to grow us, grow our relationships at ACC (our sending church) and be with family and friends. I was able to see my brand new niece, Faye, and spend time with my sisters in Nashville. We were able to visit friends from bible school in Minnesota. Brion was able to join most of the small groups at our church and tell them more about our future ministry. God has blessed our time here the last few months and we are so grateful for that!
As always, if you have any questions for us, please feel free to write or call. Here are a few ways you can pray and praise the Lord with us.
– Praise God that he is always working for our good
(even if that means going through storm and seasons of unknown).
– Pray God gives us wisdom in packing and organizing our life before the big move.
– Pray for wisdom and patience in the wonderful world of parenting.
– Pray that our monthly support would continue to increase, all the way up to 100%!