I was recently asked if we get tired of trying to sell ourselves. I thought it a funny question but hadn’t really thought of going to churches, meeting with friends and writing letters and blogs as trying to sell ourselves. But as the weeks have gone on and I’ve put off writing on the blog and sending out thank you notes I’ve realized that I am tired of trying to sell ourselves. It’s mentally exhausting trying to make sure you don’t forget to write someone or think of what someone wants to hear in our most recent update. There are those who just want to have ministry updates and there are those who just want to hear about our family. How do you please them all? It’s impossible.
When this comment was made we had just finished sharing our hearts with a missions committee about what we have been doing among the Ga’dang and will be doing in the years ahead. It was an intimate gathering that allowed us to relax and just talk. It did not feel like we were ‘selling ourselves’. I know that once we get going and share our hearts that the Lord will be glorified for all HE is doing. We are so thankful that He is the one we leads and directs our words during this time.
Please don’t get me wrong we are ever so grateful to those who are a part of the ministry we are a part of among the Ga’dang. But after 10 years of writing it gets hard to know what to say. Some people are great with words but that’s just not us. Some days it seems like a full time job being in touch with people. So please forgive us for our lack of updates lately.
Sabbatical?
Yesterday someone used the word ‘sabbatical’ for our time back in Canada. The first thought that comes to mind with that word is rest. But that is never how our time in Canada is. Even when not speaking in churches we are busy catching up with friends & family. We try to squeeze as much in as we can in the short time we have. Plus life needs to keep going. Chuck usually has to work part time. And now this time home we are running Eli around as he tries to find work and a direction for his future. Another definition of sabbatical is ‘a change of normal routine’. That would be the definition that fits our time in Canada. It is amazing how much we miss the routine of life in the village!
Over the last few weeks Chuck has been working on preparing a presentation to share in the churches we are going to speak at. It’s a long process to figure out what to say, what pictures to share and passage of scripture the Lord wants you share on. Sorry guys but we do ‘recycle’ our presentation throughout our home assignment. 🙂 But did you know that besides the little tweaks we think are needed, we need to adjust for almost every church? Some churches just want a 10 minute update. Some want 10 minutes on ministry and 20 minutes from the Word. And the combinations could go on and on. I’m exhausted thinking about what’s ahead in the months to come.
First speaking engagement
This weekend we share in a church for the first time in almost 3 yrs. It’s a little scary thinking of being on display, of selling oneself. Will the kids behave? (We are traveling with just the 3 little girls this weekend. Not sure how smart that is!) We also don’t want to forget anything. This is an overnight trip. I also wonder if people will understand what we are doing among the Ga’dang? We will challenge their hearts to be a part of missions?
But in the end of all this I am reminded that it’s His work and He will work in and through us to share His plans for the Ga’dang to hear His plan of salvation. That goes for blogs and thank you’s and all the speaking that we are going to do.
Will you pray for us a we travel this weekend and next?
Then we won’t be speaking again till March as Chuck is having hernia surgery Feb 1.
From March till the end of May we have 18 speaking engagements. Pray for us as we share with those around us. Pray they will be burdened to be a part of bringing the Gospel to those who have yet to hear.