Many times our life and ministry are filled with chaos. We came back from our last trip planning to have a month break from travel. Then we get word that we could no longer get visas to Guinea in Senegal as their system was being changed and it was unsure when it would be up and running again. Since that was my next trip we were suddenly faced with options of what do do in light of these changes. I still had a visa that was good until the 18th of June. So in the span of a few days tickets were changed and I was on plane again to get the trip in before my visa expired.
My trip out the village had the goal of helping someone in their language learning as it had been over a year since a consultant could visit her in the village. The visit turned our really well despite a lot of uncertainty in the planning of the trip. We had a good time together and were able to discuss what her next steps are.
Now I find myself in the capital waiting again for COVID tests so that I can return to Senegal. My time here was what I was looking forward to the least as I was having to navigate a capital city and COVID system that I am unfamiliar with on my own. On the day that I was leaving to take my test, I was struggling to find transportation as everything that was passing was full. After waiting for 15 minutes, suddenly a car pulls out of the guesthouse and stops and asks where I was going. I find out they also are going to get a test and offer to take me with them. They are missionaries from Ivory Coast who are directors at a hospital here in Guinea. They also know some of the missionaries Joel and I work with. They were my angels that day as they not only gave a ride but walked me through all that I needed for the test. They had contacts in the hospital so we didn’t have to follow all the steps everyone else did as well. Plus I got to get to know them and hear about their life and ministry here. It was such a gift from God.
So, yes, life is often chaotic and unpredictable, yet despite that God brings calm to our life. There is often uncertainty but he has always been faithful to provide what we needed in the chaos. It wouldn’t seem like chaos and calm could go together. But time and time again God makes that possible. I just have to remember that and trust when the chaos seems to be most evident.
My trip to the village was so worth it! I love visiting people in their context
Seeing first hand their growth and what God is doing
And helping them Know how to progress forward on the journey they are on!
I am an EBC sister that learned from Pastor Toby that your family is going through a difficult trial of emotional and spiritual testing. I write to you to bring you encouragement, we who are involved in the prayer ministry are lifting you up to God’s mercy seat, to Him, who can do exceedingly more than we ask, to strengthen you in your inner most being and anoint you with His oil of gladness and bless you with His peace that transcends all human understanding. He has you in the front, the back and on all sides–no trial that is put before you is too much for He will supply you, prepare you and equip you with everything necessary to fulfill His plan and purpose in you and in your ministry for His glory. You have overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of your faith. Jesus is the author and the finisher of your faith and He has promised to finish the good work that He began in you and in your ministry. Rest in His promises and take His yoke upon you–look up and not around for our Lord Jesus is near and many still need to hear and respond to God’s only Son, the Lamb of God and receive Him as their Lord and Savior. Maranatha!
Good to get the update. We do need to rest in the Lord and remember all he has provided in His time and when needed. Continued prayers for encouragement and strength in all you have to provide for ministry and family.