Back to school…

WELL.  What a couple of weeks it has been in our house… 

“School” has started for our kids and they’re not exactly huge fans of the, “this new thing.”  But, then again, who is?  It is proving to be a often confusing challenge. And it is proving to be an opportunity to practice patience. Blech!

Bible school classes kicked off just last weekend in Wisconsin, at “EBI 2.0”  Enrollment was lower than usual, of course, there’s only one campus and Covid-19.  But they are SO FULL that they had to ask some students to take classes online!  This is not the ideal, and we’re all trying to adjust as much as possible to make things work, right?  In spite of all that is happening in the crazy world around us, it is reassuring to see that God’s work is not slowing down!  Currently, there are 180 students on the campus and obviously your prayers for health safety would be greatly appreciated! 

I had the opportunity to read a new-ish edition of the history of NTM/ Ethnos360.  You should really check it out!  If you’re interested, let me know…  There’s a section that is talking about how early mission leaders were pondering how we might continue in light of the devastating loss of some of the very first missionaries into the Ayore people.  The news that Cecil, George, Eldon, Robert and David were missing led many to ask, “ If these men are dead, what will you do?”  The founder’s response was classic.  “When one is abandoned to the Lord Jesus—not to a ‘cause’ or ‘program,’ but simply to the Lord Himself—then to that individual it matters not whether he be placed in a wheelchair, a hospital bed or prison cell, in a darkened corner where men never see him, or whether he be set on a pedestal where he may preach Christ before the multitudes. It becomes simply a matter of being a ‘bond slave’ to the Lord Jesus…” “What will you do?” is man’s question.  God’s command is the same: “Go and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mk. 16:15)

As I look back at my personal responses to the experiences over the last year, I have noticed a lazy willingness by many (often myself included!) to be suckered into the statistical arguments and the political debate.  It’s SO EASY to forget that we are only here for a little bit of time, and that SO many are still dying with NO KNOWLEDGE of CHRIST.  I’ve been reminded over the last several days of that line in Paul’s message from God to the young church in Philippi.  He’s been talking about the priceless value of KNOWING Christ and how he counts all “the things” worthless compared to the righteousness through faith in Christ.  As Paul writes about the beautiful prize that will be rewarded to those who have stayed focused on the race to the gates of Heaven, he uses that phrase, “citizens of heaven.”  We are just visiting this planet and this time and we only have a moment to impact those around us with the Good News that Christ paid the price to cover over our sins!

Ministry Partner Development update:  We have seen how God has been working behind the scenes!  We knew He was there and moving in your lives through The Spirit and The Word, but it is ALWAYS reassuring to see the effects!  Since our July “start” date, we have seen God bring in new prayer partners and rekindle dormant relationships, and we have seen new financial partners join our team as well!  It has been exciting and encouraging to see God dismantling the hurdles and obstacles to our future ministry plans.  This doesn’t mean that we are almost done, though…  We still NEED, we need! We’re so needy! 😊  Please keep praying that we would be able to connect with people that want to be involved in what God is doing around the world to share the Gospel of Christ.  Please keep praying about how we can team up with MORE of our brothers and sisters in Christ.