Ostman News with some unknowns

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Psalm 5:11a (NKJV)

In our last update

we mentioned that peace was the word God was impressing on us. That we needed to keep our focus on HIM to have His peace, joy, and hope, regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves. As you read the following, you’ll see that those thoughts are especially applicable to us as we enter this new year.

Christmas:

We also mentioned in our last update that we were excited about our daughter and her family coming for Christmas. The above picture shows us all, with our grandson Ean, as we finished up dinner on Christmas Day. We had such a great time.

A Car Story:

We really enjoy our car, and we hope to keep it for a few more years. Lately, though, we noticed that we needed to have some things fixed on it. The mechanic scheduled to fix it January 3-5 and told us to avoid driving it long distances.

So, we opted to not drive it at all until we took it to his garage for repair. We were able to borrow a car from friends at church. Within a couple days of borrowing their car, they were in a bad accident with their other car. Have you ever been going 70mph on the highway and had a head-on collision? Their Grand Cherokee absorbed the impact quite well. Their Nissan Rogue is a lot lighter vehicle, and they probably would have had worse injuries if they had been in that car. So, we ask ourselves, “Did God give us car issues so that our friends wouldn’t be driving their car that gets better fuel economy when they got in an accident?” At any rate, we praise the Lord that though they are sore and have a few broken bones, they are going to be fine.

Unknowns:

Also, in our last update, we mentioned that we all learned in 2020 that things can change very quickly in this world of ours and how thankful we are that we know our lives are in God’s hands. And indeed, we are!

As we have been planning for our trip back to the Philippines, we thought we’d get our physicals and bloodwork before leaving.

Everything in the bloodwork was pretty normal except for Lance’s PSA. It came back slightly elevated above what it should be. A follow-up test showed it a little higher than the first test. So, the urologist ordered an MRI. We were told that we’d get a call on Thursday but so far, we haven’t received any calls. We assume that’s because of the holiday.

We’re scheduled to leave on the 13th! Please pray with us as we trust the Lord for these unknowns. We would really like to be back in our jungle home later this month. In the meantime, we’re learning that fear and anxiety are thieves. They rob one of the peace that is ours if we just trust God for what He is doing. The above verse says, “But let all rejoice who put their trust in Him.” So, as you pray with us, rejoice with us as we place our trust in Him.

Thank you

Thank you again for your partnership with us to see the Higaunon people have the Scriptures, as well as the role we play in Equip Asia.

Secure in Christ alone,

Lance and Laura