Boast in the Lord

Praise God for answered prayers! In our last update, we asked for prayer as Nick prepared for surgery, we finished classes, and we looked for housing in Pennsylvania. Well, we have exciting news about each of those requests:

• Nick’s ear surgery was a success! The hole in his ear drum (which he’s had since childhood) is repaired.
• On Saturday, we GRADUATED from Ethnos360 Bible Institute. Praise God for two amazing years studying the Bible.
• God has provided a place for us to stay in Pennsylvania! We will be staying in a missionary apartment provided through Palisades Community Bible Church.

How great to see God answering prayer and providing for our needs. We really, really appreciate your prayers and how you partner with us in that way.  We spend time praying for all of you as well so please let us know when you have specific needs 😊

We are headed to Florida in a few weeks for our Pre-Field Orientation with Ethnos360. We’ll be learning about the core values of Ethnos360, the mission’s strategy in world missions, skills for developing a ministry support team, and other aspects of ministry with Ethnos360. After that, we will head to Pennsylvania on July 1 to begin our time of Ministry Partnership Development. Thank you for your prayers and for keeping up with what we are doing.

As we reflect on God’s faithfulness, I (Kathy) am learning how often I hesitate instead of moving forward with confidence in God’s provision. Over the past few months, the story of Gideon has caused me to stop and reflect on God’s faithfulness (you can read his story in Judges 6-8). God called Gideon to lead Israel out of their bondage to the Midianites. But when God first approached him, Gideon had doubts. Here’s the conversation (Judges 6:14-16a):

^“ The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

The Lord answered, “I will be with you.”

What an incredible conversation. God speaks to Gideon to send him to a task. Yet still, Gideon hesitates. Even after the Lord says, “I will be with you,” Gideon asks for a sign. And he doesn’t just ask once…Gideon asks God for a sign THREE times (Judges 6:17, 37, 39). And God, in His grace, gives Gideon a sign each time. As the story continues, God also asks Gideon to step out in faith and take an army of 300 men to face an army of thousands. Gideon does what the Lord asks, steps into what looks like an impossible task, and God provides the victory. When I read Gideon’s story, I am so convicted about my own hesitation in following God.  As we move forward with Ethnos360, there are plenty of unknowns in our future. And though God has graciously provided some answers (like where we will live 😊 ), there are still details of our future that are unclear. God is teaching me that I don’t need every question answered, and that I don’t need a sign each time He leads us. He tells us, like He told Gideon, “Am I not sending you?” And that is enough.

My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

 Psalm 34:2