A quick note to follow up on our last couple weeks in April.
I, Roland, was thrilled to serve Olive Point’s congregation, bringing the main message on the 18th. Since the Lord has been encouraging me in my relationship with Him, especially through our study of the letters to the Corinthians, I decided to share about that. It was a joy for me to praise the Lord for all He has done and continues to do in deepening my relationship with Him. He made the morning a glorious time of worship of Him for which I am extremely grateful.
The following Sunday morning, April 25th, Olive Point’s short term mission team returned, encouraged and tired. They shared just a few of their experiences. Some of the team commented on how amazed they were at the joy and desire to serve the Lord, exhibited by the members of this extremely poor, little congregation they visited. Others pointed out how they immediately ‘connected’ and could tell they were received in Christian fellowship so many miles from home. The team is planning a formal presentation. It will be wonderful to see pictures and hear further testimony of how our Father used this trip to impact lives for Jesus Christ.
The evening service, the 25th of April, was given to our family. We had the privilege of sharing with Olive Point what the Lord has been doing in our journey with Him. We shared about NTM and what they are doing to partner with the local church to send laborers into the field. Part of our time was set aside to simulate how a missionary would begin laying the ground work for teaching tribal people about God, His character, and His desire to be known by them. We talked about how the Lord called our family and how He has directed our steps to serve with the NTM team. It was a special time, like sharing with family!
Jinni attended a conference for home-schoolers, in Springfield, the last few days of April. Members of the MK Ed and Care ministry team went, too. The first day, Elijah (who also went along), attended some sessions on teens while Jinni was in others. Returning the next day, Jinni was able to acquire much needed curriculum for the coming school year – discounted at the conference.
We praise the Lord for what He has been teaching us. We are continually encouraged to remain focused on Him and trust Him to direct our steps. We are thankful for the challenge to be diligent in sharing with others our calling and our vision. We appreciate everyone who has been involved in getting us here and being used to keep us moving forward to serve as cross-cultural ministers of the Lord’s Good News.
Thank you for staying in touch and partnering with us. We are here because you have said ‘yes’ to the Lord, too!
serving Him with you,
Roland, Jinni, and the Shafer kids
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart” Pr 3:5-7