Greetings Friends,
We write this letter full of sadness for several of our friends here and their situations. One person is a lady who works for us each day helping with washing our laundry in the river, washing dishes and doing floors. She has had a rough life filled with having 3 children out of wedlock, and 1 other while married but then divorced. All of her children have been adopted out to people in other villages just after they were born,, we’re not sure if that was voluntary or not. Anyways, she’s had a hard life and in the last 2 weeks 2 of her sons have died. One was middle school age and was killed while going to visit a relative. And then just last night at midnight she came to tell us that her high school age son had hung himself. So, so sad. Two completely separate incidents in separate towns but all in one week. She didn’t have anyone to take her so Tim took her out to the coastal town for the funeral and they are on their way home now. Pray that through all of this she would be moved closer and closer to knowing her need for the Lord and that we would have wisdom to know how to care for her.
“Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the LORD rather than for people. Remember that is it the LORD that will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ” Col 3:23 This was what Paul wanted the Christian slaves of Colosse to focus on. Their goal was to work heartily for their earthly masters as though they were really working for Christ. This is something I’ve been reflecting on lately as I work through the discouragement of not being further along in my tribal language ability. It’s been a comfort to remember that my focus needs to be MORE on being FAITHFUL to what the Lord has for me each day and finding my contentment in that RATHER than in my goals, progress, expectations from others or that I put on myself. Focusing on Christ’s faithfulness to us and walking in faithfulness to Him brings such rest. Unfortunately I don’t always remain in that rest. In the flesh I can jump to frustration, condemnation, and discouragement. Would you pray with me that I would remain in the joy and rest He wants to give? Thanks
Dina and Abby will start Kindergarten tomorrow!
They are excited about starting something new and also about recess. Not sure where they even heard about recess but I guess I’ll make a bigger deal about “playing outside” for RECESS! I’m looking forward to having some new material to teach them as my preschool supply is all but used up.
Thanks for your prayers for Tim as he is working long hours on the translation. God continues to provide helpers in His time. Not in abundant supply but just what we need! There are so many joys of living in the tension of need- whether for vegees, helpers, car parts…. And then see God provide in such special ways! Fun, living illustrations for our girls, and us of course, to see the character and love of our Shepherd!
Hope you’re all doing well as you start a new month and anticipate autumn just on the horizon! Thanks for your prayers and ways you encourage us through your faithful and loving support of us here in Asia Pacific! If any of you would like to receive our regular prayer updates called Breaking Strongholds please send us your email address.
P.S. A praise, we just heard that a young friend who is basically dying of TB will be heading out to a special clinic tomorrow after we have tried so hard to get them help- and they’re finally ready to be helped! Phew
Desiring to walk in faithfulness,
Andrea,Tim, Dina & Abby