As I write we’re back at our mission home in town. We were just here 2 weeks ago and not planning on coming out until October. But God had different plans and through a tense and strange situation in the village our family was advised to come to town for a short time.
As with so many things there is often more going on than meets the eye. The short explanation is that we were not able to drive someone out to town for medical help when they wanted (that exact moment). After we offered other forms of help the mayor/village leader, in a drunken rage demanded that we leave the village.
Or course we do try to help as we can in these type of situations, but have also had to come up with boundaries, in order to protect our long term ministry in this area. The mayor demanded that we pack our bags and leave the following morning. So that night with sad hearts we started packing and then after consulting with some others left the next day for town.
We were getting advice from leadership and other local friends who said it would just be best to let the situation cool down before we try and re-connect with the mayor and resume a teaching schedule.Our partners stayed in the village since they were not the ones directly spoken to by the village leader. They have been able to help work through all the talks with our friends in there and we are all still asking the Lord for peace and relationship to be restored with this village leader.
We’ve been encouraged by new believers in the village and other friends also that they are still wanting us there. They have expressed their desire for us to come back and they do not agree with the demand of this one man to kick us out. 6 families joined together to make a document asking our team to continue the teaching ministry.
“We still have a desire to hear God’s important message…”
Thanks for praying for us if you had heard about this through Facebook or other means. We are really believing that God has something in this and is working beyond what we can see now or ever may see. We are also not unaware of Satan and his workings, not willing that any more be taken from his clutches and brought into the LIGHT. So pray with us for clarity, rest, joy, and that God would make a way! God always makes a way for His people, and His plan.
We celebrated Dina’s birthday, can’t believe the Lord brought her into our family 9 years ago already. What a joy she is!
Thanks again for your prayers and you financial giving. God is using you to enable us to live and serve here. Thank you!
Taking Refuge in Him,
Tim, Andrea, Dina,& Abby
G'Ma Joyce says
Thanks a bunch for updating us as we continue to pray for the Lord to clearly lead you dear ones.
Much love,
G’Ma Joyce