Isn’t it encouraging that God can use the “fires” of life—the hardships and struggles, to shape us and prepare us? Only He can turn what is meant for evil into something beautiful and good. We are trusting and praying that He would do that through the intense drought that is ravaging so much of the world this year. In the village we hope to move to next year, our friends are trying to guard their already-dry gardens from the constant fires. These gardens are their primary sources of food and income, and many have already lost significant portions. Please pray for the believers to be an example to the others and that they would see the peace and love of Christ in the midst of it all. Also, let’s pray for rain.
If you feel like you’ve missed something, check out our last update here to find out where we’re headed.
Besides weather struggles, our team is working on getting our houses started. With the help of the body of believers there, we are hoping to find local workers who can build the main structure of our house. Some of you have asked if we plan to have help from home to build… It seems best to have the bulk of the work done by locals in order to build relationships, provide jobs, and show respect for them. If the Lord provides though, we may be able to have help from home to do the interior finishing work. We are making frequent trips in and out of the village but the smoke and wind is making it hard to fly in and out of the village. If it doesn’t improve we will need to go by land/sea next time (extending our time away from our families by several days).
Family Update
Another one of those “fires” of life is coming from the home front. Many of you have heard that Allegra’s dad is fighting AML (Leukemia). He just finished round 2 of chemotherapy and while there is significant improvement in the amount of cancer cells present, he is facing some serious complications with some of his organs (mainly liver), creating a questionable candidacy for stem-cell transplant: which is the only known cure for leukemia. Through lots of prayer and in coordination with our team and leadership, we hope to make a trip home to California for Christmas. We look forward to being together with Allegra’s whole family and encouraging one another during this hard time. However, there is a chance Dad will need to be hospitalized and in isolation for treatment over this time frame, so we are praying for the Lord to direct our paths. God has provided for the trip already and we hope to go straight there after a week-long conference in a big city here (which saves 2 days of travel and a lot in ticket prices). Please pray that Dad will be strong enough to be around people when we come, and that the timing of his treatments would allow for a good visit together.
Also, thank you for all who prayed for Haven during our trip to an island up north! She is totally back to normal after her fight with Dengue Fever.
The trials have been intense and heavy over the past couple months and we are so grateful to have you guys upholding us in prayer. We are often reminded that we are in a battle against spiritual forces and need the courage to persevere.
PRAYER:
- For Allegra’s dad’s fight with AML.
- For God to use this drought for His glory and our good.
- For the church to stand out and grow through this.
- For rain!
- For the whole house building process.
- We hope to acquire good builders and materials as quickly as possible.
- For wisdom in finding a good balance for our house design; providing what our family needs, while simultaneously trying not to stand out too much in the village.
PRAISE:
- For God’s provision and protection through the drought—at this point we still have water!
- For the opportunity to visit and serve family for the holidays.
- For our team, the Aviation program, and the church that have made this process so much easier.
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