Humbled

                To say raising support is a humbling experience is a bit of an understatement, at times it can feel like selling something no one wants.  But, that is not really the most humbling part.  The most humbling part is when someone responds.

                First it is humbling because I am not sure if the shoe was on the other foot, if we could respond as generously.  I often find my needs outweigh the things God is calling me to support.  I have to be honest, there have been many times when I have felt God prompting me to give and I have held back. Or because of my buying choices, we have not had the money I wanted to send.  But, now people are giving to me more than generously.  That is humbling!

                Second, sometimes I get in front of people and do not know exactly what to say.  Then I get done and do not really know if I made any sense.  Maybe you are reading this now and thinking this guy does not make any sense but, then people comment on how passionate I have spoken or how what I shared impacted them.  This is not me; I believe it is God Spirit acting on our behalf.  It is not me speaking to your heart; it is your heart responding to the Spirit of God.  That is why we call our website walking in obedience; we are just doing what God’s spirit is directing our hearts to do.  Really, it is nothing hard or difficult, even when we think it is or we make it more difficult than it is.  Do you realize we sold our house without ever putting it on the market or even looking for a buyer? Did you know that our family was able to send SIX trunks with our team that is going to Honduras tomorrow to make it easier to get all we need to Honduras? Did you know that this week we were given the news of another church supporting us? Whenever this transition gets too difficult for me, I have to realize it is not me doing, it is God. How quickly I forget all He has done for us already.

                Third, God is intrusting us with you, those who have partnered with us in prayer and financially.  We want to make sure you know all God is doing in us, as we prepare.  This week one of our friends came and told us how she prays (thanks Barb) for us every day!  We want to have our words reinvest in the lives of those who are investing in us.  Thank you for being part of the Cloud of witnesses that surround us!

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Visiting Churches

We have had a month of visiting Churches.  We spent 2 weeks in Northern Minnesota and North Dakota and had the chance to be in 5 different Churches.  We are learning a lot in this process.

First, we are blessed by all the people we have met and the people who are so supportive.  We have been blessed by complete strangers and friends a like, it is amazing what God puts together for us.  We need your prayers and kind words during this transition.  We really need this now, it is hard to explain what it is like to switch from being a normal person to becoming missionary. It is not really normal, I was joking with my wife that it feels like we are downsizing to move to a nursing home, but we are helping our kids downsize too. Most people our age have no idea what it is like to downsize.

Second, It is very hard to share what we are excited about in 10 minutes or less.  God has been moving incredibly in our lives.  Once my mouth gets going it is hard to stop, but it about all what God is doing, so I have so much to say.  But, people have been patient and have been willing to sit in Church a few minutes extra.

Third, We get reminded of the value of good friends and Jen's Parents.  It is great to be able to drag our friends and family along on this walk.  They listen to our stories and although they may think we are a bit crazy, they support us anyway.   They have opened up their homes to Jenny, me, and even enjoyed the 4 kids and 2 dogs that make up our family.

Thanks for all the prayers!