Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Has it Been Seven Months?

It has been seven months since having begun this process. And God willing, just one year from now we will be on our way to training in Richmond, Virginia. Things are moving quickly and slowly all at once. I believe I captured what this experience is like on Sunday when I was asked if we were excited or afraid. I explained that it is somewhat like waiting to bunjee jump. Though I've never tried it, it is what I imagine I would be feeling. There are fears, there is great excitement. There is no turning back. I often remember Jesus, who for the hope set before him, endured the cross. The hope set before us... the souls won to Christ, the community of believers that will continue the work after we leave the earth, the added number of worshipers around the throne... these give us strength to move up in line, to stand on that platform and jump.

As you can imagine, our life is topsy turvey. David has been working on extra projects to clear out bills and get our finances in order. This leaves little time for much else, but we know this is for a season and are confident that the Lord will prosper David's hands in response to his tenacity. We are emptying the house, selling items on Craig's list, we had a yard sale and we're donating much to Goodwill. Hopefully soon we will put the house on the market. We are learning French as time allows and are slowly but surely making progress there.

Our Belgium small group has been meeting regularly on Sundays and our team is beginning to gel. It is a gift we cannot take for granted that we will be going as a group. What a joy it is to see the differences in gifts each member has to offer. A true love for one another is growing among us, even within the children's hearts. Phoebe (our 10 year old) asked me the other day what to call the feelings that you have for boys that you love as brothers. I told her it is "brotherly love". She proceeded to tell one of the boys in our small group that she loved him in this way, which he promptly informed her never to tell him that in front of his friends. So precious.

A few weeks ago we visited our daughter Abigail at Union University. Within the first two weeks of being on campus, Abigail met two girls who are MKs (missionary kids) from Brussels. One of them has been back in the states for three years. Their family ministered in Brussels for twelve years. We were able to meet her, along with her brother and mother who was incredibly insightful and encouraging. The other girl still calls Brussels home. Her family has been ministering there for 14 years. We have been in contact with both sets of families. We believe God has put us in their hands to help us more smoothly transition. I am confident that their guidance will prove to be indispensable. We are encouraged in having met these families and are believing that God is urging us on as we take these steps of faith. Abigail's friends are lovely. I am certain they have been hand picked by God. A few of her friends have studied in Europe. They enjoy the most wonderful pasttime. They gather in the coffee shop and talk to one another in French... just for fun! As you can imagine, Abbie's skill in this area now well exceeds ours. Abigail is surrounded by incredible teachers and students who take pleasure in studying to the glory of God. There is a passion for our Lord that is palpable at Union. I thank God daily for his abounding goodness toward our family!

It has been only seven months since having begun this process. And God willing, just one year from now we will be on our way to training in Richmond, Virginia. Things are moving quickly and slowly all at once. I believe I captured what this experience is like on Sunday when I was asked if we were excited or afraid. I explained that it is somewhat like waiting to bunjee jump. Though I've never tried it, it is what I imagine I would be feeling. There are fears, there is great excitement. There is no turning back. I often remember Jesus, who for the hope set before him, endured the cross. The hope set before us... the souls won to Christ, the community of believers that will continue the work after we leave the earth, the added number of worshipers around the throne... these give us strength to move up in line, to stand on that platform and jump.

We are so thankful for your prayers and support. We quite literally could not do this without you. Though we know your offering is to the Lord, we thank you that you have entrusted us with the privilege of carrying his name and his kingdom to Belgium. Many of you have already begun giving regularly. Please continue to pray for us as we seek full funding for our calling to Brussels, Belgium in January of 2011. We have been sharing the vision God has given LifePoint to plant a church in Brussels that will be instrumental in planting other churches in Belgium and Western Europe. If you or someone you know would be interested in partnering with us to see this vision implemented please contact us. We are trusting God for more partners in the coming days. Thank you for loving us and remembering us in your prayers.

1 comment:

  1. I agree this time has flown right by. I am assuming the next 12 months will as well. I love the bunjee jumping statement. I have never thought of it that way, but it definitely is what I would imagine bunjee jumping to feel like. I also agree that we feel so blessed and thankful for God to be sending us as a group. What a comforting feeling to know you all are on this journey with us. Hope you guys have a great weekend!! See you Sunday.

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