February 2017
We experienced spring-like temperatures here in South Carolina the majority of this past month. While we are used to mild winters, these warming days this time of year are even unusual for those of us who grew up in the south. It even seems to have awakened nature from its short slumber as trees are sprouting and flowers are blooming bringing everyone outdoors. These changes seem untimely, but Daniel 2:21-22 reminds us that they are not.
He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
What a comfort for the uncertainties we face! These out-of-place seasons are another reminder that man’s futile attempts to rewrite creation or control environments are foolishness to the Creator of the universe.
We try so hard to make sense of what we can see and we forget that our tangible knowledge does not even begin to scratch the surface of the unforeseen, unfathomable knowledge of our God and we take heart in what He has revealed to us in 2 Corinthians 4:18.
As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
This is both a comfort and rebuke to me as I reflect on the calling God has set in motion for our family. I like to control environments and in my arrogance I many times rely on my own knowledge and anticipation of change to pursue a path that makes sense to me. I tend to put my faith in these things I can see and control, not in the hands of the One who holds everything in its place. As the winds of change blow harder than ever before in our family’s lives, I am thankful that God sees into the darkness of our changing seasons.
He has been proving this to us daily in how he provides and continues to illumine our path. We had a tremendous month in picking up some key partnerships that put us in position to transition to Berlin and we plan to arrive in the city at the end of July this year. Preparations are beginning to take shape as well as we were able to have a number of Skype meetings this month to gain information on the best way to establish ministry in key communities once we arrive. We also have a possible buyer for our home and we would appreciate your prayers for wisdom and grace in this process. Please also pray for us as we make our last big push to complete our support team over the next couple of months.
Praise and Prayer
Praise for strong partnerships with like-minded people and organizations
Praise for strengthened relationships with those pursuing similar ministry in Europe
Prayer for wisdom and grace in making decisions on selling our home
Prayer that God would open the door for our girls to be accepted to the John F. Kennedy school (should be hearing back in the next month)
Prayer for God’s leading in helping us find the right partners to complete our ministry partner team