The Winds of Change are Upon Us

They're looking for Justin's replacement at work.
I'm trying my best to disect my feelings about this, but it's tough. I feel so many different things about this. I feel excited to get a little closer to moving to Peru. I feel productive because finally something big is happening. I feel scared, like I want to say, "Hey, wait! We still need this job!" I feel Justin's loss and grief over a job that he loves. I feel pensive and prayerful, "Okay, God, this next phase in our lives is totally in your hands. We know we'll come out blessed, but the process seems so hard."

We need a great deal more financial and prayer support before we can get to the field, and the numbers seem huge. But other families have done this before us. They've raised the support against all odds, and God has blessed their ministries for their faithfulness. So here I stand, my hands wide open to You, saying, "Father use me. Build me up to serve you better. Give me comfort as I wait on your timing. As I experience growing pains, and ache to serve your people like I've never done before. As the burden to uproot and move to Peru grows, as my apprehension and fear of rasing support ebbs and flows, and as my heart seeks YOU at all times for guidance, assurance, and resolution, hold me. Guide me through your Word. Prepare my heart for the journey.

I thank you for this hard journey. You're showing me so much about who you are, and what it means to totally give up everything for you. But Father, it's called the Refiner's Fire for a reason. It's HARD. It's uncomfortable at times. But when I look at my husband and children and feel utterly rich, I know you are there, and all is RIGHT and GOOD."

Thank you, friends, for your prayer and petitions for us. We feel so bonded to you through faith. Prayer works! And we will get to the field very soon with everyone joining together in petition for the great commission! We in turn, are praying blessings for you. That being involved in this ministry to Peru would be an encouragement to you about the power of prayer to change the world.

In Faith,
Gillian

Back in the Saddle Again

After a summer filled with travel and house projects, we're back in the saddle of active support raising...or support praying. We've started making some phone calls and setting up fund raisers, but the biggest blessings have come through no act of our own. Yesterday our church hosted a homecoming service and invited past pastors and former members to come and celebrate what God has done through our church. Through this service God brought us together with two pastors who have now put us on their calendars to present to their churches. A third church has asked for more information, and a friend said they increased their monthly commitment. Also, a lovely member of our church who has several active family members in our church, passed away yesterday, and the family has asked that memorials be given to Ebenezer for Food for the Hungry missions. We are greatly humbled by this gesture, and our hearts go out to Ms. Winnie's family in their grief.
In light of all these things, two words are swimming through my mind- Humility and Encouragement. Our lives are filled with untitled missionaries who have led many to Christ, who have brought comfort to the "least of these" and intercession for the desperate. There are so many people who have demonstrated a life of service and selflessness, and I want to say thank you for all you do. I wish I could pin a rose on your chest and hold a special service for all of you who serve without an official title or a pulpit to speak from. Friends, thank you for your faith in God and what He can do through us in Peru, and we return this confidence with prayer for you in your home mission field. We treasure you more than words can express. My tears over the awesomeness of His grace through you can only be counted by God Himself.

Thank you,
Gillian