We're in the support raising process to get to the mission field, and it is definitely moving forward. Our staff rep at Food for the Hungry said it so well in regards to following God's Call...he said it was like stepping on a conveyor belt and off you go! It's soooo true. Speaking engagements keep coming our way as well as individual meetings and help with fund raisers. Right now the conveyor belt is moving a little slower because of the holidays, but we needed the rest after several busy months. Our path is not always easy, in fact it is often down right challenging, so we thank you for your prayers for strength as the enemy occasionally brings predictable opposition, and as God brings us through the Refiner's Fire.
This period of waiting on God is truly a "Kingdom of God" process. We belong to a home church that, while dedicated to its denomination, seeks to unite its community in Christian love through programs like Kids Kamp and a Thanksgiving community service where local churches of multiple denominations come together in worship and outreach. Now, having been led to a non-denominational Christian organization, we get to enjoy the fellowship and worship of many denominations through the support raising process as well as through the very church we serve. So far this ministry is being supported by five churches of three entirely different denominations, not to mention the multiple denominations of the individuals on this support team. His Kingdom Come!
We expected to be leaving for the field in just two weeks, but the folks at Food for the Hungry told us in the beginning that it could take 18 months to raise support, and it's only been 11. So we're still raising funds. We realize this has been a long process, yet many people have already been giving on a monthly basis since last winter. We are inspired by the faith these people have in what God has for this ministry. God has blessed us with enormous peace about getting to the field and serving Him through such support.
There is, of course, an element of the unknown in this leap of faith. Honestly, we have no idea to what extent God wants to use us, but the vision we have is big, and goes beyond Justin's job description, and I find peace in Him and His track record in our lives thus far. There are certain things God knew we needed solidified for us as we prayed for His guidance in where to serve Him. He led us to Food for the Hungry's ministry in Lima (an established missions program), He healed our children of asthma and reflux, and now we're trusting Him to raise the funds to get us where He wants us. While we know Justin's job description in Lima and who he will be working with, we don't know what our daily lives will be like, where we will worship, or how God will use us as a family along with the ministry in the field. These are things we trust the Lord to provide, and we expect great things. As Christ said to Thomas: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29. I believe, Father, that you want to use us in Lima, Peru. I have no idea for how long, or to what extent, but I am willing to step in and find out.
In Christ,
Gillian
