Like all adventures, you are always heading towards something but don’t know all the things you will encounter along the way. Lorie and I have found this to be true as we continue towards the goal of getting to Papua New Guinea. There have been obstacles along our path (like visa delays) and at the same time there have been continual moments of encouragement (training, meeting with friends, family, & supporters). It is encouraging to know that God has made these things to “work for our good” (Romans 8:28). Then again, in light of Romans 8:28 I don’t think anything exist on that path that should be considered an obstacle, only opportunities for our good.
Much has changed in our little family in the last month. The most physically noticeable would be Greer loosing his two front teeth. We were sitting down to dinner when he decided to “encourage” one of the teeth to come out a little faster. Let me just say the dad of the family we are living with was already not feeling well, and he had to excuse himself from the table after that scene. However, in spite of all those factors – he got his tooth out! The kids have been swimming for the majority of the summer; Greer is doing great, Belle can hold her breath and swim the span of the spa, Knox can blow bubbles and grab the edge. Lorie and I have been reading “Let the Nations be Glad” by John Piper. It has been an eye opening book regarding missions. It is helping shape in us a biblical perspective on what that means. It has been sobering to read about how God uses suffering for the furthering of the Gospel.
I had the opportunity to preach in small group on Romans 8:1-4. It has been a life transforming text for me, and I hope for those that were able to attend and listen. Paul makes a declaration that “those that are in Christ Jesus” experience “no condemnation”. Are you a person that is “in Christ Jesus”? If so, you have a great comfort in knowing that you will never experience God’s condemnation in Hell. This reality however has the flip-side of the coin; those that are “outside Christ Jesus” only experience God’s condemnation – forever. If this is you I would plead with you to abandon your pursuit of what God calls sin and turn (repent) to what God desires. Place your trust in God to save you from his condemnation by the blood of his son Jesus Christ (Romans 10:11-13). This is the same message that those in the tribes and town of PNG must hear!
We are continuing to work on our work visas for Papua New Guinea. We originally sent our applications to an agent in PNG in April. The issue; we have not heard from that agent since May 15th. As a result I have been commissioned to work on work visas for the team; it has been fun to research and put together exactly what we need. Lord willing the team will be submitting our “new applications” to the PNG government at the end of the next week. This is an item that needs prayer as the visas could take 3–6 months before we get them back. Pray that they would move through the visa office quickly and be approved. Praise God he determines all events in his creation and he does this to his will and for his glory. It is exciting to pray and see how he provides in the midst of waiting for visas to enter PNG.
God continues to provide financially for us to leave for the field. There are still support opportunities to keep us in the field—through continuing monthly support. By God’s grace we are at 62% of our monthly support need! If you have a desire to answer this call and support this work – visit our “get involved page” to find out more!
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