Simply Trusting

Funny how when you’re young, Christmas seems to take forever to come. Then once you get older, you blink and another holiday, month, etc.   is upon you. I’m very excited to be starting my third week at Sonne. Getting acclimated here has included getting to know a very special and unique fellowship of believers. They are open and accepting, and passionate about their part of the ministry here. I have also had some great opportunities to get to know the guys. This has gone a lot faster than I had expected. Whether it’s a little conversation here, a game there (I learned to play Risk this week), helping with homework, or whatever the situation, getting to know these people better is a continual joy. At dinner the other night I had a flash-back to my first meal here, and while it’s a good memory, I was relieved to find that I have become 100% more comfortable here. I’m really enjoying getting to know the dorm-staff here as well. While there is a definite variance in personality, the di...

As I sit at the desk in my room in Sonne, I can hardly believe that I’m here. The last weekend at home flew by, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to mom, dad, and the boys, and boarding a plane for London, then Basel. The flight to London was not as long as I remembered which is always nice for a transatlantic flight. When I arrived at London-Heathrow, I was a little confused because its huge, and it was also 6 o’clock in the morning. My flight to Basel left a little late because French pilots and other flight staff had gone on strike that morning, but we still made it to Basel in good time. I was very relieved when I had pulled all four of my bags off the luggage belt. It seems that the only time I have trouble with my luggage is when flying domestic in the US. Ironic. Marty Shilling, our dorm dad, met me at the airport after customs, and we loaded my luggage into the car. Thankfully, all of it fit! They have lots of great culturally rich traditions here, and I was introduced ...

It's funny to discover how God has directed our paths even when we didn't realize He was doing it. My pastor had scheduled a Commissioning Service for me during tonight's evening service on Wednesday, and we were thankful God had directed him this way when we found out I was leaving on Monday! Tonight's service was a huge blessing. A former missionary, and great student of the Word, gave the challenge to me out of Micah 6:8. This was very special because God had begun to use that verse in my life during the time at Csehy this summer. Now it's meaning is intensified for me.   " He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8  The first two commands pertain to dealing with mankind, and the last to my relationship with God. If God is first in a person's life, everything else will fall into place. This is my prayer as I enter this new phase in m...

Just when we think we know the extent of the workings of God, He makes us marvel yet again! As of today, my support has reached the point which will allow me to depart for Germany and become part of the ministry there. Lord willing, I will be arriving at BFA next week! In truth, the time since late July, when all of this started, has passed rather quickly. However, as is true when we wait for anything, I often became a bit impatient. God has been incredibly good every step of the way, which causes me to look forward to His workings in the future with great anticipation. His way is best, always.  Packing does not excite me (I don’t know why). The destination surely does. I’m excited to be in Germany, but for some reason the prospect of figuring out what to take and what not to take is a bit overwhelming. But just as He has been guiding thus far, I know His hand is in this as well. So just a few more short days and my life will have relocated to a new country, new people, and new re...

I have the opportunity to share with a ladies' group at my church this evening, and I'm excited! Please pray that I will say exactly what God would have me share. My church is my primary group of supporters, so I don't have to worry about whether they are behind me or not! Pray that people will be blessed and God's name will be honored. Still in need of about 5%, so please pray!!  Click here to donate online!

As we start this week, I have a brief prayer request. Please pray with me that God will protect me from fear and anxiety as this process enters the home stretch of this stage. I am convinced that this is His will for me. After a few minor seeming setbacks this morning I experienced a huge amount of anxiety and doubt. I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness to us even in things like that, and for the constant consistency of His Word. Let me share with you some of the verses that encouraged me: "Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.  Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours." Psalm 86:4-8 As I write this, I have the classical radio station on in the background. They are ...

This evening my family and I had the blessing of participating in the evening service at Grace Gospel Chapel in Rio Grande, NJ. We've been visiting this church ever since I was little with my dad's choir, for weddings, and other things. The people are wonderful, and their joy is infectious! The pastor had asked for information from me concerning BFA, and when I gave it to him tonight he asked me to share briefly with the church. I was a little hesitant to ask for support. This is such a tight economic time, and they have been so generous to us before. However, as I finished sharing I felt like I should offer some info on how people could partner and support. After the service as we greeted people, I was approached by a kind older couple. In quiet voices, they said, "We need to talk to you. We would like to support you for $100 per month. How do we go about doing that?" What a blessing, and how marvelously humbling! As of now, I need about $30 per month. God has provid...

After so many incredible expressions of love from so many friends and family, I am just 9% away from the 80% support level and a plane ticket to Germany! Praise the Lord!  If you are reading this and have not yet decided to partner with the ministry of BFA, I would encourage you to prayerfully consider giving. Remember that by giving, you aren't just supporting an individual. You are helping to support a ministry which ministers to missionaries and their families!  If just 9 people give $20 per month, the goal will be reached. Click here to donate:  Donate Online  This link will take you directly to the TeachBeyond online donation page and has instructions on how to give. Thank you so much for your prayers! God's timing is perfect, and I know that the need will be supplied in His time. Praise Him!