August 23rd marks Ike’s 18th birthday. He is studying in a library in town with the rest of the clan, and when they all come home, I’ll see if anyone has a photo we can post. Here’s one from a few years ago, in which you see him taking final exams in a small office of a farmer’s barn.
“Go ahead, God, stir me. I don’t care what it costs…” then there was a long pause, before he burst out, in his mother tongue, “I do care what it costs, I care a lot, but stir me all the same, God!”
We are in Texas, and as of this morning, we have reached a point of decision. We are seeking God’s direction in these economically tough times. Our hearts are leaning towards California, a lot like a plant leans towards the sun…home assignment (furlough) is looking iffy, but that doesn’t stop us from dreaming and praying.
Next week is an especially busy week of counseling. Pray that we would keep our minds on Christ and on His call, and not on the cares of our little world. Pray that we would know God’s will for the days ahead.
“Stir me, dear God, to live for you in the very fullest sense, by the faith of Your dear son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Stir me, that I may step out of the apathy and indifference and lethargy that seek to overwhelm our modern society, in self-sufficiency and self-complacency. Stir me to move out into the exciting realm of faith, to see Jesus Christ at work through me in all the daily details of living. Give me the courage to believe and to act in faith.”(Dr. Roseveare, missionary to Africa)
Hi all,
We’re in eastern Oklahoma for the weekend, and plan, Lord-willing, to be in Fort Worth, Texas this week as we resume the long road west. Please pray for safety on the road as we drive, and for wisdom as Todd counsels.
Colleen
All are well, for which we fervently thank God, but this past week has not been without its concerns. Todd was ill as he was getting over staph infections on his leg, his body was dealing poorly with the prescribed antibiotic, and three out of seven of us were ill with the worst flu we have ever had. Today was Todd’s first day back to a normal work schedule.
We’re still in Oklahoma, and will plan to stay put here for the next few days as we finish the missions letter as well as dealing with copious writing and accounting tasks.
As to the report of God’s provision, we received the week’s forwarded mail Friday, and there was $50 in it: $50 to thank God for, with hearts that trust Him. It matters not whether our worries are about finances or illness, the temptation to dwell on them is a lot like the birds Martin Luther wrote about: thoughts about bad things and temptations happen to all of us – they are as natural as little birds flying over our heads. We must not let them build a nest in our hair.
Thank-you for your ongoing prayers.
I think sickness (as several of us now have the flu) –and things like staph infections– are a way to slow us down. God’s “slow down” sign: “Be Still, and Know that I Am God”.
“Absolute abandonment to God diffuses in the soul a peace that flows like a river, and a righteousness that is like the waves of the sea (Isaiah 18:18). If there is anything that can render the soul calm, dispel its fears, sweeten its sufferings by the anointing of love, impart strength to it in all its actions and spread abroad the joy of the Holy Spirit, it is this simple, free and childlike repose in the arms of God.” (Francois Fenelon)
The very good news is that Todd is doing ever so much better…thank-you so, so much for your prayers. He is out and about, though tired by afternoon, but praising the Lord that he feels well. Please keep praying. I will update more tomorrow.
We are deeply grateful for all your prayers, and for those who have written to us with words of encouragement. Todd slept better last night. Compared to yesterday when he was too weak to stand, he was up and about for an hour this morning before going back to bed.
Again, thank-you so much for your care for us. You are dear friends.
Quick update from Oklahoma and a request for prayer. Todd has a staph infection in three places on his leg, and was put on antibiotics Thursday, but took sick last night and has been sick all day. We’re not sure if he is sick from side effects of the medication or from something else, but would sure appreciate your prayers either way.
