Friday, August 30, 2013

A Difficult Week (and a Financial Update)

I usually try to keep my posts positive, but there's no getting around it—this was a rough week! Last week was wonderful, as I took 5 days off work for to vacation with my family in SW Michigan. I thoroughly enjoyed having nine consecutive days off, and spending some quality time with my family. But on the other hand, it made coming back to my desk job very difficult. On top of that, the work I had to do this week was complete drudgery, and I came home to kids who were tired and cranky, still adjusting to being in school again.

Don't get me wrong; I have it pretty good. I have a steady job that provides for my family's needs (and more), a wonderful home, a great wife and fantastic children who are all healthy, not to mention the spiritual blessings found in knowing Christ. But, when you know that you are called to something else, it can be so difficult to continue working faithfully at what is set before you today. I've heard all the Scriptures and platitudes about living for today, working at everything as if it's for Christ (Col. 3:22-24, Eph 6:5-6), etc. And I even repeat them to myself. But I've still got this burning passion driving me forward, and sometimes I feel like I'm about to explode when I'm sitting in front of my computer at work! Maybe that seems a little dramatic, but it's not really an exaggeration!

Sure, the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. And I know that being in full-time ministry will have its own challenges. Everything won't be perfect at MMS, despite the fact I'll be working with brothers and sisters in Christ. But I am SO looking forward to having a job where I am giving my best hours to support the work of taking the Gospel to the world, and not just making money for a corporation. I also can't wait to get off my rear end and work with my hands! And let's just face it, airplanes are awesome. I'm so excited about being in missionary aviation—something I've only dreamed of for almost years!

If you follow our blog or get our newsletter, you know that the only thing holding us back from serving with MMS immediately is our need for additional financial support. Aviation is expensive, and the people who are served by missionary aviation aren't usually able to pay for these services. That's why we rely on friends who will help support our ministry in order that we might provide aviation services to isolated people in dire need, who could never afford to pay for them. We are about two-thirds funded, but we still need to raise about $1800 per month in ongoing financial support. If you don't already support us, would you prayerfully consider it? We have friends who contribute anywhere from $10 to $200 per month. The amount is not that important. We don't want anyone to give under compulsion, but rather to give joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). We trust that God is calling people who will truly be blessed by participating with us in our ministry, just as we joyfully participate in the ministries of several friends serving around the world.

If you aren't able to give, would you think about people you know who might be excited about missionary aviation? We would love to get in contact with them, or have them get in touch with us. You can contact us using the link on this blog.

Finally, would you consider praying for us? I really believe that God has instituted prayer as a means by which he accomplishes His will and draws us closer to Himself. It's in area that I need to grow in myself, but it is of vital importance.

We thank you so much for your partnership, and look forward to seeing how God will meet our remaining need of $1800/month so we can begin serving with MMS!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

August 6, 2013 Update

Over the past few weeks we've gotten word of several individuals who have decided to partner with us by financially supporting our ministry with MMS Aviation. These have brought us up to about 65% of the monthly amount that we will need in order to begin serving with MMS. We thank God for His provision, and we are grateful for each person who is sacrificing to enable us to follow this call!

As we shared in our April newsletter, we were originally working toward the goal of having our financial support raised by the end of the summer. Unfortunately things are moving slower than we had hoped, and we lost the month of June due to medical issues. Because of this, the kids will start school here in Perrysburg at the end of this month. We would like to be able to move to Coshocton in January, but at this point we are trusting God's timing while faithfully doing our part to contact potential ministry partners.

It's a constant struggle for me to be patient, as I feel like the weeks and months are slipping through my fingers. I am so excited for the opportunity to pursue this dream that I have had for so many years, of serving in missionary aviation. But at the same time I know that my age may be an issue when I eventually apply to field programs as a new pilot/mechanic. Although I still feel pretty young, new missionary pilots have not traditionally gone onto the field much past the age of 40 (I'm currently in my mid-thirties, but have several years of preparation before serving overseas). I have to continually remind myself of God's goodness and faithfulness, and that He is in control regardless of what happens.

Would you continue to pray with us as we prepare to serve with MMS? Some of the things we pray are that God would provide the means necessary for us to begin serving, that he would prepare our for service, that we would continue to seek Him first, and that we would grow in faith and in Christ-likeness as we trust and serve Him. Thank you!