When things are going well, do you ever find yourself relying on your own efforts and failing to recognize God's hand of provision? I wish I could answer, "No!" to this question, but the truth is that I do this all the time. Although I frequently take time with my family to thank God for providing our basic needs, somehow—when it comes to certain areas of my life—I tend to rely on myself.
A big part of preparing for missionary service with MMS is developing our team of ministry partners. We hope that we can be a blessing to our ministry partners by sharing how God is working in us and through our ministry. They encourage us, pray for us, and provide the financial resources we need to serve in missions. It's this last part—raising our financial support—that can be one of the most trying aspects of preparing for service with a missionary organization. It's also an area that I can tend to take into my own hands. There are always more phone calls to make, letters to send, and presentations to give. God certainly honors our efforts and uses all of these things to draw people into partnership with us. But without his power, all of these efforts are in vain.
If you read our last blog post, you know that we have been dealing with discouragement lately. It seemed like no matter how many calls we made, or how many people we talked to, we were stuck at about 65% funding (as you may know, we cannot begin serving with MMS until we have raised the funds to cover all of our ongoing expenses). We finally reached a point of desperation. I felt ready to throw in the towel, and all I could do was pray. My family and I had, in fact, been praying all along. But a different kind of prayer is born from a place of helplessness and despondency. My prayers took the form of heartfelt cries to the sovereign, Almighty God, for His divine intervention.
It seemed like the moment Tara and I began praying fervently, God began answering. We had several meaningful conversations. People who had been unresponsive for weeks suddenly returned our messages. And we even received some new financial commitments. It was as if God wanted to bless our efforts, but had to slow us down and remind us of our dependence on Him. He is the one who first called us to Himself. He is the one who sent us into the world as His ambassadors of reconciliation. And He is the one who will draw others into partnership with us as we respond to His call.
So, with that background, here is the good news. For the past week, we have been praying specifically that we would reach 70% funding by the end of today. Well, this afternoon we received a phone call from a family that wants to partner financially with us for $50/month. That pledge, combined with a couple others that we received earlier in the week, brought us to exactly 70 percent! This is an answer to prayer and a great encouragement to us. We thank God for his provision, and can't wait to see how He continues to meet our every need! May we continue to trust in Him, and not in ourselves only!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Calling all Believers
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
What is God's will for my life? That is a question that is often asked by American Christians.Sometimes we hope to hear God's voice through inner whispers of the Spirit, or mystical signs from God. God may sometimes speak in such ways, but there is one foolproof way to hear God's voice and to know His will: by opening the Bible and reading it!
Over the past few days I've noticed a few explicit references to the will of God in Paul's epistles. Among other things, Paul noted these as God's will: to be joyful and give thanks in all circumstances; to avoid sexual immorality and live a holy life; and to live a quiet life, work hard, and provide for one's self and one's family. These may not seem as glamorous as becoming a missionary to a foreign land, but I believe they are just as pleasing to God, when done in faith and obedience to Him.
There is, however, a definite call for us to take the Good News of Jesus to all people. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus clearly made his will known to his disciples, in what has come to be known as The Great Commission. Does the call need to be any more specific than this? As Christ's Church in the present day, we are to carry on the work that was begun by those first disciples of Jesus. In the past, when I've shared with fellow believers about my desire to serve in missionary aviation, I sometimes felt pressure to explain it in terms of some mystical calling. Maybe I felt the need to prove that this call was really from God. But, although I do feel drawn specifically toward missionary aviation, I would much rather appeal to Christ's clear call to his disciples to go and make new disciples in every nation!
All throughout the Bible we see God's desire to bring people from every people group into relationship with Him. The book of Revelation indicates that one day people from every nation will, in fact, worship Him:
What a privilege we have to participate in God's work of reconciling the world to himself! (1 Corinthians 5:17-20) We are humbled not only to serve Christ in this way, but by the many family and friends who have joined with us in this calling through their partnership. We are truly grateful!
What is God's will for my life? That is a question that is often asked by American Christians.Sometimes we hope to hear God's voice through inner whispers of the Spirit, or mystical signs from God. God may sometimes speak in such ways, but there is one foolproof way to hear God's voice and to know His will: by opening the Bible and reading it!
Over the past few days I've noticed a few explicit references to the will of God in Paul's epistles. Among other things, Paul noted these as God's will: to be joyful and give thanks in all circumstances; to avoid sexual immorality and live a holy life; and to live a quiet life, work hard, and provide for one's self and one's family. These may not seem as glamorous as becoming a missionary to a foreign land, but I believe they are just as pleasing to God, when done in faith and obedience to Him.
There is, however, a definite call for us to take the Good News of Jesus to all people. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus clearly made his will known to his disciples, in what has come to be known as The Great Commission. Does the call need to be any more specific than this? As Christ's Church in the present day, we are to carry on the work that was begun by those first disciples of Jesus. In the past, when I've shared with fellow believers about my desire to serve in missionary aviation, I sometimes felt pressure to explain it in terms of some mystical calling. Maybe I felt the need to prove that this call was really from God. But, although I do feel drawn specifically toward missionary aviation, I would much rather appeal to Christ's clear call to his disciples to go and make new disciples in every nation!
All throughout the Bible we see God's desire to bring people from every people group into relationship with Him. The book of Revelation indicates that one day people from every nation will, in fact, worship Him:
As someone who gets excited about experiencing other cultures, I can't wait for that day! In the past, I have had the privilege to worship with believers from many countries. There is something to be said for enjoying the comfort of your own culture and customs, but there is nothing like gathering with believers from diverse backgrounds and traditions to worship our One God together; to see that God is so much greater than what can be expressed in any one language or cultural context!“You are worthy to take the scrolland to open its seals,because you were slain,and with your blood you purchased for Godpersons from every tribe and language and people and nation.You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,and they will reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10)
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9)
What a privilege we have to participate in God's work of reconciling the world to himself! (1 Corinthians 5:17-20) We are humbled not only to serve Christ in this way, but by the many family and friends who have joined with us in this calling through their partnership. We are truly grateful!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
July 2013 Newsletter
We're preparing to send out our July newsletter, so those of you on our mailing list can expect to see it soon. In the meantime, feel free to take a look at our first e-newsletter. You can also view our full newsletter in PDF format.
As always, if you'd like to be added to our mailing list you can contact us by following the links at the top of this page!
As always, if you'd like to be added to our mailing list you can contact us by following the links at the top of this page!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Faith and Hope
The events of the past few weeks have definitely exercised our faith! But they have also caused us to lean on the hope that we have in Christ, and to humble ourselves in prayer. I am not a person who spiritualizes every little thing that happens throughout the day, but it really feels like we have been under attack these past few weeks. Just when we were gaining momentum in our ministry partner development, we encountered some huge bumps in the road.
As I mentioned in our last post, Ian had an emergency appendectomy on Memorial Day, and was hospitalized for eight days. This was a difficult experience in and of itself. After coming home, Ian seemed to be improving at first. On Father's Day, we spoke about our ministry with MMS at Hope United Methodist Church. Ian was not feeling well that morning, but made it through the day.
On Monday we took him to see the pediatric surgeon who had performed the appendectomy, and Ian was readmitted to the hospital due to an abscess that had formed. To complicate matters, the abscess was in a difficult location, and they could not easily drain it. We decided to treat him with intravenous antibiotics (which he will be on for about two weeks). As if that wasn't enough, he also tested positive for c. diff and had to be put on yet another antibiotic to treat that. Finally, they had trouble inserting his PICC line, which made for a very traumatic experience for Ian. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
In times like this, 1 Peter 5:6-11 comes to mind:
On Monday we took him to see the pediatric surgeon who had performed the appendectomy, and Ian was readmitted to the hospital due to an abscess that had formed. To complicate matters, the abscess was in a difficult location, and they could not easily drain it. We decided to treat him with intravenous antibiotics (which he will be on for about two weeks). As if that wasn't enough, he also tested positive for c. diff and had to be put on yet another antibiotic to treat that. Finally, they had trouble inserting his PICC line, which made for a very traumatic experience for Ian. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
In times like this, 1 Peter 5:6-11 comes to mind:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
We are so thankful for the hope and comfort that we have in Christ. There is nothing that can steal that hope away from us. It is this hope that allows those in Christ to face any situation that life (or the enemy) can throw at us. While we certainly appreciate every heartfelt expression of sympathy that has been offered to us from believers and nonbelievers alike, there is only so much hope and strength that can come from within oneself, or from the greeting card platitudes that the world has to offer. True hope—living hope—can only be found in one person.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:3-7)In addition to Ian's medical issues, both of our vehicles (which have been extremely reliable for the past seven years) needed repair in the past few weeks. Furthermore, the medical bills will start coming about the same time that we have a significant reduction in our household income beginning in July. I don't say these things because I want anyone to feel pity for us. God has provided us with everything we need and more. And I am aware there are many people in my community and around the world facing much more dire circumstances! I point these things out only to emphasize the fact that this feels a lot like a coordinated attack.
The upside of these trials is that we are relying more and more on God, and we have seen just how many people care for us, and are supporting and praying for us. We are so thankful for the many, many family and friends who have been faithfully praying and helping to meet our needs during this time. We could not be more blessed!
We know that in our missionary service we will face many difficult times, and perhaps the trials we are experiencing now are a blessing in disguise, preparing us for the situations we will face in the future. It is easy to take matters into our own hands when we feel that everything is under control. But the times of testing drive us to our knees, strengthen our faith, and teach us to fix our eyes on Christ. We have also come to see that there is a community of family and friends who truly love and care for us, and will be standing with us. We are very blessed!
We know that in our missionary service we will face many difficult times, and perhaps the trials we are experiencing now are a blessing in disguise, preparing us for the situations we will face in the future. It is easy to take matters into our own hands when we feel that everything is under control. But the times of testing drive us to our knees, strengthen our faith, and teach us to fix our eyes on Christ. We have also come to see that there is a community of family and friends who truly love and care for us, and will be standing with us. We are very blessed!
Monday, May 27, 2013
A different kind of Memorial Day celebration
For we Americans, Memorial Day means a lot of things. To those who have lost loved ones to war it is a time of sorrow. For all of us, it is a day we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy in this country. But this day is also an opportunity to get together with friends and family, and celebrate the beginning of the summer season. That is how we planned to spend Memorial Day, but things don't always go according to plan.
For the past couple days Ian has not been feeling well. The symptoms seemed consistent with the flu or some other "stomach bug". It seemed that he was on the mend, until last night at 3:00 am, when he was doubled over in excruciating pain. We got him to the emergency room, and the tests indicated that he had appendicitis. So, in the ambulance he went, to the nearest children's hospital for an appendectomy!
Rather than spending this morning catching candy at the Memorial Day parade, Ian is lying in an operating room undergoing surgery. This is certainly not the way we envisioned this day!
On one hand, this is a terrible way to spend a holiday. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to celebrate the life of our child. If Ian did not live in the United States, and had been born instead on the streets of a third world nation, or in a village in the jungle, who knows how bad his condition would have become—or if he would have even survived. Rather than celebrating his life, we could have been mourning Ian's death.
When I think this through, it is hard not to consider the implications of moving my family to another country. No matter where we end up, it is almost certain that we will not have immediate access to the caliber of medical care that we have in the States. But what about the people all around the world who are living and dying without hope and without Christ? Shall I ignore Jesus' Great Commission, and opt instead for the perceived safety and security of my suburban life?
I am so grateful for the life of my son, and will do whatever I can to preserve it. But I am also thankful for God's Son, who did not preserve his own life but willingly laid it down (then took it up again!) that we may have true life through Him. And we are humbled and grateful that we may be the expression of Christ to others, here in Ohio and to the ends of the earth!
For the past couple days Ian has not been feeling well. The symptoms seemed consistent with the flu or some other "stomach bug". It seemed that he was on the mend, until last night at 3:00 am, when he was doubled over in excruciating pain. We got him to the emergency room, and the tests indicated that he had appendicitis. So, in the ambulance he went, to the nearest children's hospital for an appendectomy!
Rather than spending this morning catching candy at the Memorial Day parade, Ian is lying in an operating room undergoing surgery. This is certainly not the way we envisioned this day!
On one hand, this is a terrible way to spend a holiday. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to celebrate the life of our child. If Ian did not live in the United States, and had been born instead on the streets of a third world nation, or in a village in the jungle, who knows how bad his condition would have become—or if he would have even survived. Rather than celebrating his life, we could have been mourning Ian's death.
When I think this through, it is hard not to consider the implications of moving my family to another country. No matter where we end up, it is almost certain that we will not have immediate access to the caliber of medical care that we have in the States. But what about the people all around the world who are living and dying without hope and without Christ? Shall I ignore Jesus' Great Commission, and opt instead for the perceived safety and security of my suburban life?
I am so grateful for the life of my son, and will do whatever I can to preserve it. But I am also thankful for God's Son, who did not preserve his own life but willingly laid it down (then took it up again!) that we may have true life through Him. And we are humbled and grateful that we may be the expression of Christ to others, here in Ohio and to the ends of the earth!
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