It's been a while since I've posted. Life is busy and seems as though it will just keep getting busier! After years of planning and many months of developing mateirals and sending them to contacts, we finally had our first deputation meeting. It wasn't a typical meeting, but it proved to be very helpful and especially encouraging to us, as we begin our pre-field ministry.
Our pastor traveled with us to Tampa, Florida to host a luncheon for some area pastors. Our goal was to present the ministry in Kenya and thereby gain contacts in the area who would be willing to invite us into their churches and possibly provide support. Over 20 pastors were invited, but only 4 were able to attend. I have to say, I was a bit discouraged when I heard this news.
Of the four pastors who attended, we had four positive responses to our ministry. The Lord was gracious to show us, once again, that he is in complete control of all circumtances and nothing is too difficult for Him. We don't yet know if these churches will be able to provide us with support (we don't count on that until we actually see it ), but each one of them was quick to invite us into their churches to present the work in Kenya to their congregations.
One of the most exciting events of the weekend took place shortly after we left the lunch meeting. We arrived back at Terry and Jill Wild's house, where we were staying. Terry came in and said he had a proposal for us. He said that his pastor, Andrew Haney, had called him right after the luncheon to discuss asking us to extend our stay so that we could come to their church, Keystone Bible Church on Sunday. We would have a chance to briefly present the ministry, I would sing and we would spend the day with the people of their congregation, just getting to know them better. The Lord allowed all of the details to be worked out, from changing our airline tickets to having help with our kids at home. What a blessing it was to spend the day with this church full of wonderful people. The Word of God was boldly preached, the time of worship was refreshing and the people were such an encouragement to us.
On top of our visit, we were able to schedule 3 more meetings in various churches to try to raise our support. It was an overwhelming weekend, to say the least. The Lord has proven Himself faithful again and again. And for this, we praise Him. I will post our video soon!
