On July 31st, Jonathan will turn in his company car, phone, and badge and walk away from a great job that God provided for our family over 7 years ago. In this day and age, you're labeled 'crazy' for doing that. Well, we are crazy, I suppose. Crazy about our God, our faith, our Savior, and our calling. We are excited about the adventure that God has called us to. We know that our God will supply all our needs as we follow His leading in our lives.
It is always helpful to look back at God's faithfulness. Remembering His faithfulness in our lives helps us to trust Him more fully for the future. Several weeks ago, Jonathan gave his notice of resignation to his boss. We believed that July 31st should be his final day, so that he could give himself wholeheartedly to the task of deputation. In our minds, July 31st was no 'magical' day, but just seemed like the right time as we sought counsel from a number of friends. After giving notice, we began to consider health benefits for Jonathan and the kids, as they had been covered by Jonathan's insurance. We knew that we had the option of adding them to my coverage, since I work full-time, but we had overlooked the fact that you can only add family members during open enrollment. Not knowing when this was, I quickly emailed my HR director. She responded that open enrollment was during the last 2 weeks of July, and benefits become effective beginning August 1, 2012. It is through situations like this, that you become more confident and secure in God's faithful love and care for His children. Remembering this gives me confidence for the future. Remembering this gives me peace when my husband does the crazy thing of quitting his job and commits his life to missions in Kenya.
Phillipians 4:19 says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches
in glory by Christ Jesus."
Friday, July 20, 2012
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Our Video
Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. We have been gone from FBCLO for 5 straight weeks! The time has actually gone really fast. We are glad to be back home for the holidays. We begin to travel again in January. Below is the link to our Moores To Kenya Video that we show in the churches we visit. Take a look!
We have so much enjoyed visiting other churches and seeing the body of Christ in action in different locations. Sometimes we get so focused on our own church ministry (which is a good thing) and forget about the countless other bodies of believers across the land who are committed to serving and loving Christ, just as we are. What an encouragement these people have been to us, whether through their warm hospitality, their kind words of encouragement, or their prayers on our behalf. We hope and pray that the Lord will soon give us some partners in our gospel ministry as a result of sharing our ministry in these various churches. Please pray with us!!
We have so much enjoyed visiting other churches and seeing the body of Christ in action in different locations. Sometimes we get so focused on our own church ministry (which is a good thing) and forget about the countless other bodies of believers across the land who are committed to serving and loving Christ, just as we are. What an encouragement these people have been to us, whether through their warm hospitality, their kind words of encouragement, or their prayers on our behalf. We hope and pray that the Lord will soon give us some partners in our gospel ministry as a result of sharing our ministry in these various churches. Please pray with us!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Our First Real Meeting!
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Don't Waste Your Life
I just finished reading John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life". It was a great book and one that I plan to read again sometime. Piper talks about how most people...most Christians, slip by in life without a passion for God, spending their lives on trivial diversions, living for comfort and pleasure, and perhaps trying to avoid sin. The book is a warning to us not to get caught up in a life that counts for nothing. It challenges us to live and die boasting in the cross of Christ and making the glory of God our singular passion.
My Aunt Linda has been fighting breast cancer for the past 9 years. She will soon meet the Christ who died for her and be healed both physically and spiritually forever. Praise the Lord! She has had many years to 'come to grips' with her coming death. Her diagnosis of cancer caused a renewed commitment of her life to the Lord. She has been a testimony to God's greatness and goodness in the ways that she has responded to this trial in her life. And I am so thankful and encouraged by that.
My Aunt Darlene was just days ago, found to be infected with the West Nile Virus and has suffered severe brain damage as a result. Just tonight, the doctors informed her family that she would not recover and end of life decisions needed to made. One day she was perfectly healthy, and the next she was completely incapacitated. I praise God that she knows and loves Jesus Christ and has lived her life for Him.
What a reminder this should be of the brevity of life (James 4:14). God holds our futures in His hands and only He knows the number of our days. We MUST live a life that counts for God. We must daily decide to live for Christ and be obedient to his Word. We don't know how much time we have, so we must make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).
Please pray for both of my dear Aunts and their families during these last days. And remember to make the most of every opportunity God gives to you.
My Aunt Linda has been fighting breast cancer for the past 9 years. She will soon meet the Christ who died for her and be healed both physically and spiritually forever. Praise the Lord! She has had many years to 'come to grips' with her coming death. Her diagnosis of cancer caused a renewed commitment of her life to the Lord. She has been a testimony to God's greatness and goodness in the ways that she has responded to this trial in her life. And I am so thankful and encouraged by that.
My Aunt Darlene was just days ago, found to be infected with the West Nile Virus and has suffered severe brain damage as a result. Just tonight, the doctors informed her family that she would not recover and end of life decisions needed to made. One day she was perfectly healthy, and the next she was completely incapacitated. I praise God that she knows and loves Jesus Christ and has lived her life for Him.
What a reminder this should be of the brevity of life (James 4:14). God holds our futures in His hands and only He knows the number of our days. We MUST live a life that counts for God. We must daily decide to live for Christ and be obedient to his Word. We don't know how much time we have, so we must make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).
Please pray for both of my dear Aunts and their families during these last days. And remember to make the most of every opportunity God gives to you.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Coming Soon to a Computer Near You!
Our sweet friend, Marilyn Burns, has put in countless hours working on all of our deputation materials. She has given of her time and talents and we hope the Lord blesses her for it! We got together with her last Monday, to begin talking about our dvd presentation. We were hoping to have it completed by mid-October. Our first meeting is in Florida on October 15th! If you know Marilyn, she is a very busy girl. She has her hand in so many things and is always on the go. We knew that this would add a lot to her already busy schedule.
As we were discussing the dvd, and old friend of mine came up in the conversation. He and his wife are leaving on October 3rd to go to the United Kingdom as missionairies. He put together a very powerful video presentation for their ministry which we wanted to mirror. It was decided that I would contact him, to ask him some general questions about his video to get a sort of starting point for Marilyn.
As we chatted on facebook, this friend graciously offered to basically put together our video for us. His career had him doing these sorts of things all of the time and he is good at it! It's so encouraging to know that the Lord had this planned long ago and intended to help us (and Marilyn) in this way. He is so good to us, and so often we don't even take notice of it. I praise Him for this answer to prayer and for this sweet friend who was so giving of his time and talents (like Marilyn). You can view his video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCplxXmIA7o .
Lord-willing, you'll be watching ours very soon! I'll keep you posted.
As we were discussing the dvd, and old friend of mine came up in the conversation. He and his wife are leaving on October 3rd to go to the United Kingdom as missionairies. He put together a very powerful video presentation for their ministry which we wanted to mirror. It was decided that I would contact him, to ask him some general questions about his video to get a sort of starting point for Marilyn.
As we chatted on facebook, this friend graciously offered to basically put together our video for us. His career had him doing these sorts of things all of the time and he is good at it! It's so encouraging to know that the Lord had this planned long ago and intended to help us (and Marilyn) in this way. He is so good to us, and so often we don't even take notice of it. I praise Him for this answer to prayer and for this sweet friend who was so giving of his time and talents (like Marilyn). You can view his video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCplxXmIA7o .
Lord-willing, you'll be watching ours very soon! I'll keep you posted.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Children are a Treasure from the Lord!
Well, today was Carson's first day of kindergarten. The Lord allowed us to be able to send him to LOBS and we are so excited to see what the Lord has for him. While driving him to school today, my eyes welled up with tears. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. My prayer is that he will grow academically, but even more importantly, spiritually. I praise the Lord, that Carson has the privilege of attending a christian school, where the Word of God is proclaimed. He is so blessed!
Kate will be starting preschool in two weeks. She, too, is excited about going to school this year. My prayer for her is that this year will be a year of learning more about God and Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation that can be hers if she trusts Him.
Our precious, little Caden gets to stay home with me! I'm glad. It would be so strange to have all three kids gone for the day. That day will be here soon. My prayer for Caden is that he, too, will come to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and will grow to love Him more every day.
I am so thankful to God for the precious children he has given to me. They are such a joy! I have learned so much in these past 5 years about them, myself, and my Lord. Children are a treasure from the Lord!
Kate will be starting preschool in two weeks. She, too, is excited about going to school this year. My prayer for her is that this year will be a year of learning more about God and Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation that can be hers if she trusts Him.
Our precious, little Caden gets to stay home with me! I'm glad. It would be so strange to have all three kids gone for the day. That day will be here soon. My prayer for Caden is that he, too, will come to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and will grow to love Him more every day.
I am so thankful to God for the precious children he has given to me. They are such a joy! I have learned so much in these past 5 years about them, myself, and my Lord. Children are a treasure from the Lord!
Friday, August 27, 2010
It doesn't just happen
I was recently going through some mounds of baby boy clothes that Caden has already outgrown. I had a desire to give them away, but couldn't think of anyone having a baby boy this Fall. So I decided to take them to the resale shop in Lake Orion. An old friend works there and just happened to mention an acquaintance who was pregnant with a little baby boy to be born this October. So I scooped up the big bag of clothes and thanked the Lord for clearly directing my steps and showing me a person who could really use them. We often think and act as though things "just happen", but the Bible tells us otherwise. Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." And Matthew 10:29 tells us, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father." God ordains the details of our lives and is in control over all that happens. I praise Him for allowing me to see that first hand!
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