Security / Possessions
We have a clear calling, God has called us to move to another country… So, we’re selling virtually everything we own. I have been learning even more about myself. I thought I held things loosely but I find myself having difficulty selling / getting rid of certain things. Which makes me want to get rid of it even more to break myself of these earthly attachments, but its not easy. I have sold quite a bit of stuff that I was very attached to and last night I had a reoccurring dream of regret over doing so. When I woke up I had to reassure myself again that I am doing the right thing, its just stuff I tell myself, but I feel a sense of nakedness and loss still that I am coping with. Loosing my sense of security around be totally prepared...
Back in Washington
We’re back in Washington! Safe and sound with our truckload of luggage from Virginia. Already missing our brothers and sisters in Virginia but happy to be home to our other brothers and sisters – it appears there are Believers scattered all over the world – crazy. 😉
Kingdom Economics
As believers all that we owns belongs to the Lord. He allows us to steward the things He gives us and sometimes He calls us to pass HIS stuff to our brothers and sisters. That is how it is supposed to work. We are so blessed to be used by the Lord, while His children were asking God was calling. God passed his tools to another precious brother and sister in Christ. Just a few examples from His word: James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Matthew 6:31-32 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your...
I Am About Relationship, NOT Religion
God has been so faithful to answer our prayers. I have had such a burning desire to be in prayer and be in the word and God is speaking! I’m still seeking Him on other questions, I wish I understood His specific purpose for us in Panama. Although, I do know we do not have to know, I sure would like to. 😉 On paper, it appears that they are a “reached” people. I have prayed about this heavily, and I feel God saying: “I am about relationship, NOT religion.” They have religion, but they don’t know Him. Such a simple sentence but powerful none the less. Jesus came and broke down the religious institutions of his day. His message is simple, He loves you, died for you and wants to have a personal relationship with...
Where?
Last evening God did something truly amazing – praise God! I went for a walk last evening, I just felt a great desire to seek the Lord alone. I walked to a pier near us here in Virginia, I walked out to the end of the pier praying and really seeking the Lord and His plan. It was so beautiful last evening, the sunset was amazing, not a cloud in the sky, looking out over the James River which is 4 miles wide in this spot – incredible. I felt such an attack by the enemy confusing my thoughts, I rebuked him and praised God for all that He has done, I repented for the wicked man I am, I got down on my knees and prayed for His direction. I sought the Lord, looking like a crazy man, on my knees on the dock, facing the shore and totally desperate to...
Why Me?
I have been asking God the question, would you really call me, a business guy, to work with Indigenous people, missionary farming on an island? I can’t understand this. After my prayer time, about 1am, I was reading a Leonard Ravenhill book, Why Revival Tarries. As I was reading I heard the Lord say, “your answer is on the next page, second paragraph.” I turned in anticipation to this, here is what it read: “Friend, if you were as good at soul-cultivation as you are in developing your business, you would be a menace to the devil…” God is so faithful to answer our insecurities. This is just one of the many examples of God’s leading, I am so humbled the Creator of the universe takes time to speak to me. Praise...
ECHO
Today I registered for a week long course that teaches missionaries how to teach indigenous how to farm in the tropics – that’s a mouthful huh? I’m super excited, the class is from January 8th-13th. The class covers community health education, poverty mentality, appropriate technology (such as, solar power & composting toilets), and of course, tropical farming. I can’t wait! More information: echonet.org FYI: I bought a one-way ticket to Fort Myers, FL because I’m still a little unsure as to where and when God wants me after the school...
When?
As I prayed today, asking God to be specific on when we were to leave for wherever He calls us, He answered clearly, to the exact day. But, because I am still weak in my faith, I asked God to give the date to Shirlene or the kids also – and I will tell no one the date unless it is confirmed by one of them. Could this really be the date? I am hopeful this date is from God. Praise you God for Your answers. UPDATE: He confirmed! See the...
Together Sounds Better
Our time in Virginia has been incredibly faith building. We have bonded with other Christian families in our little group. We meet together in each others homes, pray, worship, seek wisdom, words from the Lord – we function as Christ intended the body, or priesthood, is supposed to function. Our time has grown our faith in God, our Biblical knowledge and our desire for Kingdom things. Also during this time we feel an imminent calling by God. One of the questions in our heart has been, can we venture out on God’s plan with another family or two? Wouldn’t that be awesome! Many of the other families have expressed interest but the question is, what does God want? Through much prayer, we have received an answer. We are to go alone. ...
Spiritual Covering
Well God, if we’re heading off as “missionaries” we need to make sure we have a spiritual covering, right? Yes, I am being sarcastic, but some of you reading this may be saying to yourself, yes. But where in the Bible does it teach that? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 5;19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. Isaiah 61:1-3 1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty...
Visiting West Virginia
We had a wonderful time as a family visiting Wade, his parents, sister and family. It is always such an encouragement to be together in the Body of Christ. Wade, Shirlene & I stayed up late talking about what we feel God has been speaking to us. At this point we feel a strong calling to Panama, which honestly, was not really on our radar but we told God we are willing to go anywhere and do anything that will glorify His name. Sorting these things out with Wade was invaluable and was clearly a Divine appointment. What an awesome time discerning, learning and gaining wisdom from such a Godly man. Wade and his family are actively serving as missionaries in Guinea...
The Costs?
So we’re called to be missionaries for Christ. How do we cover the costs? This has been a question I have asked the Lord. How do you want us to pay for this new life? I prayed this daily for a week or so, one night God answered, He said II Thessalonians 3:8. Now, I had no idea what that piece of scripture said, so I looked it up: 2 Thessalonians 3:8 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. Wow, ok. That is a clear answer. I trust you God. I trust in your perfect provision. Your will be done. Even more glory to be added to...
Isla Bastimentos Property For Sale
I made a random call to an ad that showed up on my screen while researching the cleaning of produce with hydrogen peroxide (long story). The advertisement was for property in Panama, there were maybe eight properties listed but I was glued to the third one down, a piece of property on Isla Bastimentos, the same place where I just received an email response from a YWAM base wanting help! After a couple of days with this ad up in one of my many Firefox tabs, I decided to call the realtor who ended up being the property owner, Bram. I talked with Bram for about two hours, we really hit it off, he shared about when he lived there, why he left, his dreams, life in Panama, etc. He also offered the property at a huge discount because he sees that the needs of the...
YWAM Responses
Well, we have received some responses to our YWAM introduction email. Some where copy-and-pasted “fill out our online application”, some had a question or two, and two really, really stood out! YWAM Panama City and YWAM Bocas Panama. Panama City would like to partner with business and integrate Biblical principles. Bocas, apparently is on an island called Isla Bastimentos that is part of Panama in the Caribbean. I honestly didn’t know that Panama had islands. Their heart is to reach out to the indigenous, teach sustainable farming, share Christ, medical outreach, etc. Can you say AWESOME! Wow, that one really resonates with us. God? 😉 UPDATE: After a month we pretty much have only had real correspondence with the two...
YWAM?
As I was talking with Shirlene I was thinking potentially we should introduce ourselves to YWAM in Central and South America. Introduce our little family, offer any skills we may have, and see where God leads. I sent out ten email messages, hitting most of Central America and a few places in South America. Right after hitting send I had this overwhelming feeling of regret. From the beginning of the process of seeking God, His will alone, I have said I would not “make things happen”. Which is hard for me and my personality, I like to make things come together. But, I want God to lead, I will follow. I only want to do what I see the Father doing. I feel like I sent those messages to make things happen. Lord, please forgive me, please...
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