This had the most alarming effect. Revolutions in her perceptions quickly appeared possible. What was once mountainous reality now melted into oceans of reverie. Upon deeper meditation and reflection on the past it was clear that her assessment of Mr. Darcy had been altogether wrong.Similar feelings of surprise have recently overtaken me. The fourth of May I received an email from Jonathan Finley, the missionary in charge of OIKOS House, concerning my arrival date. The last two weeks of May and June and the entire month of July he will be absent, during which time he will visit a Bible institute on the Ivory Coast and study for his PhD entrance exam in Pasadena, California. Additionally the semester begins in late Augsut and therefore it was deemed in my best interest to delay the departure until the last half of August. Although I was not entirely sure that late March would be my departure date, I was reasonably certain- even more that spring would see me leave for Paris.
Proverb 16:9 says, "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Like "Lizzie" and all men, I too unknowingly had false preconceptions based on twisted views of reality- our imagined reality. I spoke in Lazear, CO in January and in Beaver City, NE in February, financial support ballooned to nearly 90%- much due to my home church's decision to support me financially (PRAISE GOD!!!)- and I began gathering all necassary Visa paperwork. By all appearances I was to be on the plane at the end of March. The need to get a recertification in CPR for my job at the hospital however was a confusing circumstance. Why would I need it if I was to leave soon? Shortly thereafter the departure date was moved to the beginning of May due to insufficient funds (12% remaining at that time) and no Visa- another confusing course of events. What added to the dubiety of my situation was the cancellation of a seminar on cross-cultural ministry I had planned to take advantage of in my extra time stateside. Because I had been praying about the seminar for some time, I immediately took Jonathan's email as a sign that it was God's intention to keep me here so that I might benefit from said conference. Indeed providence always is beyond a comprehensive understanding because it is the owrk of our omniscient God. For as the Father showed me today in my reading "Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, how can man understand His way" (Proverb 20:24)? How can we who are limited, attain understanding of the unlimited/complete/perfect wisdom of God!!! Nevertheless I am completely as peace in my confused state because while God is completely all knowing, He is also completely and perfectly loving! He has our best in mind (Romans 8:28-30).
Therefore events are far from negative! This time extension enables me to improve my French skills through private lessons with a national, see my sister's progress in her pregnancy and lend my support, hang out with my brother Kit and attend a friend's wedding where I will see Houghton and Gretchen Richards and their children. They are going to be missionaries on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu. Consequently this may be the last oppportunity I have to see them for a very long while! Additionally I hope, Dieu voulant (God willing), to visit a few more churches to share the needs of the French and God's tremendous love for them.
Praises are: 1. God's faithfulness in bringing His plan to pass- I have been waiting six years 2. the prayer and financial support- especially my home church's 3. my sister's pregnancy 4. God's wisdom and love Prayer requests include: 1. patience while I wait for the second half of August 2. wisdom to konw what I should do these next few months and faithfulness in being used as God intends 3. acquisition of my Visa 4. 99.9% of total support (being financial and prayer together) to be prayer support 5. due to the dollar's weakness and the Euro's strength my support level is rising by about 15% ($447/month). Please pray for the remainder of my support.
No comments:
Post a Comment