Thursday April 22, 2010

SEEDS OF FAITH

Every year I anticipate the arrival of the Texas bluebonnets. I already miss the ones that will be here this time next year when we live across the globe. Sounds silly, but for years and years, I have dragged Greg and the kids into fields of bluebonnets to take pictures amongst these precious flowers. I can choose to be sad as I say good-bye to this long-loved tradition. Or, I can see God’s gentle lesson for me - even in this small thing.

Whereas we have had the joy of bluebonnets year after year, the other side of the world likely says, “the Texas blueWHAT?” They’ve never heard of a bluebonnet. What we take for granted, they have no knowledge of. You see the lesson, too? America has the benefit of a church on every corner, a Bible in every Walmart - the tools necessary to learn about God at our fingertips every day. In Albania it isn’t so. With God’s help, we will be an avenue for people to access the tools they need to learn about Christ. You better believe I’m going to pack a bunch of Texas bluebonnet seeds, plant them at our new home in Albania and watch them grow. In the same way, I am going to pack my faith in Christ and plant the seeds among the people of Albania, and as God wills, watch them grow. My bluebonnet patch may not be as big over there as the vast miles I see here, but they will still be genuine Texas bluebonnets. And planting seeds of faith into the lives of Albanians might at first seem very small and insignificant, but it will be a blessing to watch them blossom into genuine disciples of Christ.

Will you “dig deep” with us and prayerfully consider being a part of our team as we plant seeds of faith into the lives of those who don't know Jesus.

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SUPPORT UPDATE

We want to extend a very big THANK YOU to all of those who by faith are already supporting us. We have been blessed with several new financial supporters and about a dozen new prayer partners over the past month. As the support comes in, a bit slower than hoped, it has been a good reminder of who is really in control. We pray that God will continue to bring more people forward to see the same big picture He sees and feel led to partner in our ministry on a monthly basis, both in prayer and finances. As always, all contributions no matter how small or big are sincerely appreciated.

There have been some questions about when to begin contributing. We want to clarify that at this point, pledges are just as critical as actual contributions. We cannot purchase our tickets for departure until we have 90% of our monthly needs pledged. When pledging, there is an option to indicate when you would like to begin giving, both on the financial donor slip and on the Pioneers website. Please know that our family will not begin drawing from any support until one or two months prior to when we leave for the mission field.

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ALBANIAN HOME

We are at a point to begin giving serious consideration as to where we will live in Tirana. The home we were considering is now on the market and will likely be rented out before we arrive. But, we believe God has purposely orchestrated this because He has another plan in store for us. Some questions to consider: Do we live in an older home suitable for a family of five? Or, do we consider an apartment? Do we live in the heart of the cultural center of town during our language and culture studies? Or, do we live closer to the Roma people with whom we will be doing ministry with outside of town? These are all questions to ponder as we allow God to work these things out for us.

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