Greetings from altitude of 6900 feet (huffing and puffing)
David and I are in Palmer Lake, CO at Missionary Training Institute for the next three weeks. We are so excited about what God has planned for us during this time. We are part of a training class that includes 27 adults and 13 children and we are all heading to different countries (13 to be exact). Hearing how God has brought each person from their own “comfort” zone and what has happened to them since they stepped out of the box and answered his call is humbling. Many of us have been on the field before but many newbies. I love seeing these young families, the kids are aged from 4 months to 7 years old. David and I are enjoying getting to play with all the kids and I have a growing admiration for those young families that step out to follow the call. The time outside of training that we spend just sharing our experiences on and off the field are invaluable. No TV or radios just beautiful mountain scenery and wonderful trail walks in the mornings. Great time to re-energize ourselves and get a spiritual and mental tune-up
We have had so many “light” bulb moments since training began…. You know those moments when you realize why something happened the way it did. Why did I say or do something in such and such situation?? In depth time this afternoon talking of expectations of what we hope to accomplish on the field. Many of our fellow students have asked David and I what we did on the field in Zambia and what we accomplished versus what we will do in Haiti. Our answer to the Zambian portion of the question was always David assisted in erecting the two buildings on WHIZ compound and I led teams and helped in the office. Today during one of our discussions I thought of something I may not have seen clearly due to emotional “overload”. Prior to our departure from Zambia, David and I threw a big braii (remember bar-b-que) and invited many of our Zambian friends. At the end of the braii, Pastor Siachikata and Pastor Siamoongwa invited anyone to get up and make comments or share words of encouragement with us. A number of our good friends had many wonderful things to say but… nothing quite as profound as what our friend, Mrs. Esther from Mwapona shared. She was one of the ladies that was in my knitting group and I truly enjoyed the weeks I spent with her and the other ladies. As many of you know, David loved to visit and would take off on his bike and ride through Mwapona and stop and talk to families. She started out saying how prior to our arrival she had always avoided “mukuwas” (white people) as she felt uncomfortable around them, inferior because she couldn’t speak English and (sadly) thinking they somehow conveyed an air of superiority. When she spoke up, she thanked us for our time, friendship and respect we had shown her and wanted us to know she did not think she would avoid or be uncomfortable with a white person again and expressed she would never forget us. I realize now, that if that is the only kingdom work we “accomplished” for God while we were there, the two years were definitely fruitful!
It gives us a whole new perspective on what God may have planned for us in Haiti. We are all living examples, wherever we are, of Gods’ love, kindness and grace. By continually trying (and failing) to live by his word, we are testimonies for him! We serve an awesome God and to serve him anywhere is an honor. We pray that in all we do in Haiti, his light will shine through us.
These past few weeks have been so difficult for so many we care about… The loss of a father and brother in law, the return of cancer in a small boy, termination of a marriage and a young boy returning home to Jesus long before any of we humans were ready to let go. It seems many times David and I come to you and ask for prayers but we want you to know we lift you up in prayer daily. As much as many of us gripe about its’ flaws, Facebook has proved to be an valuable tool in allowing us to follow your lives and share your adventures. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your happiness and your struggles. Alone, we are weak but together with God we are strong and although we may not understand the whys now, it is comforting to know God does and he is in charge. Please don’t hesitate to share your prayer requests with us, we would be honored to pray specifically for any needs.
As our tentative leave date of May 18th approaches, we realize how many visits and calls we have not been able to make. Churches we haven’t visited, friends and family we haven’t seen enough of, where does time go? Only 11% of our support remains to be raised! God is good and we know he is speaking to people as I write this. We are confident that if his will is for us to be in Haiti, we will be fully funded prior to our leave date. Praying that we will be on time to relieve the current volunteers that have been standing in the gap for us until we arrive. In all this, there is a peace in knowing we are right where God wants us and he will take care of all our needs.
Thank you again for your continued love and support, keep those wonderful emails and notes coming! They seem to arrive “just” when we need them most! We are once again humbled to think of all those praying for us and the wonderful people God has put in our lives the last three years.
Blessings,
David and Beth
If you would like to contribute financially to our ministry please follow these instructions. You may send them to World Hope International, P O Box 96338 , Washington, D.C. 20090. Please remember to enter our constituent number 28163 on the memo line of your check. You may also donate by credit/debit card and if you have questions please call 1-888-466-4673 and ask for donor services. You may donate on- line at www.worldhope.org, please make sure you designate your contribution with our name and number to ensure proper crediting to our account.
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