December 1, 2007
by Lawrence
November has been a whirlwind for our family - some very exciting times. I'll start with some of the biggest news first. On November 2nd I, Lawrence, drove down to the Indonesian consulate in Los Angeles to pick up our passports with visa's stamped inside. Yes, we are all set to go! I have to be honest, while standing in the consulate with everyone around speaking Indonesian I thought for a split second, "Oh boy, I don't hear any English at all - this is going to be challenge." Many of you prayed for opportunities for us to share, boy have we done just that. In fact, on the 13th we broke an all-time record and shared with 3 differenct churches in a 24 hour period. One in Utah, and two in California. Travel the morning before started near Grand Junction, CO. Jodie drove me to Moab, UT and a couple hours later I flew into Salt Lake. After an evening sharing with a church in Park City, UT, the next morning I was up at 3:30am to fly to Phoenix then San Diego. Arriving in San Diego at 8:30am the Lord worked out a perfect connection with my step-Father leaving (flying) to Hawaii. He drove up to the sidewalk, unloaded his luggage from the car and I threw mine in the car. He handed me the keys and off I was to share two more times that day. The last being our small church group up in Yucca Valley at 7pm that evening. God is Great! Three days later I flew back to Salt Lake and shared with another church in Utah. I had a great time sharing our ministy and testimony with a small church in Ephraim, UT. Upon arriving home, Jodie's grandmother had taken a turn for the worst. On Thanksgiving morning she passed away at home. God knew this was going to happen months beforehand because we had scheduled Thanksgiving with friends in Pasadena. Although Jodie stayed with family that tough morning, it was necessary for Sarah and Seth to "get away." Sarah, Seth, and myself spent Thanksgiving in Pasadena, CA. Jodie's Nana (grandmother) had asked that I do the funeral. Yesterday, the last day of November the Lord gave me the strength to do my first funeral. It went very well and the gospel was clearly presented to all present. It is blatently clear why the Lord did not have us leave for Indonesia the beginning of November. Actually, as if this was not obvious enough - it becomes even clearer in the next paragraph. Last thursday in the morning (two days ago) I received a call that MY grandmother (Lawrence's) was in the hospital. When it rains it pours! It appears she has had a stroke, the extent of which we don't know yet. Almost all the family is far away, and we are doing our best to be there with her during this difficult time. We enjoy being there with grandma. Both grandmothers know the Lord, this brings great comfort. Again it is now crystal clear why God has us here in California a little longer than WE planned. I guess the key words are family and God's omniscience. All this would have been VERY difficult from thousands of miles away. Our heart is still to support bringing the gospel to lost in Indonesia. Our mid-January departure date is on-track. Good news, our New Tribes flight training is almost paid off. Only $900 to go! Our monthly support is about 50% now. We are still trusting the Lord for our airfare - tickets have been reserved at a great price if we can get them soon. Fifty days and counting!
May God bless each of you and your families. Thank you heavenly Father for your son, we celebrate His birth this month and every day of the year! |
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