Psalm 32: 8 says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." It's a promise from God that, when we submit to Him, He will lead us. As God leads me to Odesa, Ukraine, I have found that I when I choose to look towards the face of God, He leads me with His eyes. Right now, He is leading me through a process of preparing to leave for Odesa: visiting churches, gathering support, working on the language, and seeking to serve God in my local church. God's leading up to this point assures me that He will continue to lead when I do go to Odesa.
Schedules and Plans
I returned from Romania in the middle of December. Since then, I've been living in Wisconsin and beginning to talk to pastors and schedule times to visit churches. My goal: to find like-minded churches willing to partner with me as I become a missionary in Odesa, Ukraine. After eighteen months in the thick of ministry with people, all of the paperwork and emails and logistics can seem unimportant. But I know that what I am doing now will be more important for a long time.
In this time, God has given me a wonderful, loving church (Berean Baptist Church in Beloit). I am always amazed by their love for me, consistent prayers, and godly encouragement. I love that I am again able to be part of the church and to work in the church.
What are my concrete plans for this year? I am gradually filling up Sundays through the year to share my ministry at churches. I plan to finish before the end of the year to fly back to Odesa and begin working there with Missionary Mark Priem. In the meantime, I will be working part-time at my church, visiting other churches to present my mission, and keeping you updated here about new developments about how God is leading. And God will be leading - He has promised to.
Prayer Requests
The support that I really need now is prayer support. I know that many have been praying for me while I was in Romania. I ask that you continue. Here are some specific requests I have:
God's provision to get full support as quickly as possible. I am longing to go back and be in the work there.
God's wisdom as I talk to churches and make plans for the future. There's a lot that I don't know.
God's help to improve in language learning, even while I'm not around many people with whom I can speak it. I practice regularly, but I am in need of God's help. I want to be able to communicate well when I arrive.
I appreciate your prayers and look forward to the marvelous paths that God can lead into.
Praying for you.
Praying for you.