Not Our Plans

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

We were reminded of that this week as our church hosted three CEF 5 Day Clubs. The club at our apartment only had two regular attendees, one of whom spoke no English. Our second club had no kids show up except for one girl on one of the days. And our third club, which took place near the Outreach center, had no kids from the center in attendance. That was not what we expected.
 
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Really, these verses also sum up our last few years. Even before we got married, we felt a calling towards the mission field. Almost two years ago, we signed on to go to Eastern Germany with Josiah Venture - a year later even than we had planned. Today, we are still waiting to approach 30% of our support raised. Let us tell you that our plans were to have moved to Germany a long time ago.


Instead, we are reminding us often - sometimes hourly - that God's plans are indeed higher than our plans. We appreciate your prayers as we seek the Lord's guidance daily.


Our urgency to get to Germany is increasing in light of the strong calling we feel from the Lord, our desire to begin ministering in Leipzig, the church's anticipation of our arrival, and even our current financial situation. We are asking the Lord for opportunities to spend more of our time fundraising and for wisdom as to what to do in the meantime. We are asking Him to lead us to the individuals and churches He has set aside to give to us financially. 


Thank you for your prayer support!


“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Haley with the Bible she received from our church on the last day of 5 Day Clubs

His Mysterious Might

Eliana and I (Ellen) experienced God's leading today.


Our church is hosting three Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) 5-Day Clubs for boys and girls ages 5-12 next week. We are hosting one of them at our apartment complex. While we received permission to host the club right outside of the apartment clubhouse, we are not permitted to post signs on apartment grounds or invite kids by going door to door. This has posted quite a challenge. All week, I have been walking around outside looking for kids to invite. However, I wasn't able to find more than two families with kids anywhere around the buildings or at the pool. 


I decided to post some flyers just outside of the apartment premises yesterday. When we went for a walk today, I noticed that several of them had fallen off the trees and began taping them back a little better this time. Just as I finished with the first sign, I heard a thunder storm in the distance. I decided to hang a few more signs before going back when I came up to the height of the pool and heard kids' voices. It occurred to me that all the families would probably be leaving the pool now because of the storm.


I quickly got over to the pool entrance with Eliana and we handed out two flyers on the way and saw three more families leaving the pool as we arrived. AND we made it back in time before the rain and storm hit!


Our God is sovereign over weather and timely situations! Praise Him for His might!


Would you pray that God would allow us to encounter more families tomorrow and Sunday? Please, pray for all three clubs to be well attended and for young hearts to be reached with the gospel next week. We are ending the club week with a family picnic on Friday night. Please, pray that many of the clubbers' families would join us and connect with our church members.