SUCH A TIME AS THIS

2008-02-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

It is difficult to believe how much has transpired since our last entry here. Now that events are not quite moving at the speed of light we want to try to bring anyone who is interested up to date. Our return to Zimbabwe cannot happen without obtaining a Temporary Employment Permit that must be issued by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Immigration. Our first application was submitted in October and was rejected at the beginning of January. A second application was submitted and was again rejected in February. At this point we have been advised to wait until the political scene is not as tumultuous and then reapply. We continue to believe that God is in control and has not been surprised by any of these decisions. Our task is to use this unexpected time wisely and wait patiently for God to work.

2007-10-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

October 8: We have just received the news that Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church has agreed to be our "Sending Congregation." Along with that, the Church Board (pending approval by Finance Committee and Congregational Council) is recommending to finance 25% of our total financial support. 50% of our financial support will come from Cooperative Ministries of the Brethren in Christ denomination. This is a major answer to prayer for us and further affirmation that we are moving in the right direction. We have no doubt that the task we are undertaking far exceeds our abilities and will require significant assistance and involvement from a substantial body of supporters. Being a part of a team means that we are all working in partnership together. Bishop Phillips Brooks made this statement. "Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle."

2007-10-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

September 24: The Executive Cabinet of Brethren in Christ World Missions has officially approved us for assignment to Zimbabwe. This is the first step before we can hopefully leave in January 2008. This journey has been in the process for the past several years. We still have quite a bit of work to do to complete the Missionary Development Plan over the next three months. Another major task was the compilation of all documents needed to apply for a Temporary Employment Permit from the Ministry of Immigration in Zimbabwe. We are told that this normally takes three to four months to process. It has been an interesting journey as we wait for the Lord to open or close various doors. Our other task will be to contact individuals to partner with us in the days ahead. One day at a time.