NTM - New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches

Milestone!

So much has happened since our last newsletter! We’ve had several new partners start to support us (and still some more possibilities in the works). With all that the Lord has raised up in the last month, we have passed a significant milestone—50%! We are so excited to see God working in ways we never even expected.

We’ve always said that when we get to 50% we would start looking at tickets, to set a firm date while continuing to look for partners to get up over 65% (ideally somewhere between 65% and 100%). We are still talking with the field leadership to nail down the best schedule for our arrival, so we don’t have an answer yet. This may be this spring or sometime in the late fall. The later date looks more probable at this point, based on some political events coming up in Senegal, further support raising, the timing of the French courses in Senegal (either March or next winter), and working with our kids’ school schedule. But even though we don’t have solid answers yet, we wanted to share with you our excitement over what the Lord is doing, and ask for your prayers in all these decisions.

So, over the next few weeks, we will be praying about these things, continuing to communicate with those who can advise and direct us, and looking at different dates for tickets. If the spring date does not work out, we will be disappointed—but still excited to buy tickets and plan on a definite date.

We are so very excited! Even though we may need to wait several months, we feel we have finally gotten over the hump and now it will be all downhill! =) As always, if you have any questions or need clarification feel free to contact us!

Prayer Requests

• Pray that Michael has wisdom in contacting churches and people to partner with us.
• Pray that we will have wisdom in purchasing tickets. (We will let you know a specific price to be praying about. Praise—we already have some money saved up!)
• Pray for wisdom and patience as we start marking things off the list—dentist, eye checkups, vaccinations, visas, etc. (Praise—we already have our passports!)
• Pray for wisdom as we start the “What do we need to keep, sell, purchase in preparation for Africa?” process.
  *Pray that we will continue to keep our minds on God and His plan for our lives!

Where’s the Snow?

We had a great Christmas break this year—very relaxing, with no long trips. We stayed in Michigan for the whole break, spending time with Nancy’s family, and getting some things done around the house. However, the kids were sad not to have any snow to play in. We’ve only gotten a few inches that quickly melts away. Still, warm weather saves on heating costs!

Future Plans?

We’ve recently been reading a great devotional (Trust, Hope, Pray) about waiting on the Lord. It’s been quite an encouragement to us as it reminds us just who is in charge of our lives. One Illustration from this book is the idea of looking at the back of a tapestry—all you see are the threads crisscrossing all over the place; but when you look at the front you see what the creator was working on the whole time. We can certainly lose sight of the fact that we are not the creator, but rather GOD is! We might only see the crisscrossed thread and think ”What on earth is going on?” But when God is ready to reveal His complete picture it all makes sense!

So as we keep making goals and deadlines, our timetable, we realize that it is not God’s timetable. It is hard to see each day, week, month pass by and not be in Africa. We know that He has put Africa on our hearts, but He has also put us here in Michigan for a time. We daily walk the balance of being content with that reality, but urgently working toward the day that He will provide for us be in Africa!

The new French course in Senegal starts in April, so we are praying that we can move to Senegal in March. That time is quickly approaching! However, just this past week we have seen the Lord increase our support by $300! We serve an awesome God!

We are now at 47% of our recommended amount—about $200/month away from 50% (when we can look at buying tickets) and about $1000/month away from 65% (where we would like to be before going over). If you want more information about the financial side of things, give us a call sometime. Our number is: 231-354-2337

As always, we deeply appreciate your prayers on our behalf.

Prayer Requests

• Praise for the increase in support!
• Praise that we have made it through a bout with the flu.
• Praise for the encouragement that we’ve gotten lately.
• Praise for some upcoming chances to share about the needs in Africa.
• Pray that we would be used for God’s glory in some of the ministry opportunities we have coming up.
• Pray that we would be faithful to focus on building strong relationships with those around us.

The Old Year Behind

We are so thankful for the year the Lord has given us. It has not been an easy one—we have continually had to turn our focus back on the Lord. Learning more and more to wait on Him as we remain faithful in what He has called us to do. We pray that we have been as much an encouragement to you as you have been to us.

We have seen our family grow spiritually, as well as increased maturity in our own walks with the Lord. What a blessing it is to know that He is faithful to continue His work in us, patiently dealing with us.

The New Year Ahead

The next French study course in Senegal is actually taking place in March, rather than January. So as we make plans in the new year, we will be taking this into account. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s provision and raising up of partners in ministry, as well as for wisdom in the many decisions we will be making.

Prayer Requests

• Praise for a warmer than normal December—less heating costs.
• Praise for the provision of a couple e-readers—what a blessing!
• Pray for a Christ honoring Christmas time in our family.
• Pray for wisdom in planning and making decisions.
• Pray that the Lord with continue to raise up partners in ministry—those who would pray for our family and ministry, those who would give to the ministry, and those who would follow the Lord into further ministry themselves!