At the invitation of Stacy & Pattiann who do such a great job of preparing the church bulletin each week, the following note from us was inserted in the bulletin on September 13, 2009
Over the past number of months as we have been getting ready to head to Africa several passages of Scripture have become important to me. One passage helped early on when we were struggling a bit with how God could possibly work out all the challenges that we believed where in front of us. The passage is in Exodus 33: 13-18, especially vs 15.
From the beginning we believed that we are going to Uganda as part of the church family. We have been on the viewing end of that scenario before; recognizing and supporting that when Deb/Laura/camp counsellors or others went out, they were going as part of “us”, the Church. It certainly has been a different perspective being the people actually going.
13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." 18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory.”
We could not go if God did not go with us but God has definitely given us a glimpse of His glory, as much as we are able to absorb.
The hurdles, even as we look back on them have been huge as some of you are aware. There are still challenges ahead but we just want to say that God is faithful. He is loving and though we don’t always understand His ways, they are higher (i.e. better!) than ours and His timing is perfect. During the challenges that have now dissolved before our eyes and as we face the ones that will surely come, Proverbs 3:5,6 takes on sweeter significance… 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Over the past number of months as we have been getting ready to head to Africa several passages of Scripture have become important to me. One passage helped early on when we were struggling a bit with how God could possibly work out all the challenges that we believed where in front of us. The passage is in Exodus 33: 13-18, especially vs 15.
From the beginning we believed that we are going to Uganda as part of the church family. We have been on the viewing end of that scenario before; recognizing and supporting that when Deb/Laura/camp counsellors or others went out, they were going as part of “us”, the Church. It certainly has been a different perspective being the people actually going.
13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." 18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory.”
We could not go if God did not go with us but God has definitely given us a glimpse of His glory, as much as we are able to absorb.
The hurdles, even as we look back on them have been huge as some of you are aware. There are still challenges ahead but we just want to say that God is faithful. He is loving and though we don’t always understand His ways, they are higher (i.e. better!) than ours and His timing is perfect. During the challenges that have now dissolved before our eyes and as we face the ones that will surely come, Proverbs 3:5,6 takes on sweeter significance… 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
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