Update - April 2007

So, speaking of trusting Him, here's what we've been trusting God to lead us through lately:

(1) Our Visa applications and associated paperwork, physicals, etc. We are neck deep in getting those filled out and submitted. In fact, I just had my physical on Friday. Good news... I'm alive. :-)

(2) Info Packet - we've put together a packet of information about our family, our mission/vision, AIM, and the Whats, Wheres, Whos, and Hows of things. This portfolio-style packet of details is meant to give to Pastors, group leaders, and others who might consider supporting us through prayer and resources. If you'd like a packet for yourself, or would consider helping us by bringing the packet to a pastor or group leader for consideration, please email us and let us know. We appreciate your prayerful consideration with regards to helping us in this manner. To see a preview, click here.

(3) Cross-cultural Assignment - One of the things that AIM asks its missionaries to do while preparing to go to Africa is to gain experience in cross-cultural settings. This should, for example, give a person some insight into their own ability to relate and adapt in healthy manners to the differences between cultures. For this assignment we chose to visit a Korean Presbyterian church in our area several times. Yesterday (Sunday) was a our first visit to the church. They were amazingly loving and warm, and received us with open arms as participants. We were humbled by their welcoming reception, though certainly not surprised. We will need to visit there again at least four more times to complete this "assignment". That won't be a problem. In fact, since their service times are different from my own congregation, I actually think our pastor (who's also acting as a coach during this time of preparation), might bring his family as well. So far, this is fun. :-)

(4) Presentation Opportunities - we have been asked to give a presentation before a combined service with three congregations present. The exact date isn't nailed down yet, but Lord willing it should happen within the next couple months. Other opportunities are on the horizon, and we hope to have a list of our "engagements" to post soon.

Please pray with us on the development of the support team. I believe that the Lord is developing our support team in our very midst. The greatest testimony of this has been that, by and large, we haven't asked for a single thing from anyone except prayer and yet a great deal more has been given or pledged. We continue to believe that the source of needed provisions MUST be God and God alone. If someone chooses to support us, we believe that it's best when done out of obedience to the Lord. That said, if you feel that the Lord has asked you to be a part of what we're doing, we would love to speak with you further. Furthermore, you can download a copy of our pledge card to print out by clicking here.

Be Blessed in Jesus' Name!!!

Side Note - April 2007 - Listen and Trust

Have you had the chance to hear from God in a way that is clear and decisive? I have spoken with many a believer who would say "no" to that question. Though the Word of God says that the sheep know the shepherds voice (paraphrased from John 10: 1-4), I also know that many true believers are confused as to how to hear from God. Usually, unless an angel manifests and speaks to someone, we tend to wander without direction, saying things like "if only I knew what God wanted out of my life" and "I really want to (fill in the blank) but I don't know if God wants me to".

That said, there is nothing more freeing than getting insight into the purpose for which you were designed and crafted by God. Even more freeing is when you realize that if you are truly surrendered to God, that the Holy Spirit will act as your guide. No need to feel timid and insecure - afraid to take a step for fear that you will somehow bypass God's will. See Jonah: Old Testament. Make your plans, and God will direct your steps (Proverbs 16:9).

In the recent weeks Karrie and I have been praying all the more that God's plans for us in Namibia would become clearer and more defined. We believe it important to be able to answer people's questions about what we will be doing with the orphaned and traumatized children there. While there have been times in the past where God has chosen not to explain His intentions, He has been loud and clear recently. Without a doubt, the voice of God has spoken, and the Word we have received from Him is "trust me". Actually, the way it sounded to me was, "Steve - when you get as smart as Me, then you can question what I'm doing". That's just how the Lord speaks to me. I laughed in joy, because God knows how to keep me focused. I'm grateful for that.

Anyhow... "Trust me"... simple and yet profound. This is certainly not a new concept for us, but it seems that the words have new meaning each time we hear them. We KNOW God's will for us because we listen to His voice and have become familiar with the manner and method of His speech. We DO His will, regardless of circumstances, because we trust Him.

Team -> do you trust Him? Do you know what to trust Him for? If there's anyway that we can pray with you on this issue - or any other issue for that matter - please let us know. Our email address is reachnamibia@yahoo.com