As we started this new year, the Lord led me to Psalm 29. I was amazed at the power in this chapter of the Psalms. It was as if the words became alive and the page reverberated with power and flowed like a "mighty river". I could hear the voice of the Lord "thundering" in my ears. I pray that the Lord will indeed "thunder" into every situation and break open the way in every place we find ourselves; that He will sit as "King over the deluge" and give "impenetrable strength to His people" and "bless His people with peace." We are looking forward to what the Lord will do this coming year and believe that at the end we will again say, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." (Ps. 34).
Our schedule is already full this first months of the new year. Here is what is coming up and what you can pray into with us:
Zambia:
Yesterday, Tuesday, January 7, Jeff left for Zambia, Africa. He will be there for two weeks this time, so it is a long trip. Specifically, he is there to get the Indiana Wesleyan team off and running. This team of 12 will be there for a whole semester. It is their first semester abroad program in Zambia, Africa and they are looking forward to learning more about the culture and ministering in the community. Pray for Jeff as he makes sure all logistics are in place (lodging, ministry opportunities, etc.)and that he is effective in training and equipping this team both culturally and spiritually in the short time that he is there. He will also be meeting with the new country director and staff. Pray that he can continue to build them up and encourage them spiritually and in effectiveness in ministry. Pray also for the professors who will be heading up this team. It is a new experience for them, as well. May God grant all of them health, discernment, boldness, and protection in the months ahead.
Atlanta:
On January 23 -24, Jeff and Danette will be traveling to Atlanta, GA for the National Short Term Missions Conference. They will be speaking on the issues of Justice and Oppression. May the Holy Spirit be the one who speaks, impacts and challenges.
Grand Rapids:
On February 5-7, Jeff and Danette will be speaking at Calvin Colleges Institute for Faith and Development. They will be a part of three workshops on the topics of churches getting involved with relief and how to be prepared and equipped to minister. We will be partnering for the first two workshops and then Danette will do the third while Jeff leaves for Missouri.
Missouri:
Jeff will be leaving early from Calvin College on February 7, to speak at a church in Missouri. The topic will be anti-trafficking and what World Hope is doing to address this issue. We have found this to be the most challenging topic because it brings with it the most spiritual oppression personally and to our family. Please pray specifically for protection and a shield around us. The enemy has established an incredible stronghold of oppression of people and a web of deceit. We have found that even people attending these events or addressing this issue come under a lot of attack. Praise God that we have the victory and that He is the shield about us. Pray that He sends His angels before us to hold back the enemy and let His light of Truth be seen.
Possibility of Indiana Wesleyan Trip:
Sunday, February 8 and Wednesday, February 11, there are the possibilities of Jeff and Danette being invovled in College Church at Indiana Wesleyan University. Danette would speak on Sunday and Jeff and Danette would be speaking on Wednesday. The challenge is God's heart for the world and how we as His ambassadors are to participate in what He is doing in the world.
North Carolina:
And, finally (at least for now!), on February 12, the whole family will be driving to North Carolina to speak at Goldsboro Wesleyan Church, a place that we have grown to really know and love. What an incredible church this is, with a heart for missions as big as North Carolina itself. They have welcomed our whole family with open arms and will give us a nice time to be together as a family. The hard part will be that Nathan will not be able to join us. Pray for him, as this is a big disappointment. (Selfishly, I am praying that Nathan will be able to somehow work in a school long distance flight time and come for a day!)
As always, your prayers and support of our ministry mean so much to us. We are so amazed at what God is doing worldwide. So often the world's news is focused on what the enemy is doing, but even God laughs. He has so much more "up His sleeve". Share your testimonies of what God is doing, that the world might know He is in control, alive and well, never missing a beat, with a plan to "prosper you, and not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future."
Year 2009 - The God of Glory Thunders