Thursday, May 8, 2008

Latest Update

Here is our latest prayer letter. We continue to enjoy the cool and rainy days here in Hot Springs. Thanks for praying for us.

Passports and Visas

As of the end of March we have been given ‘clearance’ to begin the procurement of our visas for temporary residency in Brasil! This means that we are able to put a little bit more of a definitive time frame on our plans for moving to Brasil. We put the emphasis in the last sentence on the word “little” as dealing with governments is most often inconsistent at best and always time consuming.

In talking about the things that God has done in our lives over the last couple of weeks we keep reminding each other of God’s abundant provision throughout the last year and a half. At each step along the way He has continued to prove Himself to us and make our paths straight. We praise Him.

As it stands today we are planning on moving to Brasil in early to mid July this coming summer. This time frame truly is in pencil although we know we will not leave before July 6. Whenever our visas are approved you will probably hear a shout ascending from our little minivan somewhere on an interstate in the midwest.

Last Sunday’s sermon was a timely reminder for us of the importance of waiting. We were reminded of the truth that in order to soar like an eagle we must first wait patiently on the Lord (Isaiah 40). So we wait and hope expectantly in Him.

Thank You

We would like to take this space to say “Thank You” to each one who has prayed so faithfully with us over these last several years. We ask that you would continue to remain in fervent prayer, not just for us but especially that the gospel of Jesus Christ continue to change hearts and impact communities in Brasil.

We also give thanks to each one who faithfully gives to the Lord on our behalf. It is our prayer that these gifts redound to the glory of God and reap eternal rewards in the lives of many.

Along these lines, we ask that you would praise the Lord with us for His overwhelming provision for our monthly support. Today it stands at over 90%. We count it an honor to partner with each one who continues to stand with us in prayer and financial support.

IPO

We packed up the house and sent 20+ totes and foot lockers to northwest Arkansas (to be shipped to Brasil) at the end of March and hit the road for ElliAnna’s “initial public offering.” After over 6,000 miles- and the longest leg of the journey still ahead of us- we found respite in Hot Springs for two and a half weeks at the beginning of May. Along the way we have been blessed in special ways through the ministry of family and friends in Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Kansas.

Praise the Lord with us for safety in travel, a van that smoothly tootles down the road and never having to pay over $3.39 a gallon for a tank of black gold. . . yet.

One of the many special highlights over the last two months was having lunch on a Sunday afternoon with three Brasilian volleyball players in Hutchinson, KS. They all spoke English really well but we enjoyed practicing our few Portuguese words with them. (It is amazing how many of those words have to do with food!)

In the Next Year

What looks like a daunting mountain is nothing compared to the wonderful things the Lord has in store for us. While we face many uncertainties, unknowns, changes, challenges, and fears in the coming year, we know that the God Who has prepared us for this will see us through to the end.

Here is a quick little synopsis of what the months and weeks tenatively look like throughout the next year+ of our lives.

May 2008: Traveling to North Carolina/Virginia for a couple of weddings.

June 2008: Back to Nebraska/Wyoming/South Dakota for another wedding and good byes with our home church, family, etc.

July 2008: Moving to Brasil and starting lanugage study which will continue through the “spring” of 2009.

August or September 2008: Survey Trip to South Brasil with potential future coworkers.

June 2009: After spending the first year in Fortaleza (north Brasil) we plan to move to Porto Alegre, Brasil as the Lord continues to direct.

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