Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Finally, We are Once Again Coming to You....

Romans 18 – 12

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is , that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith both yours and mine.

One year ago I was on a plane returning from Beirut, Lebanon on a mission trip. A place I thought I would never be. I am so thankful that God’s ways are not like ours. He knew that I would finally obey Him and trust Him in a way that stretched every comfort zone that I had held to so tightly. God is so good. He pried my stubborn fingers loose one by one and helped me let go of the railing at the top of the ladder right into the middle of Beirut. Much like jumping off the high dive and into the deep end of the pool.

On April 5, Mark, Andrea and I along with 6 other team members will once again board the plane for Beirut. How I long to see the faces of those faithful servants of God that we met last year! Gladys with her beauty and gentle spirit, Sawsan and her brave soul and servant heart. Martin, Sally, Adnan, Rosette, Alia, Lana, Nabil. I can’t seem to find the words to express my heart! It is one thing to know that there are believers on the other side of the world. It is quite another to “know” them. To worship with them. To praise the same almighty God with them.

And then there are the children! Abraham, Benjamin, Bresca, Anna, Nicolas and the many others at the camp. Pray with us that the Lord would make their heart a fertile land on which the gospel can be cultivated.

Pray for our team. Andrea, Brittany, Robin, Jordan, Justin, Andy, and Eddie. For most of them, this is the first trip out of the country as well as a first mission trip. Pray that the will bless them for their sacrifice of time and effort to bring the gospel to the children of Beirut. Ask the Lord to sustain them physically with strength and health for the many things we will be doing.

We truly covet your prayers on our behalf. We are thanking God for this amazing opportunity.