Habakkuk 1:5
“Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.”
Martha gave me this verse. I have
found as I have contemplated this verse, God has brought to my mind some of the
amazing things that God is doing around the world right now. If you are someone that is able and willing
to pay attention to what is happening in missions today, then you know of some
of the awesome things that are happening.
If not then I would suggest you take a look. This is a great time to be watching and I firmly
believe that God is going to do something in our days that we would never
imagine. and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.”
UPDATE
Ok so I have not updated in a while so let’s start off with letting you know what has been going on in my life as of late.
Wrist Issues
Some of you may have heard that I was experiencing some issues with my wrist in the summer (this is part of why I did not post much). For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about here is a recap. In July I woke up one Sunday morning and realized that my wrist was hurting. I headed off to church and thought nothing of it. I figured my must of slept on it wrong or something.
By the end of church it was throbbing quite bad and was holding it because letting it hang down was very painful. Martha and I then headed off to find a Shoppers Drug Mart and get a tensor bandage. I spent the day icing and resting it while Martha went to bible study.
Over the next 4 weeks the pain came and went with no indication as to what was wrong or what I had done to it. Finally at the end of August the pain was constant and getting worse so I started trying to make an appointment with a doctor to check it out.
First of all if you have ever had to change doctors you will know that getting that first appointment takes time, patience and prayer. I finally got an appointment but not for another 3 weeks.... so I went to my Chiropractor to see if he would know what to do about my wrist. Praise the Lord he did. At this point the pain had intensified and people had started making guesses about what was wrong. Some thought it was actually dislocated or a cracked bone. I can not explain how hard I prayed that they were wrong.
Turns out they were...it was actually Tendinitis. So much better right?? NO! Tendinitis takes a long time to heal and means a lot of physiotherapy. It also meant wearing a brace all the time, putting my arm in a sling when I was standing or walking around for longer periods of time. It also meant that if I wanted it to heal I had to not use my wrist to much. I type of a living so this was really hard. I have however become quite good at one handed typing. :)
Physio every week for almost about 6 weeks, then every other week for 2 months and now down to hopefully every three weeks. When you don't have medical insurance this is not a cheap injury but God has provided and I have learned a lot about listening when my body is telling me something because of this experience.
The brace is now off and I no longer have to use the brace. I do need to take it easy with the typing and stop if the pain starts. I praise the Lord for understanding family, friends and awesome co-workers that have helped and supported me so much.
Liberty Bound
While all of that was going on I was in the middle of taking a course for my
Master’s program. This course had the added benefit that I actually went down
to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia for a week of Intensive Course
work. Being back in a classroom with other students was a blast and I made some
great friends through this experience. I was also able to experience some
firsts along the way... First time seeing a year-round ski hill, First time
staying in a hotel all by myself (not a fan by the way), First time being
searched at an airport, First time eating Chick Fil-A... so very good!However, flying while having your arm in a brace and sling is not a fun experience and to be honest people are not that helpful. Not till my last flight did someone help me getting my carry-on into the overhead bin. I am sure watching me struggle with one hand was much more fun for them. But I am an independent woman who is strong and self-reliant... you need to be with no gentlemen around.
On October 25th, we drove Martha to the airport for her Vision Trip to Cambodia and then Taiwan. I encourage all of you to contact her and ask about it. I am also hoping to get her to write one of my posts and tell you all about it. I am so very proud of my sister as she went out on her own and did this. She had a great time and I am looking forward to seeing where she goes from here. This trip has had an impact and when she talks about some of her experiences she just glows. I am so glad she is back; however, I missed her badly.
Speaking and Events
Over the last little while I have had the chance to speak to a number of groups and be a part of a number of events.
PIBC Missions Conference
On October 21st I had the chance to share at my own church and tell them about my ministry and future goals. This was a great experience.
Heart For Asia - Kingston
November 2-4: A group of people gathered together to hear what God is doing
in Asia. Along with a Home-Assignee helped to facilitate this event and I had
the chance to also be one of the presenters. This was a great time. I also had
the chance to look after the daughter of another appointee couple as they spoke
in a church the next day. Have I ever mentioned just how much I love kids? Such
a cute little girl. Great conversation, Good speakers, Good food and Lots of
fun. If you have never been to a Heart For Asia Conference you should definitely
go if you get the chance. Heart For Asia - London
November 10th - While I was not a speaker at the London conference I was the facilitator and MC. This was a lot of work and yet so much fun. Hearing about what God is doing in Asia made me want to go all the more. The challenge is there... we just have to follow God's path for us.
Asian Christian Fellowship - Western University
November 9th - Wow this group of University students blow me away. They are so passionate and fun. I had such a great time interacting with them and talking to so many. There were about 100 students and we had a blast. Music, a testimony by one of the Executive Counsel and a game before one of the Home Assignees and me started our presentation. The game was so much fun as we played "Are you Smarter than a University Student"? Let me say this... I am not smarter than a University Student - which is sad since I am one.
Prayer Group - Peterborough
November 19th - I praise the Lord for the amazing people that gather to pray for missionaries. They are such a really blessing and I am grateful that they were willing to have me come and present my ministry last night. It was a lot of fun and even though I did not get home till midnight, I would not trade it for the world.
Up-Coming Events
November
21st: Mission’s Under Discussion Meeting: Burma
November
22nd – 25th: Vacation Days
November
28th: Chiropractor Appointment where I find out how my wrist
is healing and if I can go down to Physiotherapy every 3 weeks now.
November
29th – 30th: In Chiang Mai, Thailand - There is
going to be a 24 hour long prayer event.
Two of my Serve Asia workers are involved in this.
December
15th and 16th: PIBC’s Christmas Cantata – Come
check it out if you are in the area
December
26th to January 1st – URBANA
This is my third one to go to and this year I am going to
represent OMF at the booth. Should be
fun!
Countdown
Christmas:
35 Days
Clearance
Deadline for Asia (May 3rd): 164 Days
Prayer and
Praise:
Praise
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Praise the Lord, I am now at almost 30% of my
total monthly pledged support
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42 Individuals Approved for Short Term Service
with OMF Canada this year
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Another successful “From Here to There
Conference” (October 12-13)
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Martha had a safe and exciting Vision Trip
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I have had a number of opportunities to speak
about my ministry
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Final Mark on Course – A!
Prayer
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For more opportunities to share with people
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For churches and small groups to have me speak
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For the rest of my monthly pledges to come in
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For patience as I wait on God’s timing
“I know who holds the future,
And I know who holds my hand;
With God things don’t just happen –
Everything by Him is planned.”
~ A. Smith~
