Arrrggghh!!!: We just found out that Janell’s birth certificate came back from New York without the aunthentication we need in order to send for our visas. We’ve been waiting on this for a few weeks now, and it came back to us because we sent too much money with it. The note basically says, “We’re sorry, the cost is $3 not $5.” Since when does the government not take the money you send them? So, now we’re behind schedule to get our visas. I’m sure someday we’ll laugh about this. It’s not so funny right now, though. (But it could be worse!)
We received an email from our lawyer in Mexico today saying that they had received an official invitation letter from a religious organization in Mexico, stating that we would be working with them. That was one of the requirements for us to get our visas. We have everything on our end except something from the state of New York for Janell. That should be here any day now. We never thought of how difficult it would be to LEAVE the U.S. We are thankful that God divinely set up the meeting with the lawyer in Mexico while we were there a few years ago. It would have been even more difficult if we had to do it all on our own. He has it all planned out, and it’s exciting to watch Him work His plan.
Well, it looks like I am going to Mexico in July. I’ve got the tickets booked, and it’s going to be a great trip. Everyone I talked to confirmed that I should go because of the opportunities that it presents for our future ministry there. Randy and I will have a great opportunity to get to know many pastors in Mexico while we are there. Please be praying for the trip. The dates are July 21-28. Oh, by the way, praise God that the paperwork problems we were having are better now. We have most of the paperwork that we will need to get our visas! Plus I got my second booster shot for my immunizations. It all seems to be coming together.
I was praying this morning for our friends who are missionaries all over the world, and having heard from them all fairly recently, I noticed that they are all facing many struggles as they seek to do God’s work. We know that we will face struggles during this journey, and we desparately NEED people to be praying for us. Please continue to hold us up in your prayers. Nothing of eternal significance is ever accomplished without prayer.
Second Day: The second day of class has past. Today was pretty good. We learned about heresy in the church and the persecutions. It’s amazing how much people would go through to stand up for their faith. It’s been raining a lot here. They say it’s good because they have been without rain for a long time. It just keeps me inside, even after class. Well, thanks for praying for me.
First Day: Well, I made it through the first day of class at Columbia Seminary. It’s been a great time here so far. Funny how you preach on something and then God makes you live it. I have so many more examples now about being a stranger somewhere than I did last Sunday when I preached about that. Sometimes, it’s frustrating being a stranger, and sometimes, it’s okay. I’m taking Early Church History, and it’s been pretty good. I’m beginning to understand the 600 pages I had to read before I got here. Well…keep praying for me while I’m here and Janell while she’s home. Oh…by the way, some questions I’m pondering as a result of this day.
- Which is more difficult, to die for your faith in the face of persecution or to live out your faith daily?
- Is it better to have a state run church or state persecution of Christianity?
