Kindness

As I think back over the past couple of months, I have been constantly reminded of the Lord’s kindness. When I think about how to define kindness I think of consideration, generosity, warm/heartedness.  The Lord is thoughtful and continues to pour out love, provision, support – meeting my needs beyond measure.  Here are snapshots of some of the significant moments from these past months…just to wet your appetite until I can share with you in person!

India was incredible, overwhelming, intense  and enjoyable.   The first few days I met my father’s family for the first time.  Saw where they live, work and have raised their families.  Relationships have begun as I got to spend time with six out of thirteen first cousins.  From there I flew east and met up with the Jeff & Angie, a church planting couple that were involved with some of my training before I left the states.  I love partnering with others to see No Place Left in the world to hear and receive the gospel.  Working with Angie, we got to a training for 38 women, many illiterate, empowering them to make the gospel known and discipling the villages that surrounded them.  Next stop was engaging another NGO that has mobilized holistic approaches to community development and church multiplication.  It was an incredible 2 weeks and I look forward to returning!

My mother was able to visit me over the Easter school break.  This was a great gift to have family here getting to see a glimpse into this world and to share it.  She not only got to experience my current surroundings, we also went up north so she could enjoy more snow.  Walking around Luleå, my mom got to meet and see some of the significant people and spots from where my Swedish journey began.

Steps of obedience in the local work. The Lord continues to bring affirmation and encouragement in the small beginnings.  In some ways, we always want to see the fruit of the efforts yesterday and to know that we are doing everything possible to move the vision forward.  Since moving here last June, we have had over two dozen people stay in our home and engage the vision of taking the gospel to the unreached.  We have a strong community of new friends from a variety of countries that we get to meet, learn Swedish and pray for the needs of their families.  The recent good weather has also allowed for conversations while handing out coffee as we seek ways to be a good neighbor.

So as you can see, the Lord has been so kind to me in so many areas.  I will be in the states from the end of June to early August.  My hope is to see as many people face to face as possible.  Can you believe it was 10 years ago this summer that I took a step of faith to work in ministry full time?!?!?!?!  And it has been an incredible ten years THANKS TO YOU!!!!  It will be a blast getting to reflect on what God has done these past ten years and consider what is coming in the next 10….until He returns!