The Ebb and Flow of Life

As this is my first entry into "Blogdom", and the bar has been set so high with the gifted writers and thinkers that we have in this amazing circle of family and friends, I feel somewhat awkward in knowing where to jump in.  My life is in such amazing transition that it is rather complicated to verbally unravel for you all.  But the challenge is in the attempt.

A few months ago Steve was searching the internet for a way to get connected with someone that he had worked with in Argentina. He went to  a website for a mission organization that this person was with.  While there, he discovered that this mission was on a search for a new president.  He read through the job description and sensed a strange prompting from the Lord to pursue this.  He began by seeking counsel from some trusted friends in ministry, and sent them the bio.  Oddly enough, they thought that he would be a perfect match for this position.  So Steve and I began praying about it, asking God to close the door if this was not for us.  He sent his resume in and within one day he had response from this organization, Latin American Missions.

That was about 5 months ago, and since then he has been to Miami twice to be interviewed.  In between the first and second interviews (both in October), Steve and I took a few days in Cambria for quiet reflection and prayer. Going into that time, we did not feel that we could leave our church  in Monterey after only being here 2 1/2 years.  But God spoke to us separately and then together, laying this ministry heavy on our hearts.  I personally had to 

lay aside my concern for separation from children, grandchildren, parents; leaving a lovely home, in a beautiful part of the country, a church family that we had come to love, and a good salary and "comfortable" way of life.  When I gave that all to the Lord, and then asked Him what kingdom work he would have us to do from here out, it became clear.  The Board of LAM were of the same heart and offered him the position.

We both have always had a restlessness in local church ministry.  I know we were doing exactly what God called us to and His timing is perfect.  The question for Steve has been for 35 years, "Am I a pastor with a missionary's heart, or am I a missionary with a pastors heart?" I believe that he can finally answer "yes and yes" to that question  in this role at LAM.  He will be a missionary and a pastor, with the opportunity to think and dream and move globally. 

We now have our house on the market, with our last day at Cypress being the first Sunday in January.  We will travel to Miami and January 16th Steve will start with LAM by participating in the first of 2 yearly Internship's.  The Lord is preparing us for a return to "faith living", and the challenges are great.  I have discovered that the evil one is a panic artist and he plays heavily in our self- consciousness.  But I am learning to trust and rest in deeper ways than I ever have before, and each day brings a fresh opportunity to watch God at work.  Jehovah-Jireh, our Provision.  "In quietness and in trust shall be your strength."  Isaiah 30:15