Before we "spring forward", How about a little look back?

So I guess we left you hanging for a while (at least those who happen upon these chronicles from a family of pilgrims still in the waiting room at the current moment known as Kansas City) . . . In any case, here we are again and excited to share a few more thoughts with our cyber-family!

First of all, we are doing well even though we still seem to be in the "waiting room". Interestingly enough, we have happened to learn (or is that continually learn) that there is plenty to do in the waiting room- even with a nearly 16month old little girl- does anyone know what that's like?! God does not stop being the same God He is when we find ourselves in a waiting period- in fact, He might just be calling us to wait upon Him for "new strength".

"Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord". . . I think D and I have found that there is a need for continual strength that comes from the Lord, for we truly are weak. Most often times He knows we need it in places where we don't necessarily think we do . . . maybe we need time (waiting) to mourn, time(waiting) for clarity, time(waiting) for study, time (waiting) to recuperate from working as day care workers for 8 missionary kids confined to one small room for a week (talk about exhausting for a guy like me-but Jodie, you rock!). . . or, time(waiting/perseverance) for the next leg of the race, or time(waiting) for what we believe to be our strengths to truly become weakness so that in our weaknesses His strength is made full and in turn, He is glorified. . . and so forth.

You see, we, that is those of us who declare ourselves to be believers of Christ, are in a constant waiting period. We are continuously in the art of becoming. I believe strangely enough that we are in this waiting period of this finite life known as "the engagement period". We are being shaped by the the most patient Lover of all, Jesus our Christ, to be His "Bride".

Interestingly enough, I don't think it's about many brides, but instead one bride united in One body, One Truth, One Faith . . . by our Christ, Jesus. This is why we "eagerly await a Savior . . .the Lord Jesus Christ." We don't sit around doing nothing. And we shouldn't be busy with just our little body of Christ. We should be actively participating in Kingdom work! The words that Shane Clairborne shares when he quotes a gospel preacher resonate well here with me; "We've got to unite ourselves as one body. Because Jesus is coming back, and he's coming back for a bride, not a harem." Let's be a part of that body, a united Body of Christ with Christ as the head . . . no barriers, no boundaries, no walls, just Kingdom concerns! And it's here that I would like to springboard to a couple communities of faith where we had the opportunity to be the Church this past month. . .

On February 17th 2008, we had an incredible opportunity to share our stories while also being a part of a church body who is seeking to be in solidarity with the community in which God has given them the opportunity to grow in - Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, http://www.kctrinity.org/. We were not sure if we were going to make it to the morning service due to the snow that decided fall, and fall heavily. We backed out of our garage to back into our fence. You gotta love an SUV with no four-wheel drive! (Hey we bought it for work down in the gulf coast- we never thought we would need 4wheel drive?!) Long story short, we made it. After sharing our stories we were introduced to a number of people who opened up their stories to us . . . We love how God keeps teaching us through others! Finally, we would like to thank you Trinity for your gracious hospitality and love. We not only experienced it, but we see it in how you live the Good News in your community.

Then on March 6th we headed to the Atlanta, GA area to be with another community of people living out their faith. It was a humble blessing to be invited to their "Global Impact Celebration"(GIC). It was one of the best mission emphasis events that we have ever been privileged to participate in. . . Great job Gracepointe Church of the Nazarene and to the entire GIC crew. Briefly, we were only one couple among 11 other missionary/faith-based organizations represented that week. It was a beautiful mosaic of how God is working both right there in Loganville, GA and around the globe to accomplish His goal of reconciliation through His Church. We not only shared our stories, but truly shared life together as we listened, helped in community work events, prayed, ate, spoke with youth, and celebrated God being missional and how we get to participate in His mission! If your interested in knowing more about the GIC, please don't hesitate to contact Gracepointe - http://www.gracepointe.com/.

Finally, without trying to make this even longer than it already is, please keep us in your prayers . . .
as we continue to prepare to leave for Singapore
with Danielle's pregnancy
the need to raise support for our future in Singapore
for Natalie as she continues to grow, adapt, and be with two incredibly crazy parents . . .
for the ongoing process of helping World Mission with new developments in missionary service through the Church of the Nazarene. . .
and our near-future travels to California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts . . .

Grace and peace to you all, and may you experience deeply the death and resurrection of our King in your lives this Holy Week!