Our family is in Peru for two years to serve with Extreme Nazarene. We are living in the jungle city of Puerto Maldonado supporting our team of 8 missionaries as 12 churches are planted here in 18 months! Please keep checking in to keep up on our our ministry and adventures in Peru!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

A year ago...

A year ago we were wondering what the Lord had planned next for us. You see, we had been praying since January about where the Lord would take us next. We felt that we were ready to make a move, that God had one planned for us, but we just didn't know what it was. I had researched a ton on teaching abroad, and different organizations to serve with, but nothing seemed like the right fit for us. Tyson had applied for teaching jobs and had interviews for ones he was totally qualified for and that seemed to be perfect. But the Lord continued to close doors. So we waited.

A year ago last weekend we went to church just like any other Sunday. We were surprised to find a giant truck in the parking lot. The Extreme Mobile. We went to service and listened to Scott Englund and Brent Deakins talk about Extreme Peru and what they were planning down here. Tyson and I both felt our hearts jump out of our chest wondering if this is what we had been praying for. However, while our hearts were jumping in our chests, our minds were still wondering...where would we fit in this? They mostly talked about the 40/40 program and since we were married that wasn't an option for us. After the service went through the Extreme Mobile. My heart was pounding as I learned about the people on the islands in Lake Titicaca, my heart was broken as I learned about the unchurched in Arequipa. I didn't even get to hear about Puerto Maldonado because I was running late to teach Sunday School. But Tyson was able to talk to Scott and asked if there was a place for a couple like us...and he learned about the Cluster Support position—a family to care for the 40/40s in each city. Perfect! That following week Scott's card sat on our bathroom counter and every time I saw it I would pray about this possibility, what should we do, what is our next step, is this what you have for us Lord?

A year ago this weekend we went camping as a family on the coast. Tyson received a call from Brent Deakins...he wanted to meet with us and talk to us more about Extreme. What an answer to prayer...I still thank the Lord that Brent followed up with us that weekend!

A year ago. How quickly the time has gone. Yet, it seems like so long ago. So much has happened, we have experienced much, watch the Lord work in many ways, have had joys and sorrows, trials and victories, and through it all have seen the great faithfulness of our Lord.

A year ago our lives changed forever. I can't imagine what He has in store for the next year...

1 comment:

Erin said...

Thanks for being such great examples of how to listen and follow the Lord! We love you guys!!! I have a couple of ideas for the next year...if you want my input :)

Love you!