Praise and Prayer July 21, 2020

Roman Arena in Arles

Finally, an update long overdue!  And what better way to use the time of waiting as the oil is changed and tires balanced on our car so we can get it on the market hopefully sold in the next few days.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley…  I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”  (Psalm 23:4). We are so grateful for God’s presence, His Word and His help as we follow His leading through this valley. In 17 days, ready or not, we will Lord willing be boarding the flight back to MI.  The whirlwind continues as we continue to progress in our preparations for this move.  

I just shared the following to our prayer group on FB:

Our heads are swirling with so many details, but the stack of boxes in the garage is growing and the house is emptying.  The emotions are everywhere, with full days and short nights, anticipation and joy for the future God has for us, and stinging pain for all that we are leaving.  God is good and He is faithful as He gives us strength and help each day.  Only 17 days until we board the plane August 6, Lord willing.  

Despite being a bit overwhelmed with all of the work to do and details to be arranged for this move, God’s grace and guidance have been abundantly clear, and for that we praise Him.  He provided a buyer for our home without a “For Sale” sign ever being posted.  Within three days of our signing with a realty agency, there were two offers on the house.  We signed the preliminary sales agreement on July 7, though the final sale won’t go through for 2 to 3 months per French law.  The final signing should be able to happen without us present.  

God has given us some precious visits with friends and church family as well as missionary colleagues. 

While it breaks our hearts to leave, we are comforted and encouraged by the expressions of love and sorrow at our departure.  We have been given several invitations to consider for future ministry and have made a survey trip here in France.  Although we do not yet know for sure where the Lord will take us next, He has given us clear direction and peace about leaving France and returning to North America.  Please pray with us that God’s will be clear to us as we follow His leading.

Praise for

• God’s help as He leads us through this valley.  
• Good contacts with unsaved neighbors and friends, including my friend in Saudi Arabia over Skype who is also going through big changes.  

• Precious visits with Christian friends and opportunities to continue to minister to these dear ones, some with great needs themselves.

• The children finishing up their school year in June as scheduled and for the help they are able to give.  Praise for good contacts and visits that they are having with unsaved friends here.

Pray for

• God’s enabling for these final short days before departure.  Pray for His will regarding our flights and arrival in MI, regarding COVID-19 possible cancellations, quarantine, etc.
• Each of us as we feel the stress of the times. Though there is acceptance, we know that each of the kids are also under new stresses.
• God’s help with all of the details for preparing this move involving our shipment, the sale of our car and house, the trip, and the details (and provision) for housing and transportation on our arrival.  Praise the Lord for Cherith’s parents opening their home to receive us on our arrival in MI!
• God’s provision for all of the special expenses due to this unexpected move. If the Lord moves you to help in a special way, please feel free to ask for more details.
• Relief and healing for Cherith’s respiratory and sinus problems that have been aggravated by the extra dust as we sort and clean in areas that have long been untouched.