PEAS FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER?

Looks like we'll be having garden fresh snap peas for Christmas dinner. Greg and Micah have harvested a bucket full of peas along with a bin full of spinach. Now, I get the job of removing them from the pod. But, we'll all enjoy them.

The previous tenants planted quite a nice garden, containing some veggies we can't even identify. Nonetheless, we are enjoying the results of their labor.

Micah's Mates

With summer in full swing, the boredom has already begun to creep in. Micah was recently invited to spend the day with his mates, Jack and Max. They went to a movie and enjoyed Danish donuts prepared by Max's mom. We wanted to reciprocate, so we invited Jack, Max and Max's brother Toby over for the day. They enjoyed numerous rounds of Wii games, taking turns with wheels and remotes. Then they wanted to walk down to the river for a swim. It's been very muggy here the last few days. Even though the water was cold, they enjoyed themselves. With Christmas just a few days off, soon, nearly everyone we know, will be on holiday (Kiwi's typically go on holiday in January). We thought we'd better take advantage of the boy's availability while they were still here. Notice the three Kiwis are barefoot in the picture. That is a very Kiwi thing. It's not at all uncommon to find people barefoot in the market or restaurant (we're not in Kansas anymore). The boys walked barefoot all the way to the river.

TSBC Graduation

December 11 marked the TSBC graduation, where seven men and one woman were awarded the Diploma of Biblical Studies. It was a wonderful ceremony with a reception following. We were privileged to meet the parents of at least two students. Greg was asked to do the Scripture reading. We look forward to graduating many more students to full-time ministry, Lord willing.

Micah's First Campout

The end of the school year also brought an annual event for Micah's grade level. During the last full week of school, his entire class went on a two night camp-out. Camp Wakarara welcomed twenty-five level 6 and 7 students. The class hiked a four hour hike up the mountain and two hours back down.

Micah loved it!

Micah the keen Rugby player

Micah enjoyed learning rugby by joining the school's rugby touch team this term. His team of nine players were inexperienced, but they played hard and had lots of fun. That's Micah running hard with the ball (blue/green; opponent in red).

End of School Year

With the end of the school year for The Shepherd's Bible College, the students wanted to express their appreciation for their faculty. They hosted a lovely bbq in honour of the men who have taught them throughout the year. What a blessing to be ministered to by this wonderful bunch of young people. Several have returned to their hometowns and will begin new ministries there. Others will return next year for another round of training. With Greg developing further training, there is more of the programme to complete. In just the short time we've been here, it's been exciting to watch the Lord work in their lives.

New Friends

Now that we're finally in our own home, we wanted to begin having people over for dinner. Knowing they'd soon be leaving for their overseas Christmas holiday, we decided to invite Reuben and Verity. Reuben just graduated from The Shepherd's Bible College (12/11) and Verity is working part-time as our church secretary. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening with this dear couple that we have quickly come to love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all. We've spent our first Thanksgiving in New Zealand. It was a rich blessing to reflect on all the Lord has done in 2010. We are grateful for our salvation and the riches that are ours in Christ. We are also so thankful to be ministering in New Zealand. The Lord continues to pour out manifold blessing to us day-by-day.

Many weeks ago, we invited an American TSBC student, Michelle Ward, over for Thanksgiving. It's been a real delight to get to know Michelle. We also had Russell & Liz and our dear Grandma Margaret. Margaret is a widow and pours tons of spunky energy into ladies activities at Riverbend. She is also heavily involved in missions.

During the tour of our home, Russell found mint in the garden. He determined immediately to prepare mint sauce for us. Mint sauce is to a Kiwi what ketchup is to an American. Thanks to Russell, I'll have mint sauce to 2014!

As our guests were arriving this evening, we received a visit from Emmalee, our landlord's 8-year old daughter. She gave me a note, addressed to tracy and folded inside an envelope, which I was to open immediately. She had written a plea for Micah to come to her house to play. Her plea read, "Can Mikah come and play for 10 miints or less? Please, please, please, please, please" (written all over the paper). Then at the bottom of the page, she wrote, "Prity please with two millen cherrys on top. I'm out side!" Well, I had to break her heart when I told her that we were having guests for tea. Something tells me she'll persist.

Well, we trust you will have a blessed Thanksgiving, reflecting on all you have to be thankful for. Our God is, indeed good!!

CONTAINER HAS ARRIVED!

G'Day All,

The long awaited container was delivered and promptly unloaded yesterday by two very nice gentleman. We were also joined by four TSBC students who made quick work of unloading boxes and misc items. Now, the work begins of unpacking boxes and finding a place for everything. Our bed felt especially nice last night!

We've also been enjoying some stock around the property of late. Our landlord leases out sections of his land for grazing. Sydney still intends to show them who's the queen around here.

FROM THE CITY TO THE COUNTRY

Well, the long awaited day has come (and gone). We have "shifted" to the country. Friday night was the first night in our new home. We purchased two twin beds from the previous tenant for the guest room. Greg and I slept there--on borrowed bedding. Micah slept on an air mattress, which soon went flat. Fortunately, Greg found a good clearance sale and had bought two more. Knew they'd come in handy. Saturday morning, Greg tried with all his might to light a fire in the woodstove (the only source of heat in this house). Well, with no lighter or matches, it proved challenging. But, his perseverance paid off and soon we were enjoying a fire. Before long, our landlord brought us a dozen eggs (fresh from his chickens). Saturday we cleaned and unpacked. The house was very clean, but of course, still had bring it to our standard as neat freaks. There were plenty of cob webs to wipe down. Appliances were delivered and we were in business. Saturday night brought a cultural experience! We were invited to BBQ for the Kiwi equivalent of 4th of July. It was BYO: bring your own. I determined to take simple finger food: sausages, chips and soda. Soon after we arrived, I noticed ladies bringing out cups, cutlery, napkins, plates, etc. I suddenly realized I didn't "bring our own". I hadn't brought any of that! What would we do? Well, I figured we didn't need plates or cutlery, since we had finger food. I had a package of Tempo in my purse that would suffice as napkins (serviettes), but what about cups? My friend, Karen came to the rescue. The night before (while Greg and Micah were enjoying a fireworks show), I went to the Major home and borrowed almost everything from their self contained apt kitchen within their home. But, I had refused two cups, which I later decided I needed. I texted Karen and asked her for those two extra coffee mugs along with towels which I had forgotten. So, thanks to Karen, we had beautiful red/white coffee mugs to drink our Sprite from. I suppose even if I had known that I had to bring all that stuff, I still wouldn't have had it to bring (though in triplicate in the container which is somewhere over the Pacific).

We are enjoying our new home, but I must admit, I am thoroughly looking forward to the arrival of our container. I can't wait to begin using our own stuff again.

Oh, here's an actual line from the owner's manual of our washing machine, "stability is important to prevent the machine from wandering!" I suppose that could be a good sermon illustration for those interested.

SO THEN...

Always good to hear the whole story. Certainly we are called to not make judgment until we hear as much as can be told. And so it was with the situation for our son today. After the interaction it was realized we just had a mid course correction to take care of. Now, we not only thank the Lord for His goodness in the opportunity, but we thank Him for giving us listening ears and for the good work He is accomplishing in this young guys life. Yet another day of seeing the goodness of our God!

JUST ANOTHER MOMENT?

What's in a haircut? Sometimes, very little. You just have to get it done and get on with life. Today's was not just that. In fact the cutter asked, "do you like getting your haircut?" I thought, that's an odd question, but I think it was noticed that I was off somewhere, deep in thought. Today's was an opportunity. An opportunity to display the goodness of God to the unsaved. Beyond that, an opportunity to ponder a bit. Our Lord has been so good to us, particularly good during these brief weeks we have been in NZ. It was an opportunity to take a moment and ponder the display of God's love and goodness in our life. He has brought us so much, brought so many details together, brought so many new relationships and so many new opportunities. One of those is the continued opportunity to train up our son. Seems a bit of mischief has been about in his life and this afternoon will be an opportunity to draw him back and continue to point him in the direction he should go. How good of our God to provide another opportunity for instruction and learning. Our God is indeed a good God, in fact the one and only good God.

Two cars, a dog and a house!

We apologize that over a month has past since our last post! We have been very busy! The weekend of September 24-25, we drove north several hours to purchase a car (2003 VW Passat wagon) that Greg had found on the internet. Not having driven more than a few kilometers, Traci was forced to drive the car home--nothing like being thrown in the driver's seat! God was so good to allow no nervousness or tension, even though Traci had a cold and it was raining. Driving on the right side of the car on the left side of the road didn't feel near as foreign as she had imagined.

The next two weeks, Micah was on school break. The first week, we traveled about three hours south to the quarantine facility to pick up Sydney. To help her adjust, we made lots of trips to local parks, where she thoroughly enjoyed being able to run on grass again.

And, after several weeks of house hunting, the Lord has lead us to the right one! It is a gorgeous country spot, running right alongside the Tukituki River and has views of Te Mata Peak. After spending several weeks looking for a home to purchase, we came to the conclusion that it would be wiser to rent for a year or so. Most rentals don't allow pets, but we knew the Lord would use that to steer us to the right home. The home is about fifteen minutes from Havelock North, down a beautiful country road lined with sheep farms and dotted with cattle on rolling hills. And, just in case you were wondering...we will have a guest room, so do come visit! The home is available November 5th, so we are staying with the Hohneck's (after a month away for house sitting). Our container is delayed, but we will move in and borrow bits and pieces to get by until our container arrives. Please pray for that process.

Since we'd be out in the country, we decided we would need a second car. Greg searched online and found a 1999 VW Polo which we purchased in short order.

Greg continues to enjoy the development of the programme at The Shepherd's Bible College. He now has his own office, since Donald is back from Africa and needed his office back. Traci continues to develop relationships with the women and is praying about starting a group for the wives of TSBC students. She is also counseling one of the ladies from Riverbend. Micah continues to enjoy his school days at Hastings Christian School. Recently, Greg took Micah and two friends (brothers) to a local rugby match. Micah also got to go eel fishing, catching two eels.

Finally, we are in the midst of a four day weekend...Friday having been Hawke's Bay anniversary and today being Labour Day. Friday we went the the Hawke's Bay Show (similar to a county fair). Micah enjoyed some carnival rides and we enjoyed walking around the exhibits of sheep shearing, farm equipment and such, even though it was cold, windy and a bit wet.

TYPICAL DAY?

Hello,

Thank you, once again, for your prayers for our transition to New Zealand! God continues to show us His purposes in all things. The ministry is more than exciting, thrilling in fact, as we watch the Lord work in our lives as well as those of the believers in this beautiful land.

This morning was a gorgeous spring morning! At 11:00 was the funeral of an elder saint, who we had not met, but had met some of her family members. Knowing I would be out of the house reasonably early, I got the laundry hung out to dry in the bright sunshine. (Kiwi’s dry their clothes outdoors…they don’t use clothes dryers). The Hohneck’s had two overnight guests, elders from a church in Auckland, so I had made my zucchini muffins for all to enjoy. Micah was off to school and Greg off to his office. I made arrangements with Liz to pick me up at a market down the street, on her way to the funeral. I began my walk to Havelock Village, a quaint downtown with some upscale shops and some small town shops as well. I had a couple of cards to mail at the post (p.o.), along with prescriptions to drop off at the chemist (pharmacy)—conveniently located in the same shop. It was a beautiful walk to the village. I took care of my business along with purchasing some items for dinner tonight—Shepherd’s Pie—Kiwi style. Liz forgot to pick me up, but with a couple of phone calls made, here she came and we were still in time for the service.

It was a lovely service for a dear 88 year old saint, with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren giving tribute to this dear woman. We even experienced a traditional Maori chant. As the casket was carried out, a Maori woman gave a traditional chant. It obviously took most people by surprise, but I heard at the reception that she had asked the family for permission. We also learned later that the deceased and her husband had a long-standing ministry to Maori people.

A lovely reception was enjoyed with tea sandwiches, pastries, cheese, etc. We ate and visited with many. When Greg left for his office, he asked me to come see him before I left. When I walked over to his office, the sky looked very dark. One of the men passed me and said, “I think we might have a thunderstorm”. I agreed in my mind that it was dark, but thunderstorm? Naaa. After consulting Greg, we decided I’d better get home to get the laundry in. By the time I went to see if Liz was ready to leave or if Greg should take me home, it was raining heavily. By the time we got to the car, we were quite wet. Driving home, the wipers couldn’t keep up and Greg couldn’t see in front of the car. For the next several minutes…absolute downpour. Thankfully, Greg helped me bring in all the clothes off the line. Greg said, “welcome to New Zealand”. Sunny this morning (and quite warm) and pouring down rain this afternoon. And, even before I have finished this email, the sun is back out.

In other news, we are still looking for a home and for a car. We looked at a car last Friday. Greg really liked it and felt it was the car for us. I didn’t quite agree, but was content to allow him to make the decision, praying for it to be the right decision. All day Saturday we looked at homes, finding at least two we liked. The Lord hasn’t made it obvious which one, but there were several we really liked ($$$). Several times throughout the day on Saturday, I would gently suggest that he needed to call the Hohneck’s son, who is a mechanic. We had decided that was the next step in the car. Sunday, we learned that Mark had a stomach bug. Sunday night, Greg contacted the owner of the car to set up a time to bring Mark along. The car had sold! “Thank you, Lord for closing that door!” The search continues.

Well, I just had to share about the downpour and the race to outrun the storm.

Our love to all,

Traci

SILLY, YET SMART SCHOOLBOY

Five days after arrival, we started Micah in his school. He is now a schoolboy at Hasting's Christian School. It is a fabulous school with many of the faculty and students at Riverbend (our church here). Micah has fit in quite well, getting into the routine of school, establishing friendships and learning new sport. The kids have been great as well. Micah has a two week break coming up at the end of next week, so we hope to get him together with some of the new friends during that time. Then it is term 4, the final one for the school year. Near the end of that term (late November) he will have opportunity to go on his first camp - a tramping (hiking) trip over three days and two nights. Well, he is not too excited about his uniform as you can see his pictures, but he is getting used to it.

WAY OVERDUE

Our apologies - we have been busy with "settling in" as they say around here. So... we have been loving our ministry, looking for housing, trying to sort out our vehicle, meeting many, carrying on with life and pursuing our Lord. In the next update we'll brief you on Micah's schooling.

PINCH ME...

So here we are...is this for real? What a delight to see the good hand of the Lord carry us to NZ. The first couple days have been great, getting details sorted out and up to speed. The weather has been quite nice to boot! Thankful for His goodness we jump in now to serve Him here.

DELIGHTING...

Remembering Ps 37:3, "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." In context we see that desires are shaped by faithfulness and commitment to the Lord. We're not so sure about our follow through on that, but we can say that we are striving to be pleasing to the Lord and to find our delight in Him. Now for the desires of your heart part - we leave in 3 days for our assignment in New Zealand!

Pinching ourselves, we are overwhelmed by the goodness of God. We have had a wonderful week with some 70 fellow servant families from around the world who are all connected to Grace Community Church. The time has been a deep blessing for us. Now we will make our way back to Corona for a couple last days with Greg's parents before our departure Monday evening.

Thank you for your prayers, and praise the Lord with us. We will keep you up to date as the Lord carries us and unfolds His plans for us.

VISA APPROVAL

We have just received word that our visas for New Zealand have been approved! They are for one year with extension available provided we continue to meet the health standard. This should not be a problem, but we will do the testing once in NZ and ask for the extension.

We thank you for praying with us and expectantly waiting on the Lord.

Now when are you out of here?

Having just heard, we are now going to begin to put things in order. We anticipate leaving within a month.

Once again we thank you for your standing with us and we will keep you informed. For now, pray we keep ourselves before the Lord and serve Him well as we pull all the details together.

Some Progress

Sunday (Monday NZ time) we heard that our reassessment was completed and Micah is now found to have an acceptable standard of health. That means our visas should proceed quickly now and we should soon see the good hand of the Lord complete this process.

Greg is completing a 2 part sermon on Psalm 40 this Wednesday and continuing to work on the development of TSBC.

Once we have more news we will post it, and Lord willing, that will be soon.

HURRY UP AND WAIT...

We continue to wait for NZ Immigration's response. Greg has been busy putting together courses for the development of TSBC. Here is our latest news: http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=09bd5166c301262369f86f8ff&id=2068cd3c91&e=95de50a45d

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN

We heard from the consulate this morning and there is no update. They are awaiting opinion from London which will serve as a second opinion of sort. So, now that it is the weekend in England, we will await news next week.
So good is our God that our every step and breath is orchestrated to our good and His glory. Praise Him for this time of uncertainty and the work that it is working in us. Praise Him as well that He is able, more than able to accomplish that which concerns me (and you) today. He may not care for it in the way we wish, but it will always be for our best.

HASTE THEE ON

What a joy to know that all is planned, controlled and timed by God! Now, if we could just settle in that more... Last Thursday we submitted our response to NZ Immigration and now we are back to waiting. We should hear something soon - the clerk at the consulate told us she would let us know something this week - only a day and a half left! So, on with the work, on with the wait, on with the growth in God.

THE WAITING IS...

This week we have heard from our immigration helper (spelled - l a w y e r) who received official word from NZ immigration. There is one particular medication which is a concern due to its cost. We are working on the potential of a different medication which is of minimal expense and making sure our insurance will cover expenses. Once we have all this, and some more, on paper, we will submit that to Immigration NZ and see what the final answer is. We believe that seeing the expenses will be covered by outside insurance and not the NZ national health system, everything should work out.

In the meantime, we add these things to the list of ongoing projects to stay on top of. But, it is great to know that in the waiting, our God is at work. And, while all this is wearying to the body and mind, our God never slumbers nor sleeps and He is always concerned for our every need. Beyond that, we take great comfort in knowing that His omnipotent hand has planned all this and is able to carry us through it.

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken...

So, we have come to the speed bump - or maybe it's a roadblock - God will make that known. Interacted with the Consulate today and our visa applications have not been approved due to health concerns. But, there is a response we can make and we will after some consultation.

It's a great day as we apply the Truth and rest in our Sovereign God. Pray with us that He will be glorified to the utmost in this process.

So, on to the title of this post - happened to be reflecting on this hymn just before getting the news. Written by Henry Lyte in the early 1800's. He served through great personal physical struggle and was used to write some 800 hymns while pastoring and building a Sunday School of some 800 children.

Here's the words:

Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow Thee.
Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be.
Perish every fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known.
Yet how rich is my condition! God and Heaven are still mine own.

Let the world despise and leave me, they have left my Savior, too.
Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue.
And while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love and might,
Foes may hate and friends disown me, show Thy face and all is bright.

Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn and pain!
In Thy service, pain is pleasure; with Thy favor, loss is gain.
I have called Thee, “Abba, Father”; I have set my heart on Thee:
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, all must work for good to me.

Man may trouble and distress me, ’twill but drive me to Thy breast.
Life with trials hard may press me; heaven will bring me sweeter rest.
Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me while Thy love is left to me;
Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me, were that joy unmixed with Thee.

Take, my soul, thy full salvation; rise o’er sin, and fear, and care;
Joy to find in every station something still to do or bear:
Think what Spirit dwells within thee; what a Father’s smile is thine;
What a Savior died to win thee, child of heaven, shouldst thou repine?

Haste then on from grace to glory, armed by faith, and winged by prayer,
Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission, swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope soon change to glad fruition, faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

WHILE HERE WE WAIT

"Do you doubt?," was the question asked me recently. The asker was wondering about my response to our delayed departure and awaiting our visas for NZ. My response: "No, it's just that I'm not sovereign and don't know the will of the Lord until it happens. Ultimately, we won't know the will of the Lord regarding our ministry in NZ until we are standing there ministering."

I was reminded from the conversation about trust and faith. We have the privilege of trusting and putting our faith in what God has already said. This is faith - believing what He has said. To doubt, and thereby to not expect to receive anything from God (Jas 1) is to not believe His revelation. So, while we await our visas and the revelation of God's will in this regard, we trust what He has already revealed in His Word and rest knowing that does have our best for us today and we are privileged to trust that today.

This Sunday will be our send off by Christ Community - it would be great if we had visas in hand!

STILL WAITING...

Well, we've come to the end of Friday and still no call from the consulate. Next week we will investigate, but for now, we rest knowing the Lord is in charge and always does what is right and best. So, in His perfect time we will have our answer. Til then we pray, prepare and strive to be pleasing to Him.

All is well here in Corona - Micah had an eye exam today and things are fine - he even had his eyes dilated - He liked the "cool" sunglasses. Sorry, no picture this time.

DELAYS, DELAYS

We continue to wait on NZ Immigration to process our requests. But, for those not familiar with the process, this really has been an incredibly short amount of time. They said 3-4 weeks and we are in the 4th. Praying for this week! If so, we have the church send off Sunday and will book tickets for the end of the month. So much to pull together once we get word of the visa approval. Can't wait!

OUR PART IS DONE

Well, the paperwork has been submitted. After much labor, time and two trips to Santa Monica, our visa paperwork has been submitted to the NZ consulate. Now it is in their hands. They say they will let us know within a few working days if there will have to be a medical assessment done. If so, everything has to be sent to NZ and a specialist will have to assess everything. That could significantly delay the process. But, if the Lord is pleased to move as we would desire, no further assessing will be necessary and we will have visa's within a few weeks. Pray that this would be so.

UP AND AT 'EM

Sometimes it's just that way. It's been a busy week, a great week and yet a week with some unexpected distractions. In the end, here it is Saturday at 7 and I've already been at it for a couple hours. PTL for His goodness and grace in getting me up and at 'em that I might get caught up on a few things.

On the visas - our paperwork is on its way here from NZ and we will get it to the consulate in LA this week, Lord willing. If all is well, they say we should have visa's within a month. We just may make it to NZ by the end of May... just in time for Impact, the annual shepherd's conference of NZ. It is organized and run by the folks where we will be, so it would be great to be there.

On the work - it is wonderful. I am really enjoying giving thought to the development of the program, as that is my role. Went to TMC this week to interact with those that know what they are doing - very helpful. Also had a good chat with Nigel in NZ via Skype.

On the home front - things are great. As far as we are concerned, being with Grandma and Grandpa has been great. Guess you would have to ask them how they are liking it!

Finally, been checking out Grooveshark while working. I am enjoying it, seems a great alternative to other internet radio and downloads. They have a great selection of "my genre".

Is it Worth It?

So, many have heard about the dilemma of our dog. We of course love her and she is a part of the fam, but there is quite a process to get her to NZ. So we are in the process and all going well, she will be off to NZ June 15, so she can spend a month in quarantine upon arrival. Quite a process indeed!

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

Not that we're begging for affirmation - but, isn't she cute? She has never taken good photos, but these are great and the cuteness is really in her personality.

OK, here's another shot.

BACK TO WORK

Well, we've made it through most of the sorting and finding what we need. So, today we are back at it - only a bit differently. Micah was back at the school work, Traci at the teaching Micah, supervising and cleaning and Greg, well that's what's different. Greg is now in the have laptop, have office category and is focused on the NZ ministry. Some good progress has been made on development ideas for TSBC, we trust it will come together well and be a blessing.

Haven't heard from our NZ Immigration helper, we trust things are progressing.

On Friday, Greg and Micah stopped by the Fontana house some minor changes out front already and we sure didn't envy them having to move in on Saturday in the midst of one of the Fontana winds.

Well, off to more of the list of to do's.

FROM A HOUSE TO A ROOM

Well, we made it! Our house closed, we moved out, we sold stuff, we gave stuff and we packed stuff and moved stuff. Now we are fitting our stuff into a storage unit - those things we plan to keep, but don't need immediately, and into a room - at Greg's parents where we have the privilege of calling home for now. Apologies for the delayed posting, but you can imagine what fun it has been going from a house to a room. Greg is still packing his office at the church, then it will be a reorganization of the storage so we can fit it all in.

On the visa's, we have heard our paperwork was in very good order and so now we await NZ Immigration for approval. Thanking the Lord for all His goodness to us!

BLESSINGS

Sunday was great - Russell Hohneck from NZ preached at CCC and it was well received. The congregation seems excited and amazed with us to have such like minded partners. Monday we (CCC elders) interviewed a music minister candidate and he is now candidating. Tuesday we heard that our visa paperwork made it to the NZ lawyer who is helping. The packing continues - today there was some help for Traci from Sandy A, while I begin putting together the training ministry ideas at the office. We still plan to be out of our house by March 21 - it should be a busy 10 days!

CONFERENCES, PACKING, AND...

Saying goodbye to many possessions, we have also been busy with sorting what is to be kept. Greg has had the privilege of attending the TMAI symposium, followed by the Shepherd's Conference. Such a blessing it has been to be around the men we used to work with from around the world. Now to be partnering with GMI and to go as missionaries is an immeasurable joy.

While Greg has been busy with the conferences, Traci has been diligently packing and caring for the home. The house is due to close escrow next Friday (3/12). We are due to move out by the 20th. Along the way we are seeing the Lord also provide takers for many of our things.

One special opportunity happened yesterday. We listed a couple things on Craigslist and for one of them were contacted by a couple from Idaho. They were going to be in So Cal for another purpose and asked to come by and have a look. Through correspondence it was discovered that are brethren in Christ and were excited to hear of what the Lord is doing with us. Well, they came and not only bought the advertised item, but also a couple other things. Not only that, they also wanted to partner with our ministry!

Tomorrow we say goodbye to ministry partners from New Zealand after they preach and share in the ministry at Christ Community. We have completed our visa paperwork and will Lord willing send it with them back to New Zealand to begin the visa approval process.

Praising the Lord for His goodness and guidance...

Home Inspection

Well, this morning the home inspector came for the inspection. Armed with camera, clipboard and and an attention to detail, he set about taking pictures, noting this and that and doing what an inspector does. Also along came the buyer, their renter (a relative) and their realtor. Traci had opportunity to chat with the ladies (the buyer and sister-in-law, who'll be renting), while the men tagged along with the inspector. The ladies had opportunity to chat about schools, parks, stores, and the like. The inspector was very impressed by our home (PTL). Yet another example of how our good and great God has gone before us. The realtor and buyer sat at our plastic folding table (now our dining table) and signed documents. (Remember, I mentioned that our furniture is flying right on out of the house...such was the case with our dining room set)? The buyer himself purchased a massage chair we had for sale...and he left it here (which means, we can use it until we move).

WE'RE NOT CRIMINALS AFTER ALL!

The long awaited FBI clearance arrived in today's mail! While brief, it stated that we have no criminal history! Yee Ha! Next week, we'll set about trying to find a medical facility to perform the necessary medical exams. Our household belongings continue to fly right on out of the house. Soon, we'll begin packing!

Thanks for your interest in this journey and of course for your prayers!

Blessings...

Last night was one of those nights of special blessing. Our lad started to cough about 1 and it didn't let up till about 2:30. And this after a late start to bed for the third day and a hard time falling asleep - he finally made it about 11. PTL - God reminded me, I was simply awake, the lad was the one suffering with a lack of sleep and a nasty cough! Well, the rest of the night was peaceful til about 6 AM when he started again. But, just a little while ago he called to let me know things had "cleared out" (sparing you the details) and all is well.
Thanking the Lord for ................................................... oh, excuse me, must have nodded off! Thanking the Lord for special blessings!

A Father's Love?

Gen 48
On goes the adventure for Joseph and for the Lord's people. As we come to the end of Jacob's days we see the passing of the baton. To stay with the theme of looking at the minor's, I was struck with the "who" of the blessing and the response of Joseph. Jacob pulls Joe's boys into being his own, according to the plan of God (v. 5). Now it's time for the blessing and of course Joseph is sure to put the older on the right of his dad and the younger to the left (13). But, now the ever surprising work of God unfolds. Jacob crosses his arms to lay the primary blessing on the younger - Ephraim (14). Now for the father's love - Joseph is "displeased" (17) and tries to correct the situation (18). But father knows best and assures Joseph that all is right. Right? How can it be right? The blessing has gone to the younger, not the older.

We can only conjecture, but was Joseph so concerned because of his own experiences? He was the loved one and the blessed one by Jacob, so many years ago. Joseph had lived out the consequences of that. And though he had seen the good hand of God and understood how it was God's work, it seems the heart of a father is seen here as he reflects back and looks forward and sees the blessing going to the younger. Perhaps Joseph thought, "Will he have to suffer as I have?"

How am I doing? As some know, we have some unexpected blessings with our son, but even if we didn't. What a reminder to not assume I know the best for him when I see things I don't think are right. Alas, I must rest in the Sovereign and know that as He works and moves, it is all perfect and the absolute best... even if it causes pain. On we go - what can we say, but "bring it!"

House update

The good hand of our God continues to move and work and He has been pleased once again to show us a bit of His handiwork. On Monday we had 4 offers which turned to 5 by Tuesday! We met with our Realtor, considered the options and signed with what we believe to be the best situation. So, we are officially in escrow! Our God is good... so good... amazingly good... sovereignly good!

The Plot Thickeneth...

Gen 47:
So, the family is gathering and the usual lessons are continuing. On the minor lessons though, things continue to get more interesting... albeit unexpectedly.
Gen 46 ends with, "for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians." Why did the Lord include this? His sovereign hand using every situation and even every wrinkle of every situation continues to provide marvel and amazement. Here's the slave turned jailbird turned sovereign (not in the capital sense), Joseph, who is entrusted with caring for no minor affair - the country. His family shows up (the major lesson of God's sovereign care) and now we are introduced to one of the lessons for Pharaoh and his nation. This man who has been put in charge not only has the amazing background we all know, but comes from a family of shepherds. The Egyptians now know that they are reporting to one who is not only not one of them, not only a former slave and so much more, but he is from a family of the worst type - shepherds. Now the excellence of the hand of the Lord on this young man Joseph becomes even more apparent. It didn't even seem to matter that the fam was from this most loathsome of occupations. Oh the lessons... I must mention just a bit - obviously the background doesn't matter, but the work of God does. We don't have to be able to name drop, or come from certain stock. We have to serve the Lord, follow Him fully, rest in His sovereignty and allow Him to make of us what He will. I have much more, but it's probably best for us to ponder the principles...

Still waiting...

It's been a rainy Saturday in So Cal, but still we had two prospective buyers come through our home today. Lord willing, we will have an offer soon.
We also await our FBI security clearance. It should be within the next month. Then we can get our physicals, turn in all our paperwork and await NZ immigration.
Our times are in the Lord's hands...

Gen 45 - How's Your Serve?

Joseph sees the purposes of the Lord and expresses the rock solid trust in the Lord that provides us a main lesson of Joseph. However, I was struck today by the service of Joseph. How does the employee know when he has done his job with excellence - he is recognized. How do we know Joseph served the Lord with his whole heart? He served Pharaoh with all he had. How do we know Pharaoh was pleased? Vv. 16-20 - Pharaoh would give the best of Egypt to the family of his servant. I wonder, how is my service...

Gen

Family devotions

Gen 39 today - we're all familiar with the usuals - Joseph is serving Potiphar, Potiphar's wife's deception and Joseph's imprisonment. I dwelt on verses 1-6 today. God's providence in having the captain of the bodyguard in need of a slave and having Joseph at the slave market that day and working in Potiphar to choose Joseph. I'll stop there before too much spiritualization is done in comparing this to us and God choosing us out of the slave market (1 Pet 1:18-19). Verse 2 tells us that God was with Joseph and verse 3 makes sure we get it, because God made sure Potipher saw that it was the Lord who was at work. So, as the story goes, by the time we are in v. 5 (some time later in Joseph's life) the Lord had blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph.

May it be a reminder of the influence we can have. If God be for us, who can be against us (Rom 8:31) and so as we live for Him, He can use us to have an influence we may never believe.

Now to Him who is able... comes to mind.

Just getting this set up - return soon for a full blog