Sunday, August 30, 2009

Big News

So, I have been hinting about this for months now. Here and here and here. Oh, there are a lot more places, but anyway. I have been dying to share it with you all, but felt like we needed to keep things on the down low while we prayed, thought, talked, and work through this all.

But we have sent out an email to just about everyone we have ever known, so this is all public knowledge. So, here is what we sent to everyone.


"Lord, show us the next step."

This has always been our prayer. From the very start of our marriage, God has faithfully led us as we took steps to new towns, new ministries, and new countries, by, "ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them,"

In 2005 the next step was to spend six weeks in Costa Rica. While we were there, God gave us the dream of camping ministry in Latin America. Because of that summer, God led us to move from Holland to Barakel. We always knew Barakel would be a place to prepare us and another step towards Latin America.

This spring God began prompted us to look seriously at the Latin America Mission (LAM). LAM was started over 80 years ago with a heart to help build up and equip national leaders and the local church in Latin America. It is a partnership ministry where the missionaries work directly with and under the leadership of local ministries. After a visit to the LAM headquarters this spring, much talking, phone calls, and prayer, the next step appears to be attending LAM's ten day Orientation in late January of 2010. This is where we will go through the interview process, be trained and determine to what field we will head when we complete language school.

As you can imagine, this has been occupying much of our thoughts and prayers! There is so much to consider, to think through. Barakel has been very excited about this all and is very willing to work with us as we transition from Barakel to LAM. This is no small task nor is it a quick one. The process could take up to a couple of years. While we are raising the extra support needed to live overseas, we will remain here at Barakel for as long as the Lord sees fit. Noah will continue to be part of the program staff, and Liz will help where she can.

One of the biggest things we are facing now is fiances. God has called us to these things, and so we have full confidence that He will provide, but to be honest there are days when that is hard to remember.

Here is a list of things that affect our day to day lives and where we need more help; Our house in Holland still has not sold, Noah will be taking four seminary classes this winter, the Orientation with LAM in Miami will cost us about $3000 and we are anticipating Noah taking a trip to Honduras in the fall to investigate a ministry that we could be joining. Would you pray with us about these areas? And would you consider a one time gift to help cover what we believe are things God has called us to? We are walking forward in faith, will you join us? Thank you all for being a part of this next step. We can't do it without you!



Because of Him,



Noah, Liz, Forrest and Elliot

3 comments:

  1. VERY VERY Exciting!!! We'll be praying.

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  2. very exciting I got the hints and wondered if things were progressing for that next step you both have thought God wanted at some point. Got the e-mail as well we will be praying.

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  3. We got the e-mail today and will be praying for you guys. Selfishly I am hoping to see you one more time, next summer, but who knows. I do know I will see you someday in heaven!

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