Staying with the Stuff

Happy New Year! Yes, perhaps I'm a bit late 16 days in, but I just wanted to wish you the very best for 2007. I am thankful for all of you who pray for me, the ministry of Continental Theological Seminary, and for Europe. God is opening doors, but we need your continued prayers and support.

Just this morning I was reading in 1 Samuel 30 about David. He was discouraged because his city was pillaged by the Amalakites and his wives were abducted along with everyone from the city. But David found hope and vs. 6 says that "David found strength in the Lord his God." As a missionary, my first hope and strength MUST come from the Lord. Without Him, I am nothing, and I will devote my life to Him and His service. No matter how weary it may be at times, I know that He is my strength.

Another interesting passage I found in this chapter was the end result of this seemingly terrible incident in the life of David & his men. They went to the Amalekites to take back what was stolen from them, and they were successful! The wives and children and plunder were all returned, but only 400 of the 600 men actually went to the battle. When they returned, the 400 that fought wanted to keep the spoils of war and not share it with those who stayed behind. But here's what David had to say about that..."The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to battle. All will share alike." (1 Sam 30:24) As I read this verse I was reminded about the many people, like you, who are supporting me and this outreach of training international students for full-time ministry...and you are doing it at a distance, staying with the supplies, and blessing others that have gone out into battle. And you may be in a battle of your own, and as I pray for you - from a distance - I see this verse ringing true: we all share together in the joy of lives coming into the Kingdom of God.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support. May the Lord richly bless you for "standing by the stuff." May you find strength in the Lord today!