WE FORGET, YET HE IS FAITHFUL

It has only been 2 weeks since we found out we would be traveling to South Sudan on April 7th & we are in awe! 

 We read stories of God providing for His people, yet we feel it is all up to us. Here in the land of plenty, there is much available to us, and we often run ahead of God & spin our wheels trying to bring it about. We remember Him saying, "You have not because you ask not." & "Apart from Me you can do nothing" … but there's so much we CAN do apart from Him that we forget to ask Him for direction and for our needs. So the Lord shows us His gracious Father heart and tender care for His children by allowing circumstances that are beyond us, whether physical, financial, emotional or spiritual, drawing us away from our self-sufficiency. 

"FAITH IN A FAITHFUL GOD WILL STRETCH US TO THE LIMITS OF OUR 

PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL, INTELLECTUAL & SPIRITUAL BEINGS, 

BUT THE STRETCHING WILL SERVE ONLY TO EXPAND OUR CAPACITY 

TO KNOW GOD, AND IN THE KNOWING 

TO DISCOVER THE VAST POTENTIAL OF A LIFE LIVED BY FAITH." ~ unknown

For our family, Jesus lead us to a ministry that grabbed ahold of our hearts as we SEE His hand at work in South Sudan. He called us to serve our brothers & sisters in Africa & many of you have become a part of this ministry through your prayers & giving so we can go & serve. 

We have had to trust God to provide this past year, as Roger stepped away from employment; and our Father has miraculously provided for us. For 8 months He's covered everyday expenses, and even travel for two Op. N speaking trips and more.  He has faithfully equipped us to do what He has called us to do. 

In Mark 8:13 - 21  Jesus got into a boat with the disciples after He fed the 4,000 and spoke to them about the leaven of the Pharisees. They thought he was speaking of bread because they only had one loaf among them.  Jesus lovingly points out their hardness of heart and forgetfulness of what He had already done. Isn't that just like us?? We read the stories and God does miracles for us, but the next time we face an insurmountable hurdle, we anxiously wonder, "How will we do this?  pay this?  get through this?"  After feeding thousands, could He not feed them with one loaf, AND have leftovers to share with the crowds on the distant shore? 

 Last week our travel agent reserved very low cost flights, but we needed $250 per ticket by Friday 2/20 to hold them; with the remainder due March 6th. Friday came and neither us or the Levi's had the needed amount. Since neither family has credit cards or savings, we must look to the Lord who makes all things possible; believing that where He guides, He provides. That Friday night at a men's prayer gathering someone told Roger, they felt the Lord was leading them to pay our deposit and would have it for us by Sunday. Wow! We were so encouraged!! 

On Sunday we traveled with William Levi & family (founder of Operation Nehemiah) for 2 speaking engagements… what a wonderful day of God knitting our hearts with others in His Body! One of the people I (Patty) enjoyed speaking with, later came to me inquiring about our airfare and asked if she should mail us a check for $1800! I was speechless.  As I hugged her she said, "I think I should give you the check today to carry with you as an encouragement." We were overwhelmed!!

I (Patty) have to admit, I wondered why God released so much long before it was needed… usually God provides right when we need it and often at the 11th hour. 

 On Monday, we asked the travel agent to find us flights again, trusting that the deadline for our deposits would be at the end of the week like before. She contacted us on Tuesday, with even cheaper fares than last week!!! BUT, she NEEDED THE DEPOSIT THAT DAY to hold these fares!

 In addition to our deposit, we had received an unexpected check for $200. The Levi's needed $2000 & promised gifts were on the way, but had not come in yet. Suddenly, I realized what God had done… He provided that $1800 + $200 b/c He foresaw our need for the $2000 for the Levi's that day!!!! So we were able to cover the Levi's deposit and ours & reserve our flights!! 

 He sees, hears, cares and provides our needs.                                           
Oh, Lord forgive us for our doubt, thank you for your patience with us.
 We are so blessed to be a part of His Body of believers who are generous like their Savior.
God is really encouraging us as we step out in faith. 

 We look forward to the days ahead, 

trusting He will order our steps & continue to provide.