Here We Go!

I don’t expect Senegal to ever replace our life in Haiti, but, because it is God’s plan for us, I do expect it to be right for us.  I realize that “being right” for us could include joys, sorrows, accomplishments, disappointments, fruitful relationships, or unresponsiveness.

I do expect God to keep his promises though – that if we seek him, we will find him; that he will never leave us; that as we leave our requests with him he will give peace; that his Holy Spirit will teach us and empower us.  The first image that came to Bruce’s mind was when Peter stepped out of the boat – took the risk – and then began to falter – Jesus’ hand was immediately there to take hold of Peter’s and to help him.

So, we’re excited to be moving to Senegal.  We don’t yet know what all we’ll be involved in.  Upon our arrival we’ll spend time getting to know the Crossworld team there; learning about their strategic ministry involvement and where we might fit; we’ll be observing a new group of people and learning a new culture; we’ll have to unearth our French and at least learn some phrases in Wolof.  We’d appreciate your prayers in all this.

We fly from Portland to Fort Lauderdale March 26th.  We are going in on a container with 5 other families.  Since all the other families are already in Senegal, the responsibility of this container has fallen on us – that means lining up the shippers and then loading it.  We are using Missionary Flights International’s (MFI) facilities  – they are receiving all the items to be shipped and will help on the loading day.  Please pray for us in all the details of shopping, organizing and loading the container for shipment.  Pray the container will arrive safely and smoothly go thru customs in Senegal.

We fly from Miami to Dakar, Senegal April 9^th arriving early morning in Senegal April 10^th.

Be excited with us as we “step out of the boat” on this new venture planned and directed by God.  Please pray

that we’ll stay in constant communion with God so that we hear his voice and respond in obedience.

that we’ll be patient and take the necessary time to observe and be teachable.

that we’ll fit in with our team there.

that God would lead us to those He wants us to disciple and to those activities He wants us to be involved in.

We’re nervous, but also at peace; there are lots of unknowns, but we’re excited to experience all that God has for us; we’re older, but trusting God for energy to be and do as He has planned; we realize we have short-comings, but hope we have gained some wisdom over the years; we’re sad to leave friends and colleagues in Haiti, but look forward to developing new relationships in Senegal.

Depending on your prayers as we go.