A Different Path

Posted on January 29, 2020 Updated on April 2, 2021

We are learning more and more all the time that sometimes, often, in fact, God’s leading is just in the next immediate steps.  We may think we know the final destination, but then we are surprised as God reveals the next turn.  Back in October, we wrote that we had thought that we would take a much-needed break from traveling to Poland, but then had felt the nudge that we still had a role to play.  Desiring to always be obedient, we began fund-raising and saving, knowing that if God redirected us we would have many good avenues for those dollars to further a variety of ministries.  A lot has transpired since October. It became evident that what God was asking us to do would actually happen sooner rather than later, take place here at home, and would be incredibly difficult – emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.  This situation is ongoing and we will continue to play our part as needed. Of course, He has taught us much in the process and drawn us closer to Him as He always does.  

Now, after much prayer, discussion, and Godly counsel, we hear God saying to step back and let go, to rest and revive, to devote some time to family, and to put funds that would have been spent on airfare to some other great uses that will grow God’s kingdom this year.  We know this may not be the only unforeseen turn in the road, and we always want to be ready and prepared to obey when opportunities arise, so a portion of the funds raised so far will remain in our ministry fund waiting to be put to good use and earning interest in the meantime.  The majority of the funds will be distributed… 

• to provide scholarships for about 20 Ukrainian kids & teens to experience a life-changing week of camp
• to support our friend Sasha who serves a military chaplain in Ukraine 
• to support Send Me Ministries as they share the gospel with Holocaust Survivors and Jewish people in Poland and Israel 
• to support our friend Becky who has an opportunity to serve on a short term mission to Africa 
• to support our friend Abigail in her mission trip to Nicaragua
• to support our brother and sister in their work with Africa New Life 

We’ll be happy to provide details individually if any of our supporters would like to see evidence of that money flow, but we assure you that this money is God’s and none of it will be used for ourselves.  

It may seem crazy to think that God’s will is for us not to go, but we really believe that to be true.  Although God gives us the privilege of being part of what He is doing, it does not depend on us.  His Word will still go out and will not return void.  (Isaiah 55:11). He knows we need rest, Jesus modeled it for us and the Bible is full of examples. Right now we feel He is giving us permission to take time for that.  

We are prayerfully considering returning to Poland in 2021, when the Ukrainian children’s and teen camps will be operating on their own for the first time.  Will you pray with us and for us to have insight into God’s leading in the future? Although we will stop actively fundraising for a time, we will continue to accept donations and pass them on to fulfill ministry needs like those listed above. We are incredibly grateful for all of our supporters, and we still need your encouragement and prayers!