Where are we going, you ask?
After much prayer and pondering, we have decided to return to work in Tanzania!
You see, when we left Tanzania in 2012 to return to the U.S., we left part of our hearts there. We’ve been back on three different occasions, and it has tugged at us each time. For quite a while, George and I have had a growing desire to return to full-time mission work. So, we have decided to return to Tanzania and devote some more time to that work. To some, it may seem like a sudden decision, but actually, it’s been brewing for quite a while.
Additionally, the goal is to be in a position that allows more flexibility to respond to other teaching opportunities that may arise, such as when we went to Greenland at the beginning of this year. It was so frustrating to have to come back home in just two weeks. We continue to have online classes every week with our new convert there, but going back in person is not even an option for us at this present time, due to Covid travel restrictions. Perhaps one of these days, when the pandemic dies down and countries open back up to normal travel, we will have the opportunity to do so.
Some people may find it difficult to understand why, once again, we would move further away from our dear family. We’re already spread out, as it is. We’re not claiming that it’s easy. In fact, this time it is much more difficult – leaving aging parents, our children, and, oh my heart, moving even further away from our grandchildren.
Then why? Why do it?
It’s the love of Christ that compels us to do it.
Christ, “who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:6-8.
Christ left His heavenly home, giving up what was rightfully His, in exchange for servanthood; living a life of humility that culminated in His death. When I ponder what He has done for me, how can I not be willing to leave my loved ones for a time, and cross the globe for Him?
Throughout the Scriptures we read of people like Abraham and Sarah, whom God called – to leave family, friends, and the familiarity of home, in order to carry out His plan… a plan that they didn’t even fully understand. Yet, when God said “go”, they went.
In no way do we feel that we are anywhere remotely on par with the great heroes of faith we read about throughout the Scriptures. Far, far from it! But here we are, on this side of the cross. We get to experience the promise that the Old Testament characters could only dream about. When I think of the reality of forgiveness, the blessings of being in Christ’s body (the church), and when I ponder the promise and hope of heaven, surely then, I can go too.
This life is oh so temporary and the days are rushing by more quickly than ever, so it seems. How we spend “the rest of our time” matters, especially while we still have health and energy.
In our feeble humanness, it is often difficult to assess where we might be of the most benefit for the sake of the kingdom. And so….we think, we pray, we ponder, we pray, we analyze, and we pray some more. Then, we do our best to make those decisions.
We are scheduled to leave mid-January. It will be a much simpler undertaking this time around. Just the two of us, with our carry-on luggage and two checked suitcases each.
Will you pray for us?
