"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
These words have always been a staple verse for Christians who use it in so many trials, triumphs, sadness, decision-making conundrums and almost every other time of life one could imagine. So many of us have taken this as their life verse or have been given this verse as an encouragement to someone who is having "one of those days"
This passage came to life with our family, especially me, in a whole new way about 2 weeks ago. Our decision to move to Addis was not made lightly. We spent so many nights, discussions and time in prayer wondering what the "right" choice was. So many thoughts, doubts and questions have rocked our minds over the past 3 years:
Can our children survive....thrive overseas?
What about health issues?
Will we be able to raise enough support?
What fill our family and friends say?
Is it safe?
Is it the right time?
How will our kids respond? What will they think?
Is this your selfish desire or is your family as a whole being called to ministry?
You are pulling your kids away from what is familiar at a critical point in their lives.
Audri is going to miss out on dance which is her gift.
You are making your kids leave their friends and family. Do they have a say?
This all came to a boiling point one morning when we found time to sit down and chat. It was supposed to be a "whats going on" "are you happy" "what are the positives/negatives so far" type of chat. Then out of nowhere......
"You forced us to come here!" "This is your mission we are just along for the ride!" "I just want to go home!" These words at first hit me like a freight train. It was my worst nightmare. My kids were not happy and I was ruining their lives. How could this have happened? What could I have done different? Then I realized that these words were a test. These were coming out of a moment of weakness and our resolve as a family was being put to the test. We spent time allowing everyone to share their hurts, wants, fears, longings and anything else that came bubbling to the surface. I think it was something that had been simmering for a while and finally came to the surface.
"For I know the plans I have for you....."
These words popped into my head as if whispered to me. Grabbing the Bible I leafed to Jeremiah and found the verse.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
But....something else caught my eye and my heart. This passage was written to Israelite people who were in exile. They were in a distant land that was unfamiliar to them against their will. Many were children along for the ride. Now I know that my children and our family are not in exile but their situation is vaguely familiar. God did not promise to keep them in their are of comfort but God did promise that His Plans for them were HIS PLANS and that they were designed especially each one of us. We can continue our time here in Ethiopia knowing that His Plans are the cause of our hope, our position and our future. We serve a great God; one who called us to ministry here at Bingham Academy. One who has a purpose for our ministry and for the impact we are making here in Ethiopia.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement and financial support. They mean so much to us and seem to come during times we so need it most.
Blessings to you and your family!
José
P.S. Needless to say; we praise God for the chance to talk and to grow closer as a family. We love our ministry here and look forward to sharing more stories, pictures and experiences with you. Stay tuned for more!!!
These words have always been a staple verse for Christians who use it in so many trials, triumphs, sadness, decision-making conundrums and almost every other time of life one could imagine. So many of us have taken this as their life verse or have been given this verse as an encouragement to someone who is having "one of those days"
This passage came to life with our family, especially me, in a whole new way about 2 weeks ago. Our decision to move to Addis was not made lightly. We spent so many nights, discussions and time in prayer wondering what the "right" choice was. So many thoughts, doubts and questions have rocked our minds over the past 3 years:
Can our children survive....thrive overseas?
What about health issues?
Will we be able to raise enough support?
What fill our family and friends say?
Is it safe?
Is it the right time?
How will our kids respond? What will they think?
Is this your selfish desire or is your family as a whole being called to ministry?
You are pulling your kids away from what is familiar at a critical point in their lives.
Audri is going to miss out on dance which is her gift.
You are making your kids leave their friends and family. Do they have a say?
This all came to a boiling point one morning when we found time to sit down and chat. It was supposed to be a "whats going on" "are you happy" "what are the positives/negatives so far" type of chat. Then out of nowhere......
"You forced us to come here!" "This is your mission we are just along for the ride!" "I just want to go home!" These words at first hit me like a freight train. It was my worst nightmare. My kids were not happy and I was ruining their lives. How could this have happened? What could I have done different? Then I realized that these words were a test. These were coming out of a moment of weakness and our resolve as a family was being put to the test. We spent time allowing everyone to share their hurts, wants, fears, longings and anything else that came bubbling to the surface. I think it was something that had been simmering for a while and finally came to the surface.
"For I know the plans I have for you....."
These words popped into my head as if whispered to me. Grabbing the Bible I leafed to Jeremiah and found the verse.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
But....something else caught my eye and my heart. This passage was written to Israelite people who were in exile. They were in a distant land that was unfamiliar to them against their will. Many were children along for the ride. Now I know that my children and our family are not in exile but their situation is vaguely familiar. God did not promise to keep them in their are of comfort but God did promise that His Plans for them were HIS PLANS and that they were designed especially each one of us. We can continue our time here in Ethiopia knowing that His Plans are the cause of our hope, our position and our future. We serve a great God; one who called us to ministry here at Bingham Academy. One who has a purpose for our ministry and for the impact we are making here in Ethiopia.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement and financial support. They mean so much to us and seem to come during times we so need it most.
Blessings to you and your family!
José
P.S. Needless to say; we praise God for the chance to talk and to grow closer as a family. We love our ministry here and look forward to sharing more stories, pictures and experiences with you. Stay tuned for more!!!