and they're off!

After much back-and-forth, Lily and I decided to stick it out on the home-front.  With so many responsibilities and things and people to care for these next days, Matt didn't need to be worrying about Lily, too.  SO, after a short time of worship and prayer and a group photo, they were off at 6:30 this morning, tired but excited about the coming days.

I find myself once again fiercely proud of this group of men and women, voluntarily giving up their rare vacation days to spend 11 hours in the sun on a  dirt road, followed by three days of pouring themselves out to a people they have never met.  Giving them the one thing that cannot be taken away, the one thing they have to give: more Jesus.  There won't be any comforts these next days, no expectations for power or glory or praise, just a job to do, to unceasingly preach the whole Gospel.

I am also so proud to see so many staff members going.  We know how busy their lives are here at the Seminary, and some of them leading churches, raising children, teaching Sunday school, etc.  And yet Elizay, Giselaine, FanFan, and Belony all went along today, too, truly modeling for the students servant leadership and the importance of ministry, and creating a great opportunity to build relationships alongside of the students as they all minister together.  Ok, I'm getting jealous again!

Please be praying for them these next days, and for Junior, as they travel, work and preach.  Pray that He would be glorified in every element, and please pray especially for Matt as he drives and works to keep them all fed, rested and spiritually nourished so that they can minister well.

Another small item for prayer, the generator :(  Last night when Matt started it up, it did not sound good AT ALL.  He shut it down, prayed, and then got it going again more smoothly.  However, after an hour, it started pulsing and making terrible noises again, and finally died completely.  The generator, I fear, is just plain DONE.  We are still waiting on new engines, and for Bud to come in next Monday to replace them once they come.

God has taken care of us too many times for me to worry now, and I keep remembering that if we hadn't been without power for days before, we never would have had the beautiful experience of Saccanville's water.  SO, I'm not even praying for power, just that He would continue to care for us.  Only John, Dorothy, Lily and I will be living on the compound the next days, so even if have no power or water, we'll just be able to joyfully give up the same things our brothers and sisters above are giving up these next days!  Matt, however, didn't like leaving us with the adventure :)

Thank you for your prayers, your support and the encouragement of all your comments and emails.  I will keep you posted on the trip as Matt and I are able to be in communication!