Monday, May 26, 2008
Answered Prayer
Praise the Lord, the individual asked, will be able to fill in for Elaine allowing us to leave on Wednesday. We spoke with the travel agent and she was able to book direct tickets from Hartford to Zambia, eliminating the custom and baggage issues, at the discounted rate. Then as a bonus, we can transfer the ticket costs to a credit card that has zero interest until the end of November. Thanks for your prayers. Elaine & Jim
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Confirmation of God’s hand.
Our travel agent asked if we could change our travel plans and leave Wednesday rather than Thursday. The tickets were not coming together to leave on Thursday as an international flight. This would require us to each purchase 2 different tickets, an international ticket to Johannesburg and a domestic to Zambia. This would then change the baggage requirement: quantity, size and weight as well as Custom’s details and possibly additional visas.
Because of the policy where Elaine works, she had to find an individual to replace her in order for her to get the additional time, rather than simply calling out sick. Elaine said there was only one person that could fill in for her from her entire department.
In addition to simplifying the travel details, the cost would be a couple hundred dollars less to leave one day earlier. We obviously prayed that Elaine would be able to find a replacement.
On Tuesday, not only did God provide an individual to fill in for Elaine’s time, but in speaking with our travel agent, we could choose either Wednesday or Thursday for a direct international ticket AND receive the discount. We found ourselves in a situation where God provided more than we had asked. Isn’t that just like Him?
Because of the policy where Elaine works, she had to find an individual to replace her in order for her to get the additional time, rather than simply calling out sick. Elaine said there was only one person that could fill in for her from her entire department.
In addition to simplifying the travel details, the cost would be a couple hundred dollars less to leave one day earlier. We obviously prayed that Elaine would be able to find a replacement.
On Tuesday, not only did God provide an individual to fill in for Elaine’s time, but in speaking with our travel agent, we could choose either Wednesday or Thursday for a direct international ticket AND receive the discount. We found ourselves in a situation where God provided more than we had asked. Isn’t that just like Him?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
How in the world ...
I am sitting here reflecting on how illogical it seems to even consider going to Zambia, Africa. As we prepare and see the Lord working, I can only credit our trip to Him. I am currently unemployed, and have been told the expenses will be $7000. We are not independently wealthy, but are leaning on the promises found in His Word, Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
It makes absolutely no sense that we would be physically able to be a part of the work in Zambia . Yes we can pray here, send funds there, even work to gather supplies and ship them overseas, but what amount of faith does that require? Hebrews 6:11 But without faith it is impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I don’t mean to imply in any way that praying and supporting the Lord’s work requires any less faith than going, nor do I believe that the Lord will reward individuals greater for going more than those He has called to stay and support. I firmly believe that we should bloom where we’re planted and we are all to serve the Lord in all we do. Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; I also believe He calls each of us to serve different ways at different times to stretch us and shape us. Sometime it is way beyond the ‘norm’ and other times it is within the path of routines. With each call we have the option to follow in obedience and allow the Lord to conform us for His glory, or choose to ignore in rebellion of pride or self-centeredness.
When I begin to think of the daunting obstacles between Springfield, Zambia and back. I find myself asking why Lord? What do we possibly have to offer? How are you planning to use us? I considered 1 Corinthians 1:24-29 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. So to summarize my thoughts, it is seems humanly impossible that we will be able to go, but I know God will keep His Word, as Jesus said With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. So as we prepare and keep you posted as to what the Lord does in our lives, to Him be the glory.
It makes absolutely no sense that we would be physically able to be a part of the work in Zambia . Yes we can pray here, send funds there, even work to gather supplies and ship them overseas, but what amount of faith does that require? Hebrews 6:11 But without faith it is impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I don’t mean to imply in any way that praying and supporting the Lord’s work requires any less faith than going, nor do I believe that the Lord will reward individuals greater for going more than those He has called to stay and support. I firmly believe that we should bloom where we’re planted and we are all to serve the Lord in all we do. Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; I also believe He calls each of us to serve different ways at different times to stretch us and shape us. Sometime it is way beyond the ‘norm’ and other times it is within the path of routines. With each call we have the option to follow in obedience and allow the Lord to conform us for His glory, or choose to ignore in rebellion of pride or self-centeredness.
When I begin to think of the daunting obstacles between Springfield, Zambia and back. I find myself asking why Lord? What do we possibly have to offer? How are you planning to use us? I considered 1 Corinthians 1:24-29 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. So to summarize my thoughts, it is seems humanly impossible that we will be able to go, but I know God will keep His Word, as Jesus said With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. So as we prepare and keep you posted as to what the Lord does in our lives, to Him be the glory.
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