Published by Greg on 18 Jan 2012 at 11:53 am
Our “Red Dot”
When you walk into an unfamiliar mall or shopping center and encounter the large illuminated map, what’s the first thing you look for? That red dot, that says “You are here.”
In a few weeks, Kristie and I will celebrate 19 years in ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ (soon to be Cru)! Wow, that sounds old. There is much to be thankful for. God has taken our meager offering and mustard seed faith and multiplied it to His glory and for His purposes. In February, I will graduate from a Cru leadership development track which was a terrific experience. It bolstered my confidence, affirmed my strengths and helped me navigate weaknesses. Already, there are hints of new possibilities for greater leadership in the ministry.
Over the last 19 years, He has provided financially in ways that defy explanation, yet I feel we are at a crossroads. We are about 40% toward our short-term goal of $1000 in new monthly financial support by the end of January. Our longer-term goal is three times that. Do we continue to persevere with inadequate funds or is God moving us into a new faith journey? We don’t know.
Ethan has a fantastic imagination I think a story is constantly unfolding in his mind. He continues to struggle in school. He takes a medication that does help him focus in class, but it’s not a good long-term solution. Kristie pours hours and hours into him and has for years. He often resists, compounding the problem. She’s weary! So, do we homeschool, have him repeat a grade, or just let some things slide, hoping it will all work out in the end? We really don’t know.
Where are we? Trusting God in the in-between. The map is not as clear as we would like. But we want to be open and ready as we lean into Him for each next right step.
Thanks for praying for our family and our ministry!
Myrle Canonge on 24 Jan 2012 at 4:35 pm #
Hi you guys. I miss you. By the way, we LOVE the family photo and have it on our new black frig. It is the only photo there!! And when people ask who that is, I tell them you are our Orlando kids and grandkids.
I am praying that God will take you through this inbetween stage, providing for your needs and showing you the next steps. It seems strange to me that Greg would just now be completing the Cru leadership development track only to go off in some other direction. So I question whether that is where the Lord will take you, but I will pray for HIs clear direction. I also understand about funding shortages. It seems like a fact of life in faith mission work, yet God continues to provide in some incredible ways, ways we never thought of. So it is with anticipation that I pray for God’s provision for you. And precious Ethan, what a sweetie he is. Wow, you need lots of wisdom to know what to do and when. Would it be worth your time to talk to Claudia Silva again to see what ideas she might have? Anyway, I am praying for Ethan and for Kristie too, as well as for Hannah and Greg.
Miss you all,
Love,
Myrle
Suzanne McElderry on 27 Jan 2012 at 5:07 pm #
Exodus 14:13-14 “And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.”
Dear Greg and Krisite,
This passage came to mind as you are waiting for God’s clear direction and working on your behalf. It seems clear that our job is to fear not, stand firm, and be still. God’s job is to fight for us. We WILL see his salvation. Praying for patience and wisdom and perseverance and peace.
Love,
Suzanne McElderry
Kristie on 01 Feb 2012 at 10:55 pm #
Hey Suzanne, Thanks for your post and encouragement. That is so good. We are learning to trust Him and wait and know that He is good. God very clearly lead us to where we are and as we watch and listen to Him, He will continue to lead us. We just finished as series from Exodus at church titled finding the good in the bad lands. It’s been such a good reminder to us of how to walk each day.
Thanks again for your encouragement and prayers!
Kristie, for the Wiedles