Praises and Prayers

Hello dear friends!

It's about time to send out an update as much has happened over this past week. First of all I want to start out with the praises. Last week was Spring Missions Conference at church and it was excellent. We had some really awesome events, from our third annual Great Commission Race, to The Ends of the Earth Coffee House to a Progressive Dinner after church on Sunday. God really moved in people's hearts. Our theme was Being a Sending Church and the missionaries were all of us in our district who are appointed to go out in the next year and a half. Being one of the speakers this year was different for me, but it was a lot of fun. I was so encouraged as I shared with people what God is doing in my life and how they can come along side of me. I was encouraged by our congregation and by the other missionaries. So thank you all who have been such a blessing to me lately!

Another praise is that this past Sunday was my Consecration service and Erik Wahlen's Ordination service. I am now "officially" consecrated. It was a lovely service and very special. Diana Stimmel, my pastors wife, preached to me with a very encouraging charge for ministry. It was just what I needed to hear, thank you Diana! My dad shared some very special things with Erik and I and also read scripture. He did so good, thanks dad! The church staff and elders prayed for us and it was a very encouraging, affirming time. Lots of family was able to come and I even got to see some wonderful family friends that I haven't seen in about 3 years. It was so great to see you Merv and Lisa!

I am praising God for His faithfulness in bringing me where He wants me to be. I am also asking for your prayers right now. I had another doctor appointment on Friday and the short of it is that if I am not significantly better in 3-4 months, I will not be able to go overseas. It seems as if I have been getting worse instead of better lately and that is not good. We are trying some things with the medication and hopefully when I have my next appointment in 10 weeks I will be good to go. If I am not, I will need more tests and more medication. If at that time I am better and functioning at a normal level we may still have to reconsider what country I go to. A country in Europe may be a better option than Southeast Asia. I am praying for complete healing. Please join me in this prayer. I can't imagine that God would prepare me for this my whole life and just when I am ready to go stop me. Most people struggle with God is calling them overseas and have to come to the point where they are willing to go wherever He calls them. I never thought that I would have to come to the point of being willing to stay in America if that is what God has for me. I am so grateful that I am not alone as I go through this. I have a God who loves me and cares about me and wants only what is best for me. I trust that He has a perfect plan in all of this and that He will bring me to the exact place that He wants me to be exactly when He wants me to be there. I am encouraged knowing that this is so far beyond myself that only God can help me! Whatever happens it will be for Him and His glory! Praise the Lord!

"Corrie ten Boom used to say, 'When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through'." (Safe in the Shepherd's Arms by Max Lucado)

P.S. (I have my prayer cards done! If you would like one, you can either pick one up from the missions table at church or send me your address and I will mail you one! - That's not the picture on my prayer card, I just wanted to put a picture of me and Quigley on my blog because he's so cute!)