Approaching Fears

Prayer and Fears,

Our departure date grows closer every day. We are still hoping for a mid-February arrival in Ecuador, but there are many details that have to come together first. Will you commit to praying for a few things?

Alaina's Visa - There is a lot of paperwork yet to be accomplished. Communication between continents can take time. Pray for smooth processing, quick and clear communication and patients as we know God's hand is on each of those involved in the process.

Homework - Alaina and I both have to finish several assignments that are designed to prepare us for the mission field. Pray that we can grasp what God has for us and accomplish them on time.

Responsibilities - Upon arriving in Ecuador we will both have responsibilities at the Alliance Academy as chaplains. Ministry will be demanding from the beginning. Pray that we can pace ourselves well and remain focused on our calling and not just filling needs. There are needs and there is our calling. Pray for constant discernment as to which is which.

Arrival - We will need a place to live when we get to Ecuador. There is an opportunity to house sit beginning in the summer that we may accept, but we will need somewhere to live before then.

Fears - Some days the life and tasks ahead of us cast long shadows over both of us. There is absolutely no way we could take on our future without having entrusted our lives to Christ long ago. Pray that our faith will be strengthened as we trust Jesus with every worry, fear, and doubt. Satan whispers and sometimes screams reminders of our inadequacy and I thank him for the reminder. Only Christ is sufficient to supply all we need for the life He gives us. It is by faith we live.

Support - It has become apparent that we will never be fully supported by people. There really is no 100% mark. Financial numbers rise and fall, but support comes entirely from the Lord. We have shared our stories and passions with hundreds of people across the US and continue to do so, but the money of men and will never get us to Ecuador to accomplish the task of glorifying God. It is God who sustains from the beginning and it is God that carries us to the end. We need your prayer. Pray for our daily strength. Pray for diligence and study in His Word. Pray for our testimony as we work with students at the Alliance Academy.

Thank you all so much for giving, it means so much. God has called us to His service and we will go. Thank you for sending us and going with us in your prayers and gifts.

-Loren

(Illustration by Matt Mahurin)