Fear
Moving to another Country. Leaving a rewarding career. Being far away from family and friends . . . our children. Financial insecurity. Facing critics and judgement.
There are a lot of uncertainties ahead of us, a lot of ‘what-if’s, a lot of fears. We discuss these fears almost every day.
Of course, what we want is to be boldly confident in how the next months and years will unfold. We would like to think we have it all figured out-that we know what God’s plan is… but the truth is, we don’t.
All we do know, is the undeniable call that God has placed on Nathan’s heart to preach and teach God’s word. The call that has steadily grown over time, with opportunities God has placed along the way, for him to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through the mentorship of dear friends and pastors; Harv, BK, and Joe, and the coursework he has already worked hard to complete through The Master’s Seminary online.
And then what about me? What has God called me to do? What gifts has he given me? Since I became a Christian, I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about this. No special gifts have jumped out at me . . . no particular talent or passion has tugged at my heart. And while I do find great joy in leading a women’s bible study in our church, the greatest joy I experience is in loving my family: loving our kids and supporting and helping Nathan as he serves the Lord and studies. It occurs to me that perhaps that is my call . . . meeting my family’s needs and serving alongside my husband in ministry. When I think about it, and as I type this, I actually get excited! In an age where women are encouraged to be independent and ‘successful’ in a career, I am finding the most joy and comfort in the love and partnership of marriage to my husband and my family. So, I willingly and joyfully submit to the Lord in putting on hold, or even giving up my career in support of Nathan’s studies and future ministry together.
We know that this ‘call’ is probably tricky for some of our friends and family to understand, and that might cause some people to think that this plan is irresponsible, and we don’t expect everyone will accept it. But consider this; there are absolutely a lot of fears but none so gripping to us than the thought of not stepping in faith through the doors God has continually opened for us. There is nothing more fearful to us, than not trusting that God is sovereign and totally in control.
So while we fear a lot of things, the one thing we can’t fear is the uncertainty of not knowing… We don’t know how things will turn out but we do know this…
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
I would like to invite you to listen to one of Nathan’s sermons. He has very graciously been given the opportunity to preach at our church, Beacon Church, several times now and was recently invited to Squamish Baptist Church. He continues to learn and grow in his preaching skills, and I pray that those who hear his sermons will be blessed and that God will be glorified.
Below are a couple of his more recent sermons. Click on the links to listen.
The Gift of Suffering for Christ (Phil 2:1-11)
The Rules of Engagement (2 Cor 10:1-6)
Fundraising Update
We have tallied up our first bottle collection and can report we have collected approximately $200! A number of people brought over a bag or two of cans and in a wink it added up! We are so grateful!! We continue to collect. Contact us anytime and we can arrange to come pick off or drop off.
We can also report that the pile of items for our garage sale is piling up! Since garage sales tend to do better in nice weather we are holding out until March, and will continue collecting until then. Thank you to everyone who has brought over donations for us to sell in the garage sale.
We have begun selling some of our household items on Facebook Marketplace which also adds to our fundraising total.
To date we are close to $5000!
Here is a quick link to our Gofundme. Some have asked if they can donate directly through us instead of Gofundme. The answer is, “Yes! Of course.”
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the gifts you have given to us and how you provide for all our needs. To you be the Glory. Amen.
Faithful 