After initially receiving counsel from the leading men in our commending assembly, that we should prayerfully consider other options for next year, I found myself wrestling with the question, “What was the point of the time we’ve spent here at Immanuel Mission?” Why would God bring us out here for four years, and then have us leave?
I have had a month or two to ponder the question, and the only response I can firmly come up with is, “Sanctification.” Through the working of the Spirit, and by God’s grace we have grown. Perhaps this growth has been quite obvious to onlookers in some areas, and perhaps not so obvious in others. In some small measure though, I feel that our loving Heavenly Father brought us here to further transform us into the image of his Son.
He knew it would take a remote place like Immanuel Mission to take us out of our comfort zones, to begin to teach us dependence on Him alone. It took stripping us of a regular salary, insurance, etc., to begin to teach us to seek first His Kingdom, resting on Him to add all other things to us. It took the removing of the illusion that we have control over our lives, to begin to teach us that obedience to, and an active seeking of His will, resting in His goodness and sovereignty, are where true security, joy, and blessing are found. Can I say that our tenure in Sweetwater, Arizona, has been a smashing missionary success, with scores being won to the Lord through our service here? No, I cannot. I can however attest, that God has given us the opportunity to sow and water, especially amongst the young people in the community, and that fruitfulness lies with him. We felt the Lord’s hand leading us here, and likewise we feel Him leading us away. We trust that He does not, and will not lead us into pointless ventures.
All that being said, my family and I would like to thank all of you for your prayer and support over the last four years. We have prayed much about it, and are taking the counsel we have received as from the Lord. The future is a bit murky at present, but we trust the Lord will bring His desire for us into further clarity as the school year begins to draw to a close.