Fall days are soon approaching, and social media is filled with people starting to wear sweaters. Being Canadian, I find every year, as soon as September hits I want to bring out sweaters but very quickly realize we will not experience fall weather here until weeks later.
I don’t know about where you are, but here over the summer, so many people go back to their home provinces, our church becomes a lot smaller, and many ministries tend to take a break. But with the end of summer, life gets back into a regular schedule—I’m looking forward to our prayer group starting again, community group, women’s night, and our discipleship school.
We made a quick trip to visit our friends and their house church and were so encouraged by the word our dear sister gave. She preached about giving what we have to the Lord even if all we have is not very much. These dear friends of ours—are only two people among a population of half a million, but God continues to use them to feed others with His truth!
“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
Matthew 14:13-21
Roni & I made a trip to a nearby province to visit team members—we knew that our friends had to apply for their visas while we were there. Visas during this time have been very difficult to receive. There is a lot of uncertainty as the government is changing visa rules and enforcing them.
We all seem to know people who have recently been kicked out and have days to leave the country. However, we were praying and believing for a miracle. Thankfully, our God made a way for them to stay! We were all so relieved and had a time of celebrating the miracle that God had performed.
After THREE very long years of not seeing my family or Canadian friends, my mom is making the trip to visit us. We are thrilled that she will finally meet Roni! The last time I saw my mom I was single. So, I’ve gone through dating, engagement, and the newlywed stage without her! Having her visit to look forward to has been such a blessing.
Never-ending transitions
I have finally received my passport after four months of waiting and many stressful emails—just in time for my own visa appointment here.
There is always so much to prepare for the visa appointment. Running around to different offices, making sure you have everything that is listed on the visa application as well as anything extra that they might ask for! I always find it best to go first thing in the morning when they have just had their tea.
We are also still searching for an apartment. I’m looking every day online to check the new places that come available but sadly we have found nothing yet. We recently talked with a realtor and he shared that this whole year has been problematic for those looking to rent. I forgot how much prayer goes into searching for a new apartment—we are believing that God will provide the perfect place for us.
Please pray that the Lord would provide for us in this area.
As always we would love to hear from you! Please feel free to write us back. Let us know how we can be praying for you. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We love that we have people all over the world who partner with us and the work the Lord is doing here. Thank you again!
Much Love,
