Dakota Update #1

The trip through the Dakota District has been a wonderful time of sharing, living, and trusting in our God to provide for all of our needs. Read further to hear about how the trip has gone so far, and how trusting in the Lord is the only way to live life. Thank you to all of you who have been praying. We will be posting another update of the trip in the near future

To see pictures of the trip or praises and prayer requests, click the links on the left hand margin

This trip has been awesome so far, but it did not start out that way. During out second night of camping, we were staying in Albert Lea, MN. After we went to bed, the weather changed. It became cold, so cold in fact that we were shivering in our tent as we huddled together. During the night, we both thought “What in the World are We dong Here?” We had been traveling so much, we were tired, we were cold, and the purpose for the trip seemed so far away.

However, we should have trusted our Father in Heaven because He was the one who planned our journey into the Dakota District. He provided fifteen different speaking engagements during our trip, and promised that He would be there with us in every step of the way. In our times of sharing with the churches, He provided the message that was especially tailored to each congregation and group. He provided love offerings that would cover all of our expenses. He provided churches and individuals who committed to partnering with us financially and prayerfully. And He especially provided opportunities to grow close with people that we met along the way.

It was amazing to meet Christians from all over the district who were interested in missions and in Cambodia, and who were willing to open their homes and their lives to two bedraggled missionaries on a long journey. We met a pastor and his wife in Bismarck who took us in, provided for all of our needs, and taught us some handy skills that have benefited us along our way. We met a family of ranchers who opened up their home to us, teaching us about ranching and allowing us to experience life as they knew it. We met a retired pastor and his wife who “ordered” us to stay with them instead of camping, and showed us love and caring as we stayed with them.

Yes, our God in heaven is great and powerful. When we were shivering in that tent in Albert Lea, MN, we should have remembered just how much our God loves us. His love “endures forever”, and we know that it will take us through the rest of this trip, to Cambodia, and throughout the rest of Eternity. He has promised to do the same for you. Just trust in Him, reach out to Him, and put you lives in His hands. Jesus told us “Surely, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age”, and we need to live our lives like we trust that He will fulfill His promise.