The day is almost here. In a few short hours, I’ll be leaving for a mission trip to South Africa. It is amazing that the trip has finally arrived. I will have an opportunity to preach and teach. I am really looking forward to these opportunities. I will also do a lot of prayer walking and personal evangelism. I am very excited with this opportunity. I will be leaving Friday with Keith Bryant and Jason Winget. It is going to be a wonderful trip.
God has done many things to help confirm this trip. For me the biggest obstacle to be going has been the money. The cost of the trip is around $3000. It might as well be three million dollars. Heidi and I began praying about this trip and began to seek the will of God. We decided we would simply put out the word of my need and see what God would do. I talked with our church and told them I would love to go but know the money would be an issue. We agreed I would plan to go if the money came in. Shortly thereafter, I sent out letters to family and friends. Heidi and I have been truly overwhelmed with the response. To date, from family and friend, over $4000 has come in. We are truly grateful to this response. My son, Brennan, is planning on going on a mission trip to Japan in the summer of 2008. This will cover most of his trip too. My church has been equally generous. Through the church I have received almost $2000. With the generosity of God’s people, I will be able to go to South Africa, send Brennan to Japan, and begin a “Missionary Sending” fund in our church. Praise God! I always wonder why I am so surprised at God’s working.
Probably my biggest concern with leaving for South Africa is simply leaving the church. We have two very big events coming up while I am gone. On October 31st, we have a safe Halloween alternative called, Heroes Unmasked. On November 4, our four day revival begins with Andy Addis preaching. I am very apprehensive about leaving during this period. However, I have some amazing people at our church that will do very well without me. Halloween will be a huge success and the revival will be ready and going great on my return. Just like I trusted God for the money, I must also trust God to work in the people to get done the jobs that must get done for the success of these two events. I have no doubt it will go very well.
Last night we have another affirming event happen. At our Financial Peace seminar I was talking about my trip to South Africa. As we talked, one of the ladies said her son is a pilot on Delta and will be flying to South Africa Friday. Isn’t it a small world? There is a very good chance that the pilot for my trip will be someone from Dodge City. I’m not sure if that is a miracle or not. Nonetheless, for Heidi and I it really breathed comfort into our hearts. It is as if God has carefully put His hand on every aspect of this trip. We serve a great and mighty God.
Finally, if you have given to support my trip, I would like to say thank you. I would ask everyone to begin praying for my trip. I will be leaving Friday morning October 26th and returning November 4th. Please pray in the following areas:
1. Safety in travel
2. Safety from crime while in South Africa
3. An open door for the Gospel
4. My preaching and teaching may be in the power and anointing of the Spirit
5. A sensitive heart for the people
6. Homes of peace for future Bible Studies
7. My health in general
8. Heidi and the kids while I am gone
9. The preparations for Heroes Unmasked and the revival
10. For the continued work of the gospel in South Africa
I am going to try and update my trip on regular basis. I will be sending new updates and prayer needs. I’m looking forward in being used by God. Please keep my family and I in your prayers. Thank you again for your love, prayers, and support.
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