Recent torrential rains have caused severe flooding and mud slides in the Rio area. There are over 711 confirmed dead but this number is expected to rise significantly since there are still hundreds unaccounted for. Even though is has been a week, there are still many areas only accessible by helicopter. Over 20 thousand are homeless.
It's difficult for Jeff and I to be here during this crisis while the harvest field is ripe and people are seeking spiritual answers.
The video clip below was sent to us from the pastor of Luz as Nacoes (Light of the Nations) which is located very close to our home in Rio.
Please pray for our brothers- and sisters-in-Christ in Brazil!
Pray, too, for approved VISAS so that we may return ASAP to share the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ!
Serving together,
Diane
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT.
A dear sister-in-Christ shared the devotional below with me from "Streams in the Dessert" after we arrived in the States several months ago and it has been a constant encouragement to me as we wait on our new visas.
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (Acts 16:7)
What a strange thing for the Lord to prohibit, for they were going into Bithynia to do Christ's work! And the door was shut before them by Christ's own Spirit.
There have been times when I have experienced the same things. Sometimes I have been interrupted in what seemed to be quite productive work. And at times, opposition came and forced me to go back, or sickness came and forced me to rest in some isolated place.
During such times, it was difficult for me to leave my work unfinished when I believed it was service done in the power of His Spirit. But I finally remembered that the Spirit requires not only a service of work but also a service of waiting. I came to see that in the kingdom of Christ, there are not only times for action but times to refrain from action. And I also came to learn that a place of isolation is often the most useful place of all in this diverse world. Its harvest is more rich than the seasons when the corn and wine were the most abundant. So I have learned to thank the blessed Holy Spirit that many a beautiful Bithynia had to be left without a visit from me.
Dear Holy Spirit, my desire is still to be led by You. Nevertheless, my opportunities for usefulness seem to be disappointed, for today the door appears open into a life of service for You but tomorrow it closes before me just as I am about to enter. Teach me to see another door even in the midst of the inaction of this time. Help me to find, even in the area of service where You have closed a door, a new entrance into Your service. Inspire me with the knowledge that a person may sometimes be called to serve by doing nothing, by staying still, or by waiting. And when I remember the power of Your "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12), I will not complain that sometimes the Spirit allows me not to go. (George Matheson)
When I cannot understand my Father's leading,
And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,
Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT.
And so....while we've been "waiting," we've seen Him do amazing things!
We recently enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin to meet a wonderful body of believers and were greatly encouraged by their hearts for missions! It was so good to get to know them because of our unity in Christ and we look forward to someday serving alongside of them in Brazil, Lord willing!
We feel blessed to be here at this time to walk alongside, love, and support Jeff's parents, as his father, Stan, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is beautiful to see the peace Stan has during this trial, because of his relationship with Jesus Christ and his assurance of salvation!
We praise God for the opportunity to be involved in the planning of Jessica and Steven's upcoming February wedding and to be able to attend the showers!
We look forward to training with a small group that is answering God's call to go to Brazil on a short-term mission team upon our arrival back in Brazil, Lord willing!
Blessed to be "waiting,"
Diane
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (Acts 16:7)
What a strange thing for the Lord to prohibit, for they were going into Bithynia to do Christ's work! And the door was shut before them by Christ's own Spirit.
There have been times when I have experienced the same things. Sometimes I have been interrupted in what seemed to be quite productive work. And at times, opposition came and forced me to go back, or sickness came and forced me to rest in some isolated place.
During such times, it was difficult for me to leave my work unfinished when I believed it was service done in the power of His Spirit. But I finally remembered that the Spirit requires not only a service of work but also a service of waiting. I came to see that in the kingdom of Christ, there are not only times for action but times to refrain from action. And I also came to learn that a place of isolation is often the most useful place of all in this diverse world. Its harvest is more rich than the seasons when the corn and wine were the most abundant. So I have learned to thank the blessed Holy Spirit that many a beautiful Bithynia had to be left without a visit from me.
Dear Holy Spirit, my desire is still to be led by You. Nevertheless, my opportunities for usefulness seem to be disappointed, for today the door appears open into a life of service for You but tomorrow it closes before me just as I am about to enter. Teach me to see another door even in the midst of the inaction of this time. Help me to find, even in the area of service where You have closed a door, a new entrance into Your service. Inspire me with the knowledge that a person may sometimes be called to serve by doing nothing, by staying still, or by waiting. And when I remember the power of Your "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12), I will not complain that sometimes the Spirit allows me not to go. (George Matheson)
When I cannot understand my Father's leading,
And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,
Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT.
And so....while we've been "waiting," we've seen Him do amazing things!
We recently enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin to meet a wonderful body of believers and were greatly encouraged by their hearts for missions! It was so good to get to know them because of our unity in Christ and we look forward to someday serving alongside of them in Brazil, Lord willing!
We feel blessed to be here at this time to walk alongside, love, and support Jeff's parents, as his father, Stan, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is beautiful to see the peace Stan has during this trial, because of his relationship with Jesus Christ and his assurance of salvation!
We praise God for the opportunity to be involved in the planning of Jessica and Steven's upcoming February wedding and to be able to attend the showers!
We look forward to training with a small group that is answering God's call to go to Brazil on a short-term mission team upon our arrival back in Brazil, Lord willing!
Blessed to be "waiting,"
Diane
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Living in limbo....
While meeting with friends and supporters, we've been asked lately, "What is it like living in limbo, not knowing whether or not your visas will be approved and you will be going back to Brazil?"
Why, yes....it is a little uncomfortable...not knowing...but does anyone ever really know what lies in the road ahead? We're called to live by faith.
My friend Julie sent me the excerpt below from the daily devotional, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.
You will not find My peace by engaging in excessive planning attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion.
I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me. Bring Me all your needs, your hopes and fears. Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of peace.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:5
You will not find My peace by engaging in excessive planning attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion.
I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me. Bring Me all your needs, your hopes and fears. Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of peace.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:5
Actually, we're all living in "limbo" every day. We don't know when a curve in the road will appear. We just know that HE knows about the curve. HE knows about EVERY curve. HE knows what lies on the other side of that curve and wants us to have complete trust in Him. HE knows what He's doing.
I am finding great comfort in being reminded that I don't need to navigate those curves. I only need to have faith in Him. The curves will come, but our destination will not change!
Growing in Him,Diane
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Feeling Blessed by Godly Wisdom and Counsel!
During these past 18 days since we've been back in the US, God has so beautifully orchestrated time with godly and wise couples. We've been able to spend time in prayer together, share our victories, and our heart's desires as we begin this...unplanned by us, but ordained by God----time back in the states.
The top photo is of Jeff's parents, Stan and Eleanor, who have been a constant stream of encouragement to us all of our 29 years of marriage. They have prayed for us unceasingly, supported and listened at all times. How wonderful it was to be able to spend time with them in Diane's hometown, Minneapolis, and enjoy the fall colors at Lake Minnehaha Park together, soaking up their love and godly wisdom!
The top photo is of Jeff's parents, Stan and Eleanor, who have been a constant stream of encouragement to us all of our 29 years of marriage. They have prayed for us unceasingly, supported and listened at all times. How wonderful it was to be able to spend time with them in Diane's hometown, Minneapolis, and enjoy the fall colors at Lake Minnehaha Park together, soaking up their love and godly wisdom!
The second photo is of George and Donna, our pastors to missionaries. They "just happened" to be taking a trip to Chicago from California, which put them on the interstate just a couple miles from the home in Iowa in which we are staying. They served the Lord for 30 years in Venezuela and had some excellent counsel for us! They were a great encouragement to us as we enjoyed a Mexican meal together. We were blessed to be able to share this special time together and glean from their godly wisdom, as well.
The third photo is of Dave and Becky, who served faithfully on the mission field in Bangladesh. We spent an evening together in their home sharing a meal, battlefield stories and good humor! How precious to nurture this friendship that God orchestrated a few years ago through their implementation of our "Senders" group. Dave and Becky were scheduled to visit us in Rio in October to provide some leadership training, and instead we were able to enjoy some time together here in Iowa!
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
The third photo is of Dave and Becky, who served faithfully on the mission field in Bangladesh. We spent an evening together in their home sharing a meal, battlefield stories and good humor! How precious to nurture this friendship that God orchestrated a few years ago through their implementation of our "Senders" group. Dave and Becky were scheduled to visit us in Rio in October to provide some leadership training, and instead we were able to enjoy some time together here in Iowa!
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
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