Moving Forward

We have booked tickets to return to Kenya on August 12…less than 8 weeks away! Provided that God opens the doors, we are heading towards RVA. Below you will find some new information from RVA and Kenya…lessons we are learning…and ways you may be able to help.

News from RVA & Kenya

As expected, we have received some updated information from RVA about conditions in Kenya. COVID has arrived in Kijabe (the community where RVA is located, along with the Kijabe Hospital and Moffat Bible College) and continues to spread around Kenya. The anticipated announcement from President Kenyatta at the beginning of June was essentially a notice that restrictions would remain in place for another 30 days.

Without a clear timeline for Kenya to open and schools to resume, RVA has made the decision to go completely online through first term. While this means it is theoretically possible to teach from here in the U.S., we believe it is important for us to be physically on campus where we can help and encourage staff who are weary from the last several months in addition to having access to all the teaching resources needed to support our students well from afar. BOTH of us will be teaching this year (Brian back in high school math and Missy, co-teaching grade 2). We are also very excited to be moving back into a Titchie dorm, a ministry we loved being a part of from 1998-2009! Though we are disappointed to not have kids directly in our space this first term back, we are praying to be able to welcome them in January.

We are blessed to have valid work permits which should allow us entry into Kenya (likely ahead of new staff) and are eager to hear the next Presidential update in early July with regards to opening the Kenyan borders to international travel. We also wait for the government to allow those entering Kenya to self-quarantine in their own homes rather than in government facilities. And so, in faith and with excitement to see what God will do, we have booked our flights and plan to arrive on the ground in Kenya on August 13^th. PRAY that God will clearly illuminate the path ahead of us and confirm HIS timing for moving forward.

Lessons we are Learning

God has been teaching us some hard lessons and has challenged our thinking as we’ve had extended times of studying the Word, praying for direction, and reading countless books on what it means to live the crucified life by dying to ourselves DAILY. As expected, the Enemy has tried to knock us off-balance by overwhelming us with fear and anxiety. Just last week, we learned that due to the limited number of ventilators available in Kenya, they will not be used on anyone over 50 years of age. Hard as it is to believe…that’s US!

What does this mean, God? How do we respond?

We are reminded of the Chronicles of Narnia when Lucy is about to meet Aslan. She is talking to the Beavers and asks, “Then he isn’t safe?” “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” The TRUTH we see is that God calls us to places that are not safe – but we can rest in knowing that GOD is in those places and that HE IS GOOD! Whether HERE surrounded by the bountiful farmland in Lancaster County or THERE on a hill at 7500 feet overlooking the Great Rift Valley of Africa, GOD IS GOOD! In our local Kijabe church, the pastor often proclaims: “God is Good!” with the congregation responding: “All the time!” It continues with the pastor: “All the time!” Followed by the congregation: “God is Good!” Easy to say. Challenging to live by.

“Take up thy cross and follow me,” I hear the blessed Savior call. How can I make a lesser sacrifice when Jesus gave His all?” Alfred Ackely. “Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me.” 1922.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit would overwhelm us with PEACE to replace any fear-filled and anxious thoughts as we continue to learn and grow and follow HIM.

God’s Desires…or Mine?

In our last update, we shared how God closed the doors (literally!) on two different homes we had hoped to purchase. As we processed through this disappointment and continued to look for other options, it became apparent that perhaps our desire was simply that: our desire. It was our desire to provide a place of security and safety for our grown kids. It was our desire to provide a place for them to call home. It was our desire to have a place for ourselves to go home to. As I, Missy, have spent a significant amount of time the last few months scrapbooking years of our lives, I have been reminded of and completely blown away by God’s unending faithfulness and the countless ways He has blessed our family and provided for ALL our needs in His perfect time! We can rest in the security that comes from KNOWING that God is working all things out for our good and HIS GLORY. He will continue to provide for the needs of our family; and as we DELIGHT in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts – which by delighting in Him, will be more in line with HIS DESIRES for us.

PRAY that we would willingly surrender our desires and choose to DELIGHT in HIM.

Still Clearing Out – How you can help!

We have managed to find new homes for many things left from cleaning out Missy’s mom’s apartment. Now we need a really good yard sale…preferably nearby in Lancaster County. We are a still unfamiliar how to best advertise yard sales and would love to join in a community yard sale. We are also open to others joining us here in Millersville! We know the value of local knowledge – so please let us know if you have any information that might help us.

Thank you for committing these things before the Father on our behalf,

Brian & Missy