Africa 2013…filled with expectation.

I know, sometimes expectations are what kill ya. You know when you get your hopes up and think that something’s going to happen that’s about as likely as a snowball in Africa! Like when my boys were all toddlers and I would land at the Houston airport (pre 911) and think that Trinetta would have them lined up at the gate with signs saying “welcome home daddy.” Not only was this extremely unlikely- it was also unfair to even think for a moment about asking her to lug those kids through the terminals after parking the car a mile away. Crazy. But, this is different. Expectation is different from expectations, if you know what I mean. Our expectation of what God is going to do in Africa is built on solid promises from God. Promises like: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1) “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;” (Deuteronomy 31) “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life” (Psalm 27) “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit” (John 15) Our interim pastor Nathan Lorick and I will be visiting the countries of Malawi and Zambia to encourage our IMB missionaries, to visit current work, to preach the gospel and show the Jesus film in remote villages. If you are reading this it’s probably because you love the Lord, you love Africa and you love us as your brothers in Jesus. Here are some things we are asking of the Lord. We would love if you would intercede on our behalf for them: • 1000 souls saved. • Open doors for future mission trips • Words of strength and encouragement for battle worn missionaries • Safe air travel filled with conversations that make us better (20 + hours in the air) • The pilots of various puddle jumpers we will fly on in country • That our families we leave behind will be safe and secure • That we will see and seize every opportunity to share Jesus Thanks…more to come…if we have reliable internet. Check back every day! Donnie