A Proper Send Off

One of the things that I have done since I began travelling internationally is a time of prayer and commissioning before I leave.  Tonight I was joined by a dozen or so of my closest prayer supporters.  Several scripture passages were given to me during this time.   They included Jeremiah 33:3 and Philippians 4:8-9 among others.   The key theme of each passage and the words that were spoken to me was the Lord’s promise to be with me,  His direction to follow Him in obedience and the promise of His Spirit working through me.  A word was also given about a stubborn spirit in those I would be speaking to and the need to pray for open doors and effective doors.

The group then anointed my head with oil and spent 20 minutes laying hands upon me and praying for me as the Lord led.   This was such a special time and their prayers echoed the longings of my soul.   When it was finished one of the intercessors shared a vision she had while praying for me of Holy fire surrounding my entire person.

We ended our time by sharing a pan of brownies that Collin had baked this afternoon with the words “Goodbye Dad” written on the top.

2 Days and Counting

It is hard to believe that in 2 days I will board a plane here in Corpus Christi and spend the next 24 hours making my way to Africa.   This trip has me lit up with anticipation of all that God seeks to do in Kenya and Uganda, but more importantly in me.   This is not my first mission trip overseas alone, but there is a difference this time.  I have a greater awareness this go around of my full dependence upon God.

Those who pray for me and give regular counsel are all saying similar things.  Each one reiterating the understanding that this trip is the Lord’s doorway into the next chapter of my ministry call and my walk with Him.   The Lord has spent the last several months taking me through the process of complete surrender to Him.   Every step of faith has been a practical exercise in drawing closer to Him.

The word the Lord has given me for this journey is “steadfastness.”  I will be speaking to these Christian leaders about examples of standing firm…Moses, Joseph, Daniel and others.    This word is also for me.   The Lord has been teaching me how to stand firm, even when it seems nearly impossible.

When I return, we will be considering our next steps as a ministry.  The Lord has been speaking to me about “mobility” in serving the body and we find ourselves through the transitions of life once again honed down to a core nucleus in our ministry.   The Lord is at work, but He has not yet fully revealed His plan for Simplicity in the days to come.