Philippians 4:6-8 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things."
The month of September was our first ever full month of deputation away from home. We have gone to churches within a days drive and returned the next day, but this trip was different, this trip was a journey into unknown territory, both physical and spiritual. Physically because we had the opportunity to drive where we had never driven before and sleep where we had never slept before.
On more than two occasions Jaxon asked as we stopped and unpacked our suitcases "is this our new home?" There is no doubt that this trip was physically and emotionally challenging on Jaxon, but in every instance God provided people to play with him and just make him feel comfortable and welcome. I am so grateful to each of you that played a roll in Jaxon's life during our journey.
Leah who has been batteling with low red blood cells, exhaustion, and black-outs walked hand in hand with her Lord and Savior the entire journey. Every opportunity she had to share what God has done and is doing in her life she took it. Leah was not only telling her stories, but she was listening to the stories of others. People saw something in Leah that allowed them to open up to her, and she began to serve them in there time of need, just as others served her.
Mari my co-pilot on this journey, was in awe of the beauty that God had provided us to see as we traveled. Praising God for His beauty became Mari's theme on our journey. Every time we got into our vehicle to go to the next place, we thanked God for the beauty he had provided, we asked Him to protect us as we travled, we asked Him to allow the wildlife to stay in the mountains and off the roads and to protect our vehicle from any damage. 5000 km driven and only saw 4 deer on the side of the road and not one breakdown, God had delivered us. Mari was able to re-connect with old friends with a hug and the words "I love you" to comfort her and the heart of her friends. Mari saw what was praiseworthy and meditate on them and shared them with our family as we traveled. A woman after God's own heart.
Irv (me) drove all but 2 hours of our journey on the highways of the prairies and mountains. Needless to say I had a lot of time to think as I watched the road. The verses you read earlier that became my motto verses, were there to prepare me to be the husband, father, and spiritual leader on our journey. I left Saskatoon a bit anxious, but I did pray and ask God to allow me wisdom and discernment as we journeyed out to give Him honor and glory in everything.
Our first stop was in Youngstown, Alberta where the love of Christ was revealed through two great friends in the Lord. They gave us encouragement as we spent time with them in their home, and we are thankful to them.
Our second stop was in Calgary, at my sisters and brother-in-laws home. Being allowed to stop over there was a blessing as we had time alone to meditate on our upcoming travels. God gave us peace and prepared us for the journey ahead.
Our third stop was in Vernon, British Columbia where we were able to re-connect with our previous pastoral couple. As we were with them and shared in their church we were ministered to spiritually as our family was prayed for during the prayer meeting. To have people come stand around you and place their hands on you as they prayed for you was incredible. God used them to encourage and strengthen us.
Our fourth stop was in Hope, British Columbia where we were, I would say blessed in a new and humbling way. I was able to meet someone that just loved the Lord with all of his heart. He and his wife took us hiking in the mountains to a spot that was untouched by the hands of man. A lake that was so clear you could see the bottom, you could see small fish swimming near the bottom. Breathtaking and stunning the way it is to be when we think of God and His love for us. This person that took us on this hike did so with joy and with a servants heart, who had no bitterness towards God because of the cancer he is fighting right now, just praise and honor for His Savior. I was humbled as I found out the news of his cancer and ashamed of how I at times complain to God over the littlest of things. I have been shown how to meditate on God in the hard times, thank-you for that you have made me a better person.
Our fifth stop was in Langley, British Columbia where we were able to re-connect with a friend from Mexico that was home for a friends wedding. We had packed an overnight bag just in case the Lord opened a door for our family to stay in Langley for the night. Open the door He did, and we stayed with our friends parents and were able to connect with some people that had come to Mexico on a short term missions trip. Again we were encouraged and refreshed by God through His people.
Our sixth stop was again in Langley, British Columbia as we were able to meet some people from a church missions board. We were accepted into a home where others came to meet us and chat about Mexico. There were some very good conversations and questions raised there that gave us a renewed conformation as to our calling to the ministry in Mexico. It was a great evening and we have gained new friends for life because of it.
Our seventh stop was in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia where again we were able to re-unite with some friends from Saskatchewan. There were two young boys in the house that Jaxon was able to play with for a day, something he really needed. Mari, Leah. Jaxon and I were again blessed and cared for with the Christ like love exemplified by our friends. He knows what we need when we need it, and He provides it all in good timing.
Our eighth stop was in Breton, Alberta at my sister and brother-in-laws home, an acreage where Jaxon was able to go outside and run around and play. The day after we had shared in their church, two families came over and we had an evening together. It was a real blessing to have people come and show interest in what God is doing in Mexico. The time spent with my sister and brother-in-law was uplifting and encouraging.
Our ninth and final stop was back in Saskatoon exactly one month to the day from when we left.
Our experiences sharing in churches over the past month was something for our family to meditate on. We had been prayed for and were able to pray for others, there was a peace that carried us through the unknown. As we focused more and more on God we lost our anxiousness and our mindset that we needed to establish prayer and financial support. Our family was beginning to minister to people as they ministered to us, we were able to make new friendships that will last a lifetime. The verses we read at the beginning of this update just spoke to me daily and changed my life daily, seeking that which is praiseworthy causes you to forget your own needs and seek what God has placed before you. For me that is God's love for me, my family, our friends, His provision daily as we traveled and knowing that each one of you is praying for our family.
September was a busy month, and as we returned to Saskatoon and find our departure date to Mexico (November 26) coming closer and closer we were given updated news from YUGO Ministries on our support raised. Praise God for His provision, we are at about 70% of our needed support before we are recognized as fully supported missionaries to Mexico. Please pray with us that the Lord would provide the remainder of our financial support partners quickly as the time of our departure is near.
Coming soon, part 2 of 3 in our September update which will be provided by Leah as she gives her perspective of our journey, and the final part 3 of 3 will come from Mari as she shares of our journey.
