Hope & Looking Ahead
In these days of unpredictability, talking about the future is hard. A lot of our planning sounds like,
"Next month, I plan to....oh wait. At some future point, I would like to...but who knows?"
I love the reminder from James: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:14-15)
As we shared with you dear praying friends last week, this is pretty much the story of our lives right now. THANK YOU for praying for us as we walk alongside co-workers here at the center and co-workers in remote jungle locations, all of us trying to love and serve those who are around us and make plans for the uncertain months to come.
In the midst of all that, we want to share a story of faith, hope and God's provision that has encouraged us. We'd like to introduce you to Megan and Jason Kelly and their four kids, ranging in age from 12 to 5.
Several years ago, Nate invited Jason to come and help with some upcoming construction needs on the field. Building homes in the jungle is no small task, and Jason happens to really enjoy working with a chainsaw. We think it's a "nice" change of pace from his day-to-day work as a computer engineer. Last June, Jason made the journey to Papua New Guinea and spent a week serving through construction and technology trouble-shooting. He loved it, and we loved having him visit.
Fast forward to January of 2020. Nate and I had been talking and praying about the fact that we would be losing our tech services family for a year's home assignment come June. As of right now, we have no one to help with construction, solar panel installation or trouble-shooting with technical equipment (anyone out there know how to fix a cranky generator? Huh?!) Nate remembered Jason's interest and skill. "Think they could come?" "Nah. 4 kids? Full-time job? Probably not."
"If it is the Lord's will..." We continued to pray, and broached the idea. (Off-handedly.) Megan was excited. Jason was excited. They also began to talk and pray.
Hurdle #1: Would their kids want to come? All were on board. Their youngest packed her suitcase. It helps that Megan is my cousin and their kids have enjoyed family camping trips and holidays with ours. 😉
Hurdle #2: Would Jason lose his job? He applied for a year-long sabbatical and held his breath. It was GRANTED, to their shock and awe.
Hurdle #3: Would their home church be willing to get behind them? They ARE! Megan and Jason will be coming as volunteers, and their home church is willing to gather and send funds for them.
Over the last months, as answers to these prayers have been granted, we have been amazed and thankful. Now, they have a few more hurdles. Would you join us in praying for the Kelly family (and the field of PNG, with our great need for tech services help next year!) as they face the following:
Hurdle #4: A good renter for their home in Santa Rosa, CA, for the year. If you know of any leads, please let us know! They are uncertain about finding a renter with changes in the economy due to Covid-19.
Hurdle #5: About a quarter of their monthly support needed is being covered by their home church. The Kellys need other families and individuals both to PRAY for them as they get ready to make a huge transition and to GIVE toward their financial needs. If you or your small group or church are interested in connecting with the Kellys, we'd love to put you in contact!
And finally, the last hurdle, bringing us full circle to our uncertainty:
Hurdle #6: Right now, because of Covid-19, visas are not available into PNG. We expect these to open back up in the next few months. But...?
We've been reminded again and again over the last few months how temporary our lives are. Don't you love seeing this family step out in faith - and hope! - that they will be able to serve here in Papua New Guinea this year? Thank you for coming alongside them in prayer!
Contact information for the Kellys:
c/o Spring Hills Church
"Next month, I plan to....oh wait. At some future point, I would like to...but who knows?"
I love the reminder from James: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:14-15)
As we shared with you dear praying friends last week, this is pretty much the story of our lives right now. THANK YOU for praying for us as we walk alongside co-workers here at the center and co-workers in remote jungle locations, all of us trying to love and serve those who are around us and make plans for the uncertain months to come.
In the midst of all that, we want to share a story of faith, hope and God's provision that has encouraged us. We'd like to introduce you to Megan and Jason Kelly and their four kids, ranging in age from 12 to 5.
Several years ago, Nate invited Jason to come and help with some upcoming construction needs on the field. Building homes in the jungle is no small task, and Jason happens to really enjoy working with a chainsaw. We think it's a "nice" change of pace from his day-to-day work as a computer engineer. Last June, Jason made the journey to Papua New Guinea and spent a week serving through construction and technology trouble-shooting. He loved it, and we loved having him visit.
Fast forward to January of 2020. Nate and I had been talking and praying about the fact that we would be losing our tech services family for a year's home assignment come June. As of right now, we have no one to help with construction, solar panel installation or trouble-shooting with technical equipment (anyone out there know how to fix a cranky generator? Huh?!) Nate remembered Jason's interest and skill. "Think they could come?" "Nah. 4 kids? Full-time job? Probably not."
"If it is the Lord's will..." We continued to pray, and broached the idea. (Off-handedly.) Megan was excited. Jason was excited. They also began to talk and pray.
Hurdle #1: Would their kids want to come? All were on board. Their youngest packed her suitcase. It helps that Megan is my cousin and their kids have enjoyed family camping trips and holidays with ours. 😉
Hurdle #2: Would Jason lose his job? He applied for a year-long sabbatical and held his breath. It was GRANTED, to their shock and awe.
Hurdle #3: Would their home church be willing to get behind them? They ARE! Megan and Jason will be coming as volunteers, and their home church is willing to gather and send funds for them.
Over the last months, as answers to these prayers have been granted, we have been amazed and thankful. Now, they have a few more hurdles. Would you join us in praying for the Kelly family (and the field of PNG, with our great need for tech services help next year!) as they face the following:
Hurdle #4: A good renter for their home in Santa Rosa, CA, for the year. If you know of any leads, please let us know! They are uncertain about finding a renter with changes in the economy due to Covid-19.
Hurdle #5: About a quarter of their monthly support needed is being covered by their home church. The Kellys need other families and individuals both to PRAY for them as they get ready to make a huge transition and to GIVE toward their financial needs. If you or your small group or church are interested in connecting with the Kellys, we'd love to put you in contact!
And finally, the last hurdle, bringing us full circle to our uncertainty:
Hurdle #6: Right now, because of Covid-19, visas are not available into PNG. We expect these to open back up in the next few months. But...?
We've been reminded again and again over the last few months how temporary our lives are. Don't you love seeing this family step out in faith - and hope! - that they will be able to serve here in Papua New Guinea this year? Thank you for coming alongside them in prayer!
Contact information for the Kellys:
707-321-9913
(Megan)
707-536-6000
(Jason)
3700
Fulton Rd.
Santa
Rosa, CA 954031
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