And we're off!

In preparation for my Uganda voyage, I have been reading a Randy Alcorn book that was given to me for graduation. This book, entitled Lord Foulgrin's Letters, deals with the complicated and somewhat frightening topic of spiritual warfare. There are two perspectives throughout the story: that of the main character, Jordan Fletcher, who discovers God and tries to follow him; and that of a higher ranking demon writing letters to his accomplice on how to corrupt Fletcher and turn him away from God. In regards to missions, the demon writes:

"I'm alarmed that Fletcher and his wife have been targeted to go on one of those despicable missions trips. Make sure the don't consider it seriously. It's not what Fletcher could do for Chinese Christians that worries me. It's what they could do to him.

We hate missions because we hate the forbidden message. The Book claims only one matter is 'of first importance.' What? 'That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day.'

Because that message is of first importance to the Enemy, stopping its spread is of first importance to us. While the Enemy calls them to the ends of the earth, we must do what we can to keep them home. Wrap them up in their jobs and houses and activities. In the forbidden squadron, keep their eyes on themselves, their programs, their buildings, never on the poor and needy and those who haven't heard the forbidden message. Keep their eyes on minivans and bank accounts and off the ends of the earth."

Thus stated, it is so important for Teri and I to remain in the Lord on this trip and keep our eyes glued to the cross. There will be so many times when we are surrounded by spiritual warfare. It is in those times that we are more susceptible to the demons wishes: keeping our "eyes on themselves, their programs, their buildings, never on the poor and needy and those who haven't heard the forbidden message." We ask for your prayers to be steadfast in prayer, reading the scripture, and being a mission-oriented community with our fellow team members. It is only through the grace of God that we are able to work in these kids' lives.

It is appropriate that we have been recently reading the many accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection throughout the four gospels. It is an awesome reminder that we must never forget, nor take lightly the amazing gift that our heavenly Father has given us. Moreover, it reinforces the desire we have to share this mighty word with "the least of these" and not take lightly the spiritual warfare that is going to deceive us into getting caught up in worldly distractions.

Furthermore, we go in with open hearts, knowing that the Lord will work in us too: growing us spiritually, humbling us physically and emotionally, and forcing us to completely surrender our lives to Him who gives life. It is our prayer that God works mightily in us and that we will be moldable, compliant, and obedient to His will.

We cannot thank you enough for your constant prayer support and words of encouragement that you lend to us so freely. It truly makes the body of Christ come alive! I pray that this passion that we have for sharing the gospel is not just a "mission trip high" but that it will continue to flourish in us and in you upon our return and in every aspect of our daily lives. We live in a world where we are constantly in a mission field; never cease praying and diving deep into the Word! It is through God's unchanging character and unfathomable characteristics that we are able to sustain this "life" here on earth, awaiting a day when He will either take us Home or make His triumphant return!

Please continue to check our blog as our crazy adventure comes to fruition! We love you all and can't wait to share what God has done in our lives and in the children's lives we will be serving!

PS: Our reading during the trip is listed below:

Jul 17: Acts 1-3
Jul 18: Acts 4-6
Jul 19: Acts 7-8
Jul 20: Acts 9-10
Jul 21: Acts 11-12
Jul 22: Acts 13-14
Jul 23: James
Jul 24: Acts 15-16
Jul 25: Gal 1-3
Jul 26: Gal 4-6
Jul 27: Acts 17-18:18
Jul 28: 1/2Thess
Jul 29: Acts 18:19-19:41
Jul 30: 1Cor 1-4
Jul 31: 1Cor 5-8
Aug 1: 1Cor 9-11
Aug 2: 1Cor 12-14