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Staff Reports
Reports of recent Trips and Work by Godspeed Missionary Care
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Staff Missionary Reports
Reports and Experiences of the Godspeed Staff
A December Note
The December E-Newsletter from Godspeed Missionary Care:
"I've begun to question if God really has chosen me…and that makes me feel so deeply, deeply sad"
Tearfully expressed, these words were spoken to us recently by a young missionary wife. Having just returned from a mission field where danger is a daily reality, weakened by months of infection with intestinal parasites, and frustrated by a mission agency that had failed to live up to promises of meaningful and sustained work assignments, she was losing hope. But of these very real and stressful external events, the thing that saddened her most was her feeling that perhaps God really didn't care, and that He might not see her as one of His own.
It has been a year of hearing sad news, on a worldwide scale. Even though our own "passport country" has responded to these difficult times with reawakened spiritual hunger and expressions of caring, there is much evidence of need everywhere. I began to reflect on our own year, on the sadness we have heard and witnessed, on events that I wished had gone better, on times of being unable to meet the needs of those we wish to serve. As difficult as those times have been, I cannot fathom what our life would be like without the knowledge that Christ has come, and has provided the way for us to be reunited with our Creator. In the midst of complex and troubled times, Christmas reminds me of the simple and wonderful message: We have a Savior, His Word is truth, and His promises are secure. This Christmas, I am even more aware of just how blessed we are because of what He has done for us.). And as I realize what He has done, I am more burdened for those who have never heard of Him, and more committed to be available to those who go to many parts of the world to deliver this Good News.
And what of the young missionary wife? Let me share part of a more recent message from her: "The world looks very different to me than it has over the past years. It seems like God is beginning to grant healing for my deepest sorrow even before the physical is corrected. Thank you for taking the time to work with me. It has made a big difference to me already." Karen and I are repeatedly humbled and amazed at the privilege of being able to see God work in so many marvelous ways. As David prayed, "Who am I, O Lord, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" (2 Sam 7:18)
God has worked through many of you to make it possible for us to be able to work with missionaries such as this young woman. We thank Him for you, and pray that during this Christmas season and for all of the New Year, the presence of Christ will be felt in your hearts and in your homes.
Godspeed,
Barney, for Karen and the Godspeed team
Our schedule for the upcoming months is outlined below
We ask your prayers for our work.
January 11-15 Indianapolis, IN; participate in pre-field training of seventeen missionaries going to different mission fields
January 26 Charlotte, NC; Barney gives presentation at a seminar at Gordon-Conwel Seminary.
January 27-30 Austin, TX: Participate in pre-field training of missionary team to Mozambique
January 31- Feb 6 Maputo, Mozambique: Continue with on-field training of cross-cultural team in Mozambique
February 7 - 14 Kiev, Ukraine: Consultations with and reunion conference of Ukrainian mission group
March 18 -30 (tentative dates) On-field consultations with missionary couples in Ireland and Italy.
April, dates ? Maputo, Mozambique: Follow-up with Mozambique missionary team
When we are home in Maryland, we continue to see missionaries and pastors in consultation at the Godspeed office, now located in St. Michaels, Maryland. We are also regularly involved with presentations to churches and mission organizations throughout the U.S.
At this time of year we, like you, are inundated with requests from missionaries and Christian organizations who are experiencing significant financial stresses in this season of economic sluggishness. Every missionary we know can use increased funding assistance. Godspeed Missionary Care ministry faces the same financial concerns as they do. We trust God to provide for them, and for us, and simply ask that you seek His will for how you might be involved in furthering the Kingdom.
Godspeed Missionary Care is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which provides medical, counseling, and other support services to missionaries and pastors serving worldwide. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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