We have been asked why we would want to move half way around the world, to an unknown place, with an unknown language, strange diseases, dangerous animals, large bugs, etc.
Let us take a moment to explain that us going to Congo (or anywhere else, for that matter) is God’s work and ministry. God is working in the Democratic Republic of Congo…He is just asking us to be a part of the work He is doing there. This is very humbling! Why would the Lord of the Universe choose to use two country folk (and their 3 kids) from a small community in Idaho? We aren’t anything special; we don’t have degrees in linguistics, or experience with living in the middle of a jungle. However, God’s plan is to use His children to carry out His work here on Earth. He asks each individual to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). No longer are animal sacrifices needed. Christ, fully God, came as a man to die in our place (the once and for all atoning sacrifice) so that we might live forever with Him. Trusting in Him is the only way to be considered right before God. It is essential that all understand that doing anything, does not gain points, get one closer to heaven, or make one “better” in God’s eyes. The believers’ position in heaven is secure and equal. We are but willing tools to be used by the Almighty.
Will living in Africa always be easy, safe, encouraging, and fun? Certainly not. One of our dear missionary friends, John McKeeth, wrote us the other day, “There will be times on the field when it will get tough and it is critical at that point that you be able to look back and see that it was God's hand and provision that lead and provided for you to be there. If you get there by your own manipulation of people and situations, then the tough times will ones that you got yourself into. It is different when God puts you there.”
Looking back on our lives thus far, we can see how He was grooming, stretching, and growing us in preparation for Him using us. We also can see how He is providing and leading. And so, our prayer is, “Here am I Lord, send me!”
If this still doesn’t make any sense to you, please consider your position with God. This will be strange to you if you are an unbeliever. Please give this some thought, and if you have any more questions, feel free to contact us! We would love to speak with you more about this.
Looking Ahead
Harvest Dinner: Our church has invited us to speak at our annual harvest dinner, and chose us as the project for this year. We are looking forward to sharing more with our church family, and having this great time of fellowship with them.
IFM: IFM has received our application, is reviewing and praying over it, and also reviewing and praying over references. This is understandably a lengthy process. They are wisely being careful in consideration of us as new missionaries. We will let you all know as soon as we find out dates for our travel to meet with them in North Carolina. PRAISE the Lord that we have a place to stay while we are there. Some friends live about 40 miles away from the IFM office, and have offered to give us their down stairs for the time we are in NC!
Trip to Congo: We are still praying about the possibility of Sparky flying to Congo. In January, national pastors will be meeting in Kinshasa (the capitol city) for a conference. We are hoping to time his trip so he gets to be a part of the last few days of the conference, meet with many of the interior pastors, share with them our burden for the Bible Institute, and get their ideas and feedback. Then, Lord willing, be able to stay a few more weeks to “survey” Kinshasa, make a trip up to Dibaya, and start looking at how we should be preparing. Please pray for God’s will and provision for this trip!
Mission’s Conference: We have been invited by local pastors to participate in the annual Mission’s Conference in our Valley. (Pending appointment by IFM.) It will be held in February and March 2009. We are very excited as this will give us a chance to share with many of the churches in our association in a short period of time. This will be the first Mission’s Conference “on the other side of the fence.” What a blessing to have our first with our friends and family! It will be a busy time, so we ask for your prayers for strength and patience with a very packed schedule.
House: Last month we shared with you our miraculous house situation. We are looking at “trading spaces” in May.
Thank you all again for all your prayers and support!
~The Clancy Clan
Time in Kinshasa