Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Hebrews 10:21-24 (ESV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with the pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works,
Our trust in the Lord is demonstrated through action—let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works!
We are still in the States, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, “camped” in the river ranch cabin of our friends Marshall and Robyn Orcutt. We have been given the opportunity to “draw near”, “hold fast”, and “consider” as we trust in the Lord and wait. Over the past several months Debbie has increasingly experienced fatigue, low-grade fevers, and pain in her lower right side (extending to her back). Knowing that Jesus is the healer (by his stripes we are healed) we reaffirm our trust in him and his ways, recognizing that he has made, is making, and will make our paths straight. The multiple tests carried out over the past several months have ruled out several possibilities but come up short in revealing the cause of the pain, fevers and fatigue. This past Monday Debbie saw an infectious disease doctor who is “determined to get to the bottom of this”. He requested numerous additional tests that according to Debbie required a “bucket full of blood” be drawn. So, we wait, believing that this path will be made straight.
Praise
1. For the wonderful provision of Marshall and Robyn Orcutt’s river ranch cabin during this extended stay and for the ongoing use of Mark and Bev Knoner’s car. Marshall and Robyn’s almost daily encouragement, expressed in many different ways has been a rich blessing to us! Praise for the “life” lessons that we are being “schooled” in during this time of uncertainty and waiting.
2. For Abbie’s engagement to Bo Kim (Nov. 19)—they will be married May 21, 2011 in S. Carolina, one week after Audrey and Francis Sims are married (May 14, 2010) in Pennsylvania. We look forward to spending time together with the Abbie and Audrey and our sons-in-law during the Christmas holidays. A blessing from being delayed!
3. For Dale and Chris Hamilton who have stepped in to cover our responsibilities; as Regional Executive Officer for AIM’s Central Region and for the Ssese Islands Project. In Oct-Nov. Dale attended the meetings related to AIM’s International Council in S. Africa and on short notice prepared and gave reports both there and at AIM’s leadership workshop on my behalf for Central Region. Praise for the good reports from these meetings.
Pray
1. For wisdom and insight for the doctors who are looking into the possible causes of Debbie’s pain, fever, and fatigue.
2. That Father will continue to raise up workers for a team to work among the Zande and Mbororo people in DRCongo and Central African Republic. Pray as preparations are made and details worked out for a survey trip that is being planned for February with potential team leaders and team members.
3. That AIM’s members in Central Region will keep their eyes focused on Jesus and his ways and purposes, particularly leading up to and through the referendum vote in S. Sudan which is to take place on Jan. 9, and the general elections to be held in Uganda in mid-Feb. 2011. Pray for integrity, stability and peace through these election processes. Note: As a precautionary measure, AIM members will be out of S. Sudan prior to and through when the results are announced and reactions evaluated. Pray that our members will be able to engage in meaningful ministry opportunities and ways while they are away from their primary ministry locations.
4. For Central Region’s annual spiritual refreshment conference to be held in Rwanda January 5-9; for understanding, insight, wisdom and revelation as the final schedule and preparations are put in place by the Conference Committee, Regional Leadership, Eddie Larkman (keynote speaker), and others leading sessions, etc. Pray specifically that Eddie Larkman will experience the Holy Spirit’s prompting and leading as he prepares the keynote messages, and that they will prove to be a refreshing encouragement and blessing.
5. That we will know Jesus’ voice, have courage to obey what he is saying to and asking of us, and love, as he loves, those that he puts in our path each day.
Serving together, Because He lives!
Steve & Debbie
Wolcott Wanderings 