Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2). In Fernando Ortega’s “The Shadow of Your Wings” CD the opening song is “Grace and Peace”. The words are taken from I Thessalonians 1:2 and “parrot” this very familiar greeting of the Apostle Paul. One evening last week Debbie and I found ourselves in a frustrated discussion that was primarily a venting related to her unanswered health issues, waiting, uncertainty, significance/value, etc.,. In short we were both feeling sorry for ourselves and our current situation—wishing there were some answers, or even better, healing! In frustration I told Debbie I was going out to the shop to work on finishing installing the drawers of the workbench—a nice project Marshall had for me! I “worked out” my frustration as I “discussed” with (probably more accurate to say “complained to”) Father. Going to bed well past mid-night I reviewed Ephesians 1, which I have been memorizing, and turned out the light, hoping to get a few hours of needed sleep. The words and music of Ortego’s song, “Grace and Peace” reverberated over and over in my conscious and subconscious through the rest of the night. I recognized the need for increased grace in my own life as we seek and wait for answers (ultimately from Father). With grace comes peace. As I understand and appropriate more grace, the peace of God that is beyond understanding fills my soul. Paul, could say in Romans 5 that the result of standing in grace was peace with God. Therefore, we rejoice in the hope we have even in suffering as it produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. So…we are praying that even in or maybe in spite of the disappointments and discouragements we will demonstrate hope, knowing that what we have and are going through is purposeful in Fathers’ overarching plans.
Praise
- That a spirit of peace did prevail leading up to, during, and after the results of the Uganda Feb. 18 elections (presidential, parliamentary, local councils, etc.). President Museveni was re-elected to a 5 year term. There was a call from the opposition for demonstrations following the elections and there have been some “hot” spots, but overall the election process went well and ministries are continuing.
- For the good transition that Phil Byler and Dale Hamilton have been able to make in their respective roles as AIM Central Region Executive Officer (REO-covering for me) and AIMAIR general manager. Continue to pray Eph. 1:17-23 for them in these roles.
- For the very good Mbororo/Zande survey! One of the participants rated it as a 10+ on a scale to 10. An initial report has been written with suggested priorities as we move forward toward establishing discipleship teams among these people. Praise Father for those who have shown an interest in being part of this initiative- (praying, giving, going as part of the teams).
Pray
- For healing! Debbie has been referred by Dr. Hennigan (infectious disease) to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. His office began this process a couple of weeks ago. At the same time we began collecting medical records from the various doctors’ offices and hospitals where tests have been carried out. In addition, because Mayo is outside of AIM’s health insurance network it has necessitated our looking into what that means practically. We are very thankful for the help we have received from AIM’s US Director in making contacts and working on bringing clarity to this. One of the most difficult aspects of all of this has been waiting—for doctor’s appointments, tests, test results, etc.,. Debbie received a call from Mayo Clinic yesterday saying that in response to the referral from Dr. Hennigan she does have an appointment—for the 18th of April! That is a month and a half away! More waiting! Pray with us! For healing! For grace and peace! To clearly hear from Jesus the steps for each day!
- For the ongoing planning for the weddings—Abbie and Bo Kim (May 21 in Columbia,SC) , and Audrey and Francis Sims (May 14 in Perkasie, PA).
- For CECA’s Executive Council as they meet this week. Pray Ephesians 1:17-23 for the leaders of CECA-20 (the church denomination that we partner with in D. R. Congo). They face special challenges on a daily basis with ongoing insecurity due to the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) in the north and various other militias in the East of the country, difficult economic realities, nominalism, syncretism, corruption, etc., In spite of all this God’s kingdom is being established in the D.R. Congo.
Serving together, Because He Lives!
Steve & Debbie
Wolcott Wanderings 