Friday, July 22, 2011

New Directions

First and foremost I want to thank everyone for lifting us up in prayer regarding our visa appointment. In just the right timing our paperwork came through and it seemed as if everything was on track and our appointment was fine. However, God has thrown us a curve ball in regards to our plans for Spain, one that we were surprised, and are excited that it has come our way. If you are interested below I have posted our most recent newsletter that explains it all.


One thing I know, following Jesus is never boring! About four weeks ago everything seemed to be in line for us to deploy to Spain this fall. Our long-awaited letter of invitation from Spain was in place, and we were ready to apply for our visas. However, when Kevin traveled to Miami for work mid-June, God threw us a curve ball in the form of an invitation from LAM president, Steve Johnson. Kevin’s work the last few months has been to assist in a program called Work Design. As the mission is taking stock of its components, Spearhead began to rise to the top as one of the most important assets that it has to offer. Steve began to feel that in order to strengthen the Spearhead program, and eventually replicate it, it would be best for it to go through the Work Design process. In its most basic form Work Design will help to refine the Spearhead program and implement a five year plan, as well as identify and address current issues in Latin American missions in order to better train future missionaries. So, because Kevin has experience with facilitating the Work Design process, as well as strong ties to the Spearhead program in Mexico, it was felt he would be the best person for the job. 

When Steve invited Kevin to head up this initiative we were both surprised by the timing of it, after all we have been dreaming of, praying for, and preparing ourselves for Spain. But as we prayed and considered all that God has been teaching us in the past few years, about contentment, change, living in the moment and trust, we felt more and more that perhaps this was the step that He was nudging us toward.  

So…in early September we will be heading to Mexico! Once we made the decision, God has continued to fill our hearts with peace and excitement for this new adventure ahead. It is unexpected, to be sure, but before we even leave for the field we are learning that the only thing that doesn’t change is the One we follow, and it is to his voice we always want to be attune. 

So that's the scoop! We are excited to continue on this journey and see what God has in store for us. As of now, our assignment to Mexico should last 2-3 years. When the Work Design process is completed we are still hoping to move to Spain to implement the Spearhead program in a new locale.