Dominican and Haiti Updates

until that day

 

i've heard many people say that life is filled with different seasons.  with these seasons come many different events that cause an array of emotions.  often there is unspeakable joy.  sometimes heartache and sadness show up.  whatever the season may be, there are a few truths that cause hope, peace and trust to rule in our soul in a way that seems to direct our focus and perspective exactly where our hearts belong...to The Creator of all things good. 

 

over the past several years of serving with go ministries in the d.r. and haiti,  we have seen things that our simple minds can't handle.  some of those things have been awful sights of hunger, violence, sickness and injustice.  some have been miracles of healing, unimaginable grace, great provision and unconditional love.  at the center of all of our experiences, both wonderful and difficult, there is a powerful word that rings true over and over and it's RESTORATION.  ²¹ For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. - Acts 3:21. 

 

we are in one of those seasons in life right now that has brought about some heartache and sadness.  one of those times that feels like everywhere you turn, every phone call you receive, every news article you read brings news of sickness, death, hurt and pain.  when my (Will) dad was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, our hearts sunk as we long dreaded the day of a difficult phone call from "back home".  we both love our families dearly and have said that the only true thing we felt like we sacrificed when moving out of the country was time with our incredible families.  when moments of hurt overwhelm us, when exhaustion overcomes dad's ability to walk and communicate, when fearful thoughts enter our minds, that powerful word works it's way back into our hearts and that very hope, peace and trust reigns.  restoration. 

 

there will be a day when there will be no more sickness.  there will be a day when there will be no more violence.  there will be a day when there will be no more pain. no more sadness.  no more hate.  no more injustice.  no more orphans.  no more fear.  no more dad's getting cancer.  no more kids longing for the love of absent parents.  no more brokenness.  there will be a day when HE returns and restores everything!

 

when the storm comes and seems to stay a while, a feeling of complacency may arrive and we feel like sitting in the rain until that day comes, but that hope, peace and trust doesn't allow us to just sit and wait.  as a body of believers, coheirs with Christ, we have been commissioned to be active in this restoration that God is so lovingly pursuing.  so rather than sitting and waiting for His return, we will be on our knees.  on our knees praying with great expectation and anticipation of the miracles that God is so capable of performing.  we will be on our feet.  on our feet sharing the love that Jesus so sacrificially showed for us on the cross so that we may have life and life in abundance.  we will extend our arms.  extend our arms towards our Creator.  extend our arms and embrace those that need to feel the love of Jesus that satisfies every ounce of emptiness or fear we may have.  and we will lift our heads.  lift our heads high and say with confidence that we trust in the Lord and He will make our paths straight. 

 

until that day, when Jesus comes to restore everything, we will choose to serve Him here on this earth and be in awe of the unimaginable ways He is working to restore His creation.  below is a little video i managed to capture of my incredible mom and dad worshipping together after dad's brain biopsy.  what more could a s on ask for!  this is hope.  this is peace.  this is trust.

 

for those of you wondering where we are and what we are doing.  we will be in the dominican republic june 24 - july 10,11 or 12th.  we will be hosting two teams and spending time with our incredible G.O. Ministries and Dominican/Haitian family.  we will then return to Louisville, Ky where our hands are needed with the Partin family.  we ask that you pray with us during this season.  pray for healing for Rob Partin, sr.  pray for hope, peace and trust.  pray for our hearts to be expectant that God will continue to do a mighty work in all of His children so that we can give Him all the glory, all the honor and all the praise.