I know that most of us have heard the phrase and maybe we have even said it ourselves, “My way or the highway”. However, for us Christians it should be said God’s way or the Highway. In this case God’s way is the highway. When God called Diane and I to fulltime ministry in 2007 we wanted to go wherever, do whatever and serve any and every way He led. And as you know God led us to Swaziland Africa.
After selling all our worldly goods Diane and I moved to Swaziland February 2, 2009 with the intent and plan to live and minister here at least ten (10) years. Well that was our way. But after only 2 years and 10 months God’s way is the highway or rather in this case the airway back to North America.
These past 2 years 10 months have been a very big blessing and at times very challenging but all in all God has done some very amazing things in and through Diane and I.
I know that we have not posted a lot on Face book or have not blogged very often however, when I say He has been doing amazing things you can believe it.
I just feel that when the sriptures tell us “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” I try to do exactly that. Because the scriptures also say if you seek praise from man then whatever praise or reward is given that will be all you get. God knows what we do and even knows the very intent of our hearts and the reason we do those things.
God will give the reward.
I will report that during these 2 years 10 months that Diane and I have seen God work in the lives of the children here in a mighty way and in many different ways. Ministry looks different in many ways, it’s not just teaching, or preaching God’s word, sometimes it comes in the way of making sure that a food container arrives in a timely manner to have food for the children. Sometimes ministry is assuring that the budgets and finances are in order, paying the necessary bills to keep the ministry as a whole operating. Administering medical care, disciplining children through bible based games and activities and sometimes ministry is just taking the time to sit with an orphan child letting them feel the love, and realize someone cares and values them enough to take the time to give them hope, and around here Hopes Name is Jesus. That phrase stated by our dear friend and founder of Children’s Cup, Dave Ohlerking. Just know that we have tried to do just that… give them hope in every way we could. It is because of those special times with the children, the relationships we have made with the people and the beauty of this beautiful continent that is hard to say goodbye for now.
But as we know, God’s way for our lives sometimes does not line up with our way or plans. This chapter of our ministry is over and the next chapter is before us. We believe that God sent us here to Swaziland to prepare us for this new chapter.... for serving the Native American people through the ministry of Native American Baptist Missions. We will be ministering on the Reservation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Not really sure what that ministry will look like, I know we will be starting or helping to start a church on the Reservation. We definitely keep you updated as we begin our new journey. But one thing I can assure you of is whatever we do we will be doing in the leadership and direction of the Holy Spirit sharing hope in any and every way possible – Hopes Name is Jesus.
Diane and I want to thank each and every one of you that have prayed for us, have supported us with financial help, for anyway you have joined us on this amazing journey. It is our prayer that you will continue to support us with your payers, encouragement and if God leads you… with your financial support. As soon as we get settled in the states will let you know how and where you can send your ministry donations, but for now if you are sending donations to Children’s Cup on our behalf please continue to do so. Many Blessings and Thank you all. See you on the “other side of the pond”
Love in Christ, Don and Diane
