It seems like we spent every day of this past month with our small group and those who have been a special part of our lives here. As we reflect on the times we had with them, it has been different than before. Our first year overseas, we began to fill up our schedules with so many meetings, plans, and events that we quickly got burnt out. It was as if we kicked on "work mode" and tried to do everything we learned to do that is considered "min!stry." We had good intentions and we were seeking the L0rd in what we did, but I guess there truly is a difference in walking with G0d and working for G0d. As we have mentioned in our previous newsletters, our Father has been teaching us so much about what it means to truly know the Father's Love for us and what He ultimately wants from us, which is to abide in Him. So the reason we say it has been different this time around, is that out of the overflow of our abidance in Him, He has been working. We are learning that there is nothing else we can do or plan that will bring people to accept the Father's Love besides being an example of what that looks like. Only our Father knows when and what they need to walk in their own personal relationship with Him, we can't force or manipulate the process. He didn't do that to us so why should we?
Small Group
This is where the title of "bitter sweet" comes in. We have had some of the greatest times with our small group this past month. From spending time talking about relationships to watching movies and cooking awesome food, our love for them continues to grow. As we learn more about our Heav3nly Father, He allows us to feel love and see them as He does. It is giving us a great perspective of what brotherly love may have looked like for the early church.
It has also been interesting to have the L0rd speak to us through them as well. Individually and as a group, we have talked about the Father's Love and what it means to walk with God more than before. And again, it wasn't because we planned to or bring it up intentionally, but because it just naturally happens. But as we have talked to them, we are learning about the vital importance of walking in what we share. It was a big heart check to talk to them about loving and forgiving one another as a command from G0d and reading in Scripture that this is our living proof that we truly have the Love of God in our hearts.
This will be our last month with our precious local family. We cannot believe that it has been 2 years since we moved here and began to love the people of this city. Although we know many tears will come when it is time to say "see you later," we hope to enjoy every second of these last days together.
Our next letter will have more details about our next steps after moving back to CA. For now know that your love, pr@yers and support have been crucial for our time here. We thank you for partnering with us, and are bl3ssed to say that we have reached our financial need. We are beyond thankful for your sacrifice and faithfulness to the work He is doing through us here.
May His love be abundant in your life!