As I begin this prayer update I am sad to see how long it has been since we last wrote! Prayer is so vital to our ministry and lives in general, and we feel that. Lately life has not been the easiest for us- compared to most it is just minor challenges we are facing, but being new missionaries sometimes a lot of "little" things can add up and feel overwhelming all together. God has been teaching us that trials are to be expected, even when we don't understand the timing and meaning of it all. But we know one thing, He desires to conform us to the image of His Son, and refine our faith in Him that we might honor Him in our hearts and through our lives.
So, much has happened since we last wrote, and the most important thing I think I can mention is that Andrew is up north again visiting the tribe he did back in October! Praise God this trip has worked out, and see below the prayer requests regarding it and the rest of our family!
Thank You!
Megan for the family
Prayer Requests:
1. Andrew's trip- he left last Tuesday and will be gone for a week to survey again the area that he visited before. Please pray for easier travel this time. We have heard that the roads are not good again- the same set back as the last trip. Please pray that the guys (he's with 2 other missionaries) will be able to make a way into the areas they want to visit and survey. Pray also that we will not be discouraged by these challenges, but remember that these areas have not seen the light of the Gospel yet- they are unreached. And we need to keep persevering as we have an Enemy who does not wish for these people in the darkness to see the Light.
2. Health- since Christmas each family member has gotten sick in succession, starting with Kaden, ending with Andrew coming down with it the day before he left for his trip. Pink eye and a sore throat/cough thing has been going around our family. Kaden is basically better, Brenna is still sick, I am getting worse, and Andrew is sick but still able to travel and do what he needs to do. Please pray that we will not be discouraged by this, but know that God is strengthening us inwardly while outwardly we might not feel so strong.
3. The new place- please pray as we try to settle into our new house. There is still much to be done (repairs, some furniture we need, cleaning to be done). Pray that we will be patient in this process.
Praise:
1. We had our New Tribes Mission field conference last week (that's when Brenna and I got sick), and had a really good time meeting the rest of the missionaries on the field and getting to hear about the different ministries going on all over the Philippines. Praise God for the mighty work He is doing among the tribes here- there are two tribal locations that started teaching this year, very exciting!
2. Our new place- even though we are not settled in, we LOVE our new place and that we are ground floor now. The kids LOVE going outside to play, and watch everyone who walks by!
3. Friends- since we've been in our new place we've had several of our Filipino friends come stop by and visit. We are so blessed by them, and pray that we will be diligent to continue growing these relationships, despite the times that "life" happens and we feel overwhelmed!