Please be praying for RE:hope

The following is from Brian Ingrahams BLOG as of this morning... please join us in praying

Well, it is time to pray hard. Time to pray for me. This church. This mission.

After two years of living with two weeks notice we have received our official and final two weeks notice. We must completely leave our church building and hand in the keys in no more than 13 days from today. Meaning, we will have church in our building tomorrow and next week then we must be leaving.
I am sure many will feel shock and grief at this. No doubt you may have many questions that I have NO answers to. Why? What will happen? Where do we go? I have no answers for these questions at all. I do know it is time to pull together.
First of all, we need a MASSIVE prayer covering. If you could commit at least 30 minutes a day to specifically praying for me and our church situation for these next 20 days we NEED it.

Secondly, if you are local and have ideas on places we could go either short or long term please send me the details. Find out how much, how long we can be there, how soon we can move in, is there place for our stuff, where is it located… ? Then send me all that data via email as soon as possible. (brian-at-rehope-dot-co-dot-uk)

Thirdly, if you live locally you are also very welcome to join us Monday morning at 9am at the church for prayer and planning over this quick and unexpected change.

If you are wondering how I am feeling? I am confident that “The One Who Leads” sees and knows and cares about our situation. I am confident that the One who began this work will be faithful. No doubt this moment is not my favourite of all time, and I would love to stay where we are forever. There is shock and grief. However, I do find myself grinning at the unknown, sure that God will lead us, and what seems horrible in the moment we will look back upon as important, pivotal and amazing for our future.

I have been looking ahead at the passage for our final Sunday in the building, 8 days from now, and it could not be more perfect. God has set us up for His final message to us in this great building as we get ready to enter our second exodus from the same place.

Father, lead us clearly through the unknown.

Our little ballerina

busy...

I've been VERY busy lately traveling to and fro but thought I might direct you to The Berean Ways blog so that you might hear more about the ministry that we are going to be working with. Jeff is currently in India making plans for our next trip this fall... he has GREAT pictures and stories!

Blessings!
Tim

from heaven...

John 3:27

...John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven..."

It is amazing how easy it is to begin to think we are God.

I know we would NEVER say it that way... but we behave like it. It's really subtle. In fact, it often sneaks up on us when we aren't looking.

These past few weeks Britany and I have begun (again) the process of looking for a home in Portland. House hunting is one of those love/hate things. It is really fun to look at all the possibilities and ask "what if" questions BUT it can also become a bit consuming and overhelming when you have a deadline and confused expectations. You suddenly find yourself trying to create the "perfect" home scenario... looking to meet all your needs and expectations. Nothing is good enough. Every option doesn't quite fit your expectations completely. And anxiety begins to build in your soul. Why can't I figure this out?!

Then you remember Jesus saying somthing like, "...don't be anxious..." (why is this such a hard thing to remember) and you realize God's in control... not you.

As I read this passage this morning in John I was reminded of this powerful truth... everything thing we recieve comes from God... not from me. I'm not God. Nor do I want to be... to big of a job. But God know's what I need even before I ask, His plans are trustworthy... and His provision perfect.

Lord, give me the grace to rest in Your provision... the courage to trust when I don't see the way... and the faith to stand and believe instead of trying to take the reigns. Amen.

pray for us... May 1/09

Colossians 4:2-3

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us...

A number of you have asked how you can be praying for us through these next few months. Well, I'm GLAD you asked! Please be praying for these four big things:

First, for all the details of another transition. Having just walked through an international move it kind of feels like this should be WAY easier but there are still so many pieces it is overwhelming. Please pray for wisdom as we navigate our children through this move... new school, friends and community... again!

Second, for leaving well. Though we have only been in San Diego for a short spell this team has been our family for much longer. Please pray for good goodbyes. Also be praying for us as we navigate releasing our work here and beginning our new work in Portland. It is vital that we honor both ministries in this time.

Third, for our home search. Once again we are looking for a house to move into... but we are praying all the same prayers. We are looking to be close to the school, close to our team(Jeff and Erin), and with the "right" price tag. This is big for us because we are trying VERY hard to get our monthly expenses down AND we are hopeful because it is a buyers market (as you all know).

Fourth, for our finances. So much has changed in the last year with the economy and the shift in the dollar that we are in the place of most missionaries (and non-missionaries for that matter) - trying to make every penny count. Please continue to hold our finances up to God as you think of us... we are confident in His provision!

Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragement. Our strength is truly renewed as we call upon the Lord together with you our friends and family. We have so much to be thankful for... including all of you!

grace and peace,
Tim