Our call to missions was one of SURRENDER! Unlike many, we weren’t called to a specific country or people group. We simply surrendered our plans for God’s plans and wherever the door opened, we would enter. In 2005, the door opened to serve our first term in Ecuador. In 2010, a very unexpected door opened to serve stateside in Gibson City, IL ~ although we were somewhat reluctant, we walked through. Now as we begin to plan for our third missionary term, we’ve struggled to know what God has in store for us. That’s why we love this picture:
However, at this time, God opened two doors: to return to Ecuador as church planters or fill an immediate, critical need in the Men For Missions headquarters in Greenwood, IN. We desire both! We could see ourselves doing either one. So, how do you choose? We don’t believe that one is right and the other is wrong. We don’t believe that one is right and the other is better. Our hearts are in both ministries. So, after much prayer, we’ve decided to walk through the door that brings more peace at this time in our lives and the lives of our family. This is not to say that the door has been completely shut to returning to Ecuador. We are always open to the Lord's leading.
We are very excited to announce that we will be making our way to Greenwood, IN to accept two critical needs in the Men for Missions office. Doug will join Bill Evans in handling logistical details of ministry teams in the US and special teams that originate out of the MFM office. Last year there were 112 teams. Cindy will join the Follow Up department and will work to provide follow up for the folks that served on these short-term mission teams. Last year there were 750 people.
However, the details about relocation verses commuting are still very fuzzy. We have several regional commitments through August, Cindy is leading a team to Trinidad in June, and Doug may be heading to Colombia in July, so we will once again wait for doors to open. Please pray as we begin to transition. Please pray that if we are to move soon, that our house would sell and we would be able to find housing on OMS campus before Jonathan begins his senior year. Until that time, we will continue to work remotely from home and make frequent trips to Greenwood. In the midst of the “struggle” to decide, we were greatly humbled that God would continue to allow us this incredible privilege of serving Him, let alone give us choices. Our God is so abundant and we are thankful for EVERY opportunity He puts before us to honor Him with our lives.
We are very thankful for those of you that give to us and pray for us, so that we can serve in opportunities such as these.
Blessings,
Doug & Cindy
