I apologize that this blog is shorter than usual and is not very informative, but this is the biggest thing that has happened this week. For those of you who read my last blog, things are improving, so thank you for your prayers!
Some of you may know, but for those of you who do not:
Today, we said goodbye to one of our family members, Jenessa. Without going into detail, she has had some medical issues in the past week, and the decision was made that it would be best for her to return to Canada and get medical attention. To be diplomatic, the situation is certainly less than desirable. We all hated to see her go, and I know that she hated to leave. We all love her so much, and she brought such joy to our team, I’m not even sure that I could begin to explain all that she meant to us. I should say that there is still a possibility (I’m not sure how big or small) that she may be able to return, but we will just have to see what happens when she gets home and has her appointments. I really don’t have much else to say besides the fact that despite the fact that I wholly hate the fact that she is no longer with us, my soul is at peace because God has assured me again and again of His sovreignty and the perfect timing of the execution of His will.
Please be praying for Jenessa for safe travels back to Canada and for strenght and courage to live the life she has been called to live as she returns home. Pray that she would be filled with the Holy Spirit so that she can continue to live out the life-change she has experienced in her three months on the trip and to continue to exude compassion, love, and joy.
I will leave you with this verse. I believe wholeheartedly that God will be faithful to this promise in the life of his daughter, Jenessa:
“God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Thanks, Kyle, for letting us know. We will be praying for her and for all your team missing her. BW
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the (your) Lord, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4
Kyle, Thank you for sharing from your heart. I can only imagine the myriad of emotions that you are experiencing. We are praying for you and your friends as you minister in Uganda — for peace, safety, guidance and strength. Sweet little Logan lifts you to God every single night as he says his bedtime prayers. You are making a difference — even here in Austin as you are far away in Africa. Hang in there — be steadfast in your Rock eternal.
Mrs. Garner
I was sorry to hear that you lost a team member for medical reasons. This tells us that satan is still roaring like a lion, seeking to discourage not only Janessa but the other team members. You must be doing something good for God or satan would leave you alone. Thanks for keeping us informed. Charlene shipman
Kyle,
I’m so sorry to hear that Janessa had to leave, but like you said it will all work together for good. God is still in control, God is still faithful, even when it doesn’t make sense to us! I’ll be praying for your team as you walk through this!
Erin
Kyle,
I’m sorry that friend has had to leave and that your team is experiencing the loss of having her go (we had a member that had to leave and it feels just terrible, like the loss of a family member). I will pray that God will comfort you all.
e
Dear Kyle,
You don’t know me but I am a friend of your mother’s and have had a daughter far from home on a 7 month mission trip to Chile, so I can relate to some of what you are experiencing. I have been praying for you and your team and am so impressed with your blog. The gap between your dreams and expectations and the reality of the world you have stepped into will be filled with God’s provisions and enabling. I can promise you will be taken by surprise. God is so good and we can always expect that, but we can never anticipate the ways He will use us. I am so thankful for young, capable believers like yourself that have being willing to sacrifice the comforts you were born into to be in someone else’s world to do a job that only God can see the entire view of. I praise God for you and your team mates and will pray specifically for your needs. I am so encouraged and inspired by your obedience to seek God’s help. I need that obedience in my daily living here in Austin. Thank you for that example. I have a scripture that I pray for you: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him for He shields him all day long and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders. Dueteronomy 33:12”
In Him, Lynda Pierce