Slowing Down.

As the school year came to a close, I feel like my life has gone from full throttle to full stop. And I love it.

The beginning of June was full of creating and grading tests. Helping my procrastinating juniors and seniors somehow finish their paper (Church History) and business proposal (Economics). And then there was being the commencement speaker, wrapping up the school year, finishing the purchase orders for the next school year (with an entire list of different classes I will be teaching), and prepping the Bible lesson material for the summer camps I won’t be a part of.

Then there was the two day “commute.” Because of the war, I actually had to take a bus to Poland (with a few hours at border patrol) before I can fly to New York City. Then there’s the bus Upstate. Praise God, the entire trip went off without a hitch. At least until the very last leg of the trip. My bus from Syracuse to Fulton broke down and with less than 30 minutes before I could shower and sleep, I was sitting by the side of 481 waiting for a replacement for those last couple of miles.

Since then, my pace has slowed down. I am finally able to get the rest I have been looking forward to. This has given me the chance to step back and reflect on how this past year in a new environment has gone. No question, it has been an incredibly challenging year. But as I have been talking with many of my prayer partners as well as sharing at churches, I have come to appreciate how grateful I am that God has allowed me to go through it. And also as I have been able to celebrate America’s 250’th birthday, how blessed we are to be able to live in such a great country. Although there is always room for improvement, take it from someone who has spent the last decade in three very different countries, America is still the greatest country on earth, and I am blessed to be able to call it my home base.

Please Pray:
1. For peace in Ukraine. Although I am not hearing the regular evening attacks, they are still happening with the most recent serious attack coming just a few days ago. I am often asked by people here in the States, when and how will peace arrive. Outside of a move of God, I have no answer. But God still moves.
2. For effective rest. This summer has been a chance to slow down and recharge my spiritual batteries. Please pray that it will continue to be so. I don’t want to rest just for resting’s sake, but so that I will be able to work well when that time comes back around.
3. For itineration. I have met with some of my prayer partners and had some opportunities to preach and meet with pastors, there is more of that coming in the weeks ahead. Pray that as I am sharing my missions story, others will be called to the mission field and that some will join as prayer partners for Ukraine.
4. For traveling safety and logistics. July doesn’t have much long distance traveling for me, but there are other teachers also itinerating and missionary families with the school traveling within Ukraine and to and S Korea. Please pray for safe and smooth traveling.
5. For the USA. So grateful to live in such a blessed country. Pray that God will continue to bless it for another 250 years and beyond.
6. For the graduates. Two of my students have graduated. One will be going on to a technical college in Ukraine, the other to one of the best Christian colleges in Korea. Pray that God will be with them during this transitional time.
7. For the staff and students coming next year. There will be 12 new students (or more) and a few new staff that will be joining for the first time this next school year. That’s a 20% increase as we continue to grow and God continues to call more people to this mission field. Pray God’s blessing on them as they transition into this new ministry and location.

Click here if you would like to become a regular partner with me in reaching Ukraine.

Click here if you would like to make a gift toward my summer traveling expenses.