A Life On the Ocean

Dear friends,

I am sitting upstairs in a small, windowless office that we fondly call a pack rat's haven (otherwise known as the Patmos office). Right now I see an orange wheel barrow, a step ladder, a marble table, pots and pans, coolers, a printer, tents, floodlights, and I know that behind me stand a washer and dryer. Not your average office. But we are not your average ministry either.

Tonight at 5:00pm, 17 staff and interns will check into Miami International Airport with 51 bags. We will fly for about eight or nine hours and upon landing, will take a city bus to the bus stop, then catch a public bus for a twelve hour trip to Campo Maurao. Thus begins our second term in Brazil. We have twenty students who will be coming a week later. They have already been on a journey of faith in just applying and raising support. They have no idea what is ahead of them. Please be in prayer for their hearts.

But really, I was reminded of what an unusual ministry this was when I landed back in Florida on the 23rd. Nothing is ever still or stable here. The stakes are higher and so the battles are bigger. Only sometimes we don't see it. We live like leaves on the surface of the ocean, following our leader. When something hits and unsettles the water, or when our leader moves, the water ripples, and we have to ripple with it to survive. We have to be loose, holding on to nothing, letting go of control, and willing to submit and love. Otherwise we will be washed up on shore. I have seen it happen. I have seen staff members get washed up on shore because they burnt out. And I am sure that God is leading them on their own journeys now, outside of Patmos, but they are dearly missed.

I just want to ask for prayer. The enemy attacks us as much as he can, even in little ways. Pray for the staff as we prepare to battle over twenty new students who Christ wants to make into soldiers. Pray for our hearts, that we would follow God's voice with courage and without compromise. Pray that we would have spiritual sight to discern when the arrows of the enemy are attacking. Pray for unity and humility.

I will try my best to keep updating my blog from Brazil. Thank you for all your prayers and love and support. I am so very excited about the work that God is going to do this term, the people He is going to set free, and the hearts that He is going to transform.

I love you all. Let me know how I can be praying for you in return.