Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Vienna Venture

We are in the process currently of letting people know of the new ministry we are working towards--our Vienna Venture! We have appreciated all the responses to this new work. Some people are really delighted and some are fearful for us and the changes. We remain committed to this decision even in the face of friendly challengers. The challenges serve to help us realize the enormity of the choices we have made and help us be confident in the Lord to move ahead. If this was not of God, the challenges would have served to cause us to back down. But in fact, they have made us more determined! Still we know that if God does not come through for us, we do not go forward. We are really dependent on Him to carry out what He has begun.

Do we like to say Good-bye to dear family and friends, home and pets? NO!!!! But it is part of the going process. I wish we could take everyone there with us. But I know that the Lord will provide the love and support and home and friends we will need to live and serve him in Vienna.

Since we are not God we cannot see into the future and know all the consequences of every decision we make. This is where trust comes in. This is where the promises of God come in! So many promises have leapt off the pages of the Word in recent days. Joshua 1: 3 "I will give you every place where you set your foot..." We have been at Kost Church for 8 years by the gift of God. We will be in Vienna by the same gift of God. He will give it to us as we set out. We have to start walking one foot at a time into the places God has for us. He said he would give it! So we will work along side what He is doing.

Tom talked with the director of Vienna Christian School this morning. They are in close agreement for the direction of the Bible classes. It is so great for Tom to have the support and shared vision for the future of the Bible department at the school. Tom and I will join the older staff inthe spiritual mentoring of younger staff. We will also be hosting students in our home on a regular basis. This is quite a relational ministry---not dry classroom teaching! Up close and personal.

So for a prayer request, pray for us as we have sent out a letter to Kost Church and continue to let friends and family know of our upcoming new ministry in Vienna. This is a hard week emotionally for us all. Thanks so much. God bless you!

4 comments:

Patti said...

I am so happy to hear of your decision! Congratulations to you all and of course the best wishes, hopes, and thoughts as this moves forward!

Patti

Brad & Stacey said...

Praying for you guys! Of course we are very excited for you and know specifically how to pray...as we have been through this process! Can't wait to see all the ways God provides!

Kristina Beasley said...

Oh wow!! I'm so glad that you are able to combine two things that I know you enjoy doing the most..teaching and missions. And moving to a different country is a very enriching experience in itself. Congratulations!!

Unknown said...

How exciting! Julie, it was great to see you and talk a little last week. Thanks for the link to your blog--We will look forward to seeing all God does in and through your family in this new adventure!