Joy in the Midst of Struggle

Philippians 4:4-8

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say rejoice!  Let your gentleness be made known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."

I find Paul's letter to the Philippians to be a great encouragement to believers in any circumstance.  By encouragement I not only mean an uplifting or comforting feeling, but a realistic look at the ultimate future with confidence of a good outcome, though there may be great difficulties now or in the near future.  Whether I was reading this passage in Philippians as a teenager in high school, or having just read it again a couple weeks ago I find it incredibly encouraging that the Lord calls and enables his people to rejoice, to pray and give thanks, to have peace, and to meditate on what is good no matter what may be or what may come. 

In the ministry that I believe the Lord has called me to, I would be dishonest if I said that I never face doubt or fear.  There are sometimes questions that arise in my mind such as, "Is God really calling me to live with the Laarim to bring the Gospel to them or am I just chasing after my own idea?" or "Am I really prepared or able to carry out this difficult task?" I sometimes get anxious when I think about these questions, though these questions in themselves are not bad.  But I am reminded of the words of God through Paul in Philippians to be anxious for nothing and to present our requests to God.  When I go to Him in prayer, I am reminded of His faithfulness.  Whether I am facing difficult questions, ambiguous situations, or difficult times, I can rejoice knowing that God sees my needs and will meet them in His way.  The anxiety comes when I try to figure it all out through my own understanding and forget to look to Him who is the author and perfecter of my faith.  I would not be here if I did not believe the Lord called me to this work and I am excited about living with and ministering among the Laarim people. But even if my direction were to unexpectedly change, whether it be from outside circumstances or a strong conviction that God was calling me elsewhere, I know that the Lord will enable me to give thanks and have internal peace.  Or if I found ministry among the Laarim to be far more difficult than I would have imagined, I would still be able to continue rejoicing in the Lord, meditating on what is pleasing to Him, and moving forward.

After a month in Uganda, I am back to South Sudan.  I was welcomed by a missionary family of five who just moved back to South Sudan after spending a few years back home.  I had met them previously and had been looking forward to their coming.  It is nice to have some company on the compound.  While I was out Uganda, the temperature in South Sudan dramatically increased and I came back to temperature highs ranging from 100-113 F. Needless to say getting good sleep is a bit more difficult.  Like in Nebraska, the "winter" here leaves little green until the rains come, which here is usually in mid-March.

I made my last visit to the Laarim territory during Christmas and the Sudanese church in Juba is sending out their missionary, Pastor Joshua to make a month long visit in March.  I will likely be joining him soon after he departs.  A couple days ago I felt that we were struggling to move forward, but I am hopeful about this planned visit.  I am seeing the importance of both patience and persistence: seeking and waiting on the Lord along with considering and trying different strategies.  Having some time out in Uganda has been refreshing and helped me to renew my focus.  Knowing that the church here, the Laarim people, and I are being prayed for by believers around the world is a great encouragement.  I have much to be thankful for.  

Please continue to pray for:

-Effective partnership between AIM missionaries and Africa Inland Church and their missionaries. 

-Wisdom for us as we continue to consider strategies for reaching the Laarim people.

-A continual dependence on Jesus for all that we are doing.