The Next Steps ....

We have been thinking about "the next steps" ever since we decided to embark on this journey with the Lord. It has constantly been in the front of our minds.

The Lord has called us to missions.

What are the next steps to take?

We must sell our house.

What are the next steps to take?

We are going to move to Louisville.

What are the next steps to take?

And on, and on, and on ....

We are seemingly at another "what are the next steps?" kind of moment. Aaron will finish his M.A. in Missiology next May. That is only one year away - and almost overwhelming to think about! My how time flies!!

We began with our hearts and minds set on Hispanic ministry somewhere overseas. We have yet to feel a call anywhere else. We very much feel that God has asked us (told us) to go somewhere in South America or Central America to serve His purpose with our lives. Our original plan was to do this by joining up with the International Mission Board and being commissioned by them. Never once did we consider going to one of these places as self-supported missionaries - until now. God has so revealed Himself to us, and we fully believe that whatever path He has for us, He will provide a way for us to take it. We have learned of great needs for teaching and discipling in these areas (as well as others). Our hearts have turned towards this type of missionary service. We have learned that being a missionary doesn't necessarily mean going and taking the Gospel to everyone, everywhere. While some missionaries are called to do just such, some are called to teach and disciple those people that the other missionaries have just won to Christ. This is where we feel the Lord leading us. Aaron has been privileged to attend Southern Seminary, and to have Dr. Sills for several classes. His website Reaching and Teaching, and his latest book of the same title have allowed us to see the great need for theologically sound doctrine to be taught to these new believers for years before the nationals are really able to take over and disciple and teach on their own. This is the area that we feel the Lord leading us to serve in, and thus, we feel that going with another agency is the best thing for us. While we are not totally shutting out the possibility of going with the IMB, the chances are getting smaller and smaller. Funding is down at the IMB, and they are not sending as many missionaries as once before.

Another step we would take is coming back to Southern after 2 years on the field for Aaron to work on his D.Miss. This would allow us to go back and he could teach at one of the seminaries to earn income, and we could do ministry without having to seek funds from supporters. It all sounds crazy to some - and sometimes even to us! - but we know that God will provide and take care of all the needs that we have in order that we serve Him in the capacity that He has called us to.

As always, we seek your prayers as we progress in our journey! We are so grateful for friends and family who lift us up. We couldn't do this without you!