Be Aware of Comfort Zones

Comfort zones

As Amber and I continue to live abroad, we are constantly asking ourselves questions about stewardship and effectiveness. Are we being good stewards of the life God has called us to? Are we being effective in missions?

Just because someone is in missions, doesn’t automatically make them effective. A mentor reminded us that we need to remember to keep in mind the question “what are we battling for?” In the midst of a battle, people are drawn to seek God but if people are just sitting inside comfort zones, they are more likely to become complacent and forget to seek God. One of the most dangerous places that we can be in as Christians is in our comfort zone.

Thankful for the small/big things

I recently have just been noticing a lot more the small things that we sometimes can take for granted each day but really they are huge blessings and privileges to have access to. I’m so thankful for hot water, for a bed to sleep in, clean air to breath, and for roads to drive and walk on. I have been in places where none of these exist in the regular persons life and I am reminded each day in Taiwan that these are privileges that I am blessed with. God has given us so much.

Pressure from China

As things are very messy in Hong Kong right now, it reminds me of the pressure that Taiwan is also facing from China. It shows me a reality that this could possibly happen here one day as well, so we need to be vigilant about reaching the lost around us while we have freedom to do so. In China, they have a new law this year that makes it illegal to preach the gospel to anyone under 18, including your own children! People without a doubt continue to do so, but they are risking heavy penalties. These pressures haven’t reached Taiwan yet and I pray that we will be ever so bold in preaching the gospel no matter what the penalty is.

Fatherhood preparation

As I am preparing to be a father very soon, I am so blessed and honored to have father figures all around me in Taiwan and back in Canada/America who I can glean from and learn how to be a good father. I am excited to raise a kind, generous, loving, brave, and joyful boy who knows that he is loved and who loves others.

One mentor of mine who I recently met with shared that one of the greatest gifts I can give my son is to know and understand who I am as a son of God. To be secure in my sonship will give me strength and confidence as a father who is not trying to make the perfect child so that I can gain the approval from other people, but instead raise a son who knows that he is loved and cherished not only by his mother and father, but also from God who is his true Father.

Amber and I have been reading through the Bible and searching what Scripture says about parenting as well. We are just so excited to meet Hezekiah.

Outreach

Our base in Taiwan has a vision not only to reach the Taiwanese, but we also have a vision to reach the nations around us and feel that God has given us some specific places to start.
That being said, at the beginning of next year our entire staff from the base (70 people) will be going on outreach for 10 days in teams to these target nations to preach the gospel, establish relationships and see what God is saying about each place. Amber and I feel that God is telling us to go to a small town in Japan with one of the teams and so we are preparing our hearts for going with a small baby :). We really have no idea what God will do there but we are excited that more people are getting excited to preach the gospel and build relationships.

Amber and I are so thankful for all those who have helped support us with prayer and finances and who have encouraged us along the way. Your words and support is invaluable and we are thankful that God has blessed us with you. Let us know how we can be praying for you!