Updates All Around
Well, it's about time I gave you an update.
It's been a flurry of e-mails and phone calls with both World Venture and Flying Mission.
Last week, I asked how I could prepare for my conference call with Bryan and Yvonne of FM. One of the things they wanted to know was whether I would be coming as an individual member or on loan from another organization. The act of being on loan is called seconding in missionary circles. It was something I really hadn't given much thought prior to that e-mail.
Last Friday I spoke again with Larry from World Venture. I'm still quite interested in becoming a member of their organization. They would be able to provide a lot of the support structure that a group as small as FM is logistically unable to provide. (I won't bore you with details, but it has to do with finances, taxes, home furloghs, etc.) When I asked him about seconding, he told me that they have a number of people who do that within their organization. He encouraged me to continue the application.
So now I've received 29 documents (literally) from Linda (she handles all the long-term apps) at WV which are all part of the application! Yikes! I'll be busy for a while. Everything needs to be completed and returned to the main office no later than April 30.
In the mean time, the conversation with Flying Mission also went well. They would really like me to visit for two weeks in November or December. When I asked them for more details on seconding, they mentioned that approximately half of their members are seconded from other organizations. Another encouragement for me.
I continue to pray that God opens only those doors that need to be open. I'm also praying that those doors which are shut are quite obviously shut. I've added to that, that God remove any desire from my heart that is not part of His will. For now, I will continue to work with both groups. I am getting the impression that they will both be very important in this adventure.
Things are definitely moving along. And I am excited. And somedays - a little overwhelmed. But the great thing is that God has it all under control. Even though I can't see it all yet, I'm sure that all will work out the way God has intended!
Thanks so much for all of your prayers and notes of encouragement! I appreciate them all.
Comments
This sounds cool. Pretty soon my entire family will be off in Africa doing the Lord's work, and I'll be here in SoCal, all by my lonesome.
Well, not entirely. The Stacia will be here too.
Posted by: Carsten Michael Seiler | March 30, 2006 04:16 PM
That sounds great. So glad to hear progress is being made on this noble venture! Still praying for you.
Posted by: Joann | March 30, 2006 01:06 AM