There are a series of questions starting around 2:10 that seem to resonate with our thoughts these days…
Man, this blog has gotten murky. Sorry, folks. I’ve been hesitating to write much these days because it’s been so difficult*. I really don’t want to make it sound like following Jesus sucks… But for us, right now, it kinda does. My hope is that at the end of all this, I can say “following Jesus is awesome!” with confidence and with the circumstances to prove it.
Our life makes about as much sense as this sign. Sorry so blurry.
Historically, it’s been a pretty cool ride with Jesus. Mich and I have many stories to tell where God surprised us when we jumped just a little into uncharted waters. He has always proven to be faithful; far more than we have deserved. We’ve been blessed beyond our imagination when we’ve trusted in what we couldn’t see. It’s just that now it’s taking a whole lot longer than anyone’s imagined for God to do his stuff. It’s hard, and it often sucks.
For those unfamiliar with Jesus and living a life of faith, I want to tell you it’s a breeze… but I’d be lying. The truth is: it’s a painful sacrifice. Few understand why we continue on this way and others politely tell us we’re naive. We’re not being martyred or anything… but sometimes I think that would be preferable.
I know it’s sounding depressing and all–sorry. You’ll just have to wait for the good news. We’re waiting, believe me, more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. You will soon read of better things here, because God is more faithful than we are. Darkness always comes before dawn, and it’s pretty dark over here. Dawn has to be on its way.
We know God is good. Blessed are we. In spite of all that we must endure, we have been given the gift of family. God has given us a new family to love and be loved by. Without their love and support, I don’t know if we could have come this far. We dine together, worship together, pray together, encourage and love on each other. I have had no greater love for a small group of friends than I have with our family.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with a love that sustains us through our darker hours. You are good.
Thanks for the Psalm, Sheneneh LaFontaine.
*For those of you joining us for the first time and have no idea what I’m talking about: We’re being falsely accused in court, ¥ rate is a killer, some people hate us, blah blah blah, more blah blah blah, and it’s really cold outside–which is hard for those of us who had been living in Hawaii for the last 10-20 years.
Amen. God is faithful! When I pray for you all, I tell God I know He’s going to do it, as He showed me. I just ask him to speed it up
I feel the need, the need for speed.
Yeah, that was dumb, but I know you smiled. Give you ¥40 if you can tell me what movie that was from.
Requesting a fly by, Goose.
Hey Scott – I’ve been following along and praying for you. I’m going to pray harder. You’re an inspiration and a role model to me as a man and a father and a husband to your family. Thank you for sharing this blog with us.
Blessings and all the best,
Paul
And ¥40 goes to Paul! What will you do with another 51¢?
Thanks for praying for us. I’m probably not the best role model… but honored that you would think of me. We’re just another family trying to navigate our way through this crazy life.
I still remember you imparting your gift to me before my Bangladesh mission. That was perfectly awesome and incredibly useful. Thank you, Paul! Thank you, Lord!
Luckly, I don’t need 3.5 cents…cuz I dunno where that line is from, but yes, I smiled
If 3.5¢ could buy me ¥40, we would be doing very nicely over here.
Top Gun. Maybe it’s a guy thing. Glad you smiled.
I knew it was 0.40, but I ignored the last zero again….sigh, I will forever be giving honest Japanese cashiers $50 Yen bills for bread and a coffee! God, please can I, can I, huh? Soon?
Awesome. Dawn is coming since you believe it and see it in your heart. I heard Thankfulness can speed up things.
Thanks Annie! Yes, we have much to be thankful for.
It’s always more fun to write an upbeat mission report, and more fun to receive one, too–but, sometimes that’s just not what the situation calls for. Some days (weeks, months) nothing goes right and it’s best to be honest. So glad you have a family, a small group that you can lean on. God is great and dependable, but sometimes we just need flesh and blood, a warm hand shake, a hug, even a shoulder to cry on to get us through situations. Praying for you, friend!
Elaine Olelo Masters
Man, it’s like you have been here. Please let me know next time you’re passing through Japan.