Until…

After 7+ years on the mission field, I suppose it’s natural to wonder how much longer we’ll be doing this.  It seems that many have asked us recently how much longer we plan on “doing what it is we’re doing” here in the Cloud Forest Region of Ecuador. It’s been a tough year emotionally, but very successful with regards to ministry.  Being and Making Disciples always comes at a cost. 

Missionaries tend go through all sorts self-critical thoughts when beginning to execute or think about an exit strategy or when, for one reason or another, are forced to leave their ministry areas.  There’s guilt, sadness, anxiety, and a full range of other emotions.  We’re no different.

We remain the only cross-cultural missionaries in the region and have been so for as many years.  The Lord has brought other workers for the harvest, but none have stayed.  It’s ok, it’s driven us very deep into the culture and yielded much fruit.

Both my wife and I have had the opportunity to be back in the States this year for extended times and have visited family, been encouraged by friends, and participated in numerous ministries there.  After spending a bit of time in the culture “we grew up in,” it’s always challenging to readjust to this environment.  It’s a hard life.  In thinking about the real possibility of returning to the States, I sought the Lord in intense and constant prayer.  Ultimately, it boiled down to one question; “Lord, how much longer are we supposed to do this?”  He answered…  He said “Until…”

“Until…”

I suppose some would consider that answer annoying, frustrating, and incomplete, but it has brought me the experience of God’s peace, which exceeds anything I could have understood, a peace which is guarding my heart and mind as I continue to live “until” in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)  I can honestly say that I have not experienced this level or sort of before.

So for now, I’ll not submit God’s mission for us to my whims or the fanciful notions of others, but Stay until, Go Until, Speak Until, Make Him known Until, Wait Until, Assemble Until, Be Until, Partake Until, Participate Until, Stop Until, Know Until, Give Until, and dwell on “until” for as long as, or until God directs otherwise.

The “Until” is uncomfortable, unknowable, and unexplainable.  It places me in that position where I must depend on, listen to, and be disposed to God’s leading.  I like being in that position.  I hope to write a document called “The Until Language of Scripture,” and make it available for free via this blog.

Until then, be at peace…

P.S.  If you’re interested in providing food to hungry families in the

Cloud Forest Region of Ecuador this Holiday season, visit this link. 

 

 

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