Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Alicante, Spain is Full…

Alicante, Spain is full, and we have gone to a waiting list as of Monday, August 20, 2018. Waiting list Registration can be found at www.purejoyinternational.org It is not uncommon for us to have a couple of people move up from the waiting list before we depart the country so I encourage you to register if you sense God’s leading. Waiting list registration will be closed September 14, 2018.

The team is in full swing regarding preparations and our countdown to leaving the country the first week in October. Please continue to pray for the team, the missionaries, the details… that we forget nothing of what HE would have us bring to them in hand and in our hearts. Pray that even now God is preparing the way for safe travel, luggage to all get to our destinations, flights, flight exchanges and good health for all. Also, continue to pray for missionary support. We have 15 sponsored with 35 to go.
 
For several weeks I have been sharing with you the importance of seeing our missionaries more realistically; understanding that they have everyday struggles just as we do in all areas: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. They are human just as you and I are. They are not perfect, and they truly need for us to let them off the pedestal we have made for them. (smile)
 
Having said all that, I want you to know I totally love our missionaries. I love them so much I don’t mind asking the hard questions when we are on the field doing a conference. Like, “Did God call you to pick up and come here?” You may say,” Well Vickie, what a stupid thing to ask a missionary on the field. Really?” I ask because I care about them and their families. Do you know that sometimes people who love the LORD and have a heart to serve, and are looking for a way to serve, can get caught up the moment in an environment where a missionary or missions conference is? They get swept away by all the excitement and emotions and make a commitment to serve overseas. Months later when the dust settles, they “feel” too far in to admit it was more “emotion” than God’s leading. And before you say, “I can’t believe she is saying this,” do you know how many people have walked the aisle because they didn’t want to disappoint family, friends, etc? They didn’t want to have to figure out how to give the gifts, money, etc. back?
 
I share this with you because I need you to know we have missionaries who have clearly been called to their field of service. They have been placed there by God. Just as Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden (that really turned out well) hahaha. The point is God placed him there knowing what his journey would be. God places us where we need to be for our journeys, too. I tell missionaries on the field, who love Jesus with all their heart, but missed God on the calling to serve overseas, “Go home. Stop worrying if your family will be disappointed, people will think you failed, people you serve with on the field think you are wrong for going home, are wrong for leaving them, etc., etc.”
 
Whether you serve across the waters, or you serve here at home, in prayer and time with the Father, make sure you know He has placed you where you are. He cares for you, and He desires His best for your journey and His Glory!

Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 


Love you guys…

His,
Vickie

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