It hardly seems possible that less than two months ago we were planning a vacation with some friends in Europe, Italy in particular. But then God....
This really has been the story of our lives. But then God....
But there we were on Feb 5th, minding our own business. Bev had watched and episode of "I'll Have What Phil's Having" earlier in the week. It was an episode about the food in Tokyo, Japan. And unlike her previous desires to avoid Asia in our travels, she had a change of heart. "I think I could enjoy that!" came streaming out of her mouth. I almost dropped dead in my tracks. "What have you done with my wife!"
So then on Thursday 5 Feb I was up early as usual studying and praying. I felt the LORD say to me, "Begin to prepare sermons." That was odd. We have spent the last two years pouring into our children and grandchildren, as well as providing marriage therapy as part of our church counseling center. But we had no openings for sharing the Word. We had no connections that would facilitate an opportunity. We had put this in the LORD's hands. If something came it would have to be Him. We had no way of making anything happen.
And yet, I distinctly felt Him tell me to prepare sermons. So I began to prepare.
Bev and I were heading to MacDill Air Force Base to do some shopping that morning. As we started out on the journey I mentioned to Bev what I had felt the LORD tell me that morning. "Begin to prepare sermons." She responded, "OK." But how else could she respond. If this was from the LORD, it was from the LORD!
To speed this up a bit, but then God....
That evening we received an email from a friend in our Sunday School class. Their son, a missionary in Japan, needed someone to fill their pulpit for three months this Summer so they could return to the States and reconnect with their supporting congregations. The congregation in Japan was primarily American military and their families.
Bev is ready for Asia. I'm preparing sermons. We are free this Summer. We can afford to travel there. We know the needs of the military. But then God....
We both felt a confirmation from the Holy Spirit that HE was opening this door.
So this is where we are, Okinawa bound.
Do you have any "but then God ...." moments in your life? I hope so.
We'll keep you updated as we go along. Watch for ministry updates, food recommendations, and links to sermons. And lots of pictures of "But then God ...." moments.