sweeping away sin

It was March of 2007 that we heard the call to this second missionary journey. We understood little more than to get rid of our stuff and be available. At the time, we were supporting a friend in Jim's Sunday School class who was serving as a home missionary for a new work beginning in Peru.

Now, two years later, we have sold our home and moved into a one bedroom apartment on a short-term lease agreement. Jim has given his immediate supervisor notice of our plans to begin full-time ministry. They asked to continue working when we sure that would walk him out the door. We consider this God's provision for us at this time and evidence of His Sovereign hand over the timing of His purposes.

We are continuing to prepare and stay immediately available, practically. The Lord is continuing His work in our hearts.

I remember the analogy the Lord showed me about the work He had to do in me. It was on my first mission project to Peru in July of 2007. I saw a young Peruvian man, who has become a son in the faith to us, sweeping the dirt on the grounds of project. I had noticed people in the community sweeping the dirt in the front of their homes. I was on the roof sweeping with another Peruvian brother, Jose.

I kept wondering, what value is their in sweeping dirt? It was so unusual to me. In that moment, the Lord spoke very clearly to my heart, "I created you from dust, and you are still very dirty. I am about to begin a sweeping work in your life. 

Since that time my Father has been sweeping away at the self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, selfish ambition, and pride in my heart. Sometimes there has been sharp pain, more like He has been using a knife than a broom.

Yesterday, I was reading Luke 6 where Jesus talks about building our house on rock, instead of sand. Jesus says that we must "dig deep" to get to the rock.

he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. v48

I thought, "Good grief, He is going to come at me with a shovel now!!"

Deep breath...bring it on!

By His Mercy and Grace, through the sweeping, I have come to know my Jesus more fully as my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Deliverer. I am more in love with Him today than ever!

We do not know what or when the next step is, be He does. He will show Himself Faithful, Provider, and always Sovereign. 

Jim and I leave July 12 to serve with folks from our local church and then I will stay on to lead a team from NW Hill United Methodist from San Antonio, Texas. 

Thank you so much for your friendship. We are richly blessed in the lives He has connected us with you.