Commit Your Works to the Lord

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

It is a regular occurrence for me to be surprised when the Lord provides exactly what we need at exactly the right time.  He is always faithful, always.  He promises to supply all our needs (Phil 4:19), and yet we are amazed time and time again when He does the very thing that He promises He will do!  I am ashamed of my unfaithfulness, and forever grateful that I serve a forgiving, powerful, almighty God!

We have officially made the transition from the "acclimation" phase to the "very busy" phase of our life here in Portugal, and we are loving it!  Our week consists of Bible studies, home-schooling, English teaching, small group fellowship, leadership training, language training, soccer, culminating with the church gathering together for Sunday worship.  We are so thankful and blessed to be a small part of this awesome ministry in Porto!

The Lord has continued to provide teaching hours for me in and around the city.  Just today I was given a new class that will furnish hours all the way to June!  Teaching has given me the chance to meet new people, and I have had great opportunities to share my faith with many of them.  Please pray that I will be effective in both my teaching and, more importantly, in sharing my faith.

The past few Fridays we have had the young men of the church in our home for Bible study.  The Lord has given us a burden to help each one of them understand the very clear purpose the Lord has for us as men.  It is a joy for me to come alongside them with the common goal of growing closer to our Savior.  Please pray that these times will be fruitful and honoring to the Lord.

Caryne and the girls are adapting well, and we are thankful for the church family for making the transition as smooth as possible.  A dear friend from the church gives Portuguese lessons to Anadia and Cora every Wednesday, and each day after lunch I help them with their Portuguese homework.  This is in addition to their daily homeschool with their awesome teacher Caryne. :)

Things You can be in Prayer For:

 - I am traveling to Ames, IA, October 30 - November 10, for leadership training at the annual BILD Summit.  Please pray for traveling mercies, as well as for Caryne and the girls as I leave them for the first time since we moved here.

 - In August the Lord graciously provided us with a car through the generosity of a man at our church.  We are still in need of approximately $1550 to pay for the car, and the owner would like the funds by the end of the year.  Please pray that these funds will be provided.

 - Finally, please be in prayer for my parents.  My father will be in need of hip replacement surgery as a result of very painful arthritis and deterioration.  Please pray for my father for successful surgery and recovery.  Please also remember my mother as she cares for dad, while she continues to help care for her parents in Canada.

Thank you so much for your partnership in this ministry!  We cherish your faithful love and prayer!