As Tonya and I, along with all of our family, start holding all the last moments together it feels odd in some ways. Attempting to get as many people contacted before we leave and hold onto them while calling to make arrangements to be in Botswana is unsettling to me. I can not process it and emotionally it is a drain. Looking back to what has gotten us to this point, we know God has a plan and purpose in all of this. Tonya and I have looked over our early prayer request list we made when we got started and we sit amazed at how wonderful His details were as His plans unfolded before us. He has taken a very long list and made it short. Continue to pray for our emotions as we prepare to leave on the 9th and for Makenzie as she starts here 2nd year of college with out us being here. We know He will provide for He is our Jehovah Jireh.
Amazed that we have met people who are connected in some small or large capacity for Botswana and Africa. From twin girls who have been praying for Botswana for 2 years and making dolls for children to people who just want to be part of what God is doing there by supporting us. As I look forward, I realize I do not have the capacity to understand God's greatness through His grace provided for His people. The more I experience, the more mysterious He becomes. Why would he take a large family such as mine and do some many amazing things around us? John 15 is the only answer I have right now. He expects all of us to bear His fruit. He has directed us to Botswana to tend His field there. Our direction is led through obedience and hope in His promises. There is more for all His family members directed through obedience. Today I can confirm our choice to obey has helped us more see how abundant of a God He is for all His children. Our decision has never been about us, it has been based on going and growing His kingdom for Christ through the children of Botswana. Thank you friends and family for helping to make it possible.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
We love you and have been blessed by watching GOD show up and show out in your life!! I have been blessed by your family, by your friendship, and now as I watch this next season UNFOLD in God fashion. I am honored to witness God's presence in your life and have seen MUCH fruit from your ministry to others. We will continue to pray for you, with you, and talk to our DADDY about you!
ReplyDeleteDearest Shipes Family,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to write you since I will be out of town during your commissioning service. I am so grateful that our paths have crossed! It started in a Community Bible Study led by Scott and grew in scrapbooking with Tonya. Thank you both for sharing your love of the Lord and your wisdom! I would like to share my prayer for you all...Heavenly Father, As this family takes their biggest step yet, I pray that you would protect them, guide them and remind them of your perfect plan. Watch over them as they travel and as they begin to get settled in Botswana. Help them to deal with the emotions of the adjustments that are ahead and to remember that You have their best interests at heart. I pray that you would give Makenzie strength and peace in knowing that she too is serving You by staying here in the states to complete her studies. Lord, only you know the plans you have for each and every member of this family and we know that they are in good hands. Remind them that although there will be some tough times, you will carry them through. Bless each and every person that comes in contact with them, as they have blessed so many of us already. Give their families peace, and comfort their hearts as they send them off to do Your work abroad. Thank you Lord for bringing them into my life and for giving me the opportunity to call them friends. I pray that together we will be able to continue to honor You, as we each do our part to spread Your good word. All this I pray in Jesus name, Amen Joshua 1:9