Friday, February 20, 2009

Trust & Obey

Never have these words meant more to me. Never have I felt the keen sense of what being a "living sacrifice" means: Luke 14:33 "any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." His hand has been firmly, yet lovingly pressing me forward to live by faith, not leaning on my own understanding, but trusting in Him. We know (and really have the whole time) what He wants us to do. We don't know why or how it's all going to happen but we're moving forward one step at a time. Yep, we're moving (eventually) to Zambia. We really can't believe that the Lord would really want us for the job because we feel so inferior to the task. But all signs are pointing this way, every single one.
The other day as I was reading through the Bible I was struck by the example of the household of Stephanas at the very end of 1 Corninthians. Paul was honoring this household that "devoted themselves to the service of the saints....for they refreshed my spirit". It was an encouragement that Paul validated the importance of this ministry of service and refreshment. That is exactly what our ministry at Ciyanjano will be about: enriching the lives of the saints, especially the poor and needy.
Next step, to go to the head office of Action International in Seattle, May 4-8 for orientation and to be "officially" accepted. Then we will wait for monthly financial pledges needed for us to leave. With this economy, it will be the biggest miracle of all to raise enough support (but this is God's idea and He can do anything He pleases). Our job is to keep walking by faith, leaving the outcome to Him. We have determined as a family to enjoy each step in this process no matter how hard or long it might be. Everyone wants to know what will we do with our farm?? We trust that either the right renters or the right buyers will be knocking when the time is right. Thank you for your prayers for us as we made this stretching decision. We love you all!!

4 comments:

Lori Jackson said...

Yeah! I am so glad. You will experience God's word in so many new ways. I know it is a scary prospect, but I can really see the Lord's hand in all of this!

Anonymous said...

Yay Knifongs! We know you and your family will be greatly blessed by trusting and obeying the Lord's call on your life. Be sure to contact us about monthly pledges -- we want to help to support you!

Robyn said...

Kiristi,
So glad that you have decided on Zambia. Where is the actual location of where you will be? We will be in the north west of the western province...

Jenne said...

Wow!!! God will do it!