Thursday, January 17, 2013

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN

Is it me - or does time seem to be moving faster than ever?

Where did the days of 'we have plenty of time' go?

Thankfully, plane tickets have been purchased and rooms at the Christian Guest House booked. Our contacts in S.E. Asia are anxiously awaiting us and prayer and fasting have begun.

But ......
  •  I still have to get my last Hepatitis C shot
  • Clothes need to be bought for both Pat and I (old ones are getting tight!)
  • Visa pictures taken. Thank goodness for Visa on Arrival at the airports overseas. Instead of sending your passport away to the foreign embassy and wondering if you would ever see your passport again, you now can get your entry visa when you arrive at your destination.
  • Obtaining crisp, clean U.S. money.  No seriously, some countries we travel to do not have ATM's or banks for foreign exchange.  To exchange your money with a merchant it has to be PERFECT.  No creases, no tears, no fading of Benjamin Franklin's face.  Pat and I almost couldn't pay our hotel bill in one country because of a small tear in the corner of a $100 bill.  (Did I mention they don't take credit or debit cards in the entire country?)
  • Getting our house winterized and arranging for someone to watch it while we are gone  Thank God for Christian neighbors!  Oh, and our birds and plants to be given to someone for safe keeping.
  • And a million other things!! Last trip I forgot my glasses, can you believe that - so I had to get a pair made in Malaysia.
However, it is all worth it for the Kingdom of God and the souls that will be saved, healed, delivered and shown the love of God.

Can't wait to be on the plane heading to Thailand - that's when I know I'll be able to finally relax!

Catch you later - Gary

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

GREAT EXPECTATIONS



It's 2013!  Crazy, I know!

Both Pat and I love the beginning of a new year. We love the fresh start and great expectations in God that are stretched out before us.

2012 has been a year of favor and repositioning. We are amazed how the favor of the Lord has gone before us and opened doors we could not possibly think would be opened to us.  We have seen much change and freedom come into our lives and ministry this past year.

Excitement is in our house as we get ready to head back to S.E. Asia in February.  We will be ministering in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, India and God only know where else!  We're looking forward to reconnecting with 'old' friends,  making new friends, having new adventures, experiencing new food and sharing all of it with you!

We want to encourage you to continually expect great things from the Lord.  Expectation is the womb for faith. Expect the favor of the Lord and His faithfulness to position you for your destiny.  All for the purpose of God to be fulfilled in your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give yo hope and a future." (NIV)

Catch you soon!  Gary