GUESS WHAT? We Have Moved!

“Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Up on your feet! Eat and drink—celebrate! Rain is on the way; I hear it coming.’

“Then Elijah said to his young servant, ‘On your feet now! Look toward the sea.’

He went, looked, and reported back, ‘I don’t see a thing.’

‘Keep looking,’ said Elijah, ‘seven times if necessary.’

And sure enough . . . Things happened fast.”

(excerpts from 1 King 18)

We are happy to announce, God has provided! We have a home! It’s a 1930s bungalow that we will be renting this year (and we hope longer!) in downtown Tyler, TX. It’s ten minutes to CHS, the school where I teach and Audrey attends, and it’s 25 minutes to the YWAM campus in Lindale where Richard serves. It’s exactly what we wanted in so many ways, and we are thankful … so very thankful for God’s provision!!!

Over a week ago during my morning Bible reading, God used these words in 1 Kings 18 to stir my heart. I knew God was speaking and shared it with Richard. God was on the move, and He wanted us to be ready.

Then a few days after that, we had come across a home that was nice, but it had some trouble spots. I didn’t really want to step into that. But on the drive home from the school one day, I just knew God wanted me to give Him my “yes”. He gently and intimately tugged my heart and said, “Trust Me.” With tears streaming down my cheeks, I said, “Yes, Lord. I will trust You. I’ll go and do whatever You want.”

When I got home to look up that home on the computer again, I found that it was no longer available. I was surprised but then concluded that God simply wanted my yes. So prayed again and affirmed that our lives were His!

The next day kept me busy with end of the school year activities and meetings. When I got home, I did my usual “house check” and that’s when I saw this beauty pictured above. It was a brand new listing on the rental market AND it was on a brick street downtown, right in the area we wanted.

My heart leapt for joy, and so I quickly made the appointment to go see that evening. After spending an hour and half walking through every square inch multiple times, we believed it was the one, so Richard, Audrey, and I stood together and prayed for God to make a way if it was the good land He had for us to enjoy.

If you know our story at all, you will know it doesn’t quite make sense on paper. When you don’t get paid a salary by the organization you work for, and you haven’t been paying rent for the last 4 years of your life, these things can raise red flags for the one reviewing our application. But after a few phone conversations and explanations, we were approved and told we had 14 days to move in!!! Praise the Lord. He had done it. He had moved the mountain and met the need. And He not only met the need, but He met the desire of our hearts!!

Because the city has offered us a relocation package to help with some of the expenses of moving and renting a new place, most of the rent we will have to pay this next year is covered, which is a tremendous blessing. The remaining money needed, we trust God is going to provide because we know this is where He has planted us.

One important remaining prayer need is a second car. We are no longer able to manage with just one car. As of now, we are borrowing a truck from a friend who went home for a few months during the pandemic, but he is returning mid-June. So please join us in praying for God to provide a vehicle.

Our black Ford Fusion keeps running, thankfully. It’s right at 250,000 miles. We are hearing lots of strange noises though (hahaha), so we know at some point we will have to replace it as well. But for now, we are going to try and keep that one running for as long as we can. We hope our second car will be more reliable for us as a family for traveling long distances.

We are so excited to share this news with you all! You’ve prayed and prayed and PRAYED with us. We know it’s been your prayers that have sustained us in this long season of waiting. Thank you so much! We love each and every one of you. You all are welcome to join us around our table at any point this year!!!

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Many of you are aware Audrey’s summer plans included a two-week film camp at Asbury University. However, due to the current pandemic, the campus canceled their summer programs. Those of you who had given financially to support her gifting have been most gracious to apply those funds for the camp next year. Thank you so much for caring and supporter her.

An opportunity has opened for Audrey to spend the month of July working with the leaders of our SST (Season of Summer in Training) making a promo video for this program. Audrey has been an attendee at this camp for the past two years. Making a video and working with this team will be a great experience for her. Be praying for her in this fun endeavor God has surprised her with.

At the end of the school year, Audrey put together this recap of the 2019-20 school year. The principle of the school sang “The Blessing” for the talent show.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Our missionary work with YWAM continues to stretch us. We are having to lean in and trust God even more! We are confident God will continue to advance His kingdom, and we are very grateful for all the encouragement and support to press onward!