We are praising God for His faithfulness, goodness, provision, and great love for us! Everyday we are experiencing examples of these wonderful traits in tangible ways as we prepare for our Vision Trip with World Team to France in a few short weeks (Sept. 6-17, 2015). So much has been happening and I wanted to provide an update and give God all the glory He deserves for all He is doing.

On July 26 we lead in worship at our church, Troy Christian Chapel, and gave a presentation about our mission. As I prepared the Spirit had me break it down into main points: I. Why Go? II. How did we get to this point? III. Why France? IV. What are next steps? We included a video Bethany had found (watch it here) that showed the great need for the Gospel in France. It always moves me to tears. A few people commented that they had no idea how few disciples of Jesus there are in France today.

We are discovering that the theme of our Vision Trip is to confirm God's calling on us to go specifically to France and to work with the teams already in place doing church-planting. He has been confirming it to us abundantly while we're still here doing the planning and arranging. After sending out individual support letters and speaking to our church, receiving lots of encouragement and sacrificial gifts, we are fully funded to our budget! We are going to France to serve God this Fall!! Our flight has been purchased and we are very excited that God has lead us all the way. This reminded me of the words of the hymn:

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

• Refrain:
  Some through the waters, some through the flood,
  Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
  Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
  In the night season and all the day long.

I certainly recognize some of the many challenges we face on this long-term journey and there is much work to be done externally and internally to make us fit for His calling. I am continually called to trust my Heavenly Father more and more as I lead my family and He leads us His dear children along.