A Song to Guide Us
Through the years God has challenged and encouraged me with songs during our mission experience. Here are a few key ones He has used to strengthen me.
Before we actually moved overseas and were just considering things the song that I kept thinking of was entitled, “Would You Be Poured Out Like Wine?” It talked about having a willing heart to follow God’s leading. There was a lot to consider in taking our family (three teenagers) away from family, friends, and school to live in a different country and culture.
1st term song: “Be Not Afraid” We took our family to live in the beautiful Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines among the amazing Igorot tribal people. Shortly after arriving, my husband, Bob, suffered a head wound while helping cut lumber to build a church. Next our daughter, Sharon, was caught in a crossfire between the military and the New People’s Army rebel insurgents. Our son, Daniel, had to be airlifted out of the mountains for an emergency appendectomy. Then, we had to relocate to the lowlands while Bob was back in the States for his mother’s funeral. We learned so much about trusting God when other safety nets were not available!
2nd term song: “Find Us Faithful” We left our two oldest children, Bob and Sharon, in the States and returned to the Philippines. During this time my husband, Bob, traveled a lot teaching Pastor’s Leadership Seminars. We also had the privilege of pastoring a Filipino Church. We were blessed and encouraged to be able to visit Vietnam for the first time.
3rd term song: “God Will Make A Way.” Our youngest son, Dan. stayed back in the States for schooling. We set up and lived at a Bible School. We taught at the school, as well as, filled in as pastor for a different Filipino church and continued doing seminars. Also, we helped publish a magazine, and made more visit to Vietnam. We were always praying for an open door to live long-term in Vietnam.
4th term song: “He Is Able” We moved to North Vietnam amidst lots of pressures within and without. We lived in a small town and taught English and Emergency Medical Procedures at a Nursing School. Again, we were learning another language. This time in a rather unfriendly environment where few people knew English. We were the first Americans many Vietnamese had met since the war. It was like the boogieman came to town and we were him! Also, I made a quick trip home because of my mother’s passing and there was a breakdown in some long-standing relationships. It was very difficult in multiple ways. But again, God met us and provided for our needs in every area – emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
God goes ahead of us because He knows the future and what we will face always working out His ongoing purpose for our lives. God will give us encouragement and direction. He is constantly revealing Himself to us in new ways. God uses ordinary people who are available and willing to encourage, strengthen, and support one another in His Kingdom.
Opportunities abound! We just need to ask God to make us sensitive and responsive to His leading.
