Monday, July 31, 2006

INQUISITION


As the title alludes to, the BMW (Biblical Ministries Worldwide) inquisition is over. The questioning, poking, prodding, etc. Has had its season and we have survived. The picture that you see is the group of men, the board, that made the final decision in determining our fate. Their professions range from Lawyers, Pastors, business men, retired, etc.

At the end of the three week interview and training sessions, BMW decided to accept us as missionaries representation our sending church, Grace Bible Church. In return Gretchen and I accepted their invitation to join them. To better understand the relationship between BMW, GBC, and US please refer to http://www.biblicalministries.org/about/index.html. If you still have questions please just ask hi_its_us@hotmail.com.

We are now in Montana and trying to get back into a regular routine. Jesiah is doing well and has enjoyed being with his "grama and grampa" again. Gretchen is now 8 months pregnant and preparing for our second child. She is also preparing for another season of voice lessons. I am working at the hospital and going to be leading Bible studies through 1st John and Acts. I may also be starting a college group at the local college in town. I hope to partner with a friend, Ty.

Ok, enough about that stuff. Now to the meat and potatoes. Last week we sent out an urgent prayer request. If you did not get it, it is probably because we don't have your email address. If you would like to receive our regular updates and prayer requests please just email your email address to hi_its_us@hotmail.com. The urgent prayer request was about a potential team that we would minister with. As it was common in scripture for Christ, Paul, Peter, etc. To serve as a team, BMW encourages and infact requires all Missionaries with them to serve a particular people group as a team for accountability, support, encouragement, etc. We asked for you to pray for us because the potential teammates plan to serve a different people group than the ones that we have been praying and preparing for.

We have been praying and preparing for the people of Mozambique, Africa. The people that our potential teammates plan to serve are in the South Pacific Islands of Vanuatu. The people in both countries are black, tribal, live in malaria infested territories and speak an average of 2 - 4 languages. Needless to say, the physical difficulties of either ministry is very difficult not to mention the spiritual and cultural differences that would need to be addressed. We have not made a decision yet and are continuing to pray and seek counsel about it. At this time we are referring to the options as plan A, Mozambique, and plan B, Vanuatu. At this time we are just taking one step at a time in whatever way the Spirit leads.

As God continues to unravel His will to us we will continue to be 100% available and willing to go wherever He leads without reservation or hidden motives. Thank you so very much for your interest in what God is doing in and through us. By us I meen Me, Gretchen and all of you. Christ has promised that He will build His Church and we are all testimony of that. Praise God that He has gifted and led us into so many different areas and times of life. He calls us The Body and none of us are independent from the body. Gretchen and I are very dependent upon you, your prayer, support, encouragement, etc. And we must all be dependent upon our Lord and savior, who is the Head of our body, Jesus Christ. Please continue to partner with us as we continue to be obedient to God in the service of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the utter most parts of the world. Let the nations be glad.

PLEASE PRAY:

1. That we would be obedient and faithfully.
2. That we would have no hidden motives or selfish ambitions.
3. That we would not allow fear of pain or material loss to hinder us.
4. That we would be holy living sacrifices to God as a savoring aroma.
5. That we would be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
6. That we would be servants, testimony, salt and light when and wherever God would have us.
7. For Gretchen's second pregnancy.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi, Houghton, Gretchen, and Jesiah,

Enjoyed your most recent addition to your blogspot. I love the heart's tenderness that shines through the whole account. You can be sure no one is praying harder for your decision than we are (except maybe the Joneses). It is sweet to know that what God wants is the best and He will make sure we all know what that is.

Love, The Gibbs