In the predawn light the scene is deceptively peaceful. Another snow storm to shovel through. Sigh. I do enjoy cross country skiing but, the snow starts to get old when one has to keep trudging through several feet to get off the front porch,or make steps up the snow piles on either side of the driveway to heave more snow on the back side. But life goes on. And here, snow doesn’t last long.
I have been so busy trying to keep up with everything that I completely forgot to send an update for March! Hopefully the busiest season of the semester is behind me and I can begin to focus a bit more on deputation planning.
I have also been investigating some health issues (consistently abnormal thyroid numbers and a few other blood test irregularities), and that takes time, not to mention money.
This week at IBC we are finishing up the newsletter in preparation for mailing, entertaining several prospective new students, and planning three chapels instead of the typical two. I have finished teaching my portion of the Creative Ministry Methods class and have guest speakers for all but two of the remaining Introduction to Missions classes. Last night’s class was excellent with our guest speaker successfully engaging the entire class for over two hours of instruction on the Yakutia people of Siberia, the truth that the Great Commission demands involvement from all believers, and the distinction between nations and ethnos, or people groups.
In two more weeks the students will be heading to Lapwai, Idaho for their annual ministry trip. The first week of April will be Spring Break, but I’ll be busy most days with in-service meetings.
Prayer requests
- For the first time in many years, for a number of reasons, I find myself struggling to maintain a positive balance in my support account even after a significant reduction in salary and housing. What an opportunity for growth! Please pray with me that I would trust God no matter what the circumstances.
- Pray too for two students who have chosen to withdraw from school before finishing out the semester.
- Pray for travel safety, effective ministry, God’s work in and through the students and staff on the trip to Idaho in two weeks.
Thank you , thank you, thank you! May God bless you for your faithfulness to Him through your kindness toward me. I am so looking forward to seeing you face-to-face! You have been such a blessing to me with your faithful support! And, by the way, the snow is gone again now.
Gratefully,
Martha