Last post I shared a little bit about what is going on with our home life as we prepare for Uganda. The home has sold, we are downsizing, moving into a temporary residence, and it’s time to sell lots of stuff!

Well, this post is a bit different. While I see the benefit in sharing all the facts of how things are going, this time I will share a little bit about what those facts feel like as we venture forward.

As I was walking around the neighborhood yesterday I began to feel a sense of panic. It was as if everything around us that we have come to rely on as certain and secure was coming to an end and we were beginning a new chapter. I had recently gotten off the phone with Bill James (Agents For Christ) and discussed the building of the school of ministry, the room we’ll be living in there, the ministry plans we have, and the commitment we have to see God do amazing things in Ishunga. As I was walking and processing through all of that I felt like a small child at the edge of a pool. You’ve seen them before… maybe you were even one yourself. I was standing on the edge and I knew in order to learn to swim I needed to JUMP! I began to realize that there is no success in swimming if you aren’t willing to jump into the water.

I began praying and singing praise songs (to my self quietly of course) and within just a moment the Lord began to comfort my uneasy heart. Not only was He calling Lori and me to JUMP! But he was reassuring me that He was already in the water with us. Just as a good parent would not allow their child to drown in the pool learning to swim, God has assured us through His Word and the Holy Spirit that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is going to guide each step of the way, even when the water looks cold, dark, and uncertain.

This path we are on is and will be filled with uncertainty. It is only a matter of weeks that I will be giving up my career at the railroad and stepping out in faith that God will provide. We will be abandoning a substantial retirement package and the benefits of premium health insurance. But what is gained is far better. We will be living for Christ in all things. We will see first hand the miracles God has for us that we miss because we are able to provide so much for ourselves now. We will watch as the Gospel is shared and received by many and the lives of hundreds, if not thousands impacted for the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is waiting for me in the pool and calling my name… am I willing to JUMP?

Blessings,
Keith