Its crazy–

Most of my friends are going on a mission this summer and I cannot tell you how much endurance training we are getting collectively and individually.  My roommate is going to the Philippines, and his team is experiencing funding and a large relational battle between their team members– My awesome friend is going to live in South Africa for a couple of months teaching, and she is faced with finding a new home, funding, and family she will miss.  Two of my other friends are in Haiti right now which I am sure are going through some rough times. The South Africa team is going to Bridges in July and they are experiencing some relational and personality clashes… There are also a few doctors I know that are going to Haiti for dentist visits, and there is always the accommodation and schedule battle.  I am going to Tanzania with my team, and I have been having a difficult time finding funding, and just this morning I had to spend nearly $400 bucks on my truck because it was towed :( .

But let me tell you, put all of this aside, all of the tribulations– all of the fear– all of the pain, there is something amazing going on here.  All of these tribulations means that we are on the right track, and the Enemy is attempting to slow us down.  We must stand firm in the faith.  Knowing that our brothers around the world (very apparent from the facts above) are enduring the same type of pain (via 1 Peter 5:9).

I can’t talk for the others, but for myself: of course, getting towed was a bummer for me, but looking past it and seeing that it is only a factor of Spiritual Warfare greatly shows that God is so much bigger than a puny 400 bucks.  I have this faith in my God.  I still pray for protection, but these tests are endurance builders.  Stay strong.

What kind of love.