More often than not, “partnering in missions,” means small churches give what little money they think they can afford to a larger church or a missions sending agency that will handle mobilization, screening, indoctrination, training, sending, and maintenance of missionaries on the field. This is not “partnering,” it’s outsourcing.

Read More

Playing The God Card

Posted April 23rd, 2008 by Ernest

It is comforting and empowering to know for sure that you’re doing what you need to be doing. The big decisions are a lot simpler when you’re sure of the parameters. You rest easier in the face of troubles because there are some things you just won’t question no matter what. So there’s something disquieting about changes to that plan you were so sure of. Like the sense of betrayal you feel when the ground moves in an earthquake.

When we arrived on the field six years ago, we knew for sure that we were where God wanted us to be. That didn’t make the transition to life in Western Europe easy, but knowing that you’re doing what you’re supposed to do can demote things like language learning and culture shock from overwhelming to intimidating. I’m so thankful that God has proven Himself over and over to be our provider. He has maintained us on the field, and we are thankful that He has used many of you to encourage and support us along the way.

You can probably guess from the preamble that this is your standard resignation announcement. It is. And it’s a lot harder to write than I thought it would be.

We know what it’s like to know for sure that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. That’s what makes our decision to return to the States so simple. We feel God’s direction, and we don’t want to stick around to find out what it’s like to ignore that. I used to always hate when people played the “God card.” You can get away with pretty much anything with a heartfelt “God told me to.” Hopefully, that’s not what we’re doing here. I don’t think it is. Some of you might be discouraged to hear that we’re leaving. Please, don’t be. Trust God on this sort of thing no matter what, because He is orchestrating His work around the world.

We will be leaving the field at the end of May. We’re moving to Portland, OR. We’re going to finally get “real jobs” and get involved in the community. We’re pretty excited about going back to the U.S. and putting into practice all that we’ve learned in here in Western Europe. Surely God will bring us to someone who wouldn’t mind exploring things like house church and relational ministry with us. Portland seems like a good place for that. Besides, we hear that there are lots of coffee shops in Portland, and that the public transportation system is good enough that you don’t need a car.

Would you please pray for us as we move? We’re a little bit anxious about living in the States again, and about fitting in and making friends. Also, please pray for the people of Western Europe and the work here. Our team is preparing to undergo some major changes, and we want to be sure that we deal with them in a way that points people to Jesus.

Tags: , ,

Filed under:Personal, Reflections, Uncategorized

9 Responses to “Playing The God Card”

  • Kari Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    I can imagine that this was very hard to write, but thank you for taking the time to share it so we (and all the other who read your blog) can be praying for you. Obediance is obediance – whether HE calls people to a foreign country or back to the US.

    It will be exciting to see what GOD has planned for you guys in OR and also how HE continues the ministry where you’ve been working.

    Please keep us posted.

  • Jonathan Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    I understand exactly what you mean as we felt the same direction from God at the end of our two-year assignment last year. Just like you, we were changed by our experience overseas and we are now able to live very differently in the States than we did previously.

    I will pray for you and for your transition. Exciting things are ahead.

  • shorty Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    Thanks for sharing, and for being a voice within the IMB for the last several years. Like I said in my email to you I’m not surprised to see you go and am really looking forward to seeing what comes next for you.

    -shorty

  • watchman Says:
    April 24th, 2008 at 1:32 am

    stepchile,

    Good on you. I suggest you do something outrageous when you get back, like start a restaurant or something.

    Also, book your flight to Portland via Lincoln, NE and I’ll buy you a beer and we can talk about what to expect after leaving the ministry as you know it. Feelings of relief and freedom are not uncommon. Don’t want you to feel alone in your journey, don’t you know.

    welcome out of the club,

    watchman

  • David Phillips Says:
    April 24th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    Ernest,

    I will be in Seattle the last week in May, and that’s not too far from Portland…I’ll buy you a cafe con leche if we can meet…and you can meet my wife.

    Been praying for you guys. I know this journey has been hard. I chatted with one of your cohort last week on the phone. I was excited to hear his story.

    You know I’ll do anything I can to help you…just let me know.

    Blessings…

  • stepchild Says:
    April 25th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

    Thanks, everyone. Things are really starting to get weird as my brain processes all of the changes that we’re getting ready to go through. I really do think this is a question of obedience for us. I’m just not sure what it all means.

    Watchman,
    Thanks for the welcome. You know what I’m going through. Any advice? I guess I’ll need to go through the archives of your blog.

    David,
    Thanks for remembering us. I don’t think we’ll get to Portland by the end of May, but I may be up your way this summer. Maybe we can connect then. I appreciate you.

    To any of my colleagues at the IMB,
    Thanks for your support when God led us to the field, and now as He’s leading us back to the States.

  • Strider Says:
    April 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    A couple of years ago I would have called you a ‘wuss’ and and a ‘weenie boy’ and told you to buck up and stay on the field. I have learned better now. God bless you and guide you as you continue on His road to His destination in His time.

  • strib Says:
    April 27th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    2nd beer is on me. 1st is on you.

  • Alan Cross Says:
    April 29th, 2008 at 7:02 am

    You are in my prayers. I know that this is hard, but it is better to follow God than to do what seems easy. Let us know about how God is leading you when you get to Portland. Since my time at Golden Gate, I have had a heart for the Pacific Northwest. Maybe we can help somehow.

Leave a Reply