Now What?

Many have asked about our return to Niger. At this point we can not say when we will be leaving. We are in a "wait on the Lord" time in our lives. Back in April it still looked possible for a summer departure, but events of the last month have made this not possible. Due to a large support deficit we will not be able to leave in the time that we had hoped.

Maybe I should add here, since it may not be clear, we set a July date so that the boys would be able to start the school year in Niger, in August. We knew this was a quick time frame to raise the needed funds, but desired to not make the boys change school mid year. Thus July.

Not being able to go now, does not mean that we are not involved with Niger and its needs, specifically with the orphanage and church. In fact we remain very involved through prayer, communication (phone & email), financial gifts and the recent trip of a young girl from our home town to work with both the orphanage and church. We are also excited about the upcoming visit of Hassane Dan Karami, our Nigerien friend to the US. He will be stopping in CA to speak at 2 churches before continuing on to Hawaii where he will be teaching a course at the Hagai Institute. WOW!

Though our heart is ready to go, our paperwork is in order and we have a container ready to pack, we need the finances to get there.

We are tired yet determined that God has a plan. Perhaps, just as our coming back to the US in 2005 was a total God Thing and a testimony of His care for our family. Our return to Niger will be added to the other pillars that have been placed along our path of obedience to God. We will wait on Him. In His time, we will go.

So, how can I answer people when they ask " Now what?" All I can say is we are waiting on the Lord to open the door and we are ready to step though when it does. And in the mean time, I have a job at the school for next year. It does not pay a lot but it will help, and keep me close the boys for the year. Phil is looking for additional work and continuing to care for the daily responsibilities that Maxwell Ministries has.

Your prayers are appreciated as we walk in the steps of others that have gone before us, being confident that He who began a good work in us, will complete it. In His time.

Shannon