Latest Update- May 25, 2005
by:Rachel
Well, we made it! There were some challenges along the way, but we did finally make it to Minneapolis where we are staying with friends until we can move onto campus next week.
Packing up the house was definitely a lot of work… we always try to consolidate our things as much as possible in order to fit everything in, and on, our car. Some friends from our small group came by the morning of the move and helped us get everything packed and cleaned up… definitely a big help. Traveling with a fully loaded (in the sense of having no space) car can sometimes prove interesting. We found our ears tuned to every little sound that might indicate a problem or a loosening or breaking of a strap… however, everything proved securely packed. However, in one instance, our finely tuned hearing came in handy. We heard a faint popping sound and immediately started looking in the mirrors to see if anything had come loose on the roof. We decided we should stop and check it out… good thing we did as our blinker, normally secured to the car with tape, popped off and was hanging by its wire, flapping in the wind. Yikes! We took care of that in a jiffy with some fresh tape.
Yeah… actually, it was quite an interesting journey. We’ll post those details on the website though and you are welcome to go and check it out. You’ll find stories about: life in a packed box. Being broke down in Muncie!, And a possible new car on the Horizon.
Just click here. Our address is posted there too…
From John:
I’ve always appreciated all of the seasons. Winter may be my favorite with it’s intricate snowflakes, fun-packed slopes, crystally icicles, and fires to warm the numb limbs. But, I can also, very much appreciate the colors, fragrances, and sounds of the fall leaves. And, what would life be like without the flowers, and other new life of spring? Of course, one couldn’t possibly live without the summer, and the swimming that comes with it. Or the playing of various pickup ball games of all kinds, and frisbee, hackee-sack, the beach, etc… you get the idea.
Each season is sure to bring fresh joys but also new trials too. Just ask my mom in Florida and she’s sure to know that hurricane season is right around the corner. Yes, each season usually comes with it’s own set of distinct storms or other extremes of some kind that is sure to make life…. interesting.
I’m not exactly sure what this new season at Bethany holds, but, I do know that there will be great joys and probably great trials. And, I’m looking forward to facing whatever comes because I know that my God will neither leave me, nor abandon me. He has promised to be my shelter and my protection… my provision and my strength. And, He will even be my joy.
Ecclesiastes says, that there is a time for everything, a time for building up, and a time for tearing down. Well, It certainly seems that Rachel and I can say, “the times, they are a changing”. I can’t say for certain, whether what this new season will bring, but I suspect that God has done some tearing down when it comes to what our ideas are about ministry and life in general. And I hope and suspect that this next season will be one of building up. And, as long as what is built is built upon the solid Rock that is God Himself, we have nothing to fear, and everything to gain.
Please join us in prayer that God would have His way in every aspect of our lives. And may God bless each of you with fresh revelation of Himself and of His mighty love and grace, available to you through Christ. Amen.
With Love,
John & Rachel
