pressing on

I have a few moments to jot down some thoughts. My children are outside in this beautiful Florida weather jumping through the sprinkler...and so, some peace and quiet! Paul is finishing up his semester this week and next and then he's off to the marriage of his nephew in Tucson and then onto to Krung Thep (or Bangkok as most of you know it!) and then down South. He will be on a survey trip for our return. I was originally supposed to join him on this endeavor...and part of me wishes I was still going...but my body is hard at work nourishing a baby that I can hardly wait to meet! I am nearing 29 weeks...and so Paul and I thought that I should sit this trip out since it is the hot/rainy season and his two week trip will entail a lot of travel and walking. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I haven't had thoughts of worry about his trip alone to the Land of Smiles...yet I know Whom I have believed and know that He is good...so why worry!?
Many have asked why he is going and what he will be doing while there. These are good questions. Basically, he's going to map out and scope out and survey the area where we have been praying about returning. It's further south than Bangkok, probably a good 10-12 hour car ride from the capital. The South has a higher number of Muslims but also many Buddhists live there too. What compels us to go there is that there are so few Christian churches/witness...and we feel drawn to start a new church planting work there among these people who desperately need the Good News...the Good News that is salvation through Christ alone. In fact, this is the only area of SE Asia where there is freedom to proclaim the Gospel among a fairly large Muslim population. So, your prayers are needed...as always! Sometimes when I look at what we are praying about and what God is calling us to do I get really overwhelmed wondering how it's all going to work out...but then I remember what another missionary once told me..."if it's big enough for me to do in my own strength, then it's not big enough!" So, Paul and I recognize our complete reliance on the Lord. We know from our time working with church plants in both the US and in Thailand that only God grows His church...it's only through the work of His Spirit. There are no fancy formulas or eloquence of speech that make people turn to Christ..it is His Spirit alone and on our Savior we are depending and resting. We are recruiting teammates, so if you or someone you know is interested, please contact us! It would be nice to have at least one couple/family/single to join us in this new work. Please pray to that end with us.
While Paul is off in Asia, the children and I will be visiting Pennsylvania. It's been nearly one year since I've been "home" and I am so thankful for this opportunity to see my family and friends before our baby comes in late July. Would you pray for our travels as well? I have a cousin that also lives here in Florida and his wife has graciously agreed to travel with us. Without her, I doubt I would be making this trip!!!
Well, the kids are back inside and in need of some attention. I best be going. Thank you to all who faithfully pray for us. We'll keep you posted on all our news!