(Monday, Jan 28, 2013) My time here is half way over finally already. (Notice I have very mixed feelings about that.) Things have gone as expected and planned, except for a series of very annoying but not overly ’serious’ physical ailments. Those weren’t in the plan, but such is life. I and Moses as well, continue to be amazed at the continual stream of reports, both in person and on the phone, from pastors who have attended the conferences. They are unanimous in their praise about how very, very beneficial the sessions have been to them. God is using and blessing these conferences far, far, far beyond anything I ever imagined. It’s not just a surface, emotional excitement. It’s a deep in the heart sowing of seeds that will grow and produce for literally generations to come. “We never heard anything like this.” “Now we can have a completed marriage.” Over and over we hear this. By allowing me to a channel He uses to convey this to these people God has given me a privilege far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The deep joy and complete humility at being chosen to be used in this way are something I can’t find words to describe. Surely this is a tiny taste of what joy, peace and blessing will be like in heaven! These first 3 weeks have been difficult and draining but have been worth more than any cost.
While the first half of this trip has gone as planned, the second half will not. If you know me you know I am all about planning ahead, having all my ducks in order. Life has enough surprises without me adding to them! My original plan was to have Nancy along for part of the visit, and then a friend was to come instead but had to cancel at the last minute. Now the last week’s travel has been changed as well. Instead of flying to Pune and then traveling to Ahmednagar to see the orphan children we support and speak to the churches there, I will be staying in Hyderabad with Pastor Moses. While I feel badly because I will not minister there or see the children, I know God is behind this and I feel great peace about it. It has come after much prayer and seeking God’s will. I’m not sure of all God’s reasons for doing/allowing this, but that is true of other plans changing concerning this trip as well. I know God wants us to do more pastors’ conferences during that time, for that is the reason I come to India. I will have some free time to start writing the book on marriage which is so needed here and which will take some uninterrupted time to pray, think and plan. Pray for us to know and do God’s will during this time. What other reasons for this we may or may not ever know.
I appreciate your prayers for God’s will to be done in tis. Below is an updated prayer list. It is attached as a document as well. Please use this instead of the one I gave out before I left. Thanks for your prayers!!!!!
Acts 16:6-10 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
How do you respond when God changes your plans at the last minute, when He keeps you from doing something you wanted to do and thought was His will? Can you think of such times in your life? Is something like that happening now? How should you respond when it happens again?
I HAVE PUT MORE PICTURES IN THE 2013 ALBUM
IF YOU WANT A COPY OF THE UPDATED PRAYER LIST EMAIL ME jerry@schmoyer.net