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Update - April 2008
I need help
Those of you who really know me would totally agree with this statement I think. Not merely because I just danced around my apartment for the gazillionth time (this time it was to Toto’s “Africa”) looking like an idiot. But there are deeper reasons for why I say I need help. The help I need is for much more of an inward problem. You see, I’m struggling. Struggling with that inward force that the apostle Paul simply called ‘sin’ (check out Rom. 7).
I’ve realized/am realizing lately that I can be very prideful. Very judgmental. Think of myself as better than others and all that other sick stuff. I can even be in love with my own image I think. It wasn’t fun writing that last one. There’s more. Much more. But I’ll spare you for now.
So why am I telling you all this? One, b/c the big fella up there loves me and I believe that despite the above-mentioned struggles, He has extremely high affections for me (and if you’re like me, He feels the same way about you too). Two, whether you like what I wrote or not, He and His love FOR me will get me through your rejection OF me – if that be the case. But lastly, if you don’t mind, could you lift me up? I want my heart to be softened to Him and to others but it sure is quick to harden and become callous. I think when I understand how great His love is for me it makes my love for him and others grow exponentially.
So there you have it…. a ‘thought’ request on my behalf, if you don’t mind J.
Next year’s placement There have been some issues with where I’ll be placed for next year. As many of you know, we (me and a married couple that I’m friends with) came here with the goal of landing in Chongqing. That is still the goal for next year. But because of low numbers for next year with ELIC (the teaching organization I’m also here with), there have been questions of whether or not there would be slots available in that particular city. I won’t lie. The married couple and I still want to go to Chongqing. I think our Father above has given us a good vision and heart for the place. But we also trust that if it doesn’t work out, He’s quite in control. With all that said, I pass on to you some requests that ELIC asked me to pass on to you. I would appreciate your thoughts in this regard:
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That if it be the Father’s will, that he’d open up the right spaces at the right school in Chongqing for us to go to.
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For our support to remain solid. Many people and groups have committed to us long term but sometimes, as with life, things can taper off.
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That if we don’t end up in Chongqing, that the Father would give wisdom to all involved, including us, to get us where we need to be.
Thank you so much for the thoughts you have/do/will lift up for us. I appreciate them a lot.
In Him, Blake
PS Don’t be afraid to send an update on how YOU’RE doing! Much love! |