Seven years ago, Cindy and I responded to the call to become foreign missionaries and made a seven-year plan that would see us finally on the ground in Uganda, East Africa. The seventh year is here! Seven years ago we made our intentions public. We called things that are not as though they are, and now the seeds we cultivated are budding and will be in full bloom very soon.
Three days ago I tendered my resignation from the hospital that has been my second home since July 17, 2017. My last day in the E.R. will be April 14th, exactly seven years since we prepared to board a plane for Uganda the first time. Since I notified my coworkers of intentions, I’ve had to answer a lot of questions, the answers to some of which are still up in the air.
"I tendered my resignation from the hospital"
Since I count on those of you who read this to be in prayer for us, I will fill you in on our human plans so far. In keeping with the teaching of James, I will not be so vain as to say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there…” (James 4:13-15*). We are responsible, however, to plot our course for the Lord to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9*), and here I will articulate the general course we have set.
God willing… I will travel alone to Uganda April 24th, spend six weeks at a mission in Karuma, helping where I can, and assessing where Cindy and I can best be used in that mission. I will return June 5th, and spend the next several months in resource development, recruiting the mission sending partners we need to make our ministry a reality. Then, if it suits the Lord and the mission in question, the long-term deployment will begin in September. It is that close! It’s practically here!
"I will travel alone to Uganda April 24th"
Now the bad news. Cindy will be staying behind in Florida, taking care of her aging parents for a time, and will join me at a later date. We understand this takes a toll on a marriage, but believe we are divinely equipped to make even a long-distance relationship work. We recognize the importance of honoring parents and not deserting them in the name of ministry (Matthew 15:4-6, Mark 7:10-13*). While Cindy has a duty to her parents in their unexpectedly changing circumstances, I am reminded of Jesus’ words:
“No one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29, NIV*, emphasis mine; see also Matthew 19:29 and Mark 10:29*).
I am not sacrificing merely to receive what these verses promise, but I do see Jesus’ teaching as approving of a missionary’s deployment, even without his precious bride when necessary, for the sake of the Kingdom. Please pray with us that all will go according to God’s will and that our every thought, word, and action will bring Him glory through Christ Jesus, in whose name we do all.