A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The last two months have been very unexpected. My mom has been in and out of the hospital and is in rehab as I write. Praise be to God that she is improving and regaining her strength, but her medical problems were not in my plan. In reality, my plan was for Grandma to get lots grandkid time and for Donna and I to have time to work on visiting people, paperwork (yes missionaries also have to do paperwork), raising support for the project, being in better touch with family and friends, etc…. While my mom’s health issues were not in my plan, I am very grateful that I was here in the States and able to help. All of this was no surprise to God, in actuality; He directed my steps.

My response needs to be that of faithfulness and obedience as the Lord directs my steps. My response needs to be a continued death to self and a continued surrender to the Spirit so that the fruit of the Spirit abounds to my life and my source of strength is in Him who directs my steps. My response needs to be a willingness to let go of my plans (i.e. the long to-do list) and embrace His direction (even if that means not getting everything checked off).

Please pray for the following:

• The team in Benin as they carry on with the work
• The needed funding for TWR
• More people to work both in Benin (and worldwide) with TWR
• My mom’s continued recovery
• The last bit of time I have with my family before I go to language school in Canada.

The last several weeks have been a roller coaster ride with my (Paul) mom’s health. She has been in the hospital a total of 17 days (11 days the first time plus 7 and counting the second time). Six different specialists have seen her; she has had numerous tests and still no definitive diagnosis or prognosis. While she is doing better at the time of this writing (Mar. 17, 10:10AM) this has been a reminder for me that Christian hope is not in the wonders of medical technology but in the eternal life for those who believe in Christ.

I would covet your prayers for the following:

• God’s healing for my mom
• God’s peace and rest while dealing with medical uncertainties
• Provision for the needed workers and funds for TWR Benin (and TWR worldwide)
• Balance between home assignment responsibilities and caring for my mom

The last several weeks have been very busy with lots of travel and this week we have tried to unbury from emails and paper work. The real test has been remembering that God is sovereign over our to-do list. We can trust Him with what is accomplished and not accomplished and we can rest in the fact that His work will be completed in His time.

• Pray that we will rest in God and trust Him with our to-do list.
• Pray that the Lord will raise up more people to pray (maybe even send this blog to a friend).
• Pray that the Lord will raise up more people to work in Benin and with TWR worldwide.
• Pray that the Lord will raise up the needed funds for the broadcasts from Benin (around 300,000).