Out here

“It is the will of our Master that his gospel be preached. Let us obey his command, and follow whithersoever he calls. What the success will be it is not ours to inquire. Our only duty is to wish for what is best, and beseech it of the Lord in prayer; to strive with all zeal, solicitude [concern, attentiveness], and diligence, to bring about the desired result, and, at the same time, to submit with patience to whatever the result may be.

“Groundless, therefore, is the charge brought against us of not having done all the good which we wished, and which was to be desired. God bids us plant and water. We have done so. He alone gives the increase. What, then, if he chooses not to give according to our wish? If it is clear that we have faithfully done our part, let not our adversaries require more of us: if the result is unfavourable, let them expostulate [take it up and argue the case] with God.”

This is a Calvin quote emailed by a minister friend of ours this week. It's encouraging. I thought particularly of the family with whom I spent a short term mission in Japan who have laboured for many years with a tiny congregation (it was 5 people 10 years ago). In comparison our 40 people is huge. And really, God has been very kind to us out here. People have come to know the Lord since we have been here, or have grown closer.

And yet Peter and I are doing better. We don't really know why, since we haven't made any close friends with whom we 'click'. Are we just getting used to life out here? Have we 'lowered our standards'? Nevertheless my people-person husband bounced around the room as we hosted a mission team from Sydney before Easter. And we received the following email from the team leader:

"It still seems like just last week that we were privileged to be in Bell and sharing morning tea with you!

We prayed for you at church on Sunday night after I was asked to share about mission. Our pastor asked about a highlight and the first thing that came to mind was the ‘unplanned’ opportunity to hang out in your kitchen over morning tea and enjoy that fellowship God gives with like-minded Christians ... so thanks! The team were definitely encouraged by you and your perseverance – several of them commented quietly over the next few days – and also about the difficulties of working in a place like Bell. They’re also keen to be praying for you. We have a team meeting next Wednesday so if there are particular things we can pray for you, please let me know (we’ll pray for you anyway!). "

More encouragement! So, I don't know. I do know that I particularly miss the support of a like-minded mother who I could get a break from my kids, or at least some sympathy from. Peter misses that in a bloke his age...