God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.
This morning, as I walked, this hymn came into my head. I haven't sung it
since Wheaton Womens' Chorale days when each member would sing it to judge
voice placement. Because of what's been going on in ministry and life this
last month, the words stand out to me more than they did when I was placed
as a second soprano.
You fearful saints, fresh courage take: The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
The school board at the International School of Panama met last week and my
proposal, asking for access to campus during lunch, was on the agenda.
Days before the meeting, the Director called me to rehearse his statement
on behalf of Young Life International Schools Ministry. The day after the
meeting he called to tell me that the board voted against my proposal.
They said that we could have club as an after school activity, if it is
supported by parents, but we can't just come to campus and "hang out." "So
what do we do next?," he asked me. I said, "Well, I'm not exactly sure.
I'm disappointed but not discouraged." He sounded disappointed, too, but
then he suggested staff and volunteers come to campus in a different
capacity, such as coaching a sport. Immediately I volunteered my music and
theater experience as a help, and a way to be on campus. He jumped on it
and before hanging up, he committed to getting my name and number to the
music and theater teachers. He obviously really cares about the spiritual
lives of students at the school and wants to support Young Life in any way
that he can. That is an answer to prayer. When we pray and the Lord
replies, sometimes His answers don't look anything like what we expected.
Sometimes they're even better.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
Last summer, the areas of most success, from my perspective, were the
discussion groups. Since both Chris Floro (Director of Club Beyond in
Panama) and I agree with the principle "If you see something working, use
it," Club Beyond meetings at Fort Clayton are starting to look more like
our discussion groups. More kids have been bringing their friends, and
they are more involved with what is going on in club. The Tuesday night
Bible study group has grown and changed and continues to challenge solid
Christians in practical ways. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) had
more kids at our first meeting of the year than I ever saw last year and
we're excited about introducing them to the Person of Jesus this semester.
Yes, I sound surprised because I never expected to see so many kids wanting
to hear about Jesus. It's been my prayer. It's been my goal. It's been
my hope. And now it is my JOY to tell you that GOD IS MOVING in His
mysterious and awesome way!
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Life is better than a box of chocolates. It's an adventure that the Lord
reveals to His children. When I came back here, I had no idea the Lord
would give me the gift of such an incredible relationship. I have been
blessed beyond what I could have even imagined. Now the Lord has revealed
the next part of His adventure for David. He has been offered a job with
the US government in Kwajelein, The Marshall Islands (halfway between
Hawaii and Australia - 7,000 miles directly West of Panama). It is a two
year contract, beginning mid-October... and we are at a loss about what
the Lord wants us to do. But, there is no better place to be - without a
clue and in the presence of the Lord. So we trust that you will pray, and
that He will answer. It's so simple: "Your will be done."
Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.
Amen.
Because of Christ,
Lisa P.