Newsletter May 2016
“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established…
The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
Prov 16:3, 9
"There are no men more careful of the use of means than those that are surest of a good issue and conclusion, for the one stirs up diligence in the other. Assurance of the end stirs up diligence in the means. For the soul of a believing Christian knows that God has decreed both."
Richard Sibbes
Last month was another opportunity for me to learn what the word “diligence” implies. The summer classes started right away for me as soon as the semester was over, and I will still be in class until June 24th. Then, I will still have many homework to do with the last one due at the end of July. There were days when it is more difficult to be assiduous than others. There were moments when I wondered if I was not pushing myself too hard (and I probably was at times). But then I was, each time and through different means, reminded of the reasons why I do what I do and of “who” enables me to get through. My diligence is a recognition of the Lord who works through it so I complete the task He has for me. I am completing my studies for Him, with His power at work in me. I frequently have to set my mind away from solely focusing on the immediate tasks and see them as part of God’s process to make me a suitable utensil for His glory. Hence, I am encouraged when I do not see my current workload as an impediment to a more relaxed life, but as both an act of worship and a shaping process. The motivation for diligence for a Christian is the aspiration of Christ-likeness. As I commit what I do to Him, He works it so that it contributes to His objectives: His glory and my sanctification. What a great reason to wake up daily!
Moreover, the Lord is evidencing in our lives the truth of the blessings flowing out of a prayerful reliance on Him. First, we are still here! That in itself is amazing when we consider that we had enough money to be here one year only. It has now been 18 months and God has faithfully provided always. We never lacked. We have been telling you since February that we only have until the end of the month, and God always provided the next rent, the next month’s food. At this point, we have enough money to live until the beginning of July. But we are able to rest in our confidence that our God will provide. We have been made aware that we have dear friends in our fellowship group at church that are trying to work out a solution for us. We even had the opportunity last Friday, June 3rd, to host a “Madagascar Night”, an evening during which we shared with our Bible study and a few other friends about our past and future ministry in Madagascar. I was personally reinvigorated by preparing and delivering the presentation as I was able to evoke God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. He has blessed us with so much this far and we know He will continue to take care of us. Please let us now if there is any way for you to help us. We are praying to be channels of blessings to the people around us now and to those we will minister to in the years to come.
Step-by-step, our future project takes shape. Scott Nelson (who I have mentioned in previous newsletter as one willing to come to Madagascar with his family and serve with us) and I are growing closer to one another as we meet weekly to pray and plan ahead. We were able to meet with key stakeholders this past week and talk about our plans and it was very comforting to be affirmed as being on the right track. Thus, nobody knows the future and God is sovereignly in control. Yet, the best way to be confident of a forthcoming outcome is to be diligent with the present and persistent in prayer. We truly appreciate your prayers with us and for us.
Faly
This month of May is a month where we are all preparing to take a break from school and ready to welcome summer. Except for my dear husband who just finished semester and didn’t have a break for now but went straight to summer class. I praise the Lord for him as he finished the heavy semester strong but your prayers are still appreciated that the Lord may sustain him during these summer classes which end on June 24th. We are all busy preparing the end of school year either from school or from all the church programs where the kids were involved. Our five precious children are growing so much and they are all moving on to the next level for the new school year in August. Rachel will be in Pre-K next year, Gabrielle will be moving to Kindergarten, Emmanuelle “graduates” from Kindergarten to 1st grade, Samuel is going to 3rd grade and Daniel will be graduating from his elementary school to Junior High. Daniel is so excited to be graduated and go in Junior High and at the same time he feels nostalgic to see that now elementary is done and it is time to move on! Another milestone in his life and mixed feelings for him.
I feel the same as a mum; my children growing so fast has a bitter sweet taste for me. On one hand, step after step it takes me closer to “independence” (as one of my friend was saying J), but at the same time it weighs on me the responsibility and the seriousness of motherhood. Questions and worries come all the time in mind such as: “did I prepare them enough?”, “did I equip them enough?”, “did I fulfill my role as a mom to instruct and raise them in the Lord this past year?”, “did I use my time wisely and redeemed each moment I got to spend with them?”. Time is flying and time spent with our children seems like a moment and at the same time much should be done on raising them and training them in the love and fear of the Lord. I fail many times in my role as a mom, it is hard to be diligent and faithful in childrearing! Yet once more, I thank God because any failure is an opportunity to draw me closer to Him. I cannot do it by myself. The weight of five precious souls is heavy; I need to rely on God permanently, I am learning to consciously do so.
Last not the least, on May 29th, Faly and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary :). Time goes fast and I praise my Lord who sustained us during all these years and blessed us with so many blessings, including our five children. What a milestone for us as a couple and may our Lord use us as He wishes for the advancement of His Kingdom. Looking back, and pondering on what lies ahead, I am humbled and see my deep need of the Lord in my role as a wife and a mom. I fail, but He is gracious. His mercy and compassion is renewed every morning. Today is a new day where I can start afresh and rely on Him alone to be a suitable helper for my husband and to raise my children in a way that honors and glorifies my Lord. And when I fall short, I trust in His faithfulness and compassion (Lam 3:20-24).
Lily
Prayer Requests:
Praise the Lord as we were able to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. Please pray that the Lord will continue grow us closer to Him and to one another.
Praise the Lord for one summer class already completed for Faly. Pray for continued strength and diligence for Faly’s remaining summer classes.
Praise the Lord for the opportunities given last month to talk about our future plans.
Praise the Lord for the kids’ graduations in the different children ministry outlets at church.
Praise the Lord for the friends He provides for us here and whom we truly cherish.
Pray for Lily to be able to complete her last papers for Discipleship Counselling.
Continue to pray that God will work out a financial solution for us.