28 June 2008

It's Official

We have been officially appointed by the IMB as missionaries to the Italian-Brazilian people of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and surrounding area. It was an amazing week of appointment. There were 72 total missionaries appointed to various parts of the world. 38 of us were appointed in Richmond, VA and the other 34 were appointed in Oklahoma City.

The most enjoyable part of the week for me were the Emeritus that were there for their recognition service. We ate almost every meal with retired missionaries who served in Brazil, and met many others. Oh the stories we heard!!! Hebrews 12:1-2 was swimming around in my head the entire time we were there.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Several shared with us about victories, defeats, cultural differences, hardships we're sure to face and many encouraging words. We were certainly blessed. Another blessing . . . I finally know how to pronounce the word Caxias!!!

An incredible event transpired while we were there. We've known that our timeline would have to change due to the lack of prospective buyers for our house in the current, very challenging economy. God clearly revealed to both Robert and myself that it is His will for us to not delay our timeline, but to be at orientation starting August 4. That is five weeks away!! And assuming all goes well with the very complicated application process for Brazilian visas, we will be in Brazil the middle of October. THAT is exciting!

God's direction is a great relief to us both. I am able to confidently say that I have no anxiety. It is our responsibility to obey God and the details are His. We are doing all we can for the sale of the house (we've lowered the price of our house to the minimum amount we can for payoff and our part of closing, and I've investigated leasing options and management companies).
We know that some houses sell before orientation, some houses sell during orientation, and some do not sell. When God leads, we do count the cost - - but no matter the cost, we obey. When it comes time to begin orientation we will be praising God whether our house is sold or not . . . knowing that we're being obedient to Him and His timing.

Please continue praying for our house to sell. Please pray with us also during this time of saying goodbye to those we love, crating all of our things (this will happen July 21st & 22nd), traveling by car with 4 children to Virginia (a long way from Texas) and our children transitioning to communal living (I guess that one goes for all of us!!!)

Please pray also for Pin Oaks. Robert's last Sunday as pastor there will be July 13. Pray for the search team and members to seek God for His guidance in finding a pastor.


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praising God and rejoicing in the Lord. How blessed those folks will be in Brazil. How blessed you'll be in your service to the Lord with them. I'm so happy for you Robert and Kerri. I so look forward to the day when you are blogging your adventures from there. don't forget us. I sure won't forget you. selahV

Kerri said...

SelahV,

You are a dear one and an encouragement to me personally. I certainly will NOT forget you . . . Perish the thought!!

In just a day or two I will post an entry entitled "For Adoption: Missionary Family of 6". From this entry and other direct means of contact, Robert and I hope to develop long term partnering relationships with at least 5 churches. We need to recruit prayerful support. The daunting task we are called to do is one that we are so very UNDERqualified for. Reaching the unreached will be an act of God and all for His glory. We NEED the prayers of His people - - praying for the people He has called us to, His guidance and our complete dependence on Him.

Your prayers are coveted.

I love you!

Kerri

Anonymous said...

Kerri, I love you, too. I will continue to pray for your house to sell. I am reminded of my friend's house in Connecticut. She desparately needed for her home to sell before she left for seminary. The day before she was to leave it sold. It's kind of like the saying that God doesn't give you the ticket till you get on the train. God is in charge and we can rest in His grace to be sufficient to meet even this need. Love, selahV

Kerri said...

Amen! As for the house, I am at perfect peace with whatever God chooses to do or not do in whatever time He chooses to do it in! This is no credit to me . . . it came through first conviction of my anxiety and then complete peace in giving it all to Him.

jana dingmore said...

How exciting! I can hear the peace in your voice. Praise God! I hope you will continue to blog your experiences, so that we can keep up and pray for you. We are continuing to pray for the house to sell...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Kerri! Exciting times indeed, plunging headlong to work for the Lord and trusting Him completely for everything.

You and everyone at home are in my prayers.

Kerri said...

Jana,

Thanks for your comment and keeping up with us in this process . . . thanks especially for your prayers. We love you and keep you and Piedmont in our prayers as well.

much love,
Kerri





Isaiah,

So awesome to have found you across the Pacific Ocean through the internet. I do covet your prayers for our family. Thank you!

much love,
Kerri