So encouraging

Monday afternoon, Tim and I (Linda) went to the missions committee meeting of our church to tell them about Rwanda.

We'd already talked, counseled and prayed with our pastor, Bob, way back last April or so when we were praying through this decision. And the head of the missions committee already knew. But, we hadn't told everyone yet. This was actually our first public announcement - beyond Tim telling his partner, his staff at work, and our hospital's administration. I guess we were a little nervous.

All I can say is, "Wow". How encouraging they were! What a blessing it was to sit with them, tell the story of all God's done to get us to this point, and to see their faces smile and nod and beam with encouragement and confirmation of our call.

I doubt if we ever have a clue how powerful our attitudes and words are in the lives of other people. I'm sure this sweet group of folks, with whom I've served on the missions committee for a year or so, have no idea how empowering it was for us to sit and share our dreams with them.

I felt like God Himself had stepped into the room and was there, telling us, "See, I will be with you. I told you so! My grace really is sufficient. Remember: this isn't about you and your strength or weakness, but it is about Me and My strength and My abundance. I can provide all you need as you go. I will -- through these people, and many, many more."

Thank you God, for these precious folks.