More on Discernment

     There are times in our lives when we truly see the depth of love and affection we have for one another. In the continuing pursuit of faithfulness to Christ, marital bliss, and responsible living, the wife and I have prayed, shared, discussed, sought out, and sometimes even received unbidden, wisdom on how others pursue the call of God to remain an active and vibrant part of Kingdom life after retirement (as if retirement meant anything other than drawing off a different bucket of income).

      We enjoy our time living in the wilds of northern PA.  The leaves are off the trees. The cold season has set in. The vents are closed. The wood is stacked, and we are reminded yet again of just how blessed we are to be living where we are. And on that note...

     The Pennsylvania Game Commission began reintroducing Fishers into our area a few years back. The Fisher (sometimes erroneously referred to as a Fisher Cat) is a forest dwelling, carnivorous mammal related to the Marten. They grow to 15-20 pounds (or more) and 36 inches (or more) with males larger than females. They have very sharp claws and can be quite aggressive. And as such, they are less than helpful for the turkey, quail, and other such populations in the area. The Game Commission has adopted a highly conservative policy regarding the animal to ensure it's re-population, expansion, and survival, much to the chagrin of many small game hunters.

     I bring this up as we have seen several in the area, even one in our yard a few evenings back. We have numerous other species of wildlife which won't be disclosed as the hollow in which we live is mostly posted and only property owners are permitted to hunt (although we occasionally have to chase others off the mountain).

     All this is to say we are happy with our lives. We recognize God's blessings on us. And we are actively engaged in several local ministries.  All this in addition to our family and social engagements.  And yet there is a longing to do more for Him who has done so much for us.

And so we continue to listen to what the Lord might yet do with us, being confident the neither comfort nor even contentment should keep anyone from the clarion call of Christ to serve as He wishes and not as we desire and hope He also wishes.

    Last month this meant a trip to Charlotte, NC to the offices of the African Bible Colleges President to debrief Glen's trip to Malawi in June.  The reports were good.  Much progress has been made and we were invited and even encouraged to make another trip to the campus to provide some further encouragement, but so too to let Carol see the setting and the work, the challenges and the blessings.  And, after careful and prayerful discussion, we made the decision to more forward on further exploring what might be ahead...and the hope from ABC staff is that this might even extend to a brief visit to the Liberia campus to see what work might be possible there.

So, the lesson we're learning is that if we will simply listen and express a willingness to serve, doors may open, opportunities may arise, and decisions may need to be made...but we pursue that prayerfully, slowly, purposefully, unselfishly, and faithfully.  This next trip or two this coming year, may yet reveal more fully God's will in all of this.  In the meantime we are praying for a clear conviction about the matter and ask you consider joining us...

More to come...SOON!