9/05/2013

Big Transitions. Thank you for praying!



WHERE TO LIVE:
Many friends wrote and joined us in prayer and fasting over this decision. Thank you! Over the weekend, we finally signed a lease. This unexpected move is scheduled for September 16-19. God is in it.
As we shared last month, Jim travels a good deal of the time, and we will only be in Asia another 14 months before a scheduled home assignment. My earnest prayer was to be within shouting distance in our current neighborhood, or near friends who are beingintentional about loving their neighbors for the sake of the Gospel. 
I was so touched by friends here who really tried to help us find a place that suited us, and was within our budget. Our boys were here while we were looking, so they got to see the options and help in deciding. The search confirmed that the rental costs here have surpassed what we feel is reasonable for us to pay in this season of itinerant ministry; and we did scour Singapore for the options! 
So, the new home isn't near a soul we know (yet), but we're at peace about moving to the "Singapore suburb" of Iskandar, Malaysia, a development that's not even on Google Maps yet, but you can see where it is here. The win-win of this option is that we are commuting distance from Singapore. I can stay involved in ministry here. Housing is way more affordable. And, we found a beautiful space that will be a wonderful recharging retreat when not traveling.
The best part is, there's plenty of space and a guest room, so come for a visit!
CAMERON'S BOARDING SCHOOL:
It was quite the drama earlier this summer when we had news that Chamberlain-Huntmight not open again in the fall. Those dear folks in Mississippi have had a rough summer, and we are in awe of their positive spirit and faith!
When the dust has settled, the latest news is that there are only 25 boys confirmed for the fall, and unless there is a good number of new students applying for the spring semester, the school will indeed need to close.
In 6 hours, Cameron heads back to Port Gibson where he's finally realized he can (with a disciplined environment and great teachers) be successful in school.  
  • Lord, we continue to pray for the Saints who are running CHA, and for God to provide the needed students to keep this school going. They've been in operation since 1876 and there really is no other Christian school quite like it!
If you know of anyone who's boy 7-12th grade would benefit from this kind of loving but disciplined environment away from distractions of the modern age (ipods, gaming, cell phones, youtube, short skirts!), please encourage them to consider CHA!
Whirlwind of a Week!
We had such a great month with both ofthe boys here. Deciding what of their remaining Singapore possessions, would fit in a footlocker, they took it all back to US last Thursday, August 29th.
We dropped them off at the airport,changed a wad of money to Malaysian Ringgit, and drove up to Johor to make the necessary deposit.
It's a trip that takes about the same amount of time as a trip between LAX and Disneyland (also depending on the time of day)!
On Friday, August 30th, we installed NEW Leaders for CRM in Singapore! The transitions we've asked you to pray for in establishing the next Board for CRMS are official. 
  • Lord, it's been encouraging to see how you have raised up a new slate of board members and local leaders for the ministry. Thank you that Jim's role in leading the local ministry will be handed over to a capable and godly new Singaporean President and board.
Trip to Vietnam: Jim is off again today September 2nd! He's meeting with the 2 different groups of Vietnamese pastors/leaders he's been meeting with regularly since the beginning of 2012. Coaching and consulting and mentoring these pastors is thrilling for him. It makes any of the physical hardships worthwhile!
Empowering Spiritual Leaders with Church Resource Ministries USA (and Singapore)