God bless America...

Happy 4th of July! As christians, we need to remember that this country was built upon the word of God. It is important to remind ourselves & continue to believe that just as God isn't finished with His chosen people, Israel, He isn't done with us either. God's saving grace stretches over all the earth & His blood shed on the cross will never fail us. God has & will prevail over all. We can find comfort in God's truth & continue to hold onto hope for our country, as we know that our King is Jesus Christ.

Isa 9:6-7 (NLT)
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!

Happy Birthday Emerson!

Even though her party was 2 weeks ago, today is actually Emerson's birthday. It was her 1st time on the carousel. It hard to believe that just 1 year ago she she looked so tiny.
Now she's so big.
I know that she's going to have such a blast growing up in South Africa & seeing first hand the mighty work of God on the mission field. Our prayers are that this work that God has provided for us would be an incredible testimony to our children (yes, we do plan to have more, but not anytime soon), and show them that the awesome power of God is real & alive today.

In Christ <><

Emerson's B-day Party...

Today was Emerson's B-day Party. It has been such a blessing to see our daughter grow so much in just a year. Parenthood is quite a radical experience that can't be matched. Her Aunt Desi made the cutest & best tasting cakes.



Emerson didn't know what to do with herself when she first saw the cake...



But she soon figured it out & enjoyed every minute...



The pinata was a big hit (sorry, I just couldn't help myself)...



All in all, it was a wonderful time of fellowship & an opportunity to meet with friends and family before we make the big move to SA. Please continue to pray for God's will to be done in South Africa, that He would use the Portland's in a mighty way that brings glory to His name. Pray for God's provision for this ministry & that the Holy Spirit would guide us through this journey in every step of the way. Thank you so much for your love & support.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

God Bless <><

prayers are meant to be answered...

"We just wanted to let you and Joy know that we found a place to live..."

This news was waiting for Joy & I in my email inbox as we awoke this morning. Great news! Mike & Misty have found a town home in Paarl & are moving in June 1st. They informed us that there are apartments close by with our name written all over them, as well. We're ecstatic! So here we go. The ball is rollin' now.

God is faithful to answer prayer. I could leave it at that, publish this post, and that is completely sufficient; but really, God is faithful to answer all of your prayers with a definite yes, no, or wait.

When Joy & I were contemplating this great opportunity for ministry, we prayed for God's will to be done in our lives. With much prayer, God confirmed in our hearts that this move to South Africa is anointed & appointed by Him. (answer: Yes)

In the past, there had been other opportunities to pursue, but with God's wisdom, we knew that He had something else in store for our lives. (Answer: No)

And throughout this amazing process in preparing to move to South Africa, God's answer to our prayers have consistently required patience. (Answer: Wait)

Through all of this, there is a repeated stretching & molding of our lives to mirror that which God would have for us. There have been tests, trials, and tribulation; but there has also been blessings, rejoicing, and unmeasurable love displayed by the will of the Father.

Without all of the above, we wouldn't be fully prepared for such a journey.

We thank you for all of your prayers & urge you to continue to pray for the many aspects involved in such an undertaking. Please search your hearts & ask the Lord what you might be able to do to help further His kingdom in this awesome work of God.

We cannot express how thankful we are to be blessed with your prayers & support.

In Christ,

Anson, Joy, and Emerson

ready... set... wait!

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
-- Lamentations 3:25

Sometimes waiting is the hardest part in God's plan. This morning's message at church encouraged me to remember that the time between when God calls you to do His work & the fulfilment of that work, we need to continue to push forward. Waiting doesn't just consist of sitting around, taking a nap, or working on your tan. No, waiting can involve your blood, sweat, and tears. There is still work to be done while waiting.

As most of you know (if not all), Joy, Emerson, and I are moving to South Africa soon. We are moving there with another family, the Portlands (Mike, Misty, and their son Michael). The Portlands moved there in February, and we are soon to follow. Our goal in moving to Paarl, South Africa is to be used by God beyond our means & reach the lost with God's gospel. Our prayer is that revival spreads throughout the land & souls are saved. We long to bring glory to God's name in a radical way.

Until we leave, we must wait. We are not only waiting for the practical things (housing, travel fare, financial support, etc.), but most of all we are waiting for God's timing. We are waiting to hear God's voice. We have received confirmation in our calling, now we are waiting for fulfilment in our calling. We hope that day comes sooner than later, but we will continue to wait on the Lord for as His word says, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him..."