FRIENDS WE HAVEN'T MET YET

The process of going to China has been full of challenges and new experiences - and we haven't even left the U.S. yet! 

In January, I decided to leave the pastoral ministry and pursue the possibility of some kind of overseas ministry.  I filled out an extensive profile with a ministry that serves as a broker with scores of mission organizations.  However, responses were sluggish and non-specific.

In mid-February, I contacted the Volunteers In Service Abroad (VISA) Department of the Free Methodist Church.  They were immediately excited about our desires and began to guide us in the process of application and resume preparation. 

Deb ... and Amy ... - of the VISA Department have been particularly helpful every step of the way.  They have literally been just an email away during this whole process! 

Jason and Wendi ... and their family have been in G..., China for the last year.  They corresponded with us to answer our practical questions about living and working in China!  They were SO encouraging!

Then we were connected to Lena ... (and her husband, Mark).  They are currently serving in China..  She has been an invaluable helper by submitting our information to the universities and advising us.  Our first 'skyping' session was two weeks ago with them;  what an amazing experience that was!

Rie ... is currently teaching in the university where we are heading.  She has answered so many questions for us and even sent pictures of what our apartment will look like!  She has also assured us that she'll walk with us through the early days in Changchun to help us get settled!  Randy .... - also a teacher in Changchun - has also corresponded with us to answer questions and offer encouragement!

Dana ... is a veteran teacher who speaks fluent Chinese.  She is flying in this Thursday to spend two days training us for our new experience  (Jason will also join us via skype)! 

Recently, my nephew (Lee Haire) connected me to Julie ... who is currently teaching English in Korea. I worked with her dad the summer after I graduated from high school.  Although much younger than us, Julie has encouraged us and counseled us and has shared her vibrant spirit for God with us.  She's also made a connection for us to a teacher in Changchun who speaks fluent Chinese!

WE HAVE NEVER MET ANY OF THESE PEOPLE (with the exception that Deb ... visited our church for a Sunday about two years ago)!  

These folks have befriended us and sacrificed on our account.  They have encouraged us and guided us.  We have come to love them all before we even meet them!  We're so grateful to God for them and the part they are playing in getting us to Changchun!

We see the hand of God in all these relationships.  These people are heros to us!  We're so grateful that God is allowing our paths to cross with theirs!  And all of this assures us that we are working in concert with His sovereign plan. 

We can't thank these new friends enough - AND WE CAN'T PRAISE GOD ENOUGH!!!!