16...

While we were in Jackson last week, the Lancaster's sent us home with some stuff they have collected for the missionaries at Iris.  Amy asked what they needed/wanted from the states and did her best to provide it. Team members will evenly distribute everything among their suitcases to ensure it all gets there.  Everything was in boxes, which we packed into our van and then Ed's truck.  Last night Ed and Kay went through the boxes to see what was in them and get an idea for how to fit everything into their and Brooke's suitcases, yet still keep under the weight limit.  Goodness!  Either they will need to get really creative or God will have to shrink the items!  ;)
There's everything from homeschool books to kitchen knives in those boxes.  How fun will it be for the missionaries to receive these precious items most of us take for granted?  
Please pray that all these things will somehow fit into their suitcases and that Brooke, Ed, and Kay will recognize what's really important to take of their own stuff and what's ok to leave behind.  Pray for no stress or anxiety over how and what to pack.  Pray that the next 16 days will be focused on being filled with the Holy Spirit, so that they overflow with His presence to all with whom they come into contact.


Yesterday was so much fun looking up scriptures around the # 17.  Let's see what God wants to show me today involving the # 16...
The 16th book of the Old Testament is Nehemiah.  I looked up chapter 1, verse 6.
Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you.
Yes, Lord, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear our prayers for the We Will Go team going to Mozambique.  Thank you that when we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness.  You are so good to us, Lord!
Now for the New Testament...
2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Ooh, how I love this word picture!  This verse begins with "for this reason..."  What reason? Verse 5 tells us that Paul is reminded of Timothy's sincere faith which he received through the example set by his mother and grandmother.  Lord, I thank you for the sincere faith of each member of this team.  I ask you to fan into flame the gift of your presence and the spiritual gifts you have bestowed on each one. The rest of this passage is one of my favorites:  
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,  who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
Lord, remind each member of this team that you have not given them a spirit of timidity.  You have given each one a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  I pray each one will not be ashamed to testify about you, Lord!  Thank you for saving each one and calling them to a holy life.  Thank you for your grace!  Jesus, you have destroyed death and have brought life! You have now appointed these team members as heralds and apostles and teachers.  Equip each one to do exactly what you have called them to do and to Love the One and love the one.  Bless you, Lord!