Wow...Time is RACING by!

Yep...the days just continue to fly by. It seems like we just returned from the island yesterday and we are headed right back (actually it was just a few days past one year). What a blessing this adventure is. The images of last years trip are still vivid in my mind and in the minds of my wife and children.

The work that God started through this mission last year has really expanded as He has increased the participants from 35 people last year to 101 this year. In the process, He has streched me...but more importantly He has strengthened me. However as the day of our departure draws closer, I am starting to experience the beginning of spiritual attacks by the enemy. This is nothing new though...we experienced these same attacks last year from about 2 weeks prior to leaving for the island until the time that our flights landed safely back in Atlanta. This may sound crazy, but I actually welcome the attacks...I embrace them for what they truly are...confirmation that we are centered smack dab in the center of where God wants us. Confirmation that He has plans to do a mighty work in us and through us as we continue down the path of this mission.

Satan attempts to divert us through deception, distraction, fear and doubt. For me, the recent attacks have come in the form of EXTREME busy-ness throughout my day. Meaningless little things….insane amounts of emails, texts, phone calls, meetings and just plain JUNK that have nothing to do with this mission and are meant to throw me of course. The opposition looks for our greatest areas of weakness and attacks there. The Apostle Paul spoke about the reality of these spiritual battles in Ephesians 6:10-19. I love the Message translation:

And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all.

To all of you who are a part of this mission...whether you are a coach, an athlete, an attending parent or a parent or spouse of one of our missionaries, I encourage you to Stay Strong! Now more than ever, stay in Gods word and remain in prayer for your fellow missionaries. God is preparing ALL of us for a mighty work.