Sticking to the Plan

Good day Beloved! Husband and I would like to share a bit about how our last week has gone and give God all the glory (video recap here). As you know, we set out for Rome on Sunday, January 9 to attend a conference and meet a missions team. We were compliant with travel regulations and documents but were detained in Zurich by customs. We did all we could practically to get through but were sent back to L.A. on Tuesday, January 11. It is with sadness we share this news, coupled with hope, encouragement and greater faith. This week, we would like to highlight three ways the Holy Spirit has been moving in strangers, the church and us.

On Our Way to L.A.X.

L.A.X. Airport Line for Document Check & Boarding Passes

Zurich Airport, On Our Way to Customs & Connecting Flight

Once the Chief of Police said, 'It's not going to happen folks,' referring to us passing through to Rome, tears began to pour out, and I began to sob, processing the reality that our trip would not go as we had thought. I was heart-broken, and a million thoughts and prayers flooded my mind. Shortly after, a young couple that was in detention prior to us came over to our table, "for some reason," and asked, 'Do you think they'd get mad if we talked?' We laughed and welcomed them to join us. This dear pair was on day 2 of their honeymoon. Of course, the question of why came up, and we got to share. And Husband shared how we met, along with the gospel. We pray the officers were listening. The young lady then encouraged us to 'not lose heart and continue this good work.' She was then compelled to share that she had gone from L.D.S. to non-denominational Christian. I asked if she would be willing to share, and she did. Upon finishing, she looked to her husband and said, 'I don't think I told you that story.' It was mid this conversation and our time with them the next 16 hours that the Lord put my eyes back on Him to remember who I was serving and the heart of the mission - to share the good news. Fast forward to our connecting flight from Chicago to L.A., there was an older woman sitting in our row of seats. I began to grumble in my flesh, because I knew the Lord had work for me, and I wanted to rest. But praise the Lord, because He is faithful. Her parents had emigrated from Hungary. She was friendly, and we had a delightful 1:1 conversation on the word and gospel the duration of the flight. We exchanged contact information and have already been in contact since then. She was another purpose for this trip, and I am thankful to have been able to communicate that to her, too. 

"The Newlyweds"

Zurich Airport Transit Hotel

Before we even left, we were receiving countless of unsolicited texts, emails, phone calls and visits for prayer. Upon coming back home, we were unsure how the church body would respond. Would they question, be doubtful or reconsider us? While flying back, I wrote in my journal, "God, please continue using your word, Spirit and chosen ones to speak truth and to speak it plainly. And may we see the opportunity to glorify you in all things [including how we respond]. Help us be faithful. Today is the mission. I am thankful for my husband at my side, in unity, under his leading." Since back, we have been able to connect with our missions pastor, the main missionary in Rome and close mentors, and all have listened, disclosed they have been fervently praying and even asked if we would go back in the Spring, the next conference or another event. Moreover, five independent individuals shared the same scripture with us from Acts 16 which states, "...and after they (Paul & Timothy) came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;" (verse 7).

On Our Way to Chicago

While it has been a fierce, full and fast week, God has been gracious granting strength, unity and time with Him and my Husband, seeking wisdom and understanding. There are MANY things I could share, but one area I have been ministered to is that I do not have to understand why this redirection happened (Proverbs 3:5-6). I trust in the one who ordained it and in whose hands we are (Isaiah 40). I have also been given peace holding onto a few things He has promised - right standing with Himself, forgiveness of my sin in Christ, grace, mercy and the Helper (John 14-16). We have not done this on our own, nor could we - more than ever I praise God for the body (1 Corinthians 12)! This was always His plan, and we are speechless seeing the infinite ways we were directed, cared for and affirmed (Psalm 115). To God be the glory, who, in the beginning, already knew and rejoiced for it to be so (Isaiah 46:10). We give Him thanks for His indescribable gift and using you to spur us on to continue moving forward sharing it with others in Zurich, Chicago and back again in Riverside (1 Thessalonians 5:23-27 and Philippians 4).

Praise Reports (every prayer request for our trip was answered affirmatively and exceedingly abundantly above all we asked and thought):

1. To seek God’s glory & submit to His will, above all else 
2. To walk in the gospel & bear fruits of the Spirit - several gospel conversations 
3. Direction & discernment
4. Physical health, peace & strength 
5. Travel logistics 
6. Language/cultural barriers - we were able to share in English, & I got to use a bit of my Italian and German in the airport!
7. Financial provision - we were fully provided for, extra even; thankful for the church's stewardship and ability to keep it for future missions endeavors; no fees for hotel or conference; free hostel to sleep at and dinner and breakfast vouchers while at airport
8. Unity & protection from spiritual attack - [with the exception of one argument at L.A.X. before we left & then being quickly brought to repentance] the Lord supernaturally granted oneness of mind and submission
9. To build honest & strong relationships with missionaries & locals - our relationship was grown with the missionaries and "locals" we encountered
10. Ability to keep custody time and communication with Zachary

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. For Husband to have peace of mind & to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, specifically with how things went
2. Refund request from Swiss airlines for all expenses or at minimum our flights
3. Wisdom & unity for when to travel to Rome again
4. Continued direction/balance with ministry/missions (+ faith, patience, wisdom & obedience), especially as Husband continues bible training 
5. Faithfulness in our current season
6. Unity in marriage & family 
7. Physical healing for me (ongoing fatigue & COVID residuals) & our ability to conceive
8. Continued provision &/or direction for me with work 
9. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation