We are so excited to say that last week we received our acceptance to the Iris Harvest School of Missions in Pemba, Mozambique! Our whole family will soon be flying to Africa! We will attend the school for 2 months and after graduation we have an additional opportunity to participate in an extended outreach in another part of Africa. We will use the things we learned to serve alongside established missionaries and help minister to the people in their care.
During the school, there will be classroom/lecture time 4 days a week. Speakers from other Iris bases as well as Heidi and Rolland will be among those in the lineup. There will also be opportunities to do local outreach in the town of Pemba, as well as spending time with local Mozambican pastors in training. It has been emphasized that we will have very little down time during the school. To be honest, when I first read through the schedule I had some anticipation of a freedom reminiscent of our college days in mind. Then as I was able to get deeper into our information, I realized that we needed to be ready to be challenged in some really big ways. I guess some things truly are a once in a lifetime thing! We are extremely excited about the opportunity to grow spiritually while learning how to become missionaries, not to mention making new friends from around the world.
We have a long list of things to get accomplished in preparing our family for departure. We ask that you pray for us to be diligent and wise in what, when, and how we walk through this exciting experience, continually seeking God for His guidance. It is awesome to see God working throughout this process answering prayers and leading the way. We still maintain our prayers for doors to be opened and for God's will to be done. Simply stated, we want what God wants!
Right now, we are overwhelmed with the time frame we have in front of us. We must arrive in Pemba by September 30. The list of things we are currently working on are; getting visas, working with a travel agent to obtain plane tickets, securing suitable luggage, and getting proper medicine and vaccinations. Other things in the back of our minds are securing items we will need in Mozambique, such as water filtration pumps and other equipment needed for outreach opportunities in the bush. We are sure to learn about more details that will reveal other needs along the way, but for now our plates are quite full.
The tuition and outreach payments need to be paid in full by August 25th. Plane tickets will need to be purchased within the next few weeks.
We appreciate beyond what words can express the support we have been given throughout this journey. It has been a joy praying for different families and individuals each day. We thank each one of you for continuing the journey with us.
Click the link below if you'd like to learn more about what we will be experiencing in Pemba!
Iris Global Harvest School of Missions
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