Update and Blog Farewell

To all our loved ones in Christ-
I know this update is long overdue.  It has been partially intentional as well as involuntary due to limited internet that we haven't updated you all for a while.  Thanks to those who pressed us to send an update!

Before I begin, I want to let everyone know that this will be the last blog update.  The reasons are many, but the main one being that both Megan and I were convicted a few weeks ago that we were more motivated by hopes of financial support than we were by desiring prayer and keeping you all updated.  So, although this motive was even unknown to us until this past month, we need to come and ask each one of you for your forgiveness for presuming upon all of you and not having our motives be pure and godly.  By God's grace he has granted us repentance for this sin and so feel it is appropriate for us to "cut off the arm" for at least a season.  Thank you for your love and forgiveness.

Since we left Minnesota on July 24th God has proven his faithfulness to his Word over and over again; revealing our sinfulness in unbelief and covetousness, as well as blessing us beyond anything we could have ever imagined with a joy in Christ and his sufficiency.

As a reminder, we felt that for a season we were to only ask God for anything we needed (following the example of George Muller) to 1.) build our faith in Him; 2.) Show his faithfulness to others.  So the following was all given to us without a single mention of any need to anyone, but our Father in heaven:

We felt called to sell all of our possessions in Minnesota and give the money to the poor brothers and sisters in the church as commanded by Jesus in Luke 12.  So we came to the east coast with only what fit in our minivan.  This left us without beds, sofa, kitchen table, toys, high chair, dishes/plates/cups, and much more.  Within 3 weeks of being in South Carolina, God had supplied through people we have never met:
A Queen sized bed
A double bed
A twin Bed
A pack N' play
A high chair
Toys galore
A kitchen table
Kitchen supplies (including plates, bowls, cups)
a dresser
and last but not least an abundance of food.

A quick story that still is amazing to me (not that all this other provision isn't amazing):  One morning I looked at Elijah's diapers and noticed there were only about 10 left.  I told Megan that I was struggling with faith because I didn't know how we would pay for diapers.  Not 3 hours later, someone handed us a full box of size 3 diapers.  The next day, someone else sent us another box of size 3 diapers.  A few days later, my in-laws gave us a box of diapers.  Then, because I'm a fool, I saw that Grace's overnight diapers were running low and I began to get anxious about how we would be able to get more for her.  That very day We received a full box of girls overnight pull-up diapers! 

He has provided more that we ever expected.  My exhortation to you all is" "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding!" Prov. 3:5  He knows what we need before we need it.  So "seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and he will give you all these things!" Matthew 6.

Despite his faithfulness, we find ourselves time and time again doubting that he'll provide for us.  We ask that you pray for an increase of faith.  We are fully aware that the testing of our faith is to develop perseverance and that faith is strengthened through testing.  He will never leave us or forsake us!

Some lessons over the past couple of months that we have learned from scripture:
1.) We are to work with our hands so that we can "walk properly before outsiders and have no need of anything" 1 Thess. 4 -- So I am seeking work and praying about starting a business

2.) It is sinful to be isolated.  We are called to make disciples, fellowship, and lay down our lives for the brothers.  -- We are currently in the middle of no where.  We are seeking to move.

3.) God desired that I didn't attend seminary.  He was gracious not to provide the money to attend school, so I am not attending.  -- We are seeking where he wants us, if it's here or somewhere else.

4.) The local church should function a lot differently that what we see in most churches today.  -- this would take too long, but would love to discuss with you if you're interested.

We love you all so much.  Please don't hesitate to contact us when you have the change.  Either through e-mail, phone, or letter.  Our address is:

1560 turkey Creek ridge road
York, SC 29745

We have a few weeks left in this house and then we'll be moving again.  Please pray for us, especially during this time of weak faith and little finances. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace...in Jesus Christ.  For his glory!

Love,
Bill and Megan