Grieving Well       

              

Mathew 5:4 challenges our thinking with a statement that is paradoxical. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted". The word blessed carries the meaning of happy and to be envied - not  your usual feelings when you are grieving.

As we met with 'teamers' in Taiwan for their annual retreat, we sought to address disappointment and loss that may have been overlooked or avoided as these saints pressed on to serve God. We reinforced the truth that joy comes in putting disappointments in perspective and closing the loop in the grief cycle.  Then, one can look ahead rather than constantly looking 'in the rear view mirror' of life's experiences. Faith faces forward after yielding our losses to the One capable of carrying them (Mt. 11:28).

Taiwan's 200 mph HSR

After a memorable Thanksgiving meal in which 4 turkeys gave us their all and the two day retreat at "Walking in the Clouds" bed and breakfast - Alberta and I hopped the High Speed Rail (HSR) and made individual visits to team's workers in southern Taiwan. Thank you for your prayers for us while we ministered in Taiwan.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for our visa renewal process. There is a new "sheriff'" in town (immigration commissioner) and it makes us a bit uneasy when we start the renewal process.

2.  Pray for us as we prepare to accompany one of team's senior directors to Myanmar  January 23-26. This is a new ministry area for team.  We will be scouting the land and contemplating what challenges new workers will face entering a country that is becoming more and more open to the outside world.

3. Pray for us as we are apart from family during the Christmas season.

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta

ps - if you are wondering about the beard, 'No Shave November' has segued into 'Don't shave December'. Stay tuned for more updates!