Mourning that Waits Expectanly for Joy

It's been a while. Not much has happened since the last time I've sent out an update. This is part of how I'm processing, so I am sorry if the writing is rough and off.

I can only really think one thing. My maternal grandmother had a heart attack and went into a coma Wednesday and she was declared brain dead and taken off life support today.

I will not be able to fly home for her funeral, but I'm asking that God might somehow provide tickets. I've heard of crazier things happening. I am upset that I won't be able to come home for her funeral and be with my family. So I appreciate your prayer and encouragement for my family.

I guess this is part of the reality of being in ministry away from home. I'm confident that God is at work, that He is good, and He loves us. And I remember Easter, that death has been defeated. There is comfort, there is peace, there is hope.

"For if we have been united with [Jesus] in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." – Romans 6:5

Grace be with you.

He is not God of the dead, but of the Living

I'm amazed that it has already been a year since I left for Hawai'i to do my DTS. God has blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined during the past year, led me into new seasons and places I would never have thought He would take me. He has done extensive heart surgery and rehab and healed wounds I thought would not heal. He has trusted me with more of His heart for the nations and His love for people. And I have made friends all along the way, and I rejoice that the Spirit is working through all of us in union and someday we will all stand before Jesus together... God is good.

Nigeria
Everyone has been asking me about Nigeria and if I am going, and I want to thank you for asking. I've been praying into going to Nigeria, and weighing what trusted friends have spoken... As I've prayed about going to Nigeria, I've been excited, but I never felt peace about going. I have felt peace about staying in Herrnhut, strengthening connections here, learning German and gaining computer networking skills. A few people have had the same word for me that this is a season for me to stay where I am and they have encouraged me with that. Thank you all for praying, and for seeking updates, and for speaking with me.

I know I would like to work in Africa again. The important thing is waiting for the right time. God has been blessing me in Germany with a season where the Holy Spirit has been growing fruits in me like never before, especially patience and peace. I can tell cultivating these fruits is what he has for me, and Herrnhut is the soil I need to be in to grow. You can pray that the fruit of the Spirit would be growing in me more and more.

Easter
There are so many thoughts going through my head about the death of Jesus on Friday, and His resurrection on Sunday – how the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in Christ, how a new covenant is ushered in, how death is defeated in such irony... I guess since I have a hard time understanding when I try applying my understanding to the cross, this is the most fitting:

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God... For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18, 25.

Thank you, Father, that you have redeemed me from my "wisdom" and "strength", and that you have forgiven me for my sins and all the times I have missed the mark. Thank you, Jesus, that I can share in your sufferings and share in your joy.

He is risen!

Christopher