Moving Foward

Dear Friends,

Well, this journey the Lord has us on is an amazing thing. Six months ago, we couldn’t have dreamed we’d be planning a trip to Ireland – but plans are indeed heavily in the works.

Many of you, in fact, have asked us about the progress with our Ireland trip, so we thought an update was in order. And, of course, at this point, we have needs and requests that we must share with you.

We’ve been waiting, somewhat patiently, over the past several weeks to hear back from the field director in Ireland concerning dates for our site visit. After talking with the field leader and MAP team leader, we’ve agreed that the best time for us to go to Ireland will be Feb. 18-26. We’ve booked our flights, and, needless to say, we’re extremely excited that the trip is finally coming together.

As we’ve talked with the missionaries and processed all the info, we’ve decided to make a slight change in plans. Originally, we had intended to try and take Emma and Eli on the trip. For several reasons, now, we’ve determined that this initial visit will best be made by just the two of us.

With this change, the financial needs of the trip have changed. We now need to raise about $3,500, which includes airfare, lodging, car and meals. In God’s grace, we’ve already been given $1,230, leaving a balance for the trip of $2,270.

In addition to financial needs, we have many things for which we covet your prayers. Please pray for our children while we’re away, for safety and for joy in what God is doing. Also pray for God to protect us and strengthen our marriage; it seems that many attacks have been coming our way of late. Pray that God will give us clear direction in His leading, that He would protect us against the ambitions of our flesh. And finally, please pray that we will remember the Gospel. It’s very tempting to approach this endeavor as orphaned children forgetting that we have a loving Father who walks with us, cares for us, and has given us all we need to have peace, joy and contentment.

If you would like to give financially to help us make this trip, please make your check out to Community Presbyterian Church, and write “Morgan’s’ Trip” in the memo line. You can mail the check, place it in the offering, or drop it by the office.

Finally, we want you all to know that we’re humbled and awed at the work of God in our lives, and we’re profoundly blessed that you love us and call us part of your family. Our prayer is that through this process, we’ll all see God in a real way and be strengthened in belief.

In Christ,
Steve and Laura