New Every Morning

We started this blog as a way for us to keep track of God's many blessings and for keeping all of our dear friends and family up to date with our wanderings and adventures. But God has been running so far ahead of us, there is no way to keep up with what He's been doing.
It never ceases to amaze me what an adventure life is when you live in obedience to Him. It is also beyond me to translate into words some of the things He has done in us and for us.
We are so thankful to the family that has hosted us for the last eight months. Their generosity and hospitality have made it possible to stay out of debt while I finish my Masters. We are continually blessed by their prayerful decision to host us and the grace and kindness they show us each day. Talk about living what you believe!
We are thankful for Ben's new job. He is now working days (a huge answer to prayer, for him).
We are thankful for the community of believers in this area. God has been working in my life to heal some of the hurt and resentment I had built up towards the Church. God's vision for unity and truth within the Body of believers is very much alive! In the short time that we have been up here, I have seen some things I had told myself could never happen in today's Church. I repent for being a self-righteous cynic. God is good, and His Body is very much alive and active. I am humbled and blessed to be a part of it.
We are thankful for the generosity of so many in our community. I started this year with anxiety about our financial situation. Ben told me it was a great opportunity for God to show off. He was right! God has provided for us abundantly through our dear family in Christ. At every turn, He meets us with another surprise, another display of His grace and goodness. He is indeed "showing off" proving to us beyond a shadow of a doubt that our lives are in His great and powerful hands. Nothing comes to us that is not from Him, and nothing is taken from us that He does not release.
To this last point, some of you know that this year has held pain for us as well as joy. Even in grief, especially in grief, we have found God to be all sufficient. He is the giver and the taker, and what He does is good. He comforts those who mourn. He lifts up those who rely on Him for strength.

Please pray for God's continued provision and guidance.
Right now it looks like we may be in Papua New Guinea as soon as this time next year! We are praying about partnership and accountability with the many Church communities that have encouraged us and built us up through discipleship and prayer. We are continually blessed by God's provision and direction so far.
We are thankful for this time in our lives, for the adventure God has given us to live, and for the work He is doing in and through His people.

Love and Blessings,
Mary (and Ben)