In the past month, we have been in a motorcycle accident, our guesthouse was struck by lightning (left with no power for days in freezing temperatures), and the countries of S. Asia have all been closed due to the corona virus. Joshua 1:9 has been ringing loudly in our lives this past month with the encouragement to “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Motorcycle Accident That Alters Our Walk
On Valentine’s Day, we were able to go out for a date (thanks to interns watching Breanna) and then later in the evening we had an important ministry meeting. On the way home, we had to take the motorcycle because the car was used to take neighbors to the hospital. As we headed up the hill, a car had crossed over the dividing line and was directly in our lane leaving us nowhere to go. Thankfully Bond was able to break in the nick of time to avoid impact from the car. We know angels were encamped around our motorcycle, but we did hit the pavement and in the process Heather twisted her leg in the fall and the motorcycle landed on it. For three weeks, Heather was unable to leave the house because of the injury. Thankfully now, she no longer needs crutches but is still wearing a knee brace and limping quite a bit still. We are grateful for your prayers as her leg is about 70% and Lord willing it will be fully healed and strengthened in the coming days.
It was two days of grumbling, before Heather realized that she could either be discouraged and feel badly about the situation or choose joy making the most of the time she had at home. Praise God for interns that helped with dishes and laundry and a husband that cooked and cared for the homefront on top of his teaching / study schedule. The Lord graciously reminded us that He protected us and goes before us in all things. The decision was made…. let’s not miss out on all God wants to teach us in this season. Let’s grow. Let’s encourage. Let’s reach out. Let’s press into the Lord. Let’s spend quality time with Breanna. Let’s choose not to complain and grumble. Let’s choose joy!
Lightning Strikes
In the past month, we also lived through the craziest storm we have ever experienced here in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. The thunder, lightening, hail, wind and rain was like nothing we have ever experienced before. As we laid in bed trying to hunker down for the night as the storm raged outside, we heard a huge crashing sound with sparks that lite up our entire house. We jumped out of bed not realizing that the main guesthouse where we are staying had been struck by lightning. Thankfully no one was hurt and the damage was minimal, but resulted in a power outage that lasted four days in freezing temperatures.
Closed, Closed, Closed
Even though we don’t have TV, we have been trying to keep up to date on all that is taking place with the Corona Virus. Some have asked how our family is doing and how this area of the world has been effected. South Asia has closed all schools, borders and all visas have been suspended making it impossible for anyone to enter. We plan to stay put for now here in S. Asia and we are monitoring the situation.
Press On
Despite the challenges and trails over the past month, we have been pouring our lives into a group of young men who desire to study the Word of God. They are being prepared for ministry in a world that desperately needs pastors and leaders to provide hope, comfort, truth and bible teaching in unreached and remote areas of the world. Bond is currently teaching Revelation and Acts, while Heather has been able to teach English the past two weeks and minister to women in the community.
Our month began with Heather being confined to the house and learning all over again how to rest, trust, heal, read and pray more and love on Breanna. Now millions of people in the wake of the Corona Virus are now quarantined and confined to homes. The natural reaction is to grumble, complain and be filled with fear from the “what if’s.”. But, what if we choose joy, love, generosity, praying and serving those who are seriously affected and learning all the Lord has for us in this season!
Please pray for our students as we plan outreaches in the weeks leading up to Easter. Pray for open doors and receptive hearts as the good news is shared in unreached places in the Himalayan Mountains. Pray for ministry team and students for protection, wisdom, safety, blinded eyes from officials and a mighty work to take place in all of our lives this semester. Pray for Heather’s leg for complete healing. Pray for our family, marriage and for Breanna that we would continue to learn and grow in this season of testing / trials and that we would preserve for God’s glory!
We are praying for you as well as we know many of you have been effected in the past week as businesses shut down, kids are out of school, sickness sets in, churches are forced to close their doors, plans are canceled, the economy is in disarray and store shelves are empty. If you have specific prayer requests that we can pray for you and your family, please reply to this update and share as we would love to pray for you and your family.
We are thankful that even when challenges hit and trials come that you stand with us as prayer warriors, supporters, family and friends and the Lord uses you all to see us through.
