Hello, from our new temporary home. We are officially moved out of our house and into a tiny (Did I say that? I meant to say “cozy”) bedroom at my mother and step-father’s doublewide mobile home in Mount Morris, NY. It’s only about ten minutes from our house, but it is worlds away from where we were a month ago!
In the move, we brought only the barest of essentials with us. You would never know it if you saw the room we are in! Michael has his own bedroom, and we have stuff packed into that room as well. The kitchen is small, so we even have food in Michael’s closet, just as an example. Of course, this is all just temporary so we are making due and in some way even having fun with this.
Here is the best news… I am done working in two days! That’s right; Tuesday is my last day at work. In order to make some of the preparations that need to be taken care of before we leave for Africa, I need some time to allow the slow wheels of bureaucracy to turn. This will allow us the free time we need to get in some visiting before we go, as well. In case I haven’t mentioned it in one of the last updates, we are hoping to leave sometime towards the end of May, Lord-willing. Those of the hospital staff in Congo who are taking care of all of the maintenance needs will be leaving between June and July, leaving a gap until October. If we don’t get there in time to be oriented before the middle of June, that leaves a big hole in the necessary hospital staff. Dr. Harvey (and us, too) is praying that we will be able to arrive before then. It’s totally doable, but there is still much to be done. First, we need the rest of our support to come in. That’s a tall order still, although I don’t have the numbers in my head right now (things have been a little confusing as of late). Upon approval from the home office at Global, we will need to get a letter of invitation from the hospital, our visas, and airline tickets. Like I said, it’s not impossible, however improbable it may seem. And, as all things are, it’s in the Lord’s capable hands. If it’s His time for us to go, we will be on a plane next month. If not, we will be here until October, when the Harveys return to Congo.
From here, we ask for your prayers concerning our hope to be in the air in May. Please continue to pray for God’s provision and guidance as we step in faith, making decisions each day that affect our preparedness to leave for Congo. Please pray also for our protection, as we feel the effects of a big target painted on our backs. God is moving, and the enemy is attacking. Pray for our attitudes to stay positive and our faith to stay strong and focused. Don’t forget to pray for the Congolese people, that the Lord would prepare hearts for the gospel, and that our ministry to them would be fruitful. (You could pray that lots of them get sick and have to come to the hospital, but maybe that’s not the right thing to do… but they would hear the gospel… so that’s your choice.)
As always, we thank all of you for your prayers, support, love, and your part in this ministry. We anticipate blessings from this as we follow His leading, and we pray that you are blessed, too. Lift up your eyes and look, for the fields are white unto harvest!
Yours in Christ,
Art, Danielle & Michael
