Desiring a Better Country

November 20, 2020November 21, 2020 by Jonathan In Faith-Filled Friday 1 Comment

We consider ourselves very blessed to have had places to stay during our time in the U.S., with beds to sleep on, kitchens to cook in, dining rooms to eat and fellowship in, tables and chairs to work in, and family rooms to relax in. Recently we were able to help Lilli’s parents completely move out of their townhouse (where we were staying) so they could sell it (which happened quickly). God opened up a fellow missionary friend’s home in northern Minneapolis that we are able to stay in until December 17.

Again, we are grateful to have these amazing houses to live in, especially considering Jesus had no place to lay his head (Matt. 8:20). But to be honest, sometimes it’s hard not to have a home to call our home. We’ve had to decline taking family heirlooms this summer as we’ve moved some things for Jonathan’s mom and Lilli’s parents. Most of what we own has to fit in a 5′ X 15′ storage unit!

Ironically it’s now in the country we used to call home that we feel most like sojourners. And yet that’s probably a good thing, because that’s what we are. My Bible reading lately has been in Hebrews 11, where the author reminds us of all those who died in faith, living their lives as strangers and exiles on earth, because they ultimately put their satisfaction toward a better country, a heavenly one.

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth…But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.
Hebrews 11:13,16

We didn’t go to Kenya for the purpose of making us more aware of our temporary status as pilgrims in this world. I still struggle at times with living out of a suitcase in someone else’s home. But I can tell you one thing, I think much more about and long even more for our permanent home that God is building!

Quick Update on the Last 3 Months

Josh and Sophie started 1st Term with RVA online the end of August
Jonathan had the privilege of baptizing Sue (his mother)!
Jonathan and his sisters, Jody and Christine, spent a week and a half in Iowa helping Sue go through things that had collected in the house and garage attics over the years.
We were also able to help Stan & Kathie (Lilli’s parents) move out of their townhome so they could sell it.
Jonathan & Lilli celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and got to visit some friends along the way.
Tiana’s global internship was changed from SE Asia to Hungary due to COVID. She arrived there the end of August and will be there for a year and a half. Let us know if you would like to get her updates. She’s had some wonderful opportunities to share the love of Christ.
We haven’t had too many opportunities to speak in churches, but we did get to share with the Young at Hearts at North Heights Lutheran and Jonathan will be preaching at Oakridge Community Church in Stillwater, MN on November 29.

Praise & Prayer

We are so thankful for being able to stay with Grandma Sue, and then at Stan & Kathie’s townhome, and now in a home owned by missionaries to North Africa.
Praise that the school term for Josh & Sophie is almost done and they have done well. It’s been a challenging term.
Pray for Lilli as she fell down the stairs and sprained her ankle quite badly. Nothing is broken but she hasn’t been able to bear much weight after 4 days.
Pray for us to be fully financially supported before December 30, the date we plan to fly back to RVA.
Pray for a smooth transition back in the midst of COVID restrictions and new protocols for returning students in January when RVA plans to begin in-person learning.
Also pray for new/changing responsibilities as we return. Jonathan will start teaching at a local Bible college.