Used by God
Used by God… We are continually amazed at the process to become missionaries and serve on the field. As most of you have probably heard us say, “it’s like being on a roller coaster, you have huge swings of highs and lows, but it’s an incredible ride!” We’ve come to realize that our low days are those we don’t begin by giving Him control, surrendering our will by praying “God, direct my path today, use me for your Glory, may I be an encouragement to others with the people you put in my path”. It is amazing to see how much freedom there is when He is in control. We wish to share how many of you have been used by God in ways you may not realize and I am not just talking about those that have partnered with us financially (even though that has also been an incredible, mind-blowing blessing and humbling experience). Living in a culture where money tends to drive us, even control us, many of you have shown us what sacrificial giving is. I am also talking about those of you that have said a word or two of encouragement that has been exactly what we need to hear to keep pressing on, you are being used by God. Those of you who pray with us or share you are praying for us in specific matters, you are being used by God. Those who welcome us into your homes and share stories, experiences, laughter and tears, you are being used by God. Family and friends, who have embraced us with a hug, whispering “I’m going to miss you,” you have been used by God. Those of you who have invested a part of yourselves through your own time, money, gifts and talents in helping us make it to the field you are a part of the Red Island Project community and are being used by God in amazing ways. The highs of this ride are when we learn how God is preparing and equipping us to serve in a foreign land. It’s when and how He provides in ways that are beyond our own control. It’s when some of you join this incredible journey with us and we begin to get a glimpse on how God will accomplish this awesome work in Madagascar! We are amazed through it all, and often wonder why we don’t always seek to live like this....
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Status Change!! We just found out we are now full-term “Career” missionaries! I know some of you might be thinking “aren’t you already?” But technically, we started with WorldVenture as mid-term missionaries only committed for two years on the field. We have always told most people we are mid-term missionaries with a long term (career) focus, but it was becoming more clear that we needed to make the change. We knew our mid-term status was hindering instead of equipping us for longevity on the field, and so we started the process. We are excited to announce that we are now officially official! Testimony of Provision. As Danielle is finally pursuing her dream and call to become a midwife, we must share how God is in control. We sought much discernment, praying about what route she should take in schooling and Mercy in Action (based in the Philippines) was our clear choice. With MIA, she was able to do a distance academic learning program, a program that provided intensive modules that she could complete at her own pace, and an internship at the maternity center in the Phillipines. Trusting that this was the road that God lead us down, it was difficult but not tragic to learn of a few hurdles on this route. We soon learned with MIA, Danielle could become a certified Midwife, but would not have a degree nor be licensed in California, which meant she would not be able practice in the states. While it took some time to process some of these realizations, we trusted God was preparing us to get past some of the worldly titles, and had a plan. Well, things got worse….. Legislation was starting to change the role of midwives in the States. And a bigger problem was brewing that stopped Danielle’s schooling in its tracks. International midwifery clinics have been open for internships for US midwives for some time, but unfortunately there hasn’t been much accountability of medical malpractice and abuse happening in many sites around the world. While we were visiting “Heartline ministries” in Haiti, it was voted on by the National Midwifery Board that they would close all international sites for accreditation for schools such as MIA. To say this was a difficult time for Danielle would be an understatement. It was like the carpet was ripped out from under her feet leaving her lost and confused as to why God lead us down this road. As Danielle was alongside amazing midwives in Haiti, seeking to model some of there practices, she found herself in tears wondering if this road would ever open back up. But the power of prayer works… In Haiti, those cry sessions turned into prayer sessions, and continued to reassure Danielle that God will make all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our Madagascar team partner, Alissa Shattenberg, got on the phone once we got home to see what options there are for this impossible situation. And long story short (J/k)…the door has opened for Danielle to change schools to a MEAC accredited school with the National College of Midwifery. This opportunity not only allows Danielle to get a degree and possibility to practice in the states, but she still gets credit for all the work she has done thus far! (Praise God) And Alissa is becoming Danielle’s preceptor, which means Danielle can learn and practice in the very place she will serve!!! We might not have all the answers, but when we trust in...
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