Changing Seasons

Greetings all!

Just wanted to let you all know some bittersweet news. My time with Mercy Ships has, for now, come to a close. I had anticipated returning to the ship to help my team begin a new outreach but they have released me to pursue further education. While it is difficult to be at the end this season of ministry, God is clearly directing me to pursue further studies so that I can serve more effectively in the future. I will be pursuing a degree in oral surgery and Lord willing return to the mission field.

I want to say a big THANK YOU! both for the financial and prayer support you all have given me over the past 2+ years. I could not have committed to serving the people of West Africa through Mercy Ships without that support! But for those of you who have been giving financially, as of September 1st, I will no longer be paying crew fees to the ship so will not require that financial support. I will be returning to 'normal' work force as soon as possible while tackling a full course load.

Also, I'd like to invite you to an evening at my parent's home to have dessert with us! I would love to have this opportunity to both thank you in person and share with you what God has accomplished through our sacrifice.

Please join us on August 16th

When: 7:00-8:30pm

At: The Ruebke's ~ message me if you need the address! 

I Think I Can... I Think I Can...

Flashback to 1990 something, one of my very early childhood memories..

I’m at my Aunt Cris’ house for a sleep over. My cousin and siblings are all gathered around me, we’re all sitting on the floor, intently watching “The Little Engine That Could” before bedtime. We comfortably nibble on snacks as Uncle Ray and Aunt Cris take turns blowing up the air mattress and sympathize with the little blue engine as she makes her way along the dangerous track. I don’t remember the majority of the movie; it’s been almost two decades since that night. All of us haven’t been under the same roof; let alone having a slumber party in over three years. I do however remember thinking, “Does it really help to say that over and over and over? Just keep moving, keep trying. You’ll make it, just keep going.” At the time it didn’t seem all that difficult. But as I relate the little engine’s struggle to my own journey the same advice hits me, “Keep moving, keep trying. You’ll make it, just keep going.”

The Bible is loaded with stories of people who felt the same way and cried out to God asking for deliverance, hope, peace, strength. You name it, they asked. They relied on the promise, “Ask and you shall receive.” God, Himself says, “Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” The apostle Paul who knew much more about suffering than most of us, reminds us “God is Faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” The Psalmist was filled with the faith that even though he may “walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me;  Your rod and Your staff comfort me.”

So as the track winds through the darkness of a canyon or across a rickety bridge when the pressure to persevere is high, I begin a similar mantra to the little engine’s “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..”  And a quiet voice inside says, “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am Your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Keep moving, keep trying. You’ll make it, just keep going.

"Except for God"

 

This is a well-known Ghanian symbol meaning "Except for God" (GYE NYAME) reminding anyone who sees it of God's Sovereignty. 

As a dental team we have been reminded of just that: our dependence on God. While jumping into the task of setting up clinic and beginning treatment, we have been reminded daily that without Him, we can do nothing. Without His intervention and if not according to His will, we labor in vain. 

And as always; He has been faithful. 

He has carried our skeleton team through the process of set up, thanks to the help of extra willing (strong) hands. He has blessed us with managable screening lines twice a week, a flexible dentist (yes that's singular, just one dentist, we 'should' have four) and the energy to accomplish the day's tasks.

I say this all the time but it's true; i love my job and am so blessed to be able to be here and serve these precious people. So I say a simple but heartfelt thank you for your prayers and support, you are a part of making this possible.