Transition to Missions

Have you every noticed that things in transition can be pretty ugly and downright painful? Puppies and teenage boys are all feet and abound in unbridled, destructive energy. Any woman who has experienced the "transition" stage of labour knows the intense, all consuming and seemingly pointless contractions that scream "This will never end!".

6 week old

Being a backyard chicken hobbiest, it never ceases to amaze me how adorable, fuzzy little day old chicks can morph into gangly, awkward and seemingly useless 6 week olds. They seem good for nothing - caught somewhere in midflight to useful. Kind of like puppies, teenage boys and labouring women.

This is really all very comforting. You see, I've had teenage boys who have become good and productive men.  I've seen a golden retriever puppy trained into a faithful and mellow friend. I've experienced the writhing grip of labour contractions and have tasted the breathtaking awe of that first cry. I've nurtured chicks through the ugly duckling phase and have gasped in wonder at the first coop fruit.

So, you see, there is hope for me.

my first coop fruit

While Don has walked the way of missions for decades, I am an unsightly chick. A missionary midflight to useful. Stumbling over names, struggling with schedules, battling introversion in a role that is socially rewarding but demanding.  But, then I remember that it's really not about me at all. It is God's work. I am His project.This mission transition is His to do!  I lay hold of Philippians 1:6 "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (NLT)  After all "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness"
(2 Corinthians 12:9a NLT).

So, this old chick is looking forward to seeing fruit for the Kingdom. Just have a few feathers to molt first.

Donate to the Stauffer's Ministry here

Don's Transmission Transitions

Hannah. Yes there was "another woman". Hannah has been with me most of the time I have lived in Canada. When my old Buick was losing it's desire to motor properly, I asked the Lord to supply a vehicle that would serve well. Hannah showed up and was beyond my expectations. She was fun to drive! This was a good thing as I knew many trips to Lancaster County PA would be required. She drank a bit heavily, but not in excess. She could easily be in missions!

Hannah served me well through good times and bad. She was faithful. Now, in her 10th year, joint pain was occurring in steering and wheel bearings. Trips to the doctor began to increase. Surgical replacements were needed! God had given me many years of low expense driving but sadly, the time had come for a transmission transition.

Looking at our expenses, we knew that stewardship required us to reduce our overall cost of living. One car had to go. Because of her increased health care costs, Hannah got the short straw. This brought a smug smile to the grill of Karen's car - a white Mazda named "Marigold". We asked the Lord to supply a family that wanted her and needed a good lil car. As we placed the ad online, many offered a price so low, it was clear they wanted to resell her for their profit. 5 days into the week my phone rang. The buyer had been looking specifically for a Nissan XTrail!  Within three days Hannah was transferred to a loving home in Owen Sound where she continues to serve faithfully.
.
God proved himself faithful when I needed a car as well as when it was time to unload it!  Throughout my life, God has shown Himself to be completely trustworthy. He knows what I need and when I need it. In the light and in the shadows  He never changes. As I focus upon Him, He sees me through.

I must....we must keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Completer of our faith (Hebrews 12:2a). Fixed upon Jesus, the one who gives Himself freely for us so that we might live eternally serving Him.
Donate to the Stauffer's Ministry here