“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Kathie and I first contacted the Prayer League more than 20 years ago. Then Personnel Director, Chuck Lindquist, gave us the verse Proverbs 16:9. This was helpful for us as we tried to discern where God was leading us. God opened doors for us to go to Mexico at that time. Five years later he opened doors for us to serve in our Business Office in Minneapolis. Now God is opening doors again – to return to California where we began our married lives together.
One year ago I was offered an opportunity that would have required relocating to California. Kathie and I felt that the job could have been right, but the timing was definitely wrong. Last month the same company extended a slightly different offer – a part-time, remote position which would become full-time in 2018. Our family discussed it, prayed, chatted again with Chuck, prayed with the Finance Committee – and discerned that this time is the right time. I have accepted the job starting October 1, and will simultaneously reduce my involvement in our Business Office. Terry Beyer has been named Business Manager until we find a long-term replacement. I will remain in our Business Office as part-time Accounts Manager until the summer of 2018.
Just like Solomon, my “mind plans my way” – and sometimes my plans are ridiculous. But there is something more than human planning at work in the lives of believers. We believe that the Lord is directing our steps. For us, personally, a move to California will allow us to remain close to our children, who all seem to be settling in the west. It will also allow Kathie to live close to her dear mother. The Prayer League will benefit as well, I think, from a new Business Manager with different experiences and skills. The opportunity for me to stay on for a season in a part-time capacity should help to make the transition smooth. Kathie and I are thankful that God directed our steps to the Prayer League 20 years ago! It has been a blessing to pray and serve with all of you, and I look forward to continuing to do so in this new capacity.
The table above summarizes our financial results for August, as they relate to allowance payments. The minimum allowance paid was 83% of targets. We needed $8,736 more in General Fund donations in order to pay full target allowances to all of our missionaries. A little less than $30,000 was transferred from Estate Funds to pay Benefits Expenses not covered by designated support fund gifts. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry!