In a few days’ time our family will be experiencing something we’ve never known. Andrew will be in Florida, Samuel in Missouri, Angela and girls in South Dakota, and Todd winging his way to the South Pacific. Transition. Adjustment. Tears. Joy. Jesus right in the middle of it all. The sweet fellowship our family has known all these years is breaking and we are being scattered across the world.

Please pray that as the boys settle into classes, Andrew for his second year and Samuel for his first, that the Father will give them clarity and creativity, will grant them insight and wisdom beyond their years, and will imbue them with a winsome humility that serves as a witness to Jesus’ life in them and encourages those around them.

Please pray that as Angela and girls spend a month in South Dakota, visiting ministry partners and family, that sweet and lasting memories will be made, hearts will be touched, and believers inspired. Pray that the strength and mercy of the Father will be showered upon them as they adjust to having all the men in the household scattered across the earth, which is to say not present with them.

Please pray that as Todd makes his way to Papua New Guinea, the Holy Spirit work deeply in Todd’s spirit to prepare him for preaching, for one-on-one ministry, for moments of remembrance and renewed relationships, for blessing to the missionaries, the national co-workers, the Aruamu, and the Somau Garia. Pray fervently for the Spirit to go out ahead, the work in the moments given Todd to share, and in the afterglow of the preaching and the trip in general.

Thank God for his kindness in providing for this unique opportunity, in preparing all involved for what He has ordained for this time, and for the purposes that are already being accomplished in it. Thank God for the transformation that He is bringing in our family’s life through the challenge and opportunities emerging from this season. Thank God for the Body of Christ, across the great span of the earth, of time itself, and across cultures.

As you pray, stop by www.shakethegates.org/resources and download a copy of 40 Days to Freedom, a prayer guide for a prayer campaign that begins in a few days’ time–August 11.

My prayer today for each of you is that God will give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may know him better. Blessings!

If you have ever asked yourself whether or not God answers prayer today or cares to hear the cries of our heart, jump into something world-changing, do it in such a way that only He can get credit, get on your knees and pray, and watch what happens. It is definitely a tough row to hoe, but if you have the grit, you might just find yourself slack-jawed in amazement at His creativity and timing.

We’ve certainly found ourselves in that very condition lately! The last few months, all things considered, have looked rather financially impossible. Todd is due to travel to Papua New Guinea end of August for a month-long stay. We are taking our son, Samuel, 1,400 miles north (and west) to Bible college in mid-August, and we’ve just had the lowest salary we’ve had on record. (I mean l o w). The hand of God is not too weak to do the impossible!

Thank God:

• for timely and generous provision for finances for the coming needs
• for carrying us through trying, faith-stretching months
• for showing Himself faithful

Ask God:

• To grant much wisdom and discernment as we prepare to travel for the next few months, both overseas and domestically
• To bless our vehicle for travel from Florida north into the Midwest
• Prepare the ground for the coming  September ministry in Papua New Guinea