Friday, June 22, 2012

Departure Date - Aug 6


We have a departure date!  We have been praying for the Lord to guide our steps and make the path clear.  Yes, I would consider this a “Red Sea” moment! 
We are trusting in the Lord and His perfect timing.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
We will head to Portugal to begin our language study on August 6th.  We purchased one-way tickets because there are still a few things that may prevent us from heading directly to Africa from Portugal.  However, we feel that it is important to make this first step in preparing for our ministry in Angola.  
Some of the things that still need to be worked out:
  • The sell of our home.  There is some interest in our home but it isn't under contract.
  • Visas - This can take an indeterminate amount of time.  Even though the process has improved, there are no guarantees that they will be ready in time.  They may require       us to appear in person at the consulate before departure to Angola.
  • Funding - We are currently at 45% of our monthly support.  Due to some supporters who have already started making donations to our ministry (some for over a year now), we have been able to purchase items that we need to send in our container and also have some money in our account.  However, the money in this account combined with the current level of donations will not sustain us throughout the 6 months in Portugal.
  • Container - We plan to have our container to port BEFORE we head to Portugal.  However, if this does not occur, then we may have to make other arrangements.
The Lord is aware of these needs and He has it all under control.  We ask you to join us as we pray for the concerns listed above and the new problems that will arise.  I ask that you also pray for my family as we transition to a new country and culture.  Especially pray for my daughters as they leave behind friends and family.  They both love the Lord but it can be especially tough for children.  Pray also for our family that we leave behind. 
But for now, we give Him praise for taking us to the next step in our ministry.  He continues to provide for all of our needs and has brought us to this point in His time not ours.  Pray that we continue to wait on His timing with all of “our” plans.  
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope (wait) in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
In Him,
Danny & April 
Support Address
AGA Inc. 
25 Maple St
Addison, NY 14801-1009
(please put “Danny & April Hall” on the memo line)

Thursday, June 14, 2012

June 14, 2012


It has been a long time since we have sent out an update but it is because we have been keeping our eyes on Him and trying to make things happen.  We have been hoping to wait until we could list some “big news” before we send out an update but we realize that God is just as prevalent in the small, everyday things as He is in the “parting of the Red Sea” moments.
God Moments
Since our last update there have been several God Moments we have experienced.  All of these things are things that had to occur for us to move forward with plans to move to Angola.
  • We were able to find a buyer for April’s father’s home in Brunswick County.  Nothing in this area has sold in the previous 13 months and those that did sell sold for a LOT less than the original asking price.  We were able to sell the house to the first buyer and it was a cash deal.  
  • The Lord provided a wonderful and loving home for our two dogs.  Ruby had been with us for 9 years and Sunny for 6 years.  The family originally only wanted Ruby but after meeting them they decided that they needed to stay together.  This was a huge God Moment for us as the new family already had 3 dogs of their own!   
  • We were provided with furlough housing through our church, Westover Church, which has allowed us to focus on emptying our home and making the final repairs we need to before we can sell it.  We found it very difficult to pack while living in our home.  Once we moved to the furlough home with a couple of suitcases (and a couple of McKenna’s stuffed animals), we were able to finish packing up!  What a wonderful blessing!
  • April turned in her notice at work in March (while remaining in the relief pool) to prepare for leaving.
  • Even though we have not been actively pursuing supporters to join us in our ministry, the Lord has convicted several new supporters.  Praise the Lord!!
Prayer Opportunities
There is so much to do to move a family for 4 to Angola.  Especially when 2 of them are children, we have been living in the same house for 16 years, and so many other lifestyle changes.  There are areas where we still do not know how God is going to work things out but we trust in His goodness and faithfulness and we are assured in His plan.
  • A buyer for our home.  We have 2 families that are “interested” in our house but it may not be the right thing for them.  We trust that the Lord has the correct buyer for us in His time.
  • We are currently at 45% for our monthly support.  We know that the Lord will provide in His time but we ask for prayers that the Lord will convict others to join us in His ministry in Angola.  Also, there are people over the past year who have told us that they are interested in supporting us and that they were praying about what level of support they felt comfortable with.  Please pray that the Lord will convict them to step out and trust Him in joining us.  We have to have the prayer support and financial support to make this possible.  There are different levels that are right for different people.  The $20 per month gift is just as important as the $200 per month gift as long as this is what the donor is being called to.
  • Approval of our container.  We have a “mixed” container.  We originally planned for the container to include our personal things along with Dr Bob Foster’s car and some personal items of some other missionaries serving in Angola.  Dr Bob decided not to send his car which freed up a big portion of the container.  During the past year we have received many medical supplies including 2 Anesthesia Machines.  All of these donations are truly a blessing.  However, this means that our container now has personal items and medical supplies for the hospital.  These fall under two different sets of rules and regulations.  Please pray that the administration at the hospital in Angola are able to get our inventory approved.  
  • Language is such an important part of our ministry.  We need to be able first show the people that we are planning on ministering to that we are interested enough in them to take time to learn their language.  We also need to be able to do more than just ask for another piece of bread or where the bathroom is.  We need to be able to talk to them about their spiritual life and introduce the God’s plan of salvation to them.  Please pray for our language study in Portugal.
  • Finally, pray for strength to continue the race.  We must keep our eyes on Him and realize that God is in control of our lives and that His timing is perfect.  We try to do things in our time and can become frustrated when it doesn’t occur the way we think it should.  
I plan to send out updates more regularly as things are definitely progressing even though it may not be a “parting of the Red Sea”.  Thank you also for your prayers, your love of the Lord, and for your interest in God’s ministry in Angola.  
In Him
Danny & April 
Support Address
AGA Inc. 
25 Maple St
Addison, NY 14801-1009
(please put “Danny & April Hall” on the memo line)