Same difference

We just had another snow here in NC.  We prayed that we would get to see snow while we were home since we knew this would be our last winter in NC and we have been blessed.  However, I am not sure the rest of our friends here are happy with our prayer!

We have been waiting a little while to send out an update because we have been working on a transition.  The most recent update for everyone is that we are changing mission organizations from AGA to SIM (Serving in Mission).  We have spent the last 8 months, beginning with a Skype interview while still in Portugal, meeting with various SIM representatives, filling out pre-applications, applications, multiple questionnaires, medical exams (they even measured our head circumference), reference letters, additional immunizations, 5 days of training and interviews at the SIM headquarters in Charlotte, and LOTS of prayer.  This was not a decision that was made lightly but one that we have prayed earnestly about and we have discussed with other missionaries in the field.  We asked the Lord to close the doors if this was the wrong path but He continued to open doors that no man can shut and has gone before us in many ways to lead us to SIM.

Our 5 days of training at SIM headquarters in January were a wonderful blessing and affirmation from God.  We spent a wonderful time getting to know the staff at SIM and meeting with other missionary applicants from all across the US.  It was great to hear the ways that God was working in the lives of others and the calling that is around the world. 

How does this change our ministry?

Not one bit!   Most of the missionaries that we will be working with in Angola are either with SIM or Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).  April will still be working at CEML hospital giving Anesthesia and teaching in addition to traveling to the bush as needed.  Danny will still be working at ISTEL Seminary. 

So why the change?

As I said above, most of the missionaries that we will be working with are SIM.  The housing that is available for us in Angola is SIM as well which means rent will be much more reasonable since we are also with SIM.  Due to AGA’s size, they are not able to offer the field support that a larger organization like SIM can provide.  SIM provides for insurance, retirement, training, etc. that AGA cannot.  We have  been blessed to be with AGA throughout the first couple of years of our journey but see that now is the time to make the change.

What’s next?

We have 2 additional weeks of SIM-specific training that begins this Saturday.  We also have several online classes and suggested books to read before we head to the field.  We have begun the process of applying for our visas for Angola and will apply for these after our SIM training.  Please pray for this process.  It can be quite timely however, when the visas are issued, we only have 60 days before we must enter Angola or the visas are invalid.  So please pray for the Lord’s timing as we continue to fundraise so that the funding and the visas will coincide.  We know that the Lord’s timing in perfect and we pray for His guidance in this process.

For those of you who have joined us with financial support, you can still contribute to AGA for the next couple of months.  We are working the transition to SIM for financial support and will contact you personally about making the transition to SIM.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.  Several of you have sent encouraging emails since our last update and it is truly a blessing to us to hear from you.  We are very excited about our move to SIM and wanted to share this with all of you after we had been accepted.  Please continue to pray for this process and our move to Angola.

In Him,

Danny