| This gives us additional months
of settled living to work on our doctor of ministry papers and
final project in the hope that we will indeed not fall into the
ranks of those who follow the 10-year track (which Fuller Seminary,
by the way, no longer allows). Then on a personal level this also
has afforded time to be on the same continent with family for
a little while longer.
The theme seems to be of “time” and “timing.”
This has been a test for us in terms of waiting and continues
to be such a time of waiting. The uncertainty of our own lives
seems only a small mirror of the uncertainty of the times in which
we are living.
PC(USA) continues to make hard decisions around less income and
smaller budgets. In the midst of this, however, there continues
to be a clear and strong commitment to PC(USA)’s mission
involvement in the world through the ministry and presence of
mission personnel, as well as through working in partnership with
national churches and organizations. The Mission Initiative, now
called the “Hearts and Hands Campaign,” is underway
to raise $40 million for the dual purpose of (1) new church development
among racial and ethnic communities here in the United States
and (2) increasing the number of long-term mission personnel serving
in other countries. We continue to be grateful to be part of a
denomination with a strong commitment to God’s mission around
the world.
As we write this, we are at war with all the divisions, uncertainty,
heartache and suffering that that brings. Yet there are those
who even in heaviness of heart are turning more and more to prayer.
With Abraham there are many who are “hoping against hope”
to believe and to act on that belief that God indeed keeps God’s
word. PC(USA) is seeking to provide resources for people wishing
to respond in tangible ways of prayer and provision. If you are
looking for ideas on this, we would suggest you might look at
the PC(USA) Web site (see www.pcusa.org/iraq
and www.pcusa.org/pda).
Our brothers and sisters in the South West Bethel Synod in Ethiopia
continue to make hard decisions in how best to use their limited
resources for the life of the church and the spread of the gospel.
As we continue to be challenged by their faith and commitment
to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have not
yet heard, we ask your prayers that God may sustain and bless
them day by day.
We look forward “in time” to being able to share
with you a clear picture of our future as it becomes definite.
For now, we will be here in Louisville through August as missionaries
in residence (and mission co-workers). Between August and December
2003 it looks like we will be taking a leave of absence to devote
ourselves to the writing of our D.Min. final projects, which we
hope will benefit PC(USA)’s support and development of mission
personnel. Then, Lord willing, in the beginning of 2004 we will
be returning to Africa again as PC(USA) mission co-workers.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the
Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Grace and peace,
Anne & John Wheeler-Waddell
USA/Ethiopia Mission Co-workers
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