Sojourn - Thoughts From The Band

Blog for postings from the Grand Rapids, Michigan based band Sojourn. Includes musings and thoughts from band members, reports on concerts, and whatever floats through our minds.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

1) Progress Update
2) Journey to the Czech Republic
3) Please Pray
4) Donations Accepted
5) Calendar
6) Keep in Touch

PROGRESS UPDATE
We've passed an important milestone in our mission journey. Saturday 29-April-2007 we sat for the Doctrinal Oral Exam. Don Trott, from ABWE, presided over the meeting in which Bethel leadership questioned us on matters of Bible doctrine. The intent is to confirm that our grasp of truth from the Bible is scripturally sound and consistent with that of our church and ABWE. We passed that examination and are honored that Bethel leaders consider us trustworthy to communicate God's Word (the Bible) throughout the world. The following day (Sunday) during the morning church service pastor Arledge affirmed Bethel's commitment to be our sending church and to be supportive of us both on and off the field.

Then on Monday we received a confirmation e-mail from Don Trott that we have been approved to attend Candidate Seminar. We felt a mix of elation, relief and a sense of wonder. Candidate Seminar runs Saturday 7-July through Sunday 15-July, and at the successful completion of Candidate Seminar we will be recognized as missionary appointees.
We feel a sense of wonder, because God is accomplishing His work in our lives. It seems that as we are willing to move forward in faith, God strengthens our faith and becomes in our perception all the more real and powerful.

When we return from Candidate Seminar we will be putting our house up for sale. We may have to live in an apartment for a while, but we want to be ready to go when the time is right.

JOURNEY TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
I checked on our passports, for which we applied over eight weeks ago, and was assured that they are "being worked on", so we went ahead and purchased the tickets. This survey trip is the next important milestone in discerning God's direction for our lives. The trip will cost about $2700, and so far family and friends have donated about $1,200. The trip is outside our human means, so it's exciting to see God provide for our needs.

The purpose of the trip is for Marge and me to have exposure to the culture, language, and the work ABWE is doing in the Czech Republic. It's also important for Pastor Barnes to get more exposure to us. It is critical that Pastor Barnes, his family, and we Parmenters can enjoy being together and working together. The unity and emotional health of a mission team is critical to successful mission work.

PRAY FOR US
Prayer is of greatest importance in living and working for God. Please pray for us.

*Pray that each member of our family will develop and continue the habit of daily times of quiet with God (prayer, reading and meditating in the Bible).
*Pray that we would continue to learn how to be bold in our faith while we exercise prudent wisdom. The two go together.
*Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill us with a child-like faith, trusting God for passports, finances, and clear direction.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED
We are encouraged by the gifts that have been sent to Bethel for us. Please, don't think of it as just a financial donation. All of you who have given to our support, are participating in God's work in the lives of the Parmenter family and ultimately in the lives of those whom we serve. You are also encouraging the people of Bethel, by showing us that God provides through generous people to do whatever He has in mind.

If you would like to help out with our Survey Trip expenses, please send a check made payable to Bethel Baptist Church and note Parmenter Missions in the memo portion of the check. You can send your donation to

ATTN: Donation for Parmenter Missions Bethel Baptist Church 402 South Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49007

CALENDAR
Sunday 6-May-2007 First Baptist Church, South Haven, MI / Adam singing, AM service Sunday 13-May-2007 Home at Bethel Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI Sunday 20-May-2007 Covenant Community Church, Redford Township, MI / Adam singing, AM service Sunday 27-May-2007 Home at Bethel Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI 2-June through 11-June Survey Trip to Czech Republic

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home