Treasure, Focus, Trust – Matthew 6

Like much of the world, Namibia is in lock down. Apart from essential workers, no one is permitted to leave their homes except for groceries and medical needs. On Sunday we held one of our Thrive Bible studies over WhatsApp and had a surprisingly good time “together.” We read from Matthew 6 and were all challenged by Jesus’ words during this strange time.

We are facing a time when our health, jobs, finances, food supply and many other basics of life are being threatened. In these verses Jesus tells us that our hearts are with the things that we treasure. Further, we are assured that if our treasures are in the things of God, nothing can threaten them; no moths, rust, virus or economic struggles can touch them. As we discussed this, we saw how this pandemic has revealed the things we truly treasure and has drawn our attention to the things that really matter.

Here we find that what we focus on tells us something about who we serve. If our eyes are healthy, we are full of light! As we read together, we saw the need to focus our attention on Christ and allow His light to fill our lives. While keeping informed with the news is important, the things of this world cannot be our primary focus.

Finally, in verses 25-34 Jesus reminds us that our Father is faithful to take care of His world and that He is worthy to be trusted. We are given the freedom to leave behind worry and anxiety. We are called to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and trust Him to add the rest.

We share this with you in hopes that you might be encouraged by this scripture as we were this week. As our lives are  interrupted may we treasure the things of God, focus on the light of Christ and trust the God of creation to care for us all.

For a printable PDF version please click here.

With Sandy’s citizenship journey coming to an end on January 16th, we are in our final weeks here in America. There is a lot to do, we’re busy with passports, visas, packing, booking plane tickets and more. We’re also trying to find partners to help us return. We’re still in need of monthly support and one-time help to get us back.

First, we will need some start up funds for our return. We had to get rid of much of our furniture, appliances and one of our cars before leaving last year. We’ll also have airfare & visa expenses when we get back. Our total estimated return expenses are $16,600. We have been saving toward this & have had some very generous friends and churches help already. We currently have $11,525 set aside, leaving us with a remaining one-time need of $5,075. To see the details of our return budget, you can find it here.

Next, we are still a bit short on our monthly needs, but we are getting close! We just need another $597 in monthly commitments! This would mean a full ministry budget as well as the ability to begin a retirement plan. We really hope to reach this goal before returning to the field in the coming months. To request a detailed breakdown of our budget, click here.

Please consider getting involved. If you would like to give a one time gift to help get us back or would like to join the team with a monthly contribution, you can give online today! Click here

To all of you, we thank you for the support throughout the years! Your prayer and financial partnerships have been such a blessing and have allowed us all to be a part of what God is doing in Namibia!

Its almost time to go back! We need lots a prayers, so thanks for checking in!

Please pray for:

• Our family, especially the boys, as we transition back to Namibia.
• The family we’re leaving behind here in the US.
• Good weather and safe travel as we drive to/from Kansas City for Sandy’s oath ceremony on Jan 16th.
• A home to rent in Namibia that would meet all our needs.
• Work visas in Namibia
• Support raising. We still need $596 in monthly support & roughly $5,000 in one time support for the return.
• Decisions about the kids’ schooling.
• The Namibian people, that God would continue to work in their lives as He does in ours.