“Don’t go” – those were the words echoed by many. “I can’t support you”, “Your crazy”, “Why would you go there?”, “People will not support missions in the United States” – these were all things we heard as we were praying about this decision to go. To go to a place that is dark and spiritually weak. Those words didn’t come out of hate or anger for Vermont. Family and friends alike are still trying to wrap their heads around this decision to leave what seems to be a comfortable place filled with support and friendships.
To be completely honest, we, too, are doing the same thing.
This is the great thing about God, we don’t always have to know His plan. We just need to be willing to follow faithfully, He will work everything else out.
The book of Hebrews gives us great examples of “Heroes of Faith”, incidentally that was the theme of our National Conference this year. As I sat and listened to the message on these “heroes” this past conference year, many thoughts went through my mind. Imagine if we showed half of the faith as our examples throughout scripture did. Would I even need to be going to Vermont? Would God just have me stay here where my family has made roots, grounded with great friends and spiritual family members? Maybe, but we can’t live on “what if’s.” God is sending us on. He has called and we have answered His call.
What exactly does all this mean? Well first we had to say yes, yes God we will go. Second, we needed support from many. The Irasburg Grace Brethren Church, The Lamoille Valley Grace Brethren Church, The Calvary Grace Brethren Church of Alto, MI and the Home Mission Panel, that support has been met. That seems to be a lot of support! Praise the Lord it is and we couldn’t be doing this without that support and more. The next steps need to happen simultaneously, or so it seems like it does. It actually will happen in Gods timing! So, what are the next steps that need to happen?
- We need to pray, pray for God’s will and for Him to reveal just enough of His plan for us to follow.
- Calvary Grace Brethren needs a Godly man to take over the pastorate there.
- We need to raise at least 75% of our support before we can step onto the mission field in Vermont.
- We need to find a house to buy (which more than likely will need some “work”).
- We have a lot of downsizing to do. After the downsizing is done, we have to figure out how to load up all 7 of us and our things and head that way.
Please join us in prayer for all of these things to take place. If you would, please pray about being a financial supporter throughout this journey as we strive to serve and glorify God.
In Christ,
Bryan, Torri, Braiden, Camden, Aubrey, Alex and Roxy Maley
