Making Changes for the Best!
The saga of Joseph from the Bible continues. I wrote about him in my last article, and how a series of events accompanied by dreams made me see his story in a whole new light. Well, once again this missionary has had a dream come to pass.
About a month ago I had a dream that I was working with Dwight Palmquist. Dwight is a missionary who is well known all over the Philippines and among AG missionaries. I never had the chance to work with him, but I’ve wanted to since before I started my second term. He evangelizes with a powerful anointing, leading many to Christ. He travels methodically from church to church in his van. He basically has no permanent home or family, yet he is full of Christ. Sometimes he travels to dangerous areas, but God has continued to protect him.
Dwight is someone I would be proud to learn from. Evangelism and church planting are becoming a part of me. But I still say the pinnacle of my success is leading somebody to Christ.
I never mentioned the dream to Dwight, and I didn’t try to contact him. But through a series of events, he has offered to teach me for the remainder of my term. Nothing is final yet on whether I will extend another year into 2018, but that is still my goal. We are both excited to work together, though I’m sure it will be a real culture shock for me. I like how Thomas Edison put it: “We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
I’m preparing to live with only what I can carry. Sadly, I had to say goodbye to my 6-month-old puppy, but I found her a good home. She will be protecting one of the local pastors, and hopefully she’ll be as obedient with them as she was with me.
The hardest thing every missionary has to face is saying goodbye, whether to family and friends back home or to the new ones we’ve made on the mission field. I’ve grown very close to many of the local pastors and missionaries here, and I know those friendships will always be cherished. They will all be missed, and my prayers will continue to reach them.
Everything is happening so fast, but I’ll do my best to keep you updated on my move through Facebook. Please pray for me as I close this chapter and begin a new one. Thank you to all my supporters for partnering with me to make Christ known here and help people know Him personally. Many lives have been changed and continue to be changed. God bless you, as you’re in my prayers! And God bless America during these elections!