Traveling

“An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain….

…Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.” Proverbs 31:10,11, 23

This past week I traveled to Tampa, FL for our national outreach to that community. As always, when I travel, Erica stays home with Nicole and Jonah and keeps things running smoothly back there. Truly Erica and I have been doing “ministry” together for four-years-plus in some form or another. It started even before we were married when we would participate in helping other ministries back in MN, or going on trips to do ministry afar. Part of doing ministry together requires that I travel to seemingly faraway places - Nicaragua, Florida, Ohio, Indiana…etc.

For both Erica and I there is one aspect of traveling that is especially hard. For me, it is leaving home, missing her and the kids and not being able to help out when things don’t run perfectly.  For Erica, it is sending me well, praying for, supporting and encouraging me when at times she is at capacity just keeping up with the home while I’m gone. 

We know that both (sending and leaving) have to be done well in order to have the greatest possible impact. There are times when I leave well. There are times when Erica sends well. And, quite frankly, there are times when neither are great. But, we have grown and learned over the past few years how to improve on each. God really has been teaching each of us how to be better at our calling. 

I can testify after this week that when both work well, the fruit is amazing. Erica was a champion at home while navigating meal times, nap times, bed times and middle of the night feedings. I managed to make frequent phone calls home and ask the right questions. We both prayed for each other and encouraged each other. 

It’s hard to describe the freedom I felt this past week. We both recognized and called it out but it is difficult to describe. One thing for sure is the fruit that came from the week. 

Every day I got to share the Gospel multiple times. I was able to pray for several people who were healed on the spot. I even had time to pour into a few people I met during the week. One couple was homeless and in a really tough spot. We were able to get them prayer, food and equipped to experience God’s love in their life. They truly are different people and so far we have stayed in touch via email. Another guy was out of work for six weeks. Together we looked for a job, made bold phone calls and helped him learn how to care for his ailing dad even in the midst of his own trouble. 

I really don’t know how I could do ministry without the prayer, support and encouragement from Erica. I am bolder, wiser and gentler when I do what God has called me to do. 

Way to live out your calling Erica!

“An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain….

…Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.” Proverbs 31:10,11, 23