Blessed Dependency

Dependency is not cherished in the Western mindset.  We aim to be independent. Rely on no one but ourselves.  Don’t ask for help. Suffer in silence. Be a self-sufficient adult.  This idea of independence is no longer the main idea surrounding us. Here community and family rank the highest. Each seeks to help the other resulting in a culture that is beautiful and kind.

We have been in Indonesia for four months with four months of knowing about the move in advance.  That grand total of eight months was in no way enough time to get every ‘i’ dotted and every ‘t’ crossed.  We had to ask for help. We had to accept it, too. Family, friends, and strangers carried us through the harried months and hours.  There were times we questioned our sanity, yet His church supported us every step of the way. We had no way to know it was just the beginning of His training.

Since we have arrived on our island, we have lost every shred of what we knew before.  Like children, people have fed us, helped us get around, spoken for us, and cared for us when we were ill.  Like children, we have cried, thrown tantrums, and pouted. We’ve also found delight when we were brave enough to look.  I find Matthew 18:1-6 running through my mind…

Looking back over these 272 days, I can see His hand teaching us to depend on Him and the body of His church.  We have had to change our outlook. We have relied on the Body day after day. We, like children, have had to trust when there seemed to be absolutely no way the house would sell.  We had to depend on others to pack, sell, and move our belongings stateside. We had to depend on family to care for us and our kids while their hearts were shattering. Upon arrival, we have had to depend on others to locate our housing, teach us how to grocery shop, and how to get around in a place where English is a luxury.

All the while, we have had the privilege to see the Body shine in His glory.  It isn’t easy. Every month we try not to be anxious on the 11th when our support list for the past month is sent.  I won’t lie. It can be scary. But every month we see the list of names that have chosen to pour into us and the outreach here.  Every person and family that has given of themselves the past 272 days (and 40 plus years) has helped us arrive to this moment. It isn’t through independence that we prove our faith.  It is through dependence on His promises…and acting on them as if they are true! Our step of faith has been dependent on so many who were obedient in their walk with Him. The faithful who made decisions big and small to to be the Body.  

So we want to say thank you.  Thank you for helping us become more childlike.  Thank you for loving us like our Heavenly Father.  Thank you for loving us like Him. Thank you for showing us what His hands and feet look like in the real life moments.  Thank you for your prayers, for strengthening our armor, for encouragement, and for your monetary support. It all matters.

We want to encourage you to become more dependent in this next season of your journey.  To trust Him so much you obey regardless. To love like Him when no love is returned. To pour into an outreach as He leads with your time, talents, and/or money.  Dependency is how the Body brings Him glory-we are reminded we need Him as His body surrounds us.

We love each of you.  May you succeed in depending on Him in ways you never thought possible in this upcoming season of life.  Happy Christmas!