Dear Friends,
Nearly a month ago we sent you a newsletter telling of our desire to go home for a year-long furlough. Now, we would like to give you an update on what has happened since that newsletter. We will do our best to keep you updated in the coming weeks and would love to hear from you as well.
During my career at Spalding my boss, Scott Creelman, used to tell me…. “Chuck, you need to keep one eye on today and one eye on tomorrow”. I have always felt this to be great wisdom: Not loosing sight on the things God has for you today while having a vision for what God wants to do with your life tomorrow. So with that in mind …
One Eye on Today….
Today, Chuck preached on what many refer to as the “ Great Commission “ passage in Matthew 28: 18-20. The fact is it is really a “Great Promise“. We thank God for the promise than “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18). Our goal is that whatever we do here in Ghana that it would be sourced in Jesus Christ the promiser ... and that is truly great!
As a team we have had spiritual and physical attacks over the past weeks. Through these difficulties we have watched the team pull together and get through these times. In fact the churches here are doing as well as they ever have and we have seen several new visitors come to the church… and stay!
One Eye on Tomorrow….
As we explained in our recent newsletter we are seeking God’s provision in many ways before we set a return date to the USA.
Chuck has spent hours researching various housing and employment opportunities on the phone and internet, as well as communicating with many of you about our plans. We are grateful that every supporter that we have spoken to has said they will stay by our side during our furlough. Yet, this will cover only about half of the expenses we will need to live in the States. This is because the cost of living here is so much less than there. So please continue to keep us in prayer for:
Baltimore Housing - We are asking God for a furnished apartment or house near the church to either be donated or made available at an affordable cost.
Plane Tickets – Return tickets through a monetary gift, ($4,000 needed) or donations of frequent flyer miles for tickets. Specifically we are looking for United Airline miles that could be transferred to Chuck’s frequent flyer account # 00301213891. Please let us know immediately if you can help in this area.
Transition – As we consider moving to a different culture from what we have known for the past eight years, there may be “culture shock” and ask for God’s wisdom as we adjust.
Employment – Our desire is to live as simply we can, but realize that Chuck will need to work in order to make ends meet. Please pray for wisdom and direction in these areas.
The other week I spoke on the phone with Pastor Schaller, the pastor of GGWO. We discussed our desire to return to the USA for a season. He said something I appreciate…. “I can see that you want to be like a duck, skimming the water of the pond and not getting in too deep so you can get out to the mission field again.” To that we say Amen!
As we said earlier, we have truly not passed this way before and are excited to see how God “works” it out. Please let us know any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have.
God Bless,
Chuck & Susan Heidenreich
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