God is Moving Mountains..
Our hearts are so full... Over the past month, we were able to soak up some of the last moments that we have left in Kansas. Knowing that this season is coming to an end has made us appreciate the little things even more. While we have been busy meeting with supporters, we have also taken some moments as a family to say "see you later" to our favorite places and spending time with our family and friends in Kansas. These moments have felt like sweet little gifts from the Lord that are tucked into our hearts as we’ve packed up, hit the road, and are now in Oklahoma.
One of the highlights of this past month was being chosen as the mission spotlight for our home church's Vacation Bible School. The kids at FCCDC raised over $1,000 to help send us to Guinea! Watching those kiddos (including our 4) get excited about missions was something we'll never forget. They asked questions, cheered each other on to bring as many coins as they could, and gave so generously.
The fundraiser was set up as a competition (Boys VS Girls), and whichever team raised the most, Heath or I would get pied in the face. In an FCCDC VBS first, the competition ended in a tie. That meant BOTH Heath and I got pied in the face! All the kids thought it was the greatest thing ever!! Seeing their excitement for God's work around the world gave us so much hope and reminded us that God is already raising up the next generation to care about the nations.
THEN!!! God surprised us in a way we never expected. We sold our house. Really God sold it because it was sold before we ever put it on the market. A gentleman who did not know our family at all, approached us with a cash offer and wanted to move in within two weeks. We were absolutely stunned and knew this was all the Lord moving and working around this. What seemed liked a HUGE mountain quickly tumbled down.
So the first two weeks in June were a mad dash to get everything out! We are so very thankful to the friends and family who came and helped us organize, shove things into boxes and clean our home. We are now officially nomadic and as exciting as it is, it also feels a little strange. For the first time in our lives, we're entering a season without a physical home. But we are trusting God one step at a time and holding on to the fact that"this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come" (Hebrews 13:14). It is a little scary, a little exciting, and a beautiful reminder that our security has never been found in a house. It has always been found in the One who calls us.
Our next steps are to continue to speak to others about joining us into what God has called us to! While we are in Oklahoma, we will be connecting with friends, supporters, and churches as we continue building the team that will help send and sustain us in France and eventually Guinea. As we continue to share our story and vision for Guinea with so many people and ask for monthly support, it is not just to talk about numbers, but to share the burden God has put on each of our hearts.
The kids have been right here with us while we have been able to connect with new families and friends. We are also so thankful to the churches and the people we have already met with. Every conversation has been an encouragement, and we are continually amazed by the people God is bringing alongside us through prayer, support, and friendship.
Please Pray With Us
Healing. We have had a rough time with some sort of viral stomach issue that keeps cycling through the whole family.
Safe travels and meaningful connections as we visit churches and supporters.
Visas. We are waiting for an in person appointment to open up for our long term visitor visa application for our year in France.
Peace and wisdom as we navigate this season of transition.
Open doors to share the good news in our support raising journey.
Monthly support partners. We currently have about 25% of pledged monthly supporters. Before we can even purchase our tickets to France (which we are planning on leaving August 20th) we have to be 100% supported. We are grateful for you and thankful to have you on this journey with us.
With love and big hugs,
Heath, Sheri, Jacob, Elinor, Hannah & Libi Tieben
