"A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" -Proverbs 20:24
Dear All,
The above verse has come to mind often as of late. It helps me understand why I have so much trouble making sense of life and ministry sometimes. Sorry it's been such a long time since I blogged on here. I get to talk with some of you in person often, but I know for many of you this is one of the main ways you are able to keep up with me and ministry in Wales. Still, I wanted to wait until I had something worth sharing before I blogged again.
For those who are wondering, I am still in the United States (Raleigh, NC to be specific). It has been a busy summer working with the North Raleigh Church of Christ as their interim youth minister (they have finally found a replacement, so my last day is actually this Sunday). On top of this I've spent a week at Carolina Bible Camp and attended two weddings in Texas (yes I went to another wedding in Texas). Despite the busyness of my summer, I have had little to report in the way of immigration news. It has been a very slow process, and unfortunately my communication with the Newport congregation has been very limited. In fact, until recently I did not have much to report, because I did not know what there was to report.
But I am thankful to report that the work visa (or sponsorship) application has been made and paid. I did not realize before, but apparently the application fee is a rather hefty 536 pounds (approximately $860). All this has now been done and the Church is waiting to hear back from the immigration office (one of which happen to be in Newport). This is, unfortunately, less progress than I would like to report. Yet it is significant and important. Once the sponsorship is approved, it will allow me to make my personal application for a religious worker visa (which can be good for up to 3 years). I hope all will be approved before the end of 2014.
As many of you realize, this has been quite a lengthy process for me. It was, in fact, two years ago this November that I first traveled over to Wales and Scotland to meet two churches (and subsequently broke my wrist in the process). I admit that it has been far slower of a process than I would have liked, both because of raising support and because of immigration. This has been especially frustrating with lack of communication over this summer and feeling like I have little to be doing in preparation while I wait. Still, I believe it is something worth continuing to pursue and work towards.
However, in the midst of this waiting and wondering, I have decided to consider other ministry possibilities in the States this fall. Over the last year and a half I have not looked into other opportunities because I believed that youth ministry in Wales was where God was calling me and I didn't think it fair to pursue other positions while preparing to go to Newport. I still believe God can use me for His Kingdom in Newport (indeed He may use me there for years to come...), but I have decided to open myself up to consider other places God could use me in the meantime as I continue to pursue working with the Newport Church. I want to allow God to tell me "yes" to Newport again, or to lead me elsewhere if He will. I hope that this is truly faithful, though I admit I have doubts.
So I ask all of you to continue to pray earnestly for me. I know God hears our prayers and will work through them according to His purpose and goodness. Pray that God would give me discernment and that He would lead me into effective ministry in the right place, with the right people, at the right time. Pray for me that I will have continued patience and perseverance. Pray that God will bring about a speedy process in immigration and in my moving over to Newport. And pray that I would prepare and be prepared well.
Thank you so much for your support and your prayers!
Sincerely in Christ,
Chris
P.S I welcome your thoughts or reflections on any or all of this. Feel free to contact me in whichever form you think best. Thanks!
