The Peace that Passes All Understanding

Greetings - It's been awhile....seven weeks to be exact....since my last post.  Why the silence?  I wasn't sure until the other day.  Cynthia e-mailed me and asked me the same question, and I had a little conversation with the Lord.

However, I need to back up a bit.  On Thursday, September 13th, I was leading the Yokefellows Bible Study at the SCI-Greensburg prison.  We were focusing on Psalm 139, and particularly versus 23 and 24.  I take time every year to go over Psalm 139 with the guys.  Psalm 139: 23 and 24 goes as follows:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me and know my anxious thoughts,
See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everylasting.

The part that jumped out at me was....Try me and know my anxious thoughts.  God showed me that I was anxious about the trip to Kenya.  Just around the time of my last post there were reports of terrorists coming into Kenya and bombing church services.  There were 15 people killed in two attacks.  The reports seemed to indicate that further violence was likely.  These are terrorist groups coming from Somalia into Kenya.  We intend to travel to Nairobi and be in the outlying areas, which is not too far from the border with Somolia.  Also, we are only about half-way to our financial goals, and there was some anxiety about raising the necessary support to be able to go.  Finally, I think I'm a little fearful of how this trip will upset my apple cart.  I kind have grown comfortable with how things work in my life.  Yes, I'm very involved  at Bethany, and I have great opportunities to minister in the prison, but I know the routine, and I don't know how much change this trip will mean for my family and myself.  I think these factors caused me to step back.

Well, I realize I need to trust God on this.  He led us to this trip.  We have been praying about it for several years now.  I know we are to go.  I need to allow God to take these anxieties, and watch Him work in all the details and in my heart as well.  So pray for Cynthia, Jesse, Maria, and Me!  I probably need the most - smile.  Pray that I don't hold back....that I trust the Lord completely....that the final details come together for the trip.....and that the peace that passes all understanding is spread across our hearts

Update on the running challenge leading up to the trip:

First 10 weeks         Walking -   436 miles      Running -   365 miles
Last  7 wekks          Walking -   371 miles      Running -   364 miles
Total for 17 weeks   Walking -   807 miles      Running -   729 miles

Harrisburg Marathon - Sunday, November 11th!

Blessing - Mark