Reflections – 5 years ago Today…

Written by Tina

March 22, 2017

Today is one of the “memorial days” for our journey to Nigeria.  March 22, 2012 was the fateful day that we were on our way back to the airport to embark on our “missionary adventure”.  After deciding that, Yes, this is where God wants us, we can’t do it ourselves, the job is too big for us, for anyone.  Art and Dorothy assured us that what they have done the past 10 plus years was listen to God’s leading and people were helped and God was glorified.  We decided that, yes, we could do that!

We were excitedly talking about the mission trips we would have and the groups we would get to come help us when we rolled up to that fateful “check point” that wasn’t a check point.  It was an attempted robbery.  I was shot and two other people were injured as well!

It was a confusing day, it was the longest day of my life thus far, BUT it was a good day.  Let me tell you why March 22 is a “pile of rocks” memorial in our lives.  That was the day that God spoke to each of us clearly and loudly amidst the confusion, fear, and blood He said, “This is where I want you, I will take care of you”.  Immediately we were assured of His plan and we knew we were going to be okay.

Even amid Boka Haram violence, Ebola scares, and tribal riots we have not had fear.  God already told us and showed us that He had our backs and He was in control of EVERYTHING.

Tomorrow Dan leaves to pick up our first short-term mission group coming from that same home church that we came from 5 years ago. Those dreams we dreamed about the things that could be done with a mission team are coming true.  I have to tell you the funniest thing that happened after the “incident”.  Dan (my 0% empathetic spouse) said, “No one is going to send a mission trip here now, they are never going to send any youth EVER!” I’m thankful that God works in spite of what seems “prudent” to our human minds.

My point for today is this:  If God is in it, He always finds a way and He makes that way very clear to those that listen. Are you taking time to listen.  Please pray for these 10 people making their way to Gembu this week and the work we have to accomplish while they are here.

13 Comments

  1. Ivan Veldhuizen

    Tina, I’m amazed at your journey. You’ve written it so beautifully, too. I’m SO thankful for the faithfulness to the call that you and Dan live out every day. Susan and I are praying for the Edinbrook team in these days…and, of course, always you two. Ivan

    Reply
    • Tina

      Thank you, Ivan, God is so good, who would have even thought! Thank you for praying for the Edinbrook Team, I am excited to share what God does through this time with them!

      Reply
  2. Patrick Endres

    Looking forward to our journey to see you. I’m expecting God to enlarge our world view and our view of our creative Creator. Blessings to you and your team. See you in a few days!

    Reply
    • Tina

      Patrick, We can not wait! Praying and looking forward to seeing you soon!

      Reply
  3. Lynne Petersen

    Oh Tina, How we praise God for all He is doing through you and Dan. So thankful you said yes. Our team is so excited to be coming to Gembu, and earnestly praying that we will accomplish all He has planned. There is no fear when God is in control. See you soon. Lynne

    Reply
    • Tina

      Lynne, I’m so thankful for your mentorship over the years and thankful for your support and prayers from the beginning! So true, can not wait to see you soon!

      Reply
  4. Kay Levesque

    I am so excited for the Edinbrook family heading your way!! Someday, I hope to be on a trip to visit you, too!

    I am praying for all of you. Thank you for the constant reminders of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. You encourage us so much with your steadfast obedience to the King.

    Love, Kay Levesque

    Reply
    • Tina

      Thank you Kay, It would be so awesome to have you and your family here to experience Nigeria. There is unfortunately, a lot of information that people need to know here about trafficking. Thank you for praying! You encourage me with the way I have seen you grow from a young mom of one to today! Rock on, Levesques, we are praying for you as well!

      Reply
  5. Tina

    I’m thankful that God has drawn you into this trip as well, Bonnie, to HIM be the glory! I can’t wait to work together as we move forward doing HIS will here!

    Reply
  6. Joannie

    Dear Tina,
    It is a delight to read of your celebrations and what most would see to be terrible events turned into such great lessons of Faith to strengthen our walks and reliance on HIM alone, and in the midst of total chaos still find that still small voice louder and more sure than ever we have known before.
    In such manner of which GOD himself could only orchestrate yet another small town Minnesota girl was in the midst of her very first intercultural training this very week unbeknownst to her….. out of obedience to that very same still small voice,and also preparation for a 1st Mission trip and a whole new plan for my life. This was the beginning of a journey that also sent me to another part of Africa for the same purpose. That trip which took place in October also started off with quite excitement as it was My Wedding/Honeymoon/Vision trip to East africa and our guest house we were staying in was firebombed during a Owamsho “spiritual awakening” by al shebab. We also felt very much the “Macedonian Call” as you will and could not deny it was exactly where we were to be and 6 months later settled on the island. Now we are on a vision trip in NE Turkey for our next assignment.
    What grand plans he has for his children and for all to know HIM and share in his wonderful Love of all his children.
    You have been a great encouragement to me Tina, even though you are probably unaware. As I’m not near the writer you are. Seems in school as I recall I could barely pass English class with Mrs Rinke! LOL my oh my what a life??
    Much Love and Blessing as you continue to encourage, love and touch so many lives in obedience to him.
    Joannie and Tracy

    Reply
    • Tina

      Joannie, I am so excited that God has called us to His work! I believe us small-town MN girls have so much that He can use. Each of us!! I am excited about your NE Turkey assignment and you are a wonderful writer! Love and blessings back to you and Tracy and hopefully we get to visit at a time before we meet in Heaven! If you have a newsletter, I would love to be on that list, so I can pray for you more effectively.

      Reply
  7. Wendi Abell

    You all and your Faith is so Amazing!! I’m praying for all of you and the team headed your way!! Praise God!!!

    Reply
    • Tina

      Thanks so much, Wendi, for your encouragement and prayers!

      Reply

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