For the sake of people that I do...

I gained an unsettling insight about a man once as I sat in a meeting and heard him say, "Well, I wouldn't work a job I didn't love, or at least not for long." As I thought for a minute on that statement, I felt compelled to look him in the face and say, "I would take exception to that statement. I have done many things that I did not love for the sake of the people that I do..."


So it is now that one of those times comes along for us. For the sake of the ones entrusted to us by Christ to lead as parents, and for the sake of the picture of the gospel that our family gives out to the world each day, we believe that the Lord is leading us to remain in the US for this season of life, and so we will not be returning to Quito for the fall semester. 
Vickie and I have been in much prayer and searching over the last several weeks, and it seems as though the Lord is giving us clearance to transition back to Birmingham to focus on the most immediate needs of our unique set of 9 children. It is definitely not because we love leaving where we have invested for the last year of our life. He has been, as He always is, gracious in allowing us to see fruit and change and growth where we have been serving the world in the last 12 months in Ecuador. His gospel is that good, His word is that powerful, His provision for us is that constant. And now we see His gracious way as we gain clarity about the need to stay here at this time.


Our hearts are expressing joyful thanksgiving to Christ for His sustaining power in us, and for His care and clear presence in leading us, and for His incredible grace expressed to us through so many of you as we have been on this journey of disciple-making in another context. Right now we would ask for you to join us in praying for wisdom and sustenance for the gospel's sake as we officially re-enter the culture in Birmingham, Alabama. Pray for our school and for teachers and administrators and friends there in Quito- for the men and women we have been living life alongside of there. Pray for me (Chris) as I travel this weekend to wrap up details with our apartment and offices and belongings and for Vickie as she cares for our family while I am gone! Ask God to provide for the church in Ecuador, to raise up leaders, and to send Ecuadorians out to share the gospel. We thank God for all of you. He has led us out to Ecuador; He has now led us home.


Bendiciones!
Chris and Vickie

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit... 1 Peter 3:18