Our year of living dangerously...

About this time last year, I was preparing to speak to our congregation in Ypsilanti, Michigan from Matthew 4:21-22. It’s the story of Jesus calling James and John to follow him; “Jesus saw two brothers with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” It was during this time that we were sensing God stirring our hearts for a change of direction in our ministry. I realized that I could not speak with authenticity unless I was prepared to boldly step out of the boat to follow the call of Jesus. Was I prepared to leave that which is familiar, comfortable, secure, and stable to follow Jesus in a new direction? I did not want to be like Zebedee, who heard the same invitation as James and John, but decided to stay in the boat. This began what I now call “our year of living dangerously!”
In the course of 4 short months we accepted an invitation to work with Free Methodist World Missions in Belgium, raised prayer and financial support for a 9 month assignment of providing transitional leadership to our young churches in Belgium, moved our son Seth to New York City and our daughter Hannah to Indianapolis, packed up our home, said goodbye to family and a wonderful church and moved to a new country, a new culture, a new language, a new life. In all of this I am convinced that following Jesus, even when it involves risk and uncertainty, is the only way to live!

“For such a time as this…”

Since we have been in Belgium, we have experienced God’s strength and power, His presence and grace in many ways. We are thankful that God has chosen to use us “for such a time as this.” People are being discipled, leaders are being equipped, and our churches are growing healthy and strong. The best days are ahead for the Free Methodist Church in Belgium.
Our ministry here in Belgium has also been graciously affirmed by our European leaders, all of whom have visited us throughout the past year.
They have invited us to stay longer as the Lord leads in one of three capacities; 1) stay through the beginning of 2009 to insure a smooth transition of leadership, when career missionaries will arrive, 2) consider another short term VISA assignment (1-2 years) in Belgium, 3) join the European missionary team with a long term assignment.

Trusting God for the future

We are praying for God’s clear direction for our future in ministry, whether it is serving here in Belgium or serving in the United States. BUT, we do want to complete the job that was asked of us from the beginning- to see a smooth transition of leadership. Our European leaders want this, our local church leaders in Belgium deserve this and our churches need this. Dick and Sheila Dickinson are planning to arrive in January 2009 to begin their long term assignment in Belgium.
So, for us to stay until they arrive, we need to raise an additional $50,000. We told our European leaders that we would be willing to stay as long as the Lord provided the resources. We are asking you again to prayerfully consider another one time gift or to continue your monthly giving commitment through January 2009. We will continue to run our funds through Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church under the guidance of David Betz, our church administrator.
Gifts can be sent to:
Ypsilanti Free Methodist Church, 1800 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Please mark your gift for Belgium Mission.

The kingdom of God is advancing in Belgium. It is not easy work, but it is God’s call to make disciples of all nations. Your prayers and financial gifts are making a difference!
We will be home for a few weeks in August and hope to connect with as many of you as we can.
God bless you as you follow Jesus,
Todd and Deann Miller