On the plane between Portland and LA

12:50 PM - 7/9

Here I am sitting next to Nika and Dave (a new friend) listening to the hum-drum of our plane over California. Flying over thousands of miniature houses and cars speeding back and forth (they look kind of silly J) brings to mind some interesting thoughts. It’s a little overwhelming to think of the masses of people out there, going about their daily lives – some with the knowledge of the Truth, some who believe there is no truth, and some who aren’t sure what the truth is. This reminds me of one of the many quotes that Mrs. Ward shared with us in English class – “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” So true.

Even though it’s hard to know what to expect in the coming weeks of this trip, it’s encouraging to be able to know the Truth that God has given us in His Word and go into a new country and a new culture knowing that the same God is in Vanuatu as in America. That just the same as He is working and moving in Grants Pass – He is also working and accomplishing His purposes in Vanuatu. I’m not sure where He’ll lead me in the future – whether overseas or in America – but I do know that He promised us “the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9b) Pray that I would be remember this promise and trust Him wherever I go. And it’s my prayer that you too would learn to take the Lord at His Word when He says He is with us and that you would let it change your life mightily!

Another interesting thought came from talking to my neighbor to my right, Dave. He’s an elderly gentleman who has worked as a CPA in the past and lives in Hawaii. I reading a bit from my Bible and he asked what religion. When I told him I was a Christian, he was relieved that I wasn’t a Mormon. Since he brought up the subject, I felt like it was kind of an open door to talk more about God and see what he believed. But I obviously struggle with a fear of being thought weird or of being rejected because I didn’t talk further about it when I easily could have and wanted to. But praise the Lord, later Dave mentioned how his father was a minister and talked a little about his own life. I’m encouraged to know that he knows the Lord, but I also realize that this is not the case with everyone I meet. Maybe the Lord will give me an open conversation with someone who doesn’t know Him. Pray that He would give me opportunities to share the story of Christ’s love for us and that He would give me the boldness to take those opportunities.

Well, I think I have to turn this laptop off soon since the plane is nearing LA!

Here’s that verse again. It’s a really neat encouragement! Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”