Trusting in Our God

It has been over 2 years since our family made the decision to go into missions. Many things changed in those two years. Our initial intentions was to go to Guinea, Africa and work with Pioneer Bible Translators. There we would have been working on outreach to a Muslim population that Pioneer Bible Translators were working with through translating the Bible into their native language.

Our plans fell through and we were unable to go to Africa. However, God opened another door for us to work with Team Expansion and CrossRoads Missions. We are now working on organizing and leading short term missions around the world. While we concentrate our efforts on Team Expansion missionaries in the field, we are not bound to only work with those missionaries. We can also reach out to other missionaries in need. Missi and I have been on numerous short term mission teams and have lots of experience in this area. God decided to use our skills in this area.

While we are currently working on 3 overseas trips, another door was opened for us to work with "Inner City" missions through CrossRoads Missions. This work is organizing and leading short term mission teams to inner city work areas within Louisville and Cincinnati. Recently we completed 2 of these trips and the people who participated were overwhelmed with the work and outreach they were able to accomplish.

While we are living in the Louisville area, the home we have been renting is no longer available. So we have to move again. We were concerned with two big things. Would we have to move our children to yet another school district and where would we find a suitable home?

What is interesting to me is that I have learned 2 very valuable lessons during this journey. First, it is so important to realize that "my" plans may not be the plans God has for me. In Jeremiah 29:11 God tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV). However, if you read a little farther, in Jeremiah 29:13 God goes on to tell us, "You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart," (ESV). If we simply seek God with all our heart, He will be found and He will put us where He wants us to be.

The second valuable lesson that I have learned through this is what Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus tells us, "[31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32]For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33]But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."(ESV). Throughout this journey I have made plans, worried about where we will live, eat, sleep, etc. Yet by staying focused on God and His Kingdom, He has always provided for us.

Guinea, Africa has had a change in political leaders. Pioneer Bible Translator's is having to evacuate the country due to the government taking back the homes foreigners are staying in. If we had gone there we would be just arriving and now have to be leaving the country. God knew this was coming and wanted to use us in a different capacity.

We searched everywhere for a suitable home. While taking our daughter to spend the night with a friend, Missi noticed a home for rent next door. She called the number on the rental sign and we now have an even bigger home, with more land, in the same school district, that is closer to our work.

Serving God in "Inner City" mission work has been both rewarding and has given us very valuable experience in leading a group. The "Overseas" part of our mission is continually moving forward. God is truly amazing! We are so concerned about things that He has told us He will provide for us if we simply stay focused on Him.

I want to personally thank all of you who pray for our ministry and our family. I cannot express how grateful I am to be able to work in this ministry. It is only because we have God on our side, and He has moved you to pray and support us that we can accomplish the things He has led us to.

Thank you so much. May God bless every one of your lives.

Tim Balch