When we write these updates our greatest joy is to share with you a few of the amazing things that God is doing around us. Of late it has been hard to focus as much on this as we have been wading through the quagmire of problems at the border. We do want to refocus on the Bible dedication for a moment seeing as we won’t be able to share this story with you in person.
It was such a blessing to be able to go back home for the dedication as a whole family. Not only did we enjoy our time at the dedication itself but Judith was also able to share at the weekly ladies meeting, we had a great day at the Yafe river, and some good time fellowshipping with the believers there.
We took some pictures and video and have been able to complete a short video of the dedication. Attached below is the link to this video. You can also search for it on our YouTube page (Eric Hedeen). We rejoice in what God has done and in who He has used to accomplish it. This includes all of you who so faithfully support us through prayer and support.
We’re calling a Mulligan…
For those who don’t know, a mulligan is an informal golf term for those people who hit a terrible shot and choose to rehit the ball. Think of it like a do-over. Well, I don’t know as we shanked the ball into the weeds (so to speak) but over the last several weeks it has become clear that there is no way for us to move forward as originally planned. So, to continue the golf metaphor, we are going to walk back to the tee and try again.
So what does that mean you might ask?? Well, we have always known that at some point in time we would work on a green card for Judith and then head back to the US and apply for citizenship for her. Our goal was to wait until Timothy graduated but the Lord’s time table for us has changed. The time for her to get a green card is now.
Without going into too many details, we are planning to head back to PNG and serve at Lapilo while we wait for the green card. There are plenty of ministry needs there that we can help with and we do not need to worry about our status with the government as we do here in Canada. Realize that Timothy and I have no status here in Canada other than visitor. Once the green card is in hand then we can come back to the States and immediately work on an expedited citizenship during what will be a “normal” home assignment.
Now you may be wondering about Daniel. He did just graduate and our goal was to spend this hear getting him settled. We sat down with him and went over the options, and he chose to come back to PNG with us. The plan right now is for him to do a gap year working on various projects at and around Lapilo. This should still allow him to learn some aspects of construction even if it pushes off his transition to life in America. We are currently waiting for his new visa to be processed.
Now does this all sound rather strange and weird?! Absolutely! Processing through this whole situation has led to more (mental) gymnastics than you’ve seen during the Olympics. Do we understand God’s specific agenda and purpose in this? Not really. At some point we might understand why but for now we know that He has His agenda and that it will accomplish His purposes for His glory as He loves us as His children. We’re fine with that. Just pray that we can stay in step with His Spirit.
Thanks for praying for us.
Eric and Judith, Stephen, Daniel and Timothy
PS: For those near Abbotsford please know that we have time and would love to get together with you.
Prayer and Praise
- Praise that we are healthy, have a good place to stay, a reliable vehicle to drive, plenty of food to eat and family (Judith’s) around to spend time with on occasion.
- Pray for us as we shift gears and plan towards heading back to PNG. This includes purchasing things like plane tickets, a new can opener, another couple pairs of shorts, and several other random items that we had on our list to bring back to the field.
- Pray for Daniel’s PNG Entry visa paperwork. It would be great if it was in-hand by the end of August.
- Pray for Timothy as we will be starting his online schooling in the middle of August.
- Pray for Stephen as he is in a challenging portion of his schooling at Moody Aviation. Pray also for him to process through us heading back to PNG. This is a significant change for him as well.