Thanking the Lord this morning for all the administrative
tasks that have been accomplished while I've been in Nairobi. Many of these
tasks were already in various stages of completion as they can never be far
from our mind. But having them finished but flexible is such a rewarding
feeling to a former operations manager like me.
First, we took time to reflect over all that the Lord has
accomplished through Surprised by Hope during 2014 and continue to wonder at
the way he orders our lives (Romans 8:28) with tremendous thanksgiving. While
his vision for the future of this ministry has been clear for a while now (we've
been communicating that medium-term vision for about a year) it was nice to ask
for and receive his confirmation of that vision and all that must be
accomplished in 2015 once again.
Second, we closed out 2014 by reviewing our stated goals and
recording all that was accomplished in more detail. We examined our budget
results (right on target) and reviewed financials for accuracy (all good),
collected all the statements and other documents needed for audit and sent them
off to Whitewatermark. We prepared and distributed year end tax statements to
all of you. Finally, we prepared the content of our annual report and sent that
off to the designer (coming soon).
Third, we opened 2015 by establishing short-term goals,
preparing a general schedule for ministry, and setting budgets to support those
activities. We reviewed legal requirements for annual reporting when operating
in three countries, and prepared those materials. And we prepared and conveyed all
the materials needed for the Annual Meeting of the Board later this month.
While these are just a few of the task-oriented highlights
for these past few weeks, my bigger appreciation comes in two areas of
revelation. First, purpose. We are so thankful in knowing that we are exactly
where the Lord wants us to be and that we are doing exactly what he wants us to
do. The continued sense of Divine purpose over these past 4 years is like nothing
I've ever experienced before, which allows a measure of certainty in our
decision-making. In all we do, we desire to walk alongside him in seeing his
plans fulfilled in the lives of so many East Africans and in those who support
Surprised by Hope.
Second, prophetic. Cornerstone University professors are always
challenged to incorporate faith into learning into application (which is not
easy in the business world) and having been raised in that environment I strive
to do the same. When we bring these kinds of administrative activities before
the Lord, especially our future plans, we have an opportunity to invite his
prophetic voice to speak over us and our future. I believe that allowing the
Spirit to speak into our plans gives power and shape to Surprised by Hope in a
way that sets us apart. This intense time in the Spirit offers hope, depth, and
transformation both for us and for those we serve. For that we praise the Lord.
Onward to a greater depth of ministry and service than has
ever before been seen in Surprised by Hope. Amen!
“Praise be to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an
inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-4).