Expect the Unexpected by Grant Brown

What does that mean?  If I expect the unexpected, then it would no longer be the unexpected. Still it is good advice because it helps us not to rule anything out.  It helps us to avoid saying, 'Nah, that will never happen."  What we think will never happen is precisely what we should expect.  It really means not to be surprised when unexpected things happen.  The walk of faith is a walk with God in which we should never rule anything out.  God loves to surprise us with the unexpected.

Which is why I'm surprised to find myself going to Ukraine for the second time this year.  The first time was rather unexpected, but the Lord laid an opportunity before Fern and me in the spring of this year to teach English in Ukraine with a ministry sponsored by CRU.  CRU arranges evening classes for University students who want to learn conversational English, taught by English speakers from English speaking countries.  After a very positive experience in March, I was open to going again next spring.  Then the unexpected happened.  An invitation came to go back this fall.  Gulp!

Fern and I looked at each other and could not think of a good reason to say "No."  Fern began to tell others of the opportunity, and as a result, God has called out a team of eight who are planning to go this fall.  Four are from Woodland Community Church in Westboro, Terry and Karen Voltz, Sandy Kauer and Rochel Dolezalek.  The other four are from FBC, Dough Thomas, Rita Clark, Fern and myself.  Steve and Kelly Schafer are involved in training and support as we go.  All are seasoned followers of Christ and eager to share His love with young people.

The unexpected is almost upon us. Our dates are set-September 23-October 9 and tickets bought.  We invite you to join us.  I don't mean literally, but spiritually; by investing your time in prayer.We ask that you hold us up to our Heavenly Father each day from now until we return. 

Together we will be praying for:

•  the Cru staff during screening and selection of students.  (Many students will be freshmen from cities and towns around the country, plus they will be strangers to one another.)
• God to prepare the hearts and minds of the students
• as the Gospel is presented in English the students will comprehend its message
• stamina for the Cru staff as they follow up with students (many times they are on Social media late into the night, answering students questions)
• the door to this ministry main remain open into the future
• for our physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs

Worldly events often give us pause, but God can keep doors open when things look bleak to us.
Finally, I hope you will pray that we will trust God when the unexpected comes our way.