What’s happening to those Fishers?
As some of you may know, we have been at High Leigh, near Hertford for our first mission retreat … how bazaar is that … we are not in Austria working yet but we got to go on our first retreat. It was wonderful! We had the chance to talk to 2 girls, 1 who has just left to go to France, and 1 who is about to go, and they advised us on things we had not thought of… and some we knew already … but it was great to know all the feelings and fears we had, that most missionaries have these.
It was good to talk to those who had been missionaries for many years. Lee had two friends and we did not see him for 2 days apart from meals, even then he chose to sit with his new friends. Rachel thought she was a grown up for 2 days. Unfortunately she did not have anyone her age to play with but she got plenty adult attention.
On Wednesday we left the retreat and had a two day induction at the ECM office in Northampton. Lee and Rachel also came and they had work to do too! They worked through a booklet to prepare them to leave their home, family and friends, which went well.
Johnny and I on the other hand had some news we did not want to hear, but that was necessary to hear … We were told that we may not be able to get to Austria by the end of August as our support level is not where it should be. This was hard to hear as we wanted (and felt/hoped that God was leading us) to be there for that time to get Lee settled into school for September time. Having just sold our house, we really are ready to go!
But we, and the ECM office, are still aiming for the end of August, praying that God will provide if this is His timing for us. We know that God has these things in His hands and we trust that His timing is perfect.
Johnny and I find it hard to ask for financial support, but one of the ways that helped us look at it was: we are looking for partners in the work; not everyone is called to go to another country, but that does not mean that they can’t be a part of what is happening in those countries through praying, giving, visiting etc. (If you want to be a partner but don’t know where to start, we’d be happy to talk it through with you
We have found an apartment building in Linz we would like to get into. It has a play area in its grounds … perfect for the kids, and will help us to get to know other families in the area. It is also just across the road from the church and in walking distance to the schools and nursery, and about 300yds from McDonalds ( – great no need to cook again!) Seriously though, this building would be perfect for us as a family. Please pray that God will provide us with a home in this building. Pray also that God will get us to Austria in his time. Thank you for all your prayers and love you have given to us this far and we pray it continues into the future .. its not just the Fishers that are going to Austria … we take all of you with us!
