This is a short but important update from our family: we are officially headed to the mission field by the end of the year! We had to decide whether I could plan to teach at Tyndale Theological Seminary in January 2027, and to this end in our last update we asked you to pray with us and to pledge your financial support for our ministry in time to help us make that decision by the end of August. We are excited to report that we have now raised over 90% of our missionary budget, and Lord willing the rest will come in before our planned arrival in early December. If the tickets have not been purchased by the time you read this, it won’t be long after!
All this means that we first have to express our thanks to you for walking with our family during our home ministry assignment raising support for our ministry overseas. So many of you have accompanied us in so many ways, and we can see God’s faithfulness in your responsiveness to his call to make disciples of all nations. To those who have prayed, given, hosted, platformed, connected, encouraged, challenged, and cared for us: thank you!
This all means that we have a new litany of genuine – and in some cases immediate – needs to share with you (in no particular order) and for which we now bid your prayers:
For an affordable house to rent immediately after our arrival in the Netherlands while we look for something more long term.
For sufficient financing to buy a house that can be our indefinite home in the Netherlands; for a good local realtor, mortgage broker, and financial advisor.
For a dependable used car or van that I can use to commute to Tyndale and that can also accommodate our whole family whenever necessary.
For a smooth and straightforward immigration process: visa application, local municipal registration, drivers license acquisition, and integration into the medical system.
For a good Dutch accountant who can advise us as we navigate the tax and financial system in the Netherlands.
For our children’s integration into their new primary school(s), and for wisdom about how to prepare them for education in the Netherlands.
For peace and clarity of mind as we make travel plans, condense our belongings, make final purchases, and work out other logistics.
For genuine moments of leisure and the freedom to spend quality time with family, loved ones, and other friends before we depart the United States.
For the grace to say goodbye well to people, places, things, and ideas.
For my work over the next few months designing a course on Christology and soteriology as I put together the syllabus, readings, and lectures.
For my students and colleagues at Tyndale and their families: for good working relationships, good friendships, and grace all around.
For my academic writing as I prepare three papers to give at the AAR/SBL conference in November, and for clarity as I refine two chapters for an edited volume on Richard Hooker, both due in December.
For new donors whose pledges can help us reach 100% or more of our missionary budget, and for one-time gifts that can help cover the expense of relocating and beginning our new ministry. For new prayer warriors and intercessors who will regularly commit our family and our ministry to the Lord in the months and years to come.
Does it sound like we’re a little overwhelmed? I will admit that we’re a little overwhelmed these days! But we are also eagerly anticipating this move, and we can’t wait to see what God has for us on the other side. We have been planning, praying, preparing, and trying to be faithful during this in between time, and so finally to be making the move is stressful, but a genuine joy and relief. So, please, given all of these real needs and challenges, we ask you to uphold us in your prayers, to consider supporting our family in the weeks, months, and years ahead, and to keep your eyes peeled for our next update: it won’t be long!