Family, friends and partners,
We are excited to share with you about where we are on our journey, but first we want to express our gratitude for you prayers, support and generosity. When the Lord called our family into missions, we had no expectation of what He would do. We just wanted to be obedient. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve with OM Ships Int’l and get introduced slowly to the life of a missionary. The time has come for us to wade out into deeper water. This next step of faith is HUGE!
Part of our journey includes moving to another country and setting up a home for our family. We currently have our home here in Florence on the market. We are also going through the beginning stages of deciding what we need to sell, store, ship or give away. One thing that we are trying to avoid until the last minute is, “what do we do with Alice?” (our cat). The whole family is attached to our wonderful Alice. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom.
Another part of this process is applying for VISA’s. These documents are required for us to minister and live in the UK. Let’s just say that many trees were sacrificed for this process to move forward. This is the first time we have had to do anything like this, and we need to make sure that all the documents are filled out correctly. Any mistakes or missing paperwork could prevent us from gaining access into the country. We will be filing for a Missionary Visa, so it will be very clear what our purpose will be as we serve with the OM Lifehope team.
Margaret and I will be traveling to the UK at the end of the month. During that week, the team will be having their Easter Outreach. This is exciting because we will get to see first had one of the major Outreach events that the team participates in. This is also going to be a week for their monthly seminars. As we are there it will be a time for us to connect with people that we will be building relationships and for them to have a chance to meet Margaret and I before we arrive. We thought we might want them to warm up to us before we bring the whole Sinsel clan.
Our plan is to leave the US at the end of July and begin our time in the UK the first of August. We have some start up fees that need to be taken care of before we arrive. We are asking you to pray about how God may use you to help us meet some of these financial requirements. We would also like for you to pray about other people you know who have an interest in missions that you could share our story with them. Some of you have been consist on a monthly basis and we are grateful for the constant reminder of your sowing seed into the Kingdom through our family. Others of you have given out of your obedience to the Lord as He has laid it on your hearts. This has showed up as a one time gift or randomly as the Lord has stirred your heart. Thank you for your sensitivity to the Lord. All of you have been praying for our family. We want you to know that this is the one thing that keeps us going. Your prayers and encouragement enable us to take on things too great to do alone.
Financial needs to pray for:
• Sale of our home
• Start up fees to be met
o Visa application ($2,000)estimated
o Plane tickets ($5,500)
o Re-entry fee ($5,000) – This can be factored in our monthly budget
• Increase on our monthly support due to currency conversion. We need about $1,200 more a month to be pledged.
Family prayer needs:
• Discernment on what we do with Alice – the cat
• Peace through the application process
• Our marriage to be strengthened as we minister together
• Our girls to begin to transition well and enjoy family and friends while we are still here.
• Scheduled events as we lead up to departure- church meetings, partner gatherings, meeting new contacts.
• Margaret and I to walk in unity
• End ministry well with OM Ships International.
