With every one of our missions trips, we have had our share of obstacles. There are many kinds of obstacles. Obstacles like illnesses on the day before we leave, delays in flights or delays in the deliveries of items we need to pack. All of these have been annoying and we believe were sent to us to distract us from the purpose of the trip. We believe the enemy was attempting to frustrate our plans by placing obstacles in our path. Thankfully, when these obstacles came, we have been able to maneuver around them and accomplish all that needed to get done and the trips have been successful despite these annoyances.
A roadblock is definitely different than an obstacle. A roadblock means that this path is temporarily closed. It means that if you choose to go around it, you will be putting yourself in danger. Roadblocks are signs that you need to change your direction or wait until the road is open again.
As many of you know, we were supposed to be in Haiti this week. But this week, we experienced a roadblock. As we made the final preparations for this trip, we felt very strongly that the Lord was prompting us that we needed to change the plans for this trip. We know that God has not closed the pathway for us to Haiti. He is simply telling us that this trip needed to be changed. We believe that when the Holy Spirit guides us, that we need to be obedient. That is the main reason we chose to change our plans.
Being able to discern the difference between an obstacle and a roadblock can be very hard to do. With this trip, we looked very closely at the circumstances, sought trusted counsel, and made a tough decision. We trust that with God’s help we have made the right choice and God will continue to open up pathways in the future for our next trips. Of course, we are disappointed that we are not with the people we love and doing the work we have been called to do, but with expectation, we look forward to what we will do in the future.
Thank you for all of the wonderful gifts and items you have sent for the people of Haiti. We can assure you that these items will get to Haiti during our next trip or through alternative pathways. Thank you for your generous giving and for helping us touch the hearts of children in Haiti for Jesus.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 NLT
I am satisfied that when the Almighty wants me to do or not to do any particular thing, he finds a way of letting me know.
Abraham Lincoln
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
Praises and Prayer requests
· Thank God for His leading and direction. We are grateful that He gives us the pathways and His timing is always perfect.
· Praise God for all of the wonderful, hard working sewing groups. Many will be blessed through the labor of your hands.
· Please pray for God to continue to lead Haiti Care Mission in every way.
· Please pray for the people of Haiti. Pray for God’s hand of protection over them and His provision to meet all of their needs.
· Please pray for open doors and new pathways in Haiti. We are always looking for more ways to serve His children.
Blessings, Lance and Lynn Anderson
