These past 6 months have been an incredible journey. We never would have thought that there could be so much love and encouragement shown to us from all our family in Houston. When we first came to Houston in August, Carli and I were concerned with how the Lord was leading us. Houston was new and strange to us because of our time spent in Italy and there were times where we doubted the plan of God. We were dead wrong. During this time we have had the opportunity of a lifetime to get to know some of the most genuine people. Folks who put the kingdom of God first and with grace live in their communities knowing that they themselves need the grace and mercy of Jesus every day.
When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi, his sentiments and love for that church can speak into how we feel for those of you who have been with us during this time. Paul writes, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace..."(Philippians 1:3-7)
It is that same community that we have seen these past months, that inspire us to live out the Gospel in Budrio and not just "do" things for the kingdom. I myself have a problem with doing too much and trying to perform in the face of mission. This is not what we are called to do. We are called to love Jesus with our lives, families and finances. The love that we have for Him will show the world where our treasure is. The Lord has shown Carli and me that it doesn't matter where we live or what our job may be, our treasure is Jesus.
Thank you all who have showed us that your treasure is in heaven and not on earth.
