“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”
– Philippians 3:12
Greetings,
This past week I had time to reflect and have a few conversations with members of the LIA family and few things came up. Although it had felt like the last two years of ministry were heavy, a challenge and uphill in many ways, we have prevailed and come out strong. Pausing to give thanks and celebrate His doing among us is in order. August and beyond brings us to a whole new and exciting milestone. But first – We are celebrating and embracing what the Lord allowed over the last season and what God has led us into, going forward, for His glory.
- We came through some staff transitions. Some people we had journeyed with moved on over the last two years. Because of the family style connectedness that we have as the LIA team, these are always painful. Saying goodbyes are hard even though we know its deployment within the Father’s broader vineyard. But – we saw God lead us and bring onboard new members who are a great gift to us. God always knows how to restructure his army for the season. For this, we give thanks.
- A time of evaluation and re-adjustment to our contexts, funding and mission had us make some changes. Specific example would be; after the Kenya government began to provide free medical services in the Kenya slums where we were working, we knew our work was done in those communities. In keeping with good stewardship, it was time to shift in how we partner with the local churches for health care. Change is not always easy. We however celebrate the response we continually prayed for is in place and has brought amazing change in formerly very destitute places.
- True, God provides for our needs according to his riches in Glory in Christ Jesus. In places where we want to serve and see painful needs, yet have no funding, we have to agree with his leading, to move on or continue to wait, for His time. Over the last two years, we made some difficult decisions, to serve only as he provides. We celebrate maturing and walking in that freedom, for he makes our burden light.
- As the LIA family we continue to grow from strength to strength and have recorded the highest level of program outcome over this same period. God is so faithful and this continues to be evidence that he goes with us.
August marks for us the entry into a new staffing structure which will serve us well in this season and the years to come. Of significance we have a Training director, Mutinda Musyimi, taking charge of the increased training from the Kenya training center. Also joining us is an experienced and greatly gifted Chief Operating Officer, Dr Girma Begashaw. To cap the celebration is Carley Buckingham who joined us a few months ago and takes on the leadership in the US as the Executive Director.
It is with confident joy in the Lord that I make this announcement. It’s an entry into a great new milestone. The month of August, going forward marks a new start in LIA. August is a gate, into a new season to see His kingdom come in increasing measure through LIA.
I believe the Lord is calling us to therefore engage in the new LIA chapter in a new way. Pray with me as we dedicate this new season and these new team members to the Lord. Arise with us to the new level of excellence asking that we will bear much fruit, Together.
In Christ,
Florence
