“我们行善不可灰心气馁，因为到时候必有收获。
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The work we are blessed to do here in Asia is an endeavor with a long time horizon. It involves years of patient investment in the rural communities we serve and in the relationships we develop along the way. Similar to the subsistence farm work done by many of the people CWEF serves, the work God has given us is never easy or straight-forward. And in certain seasons of drought and storm, it grows even more difficult. This has been one of those seasons for us. If you follow the news, you might know that the situation here is different than it has been in the recent past. We are experiencing the effects of the various geopolitical forces and changes here, and lately things have been getting ‘tighter’ on several different fronts.
In times like this, we are tempted to grow anxious and weary. But then He comes to us and gently reminds us: "Fear not! I am with you. Be thankful and be encouraged." He shows us that in His Kingdom, there is great abundance and opportunity, and He promises a harvest. So, we listen to Him. We do not give up, and He keeps providing good work for us to do. Thank you for walking this journey with us and with Him. He has used you in a wonderful way to sustain us and to bless the people CWEF serves, and we are so grateful for your faithful and generous prayers and gifts through the years.
Work Update
Our work with and for communities in rural Asia through CWEF continues:
Check out the new cwef.org.hk and the stories about some of the people CWEF serves.
In August, God answered a long-term prayer and provided Adam Herron as our newest CWEF team member. Adam will be responsible for managing our service learning efforts. His wife Kristi serves as a teacher at Concordia International School Shanghai.
In September and October, Adam and I worked together to lead four separate service learning teams to connect people from Concordia International School Shanghai and Hong Kong International School with CWEF projects and local partners in rural China and Cambodia.
We are working with our team of Chinese and Cambodian staff to finalize plans for our work in the coming year.
Through the end of 2019, my primary focus will be on our continued efforts to rebuild a more stable funding base for CWEF through the ‘Renewal 2020’ campaign. Thank you for praying with us about this!
Family Update
Coco and I recently celebrated our 6th anniversary, and we also had the opportunity to re-connect with many of her family members at a wedding in her hometown.
John is enjoying Pre-K and his wonderful teacher. He loves to learn, and right now that means reading, swimming and soccer.
Sophie is now a walker (nearly a runner)! She is full of life and goofiness. An absolute joy.
Prayer and Praise
For Coco and I – for strength and joy from Him for our marriage and our vocation as parents to John and Sophie.
Thanksgiving for the gift of a new team member. Pray for Adam and his family – Kristi, Auggie and Rosie – as he settles into his service with CWEF.
For His favor and provision during the Renewal 2020 campaign to provide the necessary funding to allow CWEF’s service with people facing rural poverty to continue.
For guidance, direction and wisdom for our team as we make plans for CWEF’s work in 2020 and beyond.
For all the people connected to our family and the work of CWEF, that the Spirit would be working in their lives, and in ours.
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Thank you for your prayers and support!
Josh + Coco + John + Sophia // lcms.org/lange