United World Mission
Dear Friends and Family,
Last time I wrote you all I was still on the road in the US, presenting papers, visiting old friends, and continuing with fund-raising. The trip proved a wonderful experience, as our support team grew and we made new, strategic connections. I felt deeply ministered to by many old friends who encouraged and prayed for us. Each of them reminded me of how greatly God has enriched us in the many friends and mentors he had brought us over the years. This increases my delight and excitement about moving towards Latin America, ever-reinforcing our certainty of our calling.
I mentioned in my last email that I had applied for a couple of short term teaching contracts in the UK, since my current contract at Oxford ends in August 2013. I felt obliged to look into ways that we might be able to stay afloat financially if we are not ready to deploy by the time my current salary in Oxford ends. I did end up interviewing for these jobs, but (happily!) was not offered either of them. This actually comes as a real joy to us. The process of applying for the jobs was a hard one, since I would be sad to shorten my research fellowship here in Oxford, and since I was afraid that taking a teaching post would interfere with my ability to fund-raise. The ironic consequence of these unsuccessful applications is that I have a RENEWED sense of energy and confidence about fund-raising over the coming year; since God closed those doors, I feel undistracted by "contingency plans". I am excited to be able to continue full-steam ahead towards Latin America, without any further diversions (well, at least not at this point!).
Indeed, the month of July really will be "full-steam ahead", almost entirely dedicated to preparation for Latin America. I will be attending a once-a-decade conference of evangelical church leaders in Latin America (CLADE V) and then spending 10 days fund-raising in California. We'd be deeply grateful for your intercession (see below) in this coming month.
Before handing over to Michelle, I did want to say that one of my essays is available online
here. I know that much of what I write is a bit technical and verbose, but this piece (entitled "Provision for the Poor and the Mission of the Church") is only seven pages long, and aims to be a bit more accessible, if any of you are interested in taking a gander at it!
Peace be with you all,
Christopher, Michelle, Judah and Asher Hays