When I first thought about the Moldova trip I was interested because I had visited the USSR in 1980 and thought it might be a good opportunity for us to “do mission” before we go to High Asia. I knew also I would enjoy researching a new country.
As time progressed, however we began to realise that with our existing commitments we were already “running on empty” and we began to consider the wisdom of continuing with Moldova (neither of us go into things in a half hearted manner)
In the last six months I have formally written to church Leadership asking them to “cut us some slack”, given our present circumstances, for “a season”.
Some of the reasons for this.
- I have a sister who has a brain tumour who we have nearly lost once
- I have a 90 year-old mother with high blood pressure who was selling her house and moving to a care home
- I have a sister who is going through a very messy separation
- My wife was diagnosed with stress related muscular spasms due to her work load
- I have become a company director
I have seen a major change in my wife in the last six months. She has gone from a passionate follower of the Lord Jesus to a nominal believer who has questioned her faith at times.
At this present moment in time both of us need time and space so we can be refreshed and restored spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. For both of us that means time “away” with the Lord. I was reminded the other day that the Lord needed to go away from his disciples and the crowds at times. We both need “inner” resourcing and need to schedule that into our diaries.
Although my mother has now moved and my wife is working part-time most of my other commitments are still in place and we need more time and more understanding to be fully restored. I think it will take several months
In view of this we have decided to withdraw from the Moldova trip.