After 6 years on the field, and a challenging season of ministry, we were needing some time away. As with all of our lives, missionary life can be exhausting and overwhelming. And so, September 1, we began our sabbatical. The purpose was to rest, refresh and restore, to spend time together while not working, and to grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord.
All of this was accomplished. We got completely “off the grid” and did not check work emails or social media. We went to places where we could rest and enjoy time with just the two of us. We read through the New Testament together, went through a Bible Study and spent time with God without the normal job demands and responsibilities of our life in the Dominican Republic.
A significant part of our time away was spent in homes specifically designed to minister to missionaries. We were hosted by former missionaries and received great counseling geared towards those in overseas mission work. While in those places, will we also enjoyed quiet walks in God’s creation, drives in the countryside or lazy days inside.
While away, God taught us many things through our time reading Scripture, praying and counseling. We wanted to share some photos from our sabbatical and give you just a glimpse of a few things He taught us:
“Be still”
“Get up and walk”
“Come out”
“Be clean”
These are the words of Jesus in the midst of challenging situations. He calmed the sea, healed the sick, and cast out demons by saying just a few words. The people who were experiencing those situations were desperate, scared, discouraged and overwhelmed. However, in just a few words, God changes everything...and the same is true today. When I’m in the midst of a difficult situation when all seems lost- or a situation seems hopeless...God IS able to rescue me, and can bring hope to my hopeless situation...in one moment. It is during these moments that I must keep my eyes focused on HIM.
Throughout the New Testament, we learn that those who choose to follow the Lord are often persecuted or suffer hardship. The disciples, the early church, the writers of the New Testament all undergo and speak about suffering and trials. Paul talks about participating in Christ’s sufferings. Of course, our ultimate example is Jesus Himself who “although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). However, this suffering is not without hope because of the promises of God to never forsake us and the assurance that trials will be used to produce in us Godly character. We have experienced trials during this season of ministry, but we know our God and trust in Him to carry us through!
In reading about the birth of Jesus, I was struck by Joseph’s obedience. He wanted to divorce Mary quietly, but when he encountered an angel in a dream, he obeyed God and stayed with her. I can’t imagine the ridicule, confusion and controversy he must have felt, but Joseph obeyed. Soon after Jesus was born, God sent them to Egypt. When I read this, I felt sorry for Joseph. His life had already been turned upside down, and now God takes him away from family and friends and moves them out of their comfort zone to start over. I’m sure Joseph felt like he had been through enough. However, what he didn’t realize was that God was sending his family to Egypt to PROTECT them from Herod. Sometimes when God does things in our lives that don’t “make sense,” it is ALWAYS for our best- and it even might be His protection.
We were so blessed to have this opportunity for a sabbatical at a much needed time. We experienced refreshment and are ready for our next season of ministry. Thanks for your prayers, support and encouragement for us- we could not do what God has called us to do without you! We are blessed.
Thanks for joining us on the journey.
The Becks
