By Zach Dodd, WEGO Director
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”
–Psalm 23:6
Each new year represents the turning of a page, the passing of a torch. But, in reality, it rarely turns out that way. December’s troubles and ambitions sneak their way into January like a stowaway. I love the hope of a new year, but life is not a respecter of ball drops. It all keeps going, mindless of our calendars and countdowns.
At least, that is how January worked out for us this year. 2024 felt the rumblings of two major chapters coming to a close but without the finality. First, the seismic shift of gifting our school and property in Nicaragua to the government to enable us to serve our community in new ways. Second, the completion of our home build in Mongolia when our kids finally get to sleep and play in their new house. As I finish writing this on January 17th, our Nicaraguan property is still legally in our hands and the final touches are being applied in Mongolia. The striking of a clock did not magically resolve these two situations and hasten our relief but…
We are almost home.
We see the Red Sea parting and are making our way to cross it.
We are in the Upper Room hearing the howling of winds in the distance during Pentecost.
What are we supposed to do with days like these? The already but not yet. The so-close yet so far away. The hum-drum of waiting in the wing before stepping on stage.
I think this is where Psalm 23:6 comes in. His goodness and love are not just for the day of victory or transition. They are for the days leading up to that day, too. It’s ‘all the days’. Even this one as we wait. Each day is an invitation to dwell with the Lord. I do not want to miss a day of that because I’m so anxious for the next.
So, for this month’s prayer guide, we ask you to join us once more in the waiting and anticipation of what’s next. But more than that, join with us in dwelling with the Lord, right here and now, as we open our hearts to the goodness and love He has for us today.
Turn your eyes to Jesus. Gaze upon His kindness around you.
Then pray with us as we wait for two specific things.
How You Can Pray
Pray For A Smooth Transition In Nicaragua
Praise is a big part of prayer and we have an incredible one. We found out yesterday that the Ministry of Education has rehired almost all of our staff members to continue in their roles – teachers, guards, assistants, and even our principal. This is beyond a dream come true for us for many reasons. Join us in praising God for this. We’ve also begun the process of launching new ministry ventures within the country this week (more on that soon!). So, we stand right in the middle between the death of what was and the resurrection of what will be.
- Pray for a smooth transition for New Hope School for our students as classes begin on January 27th.
- Pray for opportunities for our leaders and teachers to continue the legacy of sharing Christ’s love with the students, although it will no longer be a part of their job description.
- Pray we receive our Constancia, which would allow us to sell two plots of land and finish our legal operations well.
- Pray for our future ministry in the Roman Esteban community and throughout Nicaragua. May God guard and direct our steps. We are looking at sharing more details in our February prayer guide.
Pray For Our Home Build In Mongolia
I cannot imagine how incredibly excited everyone is. The house has been built, day by day, right before their eyes. We do not have an exact move-in date but it should be within the next month or so. Our builder is in the final 5% of completion. Then kitchen cabinets. Then furnishings. Then our kids will be running around their NEW HOME for the first time.
- Pray for our builders as they put the final touches on this home. Pray for God’s blessing upon their lives for the countless hours of labor, skill, and craftsmanship they have poured into this project.
- Pray for our electricity bill! A new law has just been passed increasing electricity costs for organizations by 50%. This new home is primarily heated by electrical power so we are looking at a dramatic increase in our monthly bill due to the size of our home coupled with the new law and Mongolia’s already expensive electrical costs, compared to the USA. Pray we receive wisdom on how to navigate this new situation and consider alternative power sources such as solar or wind.
- Pray for our children and staff as they prepare to move in. Specifically, may their hearts receive this house as a gift from Jesus Himself. May this be an Ebenezer moment they can look back on to remember God being their Provider, Defender, and Shelter.