Friends, Family, and Supporters,
Much has happened since that last time I officially wrote to you all. Some of you have been a part of our life’s most recent happenings, others of you may be wondering where in the world we are and what we are doing. We have decided to pursue
American citizenship. This will allow Titus to freely leave and enter the United States without hassle; it removes the threat of being denied a visa to enter the United States; it waves all further increasing visa/paperwork fees; etc. Obtaining citizenship is a
long (
~3-5 years!) and
expensive process, and the decision has been
very difficult to make; however, God has been speaking to our hearts, reminding us (I especially need this reminder!) that
"…my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Yes, there are
still days when I yearn for '
peace which passeth all understanding (
Philippians 4:7,) but I
rest in Him and listen to my husband’s
confident/encouraging word. I do not know what the next 3-5 years will look like. I just know that right now we are waiting, preparing, training, and seeking.
Through prayer and fundraising efforts, we continue to be distant partners in the ministry in Cambodia that Titus started before he came to America in October. We wish that we could do more; we wish that we could be there now.
Romans 10:14 says,
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" We are happy to announce that
the University Students Fellowship has received funding to rent a house and open a girls’ dorm. More than four students have gotten saved and are being discipled, and the leaders are currently preparing for a Valentine’s outreach this Sunday, at which they will talk about God’s love. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless the ministry that our friends are carrying on in Cambodia, and that He will continue to teach and strengthen us to do His work, wherever we are.
February is ‘
Missions Month’ at our church and we have already enjoyed hearing two powerful missionary testimonies. In a January preview to Missions Month, Pastor Bob preached a sermon entitled ‘
Missional Living’ -
a lifestyle of adopting the posture, thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the Gospel message. I had been thinking about this very idea for weeks prior to Pastor Bob’s sermon, and I have felt much conviction. I have a heart for the world – for international missions – but I am embarrassed to admit that I’m a little
uncomfortable trying to find my place being a missionary at home. I ask you to join us in prayer that God will direct us, opening our eyes to opportunities to share His love and to evangelize, and especially strengthening us to be obedient.
We are grateful for His conviction… and His patience. :)
“No one can say: ‘Since I’m not called to be a missionary, I do not have to evangelize my friends and neighbors.’ There is no difference, in spiritual terms, between a missionary witnessing in his home town and a missionary witnessing in Katmandu, Nepal. We are all called to go—even if it is only to the next room, or the next block.”
(On Being a Missionary by Thomas Hale Other highlights from life together in America thus far:
On
October 29th, Titus and I stood in front of God and almost 300 witnesses to commit our lives to each other and our
marriage to Him. We were blessed to have a wonderful wedding party of family and friends who traveled from New York, Maryland, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas to support us. To those of you who were able to come, thank you again so much for celebrating with us. It was a beautiful day – one that I have recollected many, many times – that was
enhanced by the presence of friends and family who love us and have invested in our lives. Although no members from Titus’ family were able to attend, we were
blessed by the presence of Cambodian friends, ministry partners, former and present missionaries to Cambodia, and others
who represent a love for/knowledge of Cambodia.
Since Titus arrived in America four months ago, he has grown to love my family and my family has grown to love him. It is a blessing to me that – although the adjustment to food, weather, church, language, streets, customs, etc. have been
very, very challenging and
uncomfortable – He has genuinely found himself “
at home” with my family. Many and sincere
THANKS are due to our family and friends who have reached out to him and tried to welcome him to America and into their lives.
Thank you also to those who have given furniture, kitchenware, and other household items to help make our little block apartment our home.
After five months of working 50+ hours/week at three
jobs (Cracker Barrel, Lakeview Christian Pre-School, and “
janitoring” at Brookhaven,) the Lord has
blessed me with a full-time position in the School of Business and Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University – a
job with health insurance, a more-than-sufficient salary, paid vacation days, free tuition, and more. Titus and I both plan on taking advantage of the
blessing of F
REE T
UITION, and while Titus is still praying about which direction to take, I am already looking forward to starting
Biblical Literature classes this summer.
In conclusion, I want to ask for your prayers for two requests that have been on my heart. First: Last week, our friend
Soklai– a faithful member of one of the Wesleyan churches in Cambodia’s capital city – died suddenly and unexpectedly. When he died,
Soklai was
sitting in a chair, playing with his young daughter. Second: My sister and her Filipino fiancé have begun the process of applying for a
fiancé visa to America. Titus and I saw
God move big mountains during our application period, and I pray that
Jessie and Aldean’s testimony will be the same: that their faith will increase.
As always,
thank you. Thank you for reading, for supporting, for praying, for loving, and for giving. We pray that this message finds you happy, healthy, and strong in the Lord.
Serving Him,
Titus & Jewel
We have great news! Aldean got his visa!!!! Titus and I are praising the Lord for His gift of grace to Jessie & Aldean and we trust that He will be glorified in their testimonies! I remember very well the day that I received news from Titus that he passed the interview; and a week later, when the visa was stamped into his passport. Titus and I are especially happy for Jessie & Aldean because we know personally how relieving and overwhelming and GREAT that piece of news is! Aldean is scheduled to arrive in Indiana from the Philippines on November 17 and the wedding is two weeks later on December 1. We’re excited to meet the guy we’ve heard so much about, and anxious to see how a third culture blends into our family!
In other news, two days ago, Titus and I purchased round-trip tickets to Cambodia. We’ll be leaving a few days after Christmas and staying for three weeks. Our primary ministry will be an encouragement to the pastors and the churches, which have experienced some hard transitions and challenges since Titus’ departure in October 2011. Our plans include coordinating a pastors and wives’ retreat - a time to get away, to get together, and to rejuvenate their bodies while rekindling their passions [at the beach!] We are almost half-way to our goal of raising $1,600, which will allow 30 pastor’s families to attend at no cost to them.
On October 29th, we celebrated our one-year-anniversary. On the 26th, Titus and I flew to Baltimore, Maryland to spend 5 days with friends. As you know, Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast on October 29th. Although our friends’ home retained power and had no significant damage, the whole experience will be a long-lasting first anniversary memory! The wind was unlike anything that I have ever heard or felt before and we are very grateful for the protection over our friends’ home!! We had lots of fun before the storm hit! On Friday, we enjoyed exploring Baltimore City and visiting the National Aquarium. On Saturday, we explored Washington D.C. I really enjoyed getting to know the Long family and it was so good for Titus to be able to spend time with a friend from Cambodia! How we value and cherish our relationships with friends who understand cross-cultural marriage!
As always, thank you. Thank you for reading, for supporting, for praying, for loving, and for giving. The knowledge that you are simply behind us gives us confidence to pursue God’s will and the visions that He has given us.
