This trip was God’s idea
January 22, 2008
After the ups and downs of last week it is so nice to be in Nairobi this morning-jet lagged and all! Many of you may not know we were scheduled to leave last Friday but all the unrest and violence put our trip in a holding pattern. After months of anticipation and planning, it was so disheartening to see our plans be delayed and possibly even cancelled.
But then the Lord began to gently remind me that this trip was HIS idea and not MY idea. He reminded me that His plans for me are always good and any delay is a part of His design. All I need to do is to trust in Him and trust His timing.
Once I laid aside my plans and trusted His plans, a peace that passes understanding began to guard my heart and my mind. And, over the next few days it was amazing how everything came into place. I am confident that He will accomplish exactly what He wants—both in us and through us over the next few weeks.
Jen
Jennifer, I will be praying for you and the family. I am so excited for you all. There is NOTHING like being in the middle of a GOD-PLAN.
Love you all!
Jen, I just read this from a prophesy someone sent me & thought you guys would be blessed by it:
I also saw that God may be moving many people from their geographical location to another one where they will flourish to a greater degree. This is a time when being in proper geographical alignment is of uttermost importance. Seek God about your designated geographical positioning for such a time as this, and be willing to make the changes to go where He tells you to.
Dear Dr. Paul, we are so amazed by your passion and humility to serve God beyond the borders into Africa. May the Holy Spirit be with you and your family as you do what the Lord has called you to do. You are in our prayers and May God do great things while you are down there. We love you all and look forward to your safe return.
Dear Jennifer: It’s difficult to describe what your words provoked in me other than to say that there was recognition with a mixture of both laughter and tears. You and your family are such a blessing to all of us! Thank God that the anointing truly does flow downward!! Paul and I continue to lift each of you up before the Father and trust that He will accomplish all He has called you to do! We love you and thank God for you often.
We are so excited for you and your family and know that God will use each of you in a mightey way. Gary and I will be praying for you.
We love you all!
Hi Aunt Jennifer,
Are ya’ll having fun?
Oh I’m so excited to see what the Lord does through you’re entire family Mr. Osteen! So exciting. I’ll be praying for you all the time! Tell Jennifer hi for me and hugs all around!
Much love,
Christy Hutchins
Dearest Dr. Paul and Jennifer,
Saturday morning the Lord awaken me to pray for you all. I did not know you were leaving for Kenya until the 7p.m. service. I truly ask our Father to continue his anointing on your lives, and the lives of your children. They will never return the same. So amazing. Gary and I love you all so much, Nancy
Grateful to hear that you all arrived safely! Praying that you’ll be His vehicle and vessel of love to the people of Kenya.
Proverbs 17:17,
Lesli
Jennifer,
We are keeping you in our prayers as a family. God will provide for all your needs! I know a dear missionary family who work in Nairobi. They are planted by the Foursquare Church, members of a church in Nashville. They make children’s worship records in the states and have a thriving ministry in Africa. They have 4 daughters and are delightful believers. Where is the hospital situated? I think it would be a blessing for your girls to connect with them and you with their Mom. Would you like me to try to get you connected? I know you just arrived so…let me know what God puts on your heart.
Love,
Joan Tankersley
Hey Paul and Jen,
So glad that you guys made it! Although we are thrilled for you and your family, we felt a “hole” at school today because you guys weren’t there. Keep blogging & we’ll keep praying! Love ya’ll!
Jen and Paul,
We will keep you in our prayers. We are so delighted to see how the Lord is using you in the world! What a mighty God we serve!! We know our brothers and sisters in Africa will be blessed by the work you are doing. PTL!
Mary, Melvin, and Elise Banks
Hi, How are you. Were fine. Candice is doing great. She loves it in Lubbock. Hope to see you soon.
Love,
Kalah
Natalie
Hey, so glad you made it safe and sound. We are praying for you everyday. School was pretty quiet without the kids. Miss them bunches. Give them a hug for us and we will see you soon. May God bless your family in everything you do.
Love,
Kellie
Karlee
Jen, So thrilled to finally figure out this blog thing after 3 days. :-) I am so thrilled that you guys are there and safe. I have been praying that God would remind you of His love and care for you and your family. How wonderful to hear how He is revealing His plan to you just at the right time. I will continue to pray for you!
Pictures of Paul are great, but please send pictures of Jackson!
I love you girl,
Mary Ann
Jackson, How was that ride in that little airplane? Have you seen any wild tigers or monkeys? We are praying for you!
We love you,
Mr. John and Mrs. Mary Ann
Dearest Jennifer,
Wow. Look where you are. Thanks for giving me the information on how to keep up with your family right now. We have been hearing of the unrest in Kenya – do you remember Lewis and Melody Taylor? They’ve been over there. I told Paul in his message we’ll be praying daily for your safety and changed lives. You’re doing a beautiful thing with your family. I’m so proud of you, as I always have been. We miss you so much in Little Rock. After all this time!! We still miss you. I cannot wait to hear of all the adventures you experience as you do the Lord’s work at the hospital and schools. You radiate Christ. I love you, Karen
Love the new pictures! I could eat Jackson sleeping! We prayed for you guys this morning. God is working in both of our families in ways I would have never dreamed. To God be the Glory!
Love you,
Mary Ann
Mom and Aunt Kalah came by my work yesterday to visit with me. We are all so
proud of you. What a Mighty God to place you and your precious family in ways
we would never have thought of .We will continue to keep you in our daily prayers. Your family here love you all very much.
hi paul, jenn, georgia, olivia, sophia, and jackson,
we were so glad to hear you made it and that everything is going so well. the pictures are great too. we have your picture on the refrigerator to remind us to pray for ya’ll every day. we love you and will continue to keep touch.
love,
jim, tamara, mike, andrea, em and geoff
What a life changing opportunity! We trust you are in the palm of God’s hands and He has positioned you for such a time as this. Kenya will never be the same. We love you and wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts & surrounded with our prayers.
Shelly & Meagan