Not sure if this blog really has a general theme other then just updating everyone back home on how I am doing and what is going on over here. My team and I are currently in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. Our original plan of going to Uzbekistan was canceled due to many different things and the result of that is us staying in Baku until the 28th, when we fly to Kazakhstan. The feel on our team is what has made this whole process less crazy then what I feel like really is going on. Our perspective as Gods children should be through the eyes of Christ. Everyone truly is walking in the Spirit as God asks us to do and despite all the unknowns right now we are facing moment by moment we still continue to see what God has for us in day to day life. Some ways and praises God has provided everything we have needed in this time are as follows:
- Dylan and I met a brother in Christ from Nigeria who left persecution to find work to provide the funds necessary to get his family out of Nigeria. We were able to just fellowship with him and hear his story. If you aren’t familiar with what’s going on in Nigeria for Christians like I was then I would really recommend doing some research into that. (Blog coming soon?)
- Two Sunday’s ago Sarah, Victoria, and John all went to a church service for Sabbath. They connected with the ministry there and that has opened up doorways to serve the local body in any way 7 young, able, and willing workers of the kingdom can do.
- When we discovered that we would be staying in Baku until the 28th we decided it would be best to move ourselves to a more private place. Dylan found and reached out to a AirBnb owner who discounted the price for us. Meeting us at our budget and now we are staying in a 3 story apartment in the suburb part of Baku. This also took place shortly after the country of Azerbaijan made the announcement to close down all hostel spaces until further notice. Gods timing is always perfect ????
- We have been able to meet a lot of really cool people from different countries in our time staying in hostels. Due to hostels closing down and people needing places to stay we have opened our doors to them in their time of need. Shout out to Dylan who has done an amazing job at staying in touch with everyone we have met and orchestrating/managing Aspenators bed and breakfast.
- Another thing that the country has done is prohibit any large gatherings of 5 or more people effective on the 16th. We were invited to a wedding tomorrow the 15th and that means we will be apart of the last wedding in all of Azerbaijan for the time being. Thank you Jesus!!!!
So, overall our moral is high and our confidence in Gods sovereignty in all circumstances remains at its peak. It’s very easy to get caught up in the anxiousness, fear, and worry of this whole thing happening in our world but as the body of Christ we are going to be blessed with opportunities to respond with life and truth. God also asks us to use wisdom, so taking the proper steps to prevent the spread of this virus should be our first priority. Hannah Marsh has taught me so much in day to day hygiene. Thanks sister!
Faith doesn’t excuse ignorance. As Gods children we should walk by faith and not by sight. We have been given the go ahead to move forward with what God has called us to do and until He calls us back home we will remain lights for the kingdom in the midst of the chaos!
God bless,
Austin
