“And we know that all things work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
– Romans 8:28
Once again, it’s been far too long since my last update! It’s been a wonderful spring filled with much quality time back home, along with a few bumps in the road and a few unexpected opportunities.
Looking back on the past year since returning from squad leading for the World Race, it has been the most time I’ve spent back home in New England in one years time since I was in high school. And that was eight years ago. Wow! It was a good season to be home though, for some moments of triumph, and some moments of sorrow. Late last year, a close friend from church was killed in a tragic accident at Liberty. It absolutely devastated our community. In addition, a dear friend from church and college had also found himself back home in Massachusetts caring for his father who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. This family is very dear and close to mine as well, and having time to walk alongside them in the difficult journey of ushering him into his eternal home was definitely needed. These two tragic situations were not easy to handle all at once. But our church family has grown stronger through all of it and we’ve seen the Lord’s redeeming power already. At each of the funerals, I’ve never encountered such a genuine and heartfelt atmosphere of worship. In spite of the sadness and the pain, we found comfort in the One who holds it all together and He gave us the strength to sing like never before. Through all the tears, there was a beauty unlike anything I’ve ever known.
About a month ago I was planning to take a new job, but that suddenly fell through during my training. As you can imagine, it came as quite a shock. But as always, God knew what He was doing. In less than 24 hours I was asked to lead a college-age trip with Adventures In Missions to Botswana for the month of June. And I’ll also be leading at least one one-week domestic missions project with Adventures in July to New Orleans, Louisiana. The summer is always the busiest season at Adventures, and I love getting to be a part of the action!
As I had stated months ago, I’ve been walking through a season of discerning what the next big step of faith looks like for me in my ministry and career. The Lord closed the door on some full-time opportunities with Adventures late last year, but at the end of this summer when I’m finished leading projects, I’m praying about pursuing full-time positions once again. I’m also praying about squad leading for the World Race again in the near future. These things have been on my heart for much of this year already and I’m excited to see where the Lord leads! I’m already having conversations with a few supervisors at the office in Georgia about what may be the best fit for me. Please continue to pray most of all for the Lord’s will in my life and that I will faithfully follow the Holy Spirit’s timing and His prompting.
Fun fact: I’m writing this update from the bush of Africa! I’m sitting by the river at Delta Cross Ministries in the little village of Seronga, far in the north of Botswana. Even after our long flight to South Africa it took three full days of travel by several different buses to get here. We’re definitely living the simple life for the month. Dirt roads, no wifi, outdoor showers, and a plethora of wildlife. These students are certainly getting the authentic African experience! And the ministry host and his wife are a tremendous blessing. They are fantastic teachers and it’s been wonderful for all of us to witness first-hand their passion to evangelize this unreached people group. They are the only evangelical presence here in Seronga. As an added bonus, the team I’m leading is stellar. They are one of the most mature and spiritually hungry groups I’ve had. Pouring out to them has been fruitful and they in turn have taught me so much and made my time here a pleasant experience.
The remaining funds I need to continue through the summer are minimal, about $1,500 left to go. If you would like to continue giving financially you can send checks made out to “Adventures In Missions” to the following address, and be sure to include my name in the memo:
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
You can also make a contribution online via the “Support Me” link on my blog, danlidwin.theworldrace.org. Or, you can go to adventures.org/give and follow the instructions there if you’d like to contribute via credit card.
Look forward to more updates throughout the year! It’s been wonderful getting to see many of you in person this past year. I continue to covet your prayers and support. Thanks in advance!
For His Renown,
Dan Lidwin
