Every day of our lives we place our trust in others. We trust that they will be reliable, that they will be honest, and that they will do what is promised. So often though, these same people fail us and break our trust. A few weeks ago, our trust was shattered by one of our house helpers when we discovered that she was stealing from us. We had placed a great deal of trust in both of our workers. We trusted them to help us maintain the house. We even trusted them to oversee the care of our children. The discussion that followed this discovery was one of the harder ones we’ve had since arriving here in Kenya. We explained to her that although we had forgiven her that she had lost our trust and therefore we could no longer employ her.
We all know what it feels like to be let down and to have trust broken. But there is one who never violates our trust, one who is always faithful, honest and reliable. Many years ago, I placed my trust in Jesus Christ. I did so not fully understanding the implications of my decision. In fact, I’m still learning daily what it means to trust in Christ. The past year has allowed for a great deal of growth in terms of trusting God. We came to Africa trusting that this is where God wanted us to be for this time of our lives. While it hurts, we trust in God’s plan to take Hannah home so soon. Even having her when we did was the result of us trusting in His plan instead of ours.
Opportunities to trust Him have continued. We have long known that our family wasn’t done growing. Steph was actually starting to have baby fever even before Hannah died. After her home going, we knew that having another baby would be even more difficult. But several months ago, we both felt like God wanted us to begin trying to expand our family. Rather than relying on our own thoughts and concerns, we decided instead to trust God. Kelley #5 is now on the way. We are only about 10 weeks so we have a long ways to go. We would ask that you be praying for us. The boys are all excited to have a baby in our family again but we have seen them express anxiety, increased sadness about losing Hannah, and worry about possibly losing this baby. We know that God is in control. Even if the unthinkable were to happen, we will continue to trust in the one who has never failed us.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
Prayer requests/praises:
1. Pray for baby Kelley and for us. Pray that God will continue to guide our every step as we seek to follow Him.
2. Pray that Steph will continue to feel well. She has been taking anti-malaria medication (because of our trip to the coast) and she was quite ill for the past couple weeks. Currently she is feeling better.
3. Pray for us as we prepare to go to Greece. CMDA is having their missionary conference and many from Tenwek have to go so we can obtain the necessary CME for continued licensure. Pray for those traveling and for those who will be here maintaining all of our services.
4. We are thankful for our time at the coast for the WGM retreat. It was a great time of spiritual and physical renewal and rest. (Will post more about this later.)
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
18 Comments
Francine Ambrosino
Apr, 13, 2014Congratulations on your wonderful news. Here on earth, we may not always understand God’s will, but I believe that one day, when we are in His presence, all will be revealed. You always know just the right way to get a message across. I take great comfort in your blogs. I will continue to pray for your family. Francine
Court
Apr, 13, 2014Joyful news! God is good…xo.
Jeannene Derrick
Apr, 13, 2014What wonderful news. My prayers will be with your family and this new little one that is on the way. May His blessing continue on your family.
mARIANNE D.
Apr, 13, 2014Such joy!!! Hanna is smiling!!!
Ellal Thoms
Apr, 13, 2014God is so good,,,His blessings abound. I’m so happy for the Kelley famiy !!!!
Elaine from Atlanta
Apr, 13, 2014Rejoicing and praying….
Miriam Wert
Apr, 13, 2014Wonderful news! I am so happy for you and Steph and the boys
Lloyd & Susan Bender
Apr, 13, 2014Congratulations, very excited for you, will be praying
Delores Thomas
Apr, 14, 2014We are delighted to hear your news and pray that Steph will continue to regain her strength.
Debra Slack
Apr, 14, 2014Praise the Lord! His mercies endureth forever! Congratulations on your good news! I will pray for good health for all. Spiritual, physical, and emotional. And traveling mercies and protection. Thank you so much for the sacrifices that your family has made in order to serve the Lord. 🙂
Jan
Apr, 14, 2014Congratulations!!!!!! I am so excited for you however, I can feel your apprehension,too! That is where the Trust comes in! We know we just have to trust Him, but sometimes it is easier said than done. My husband just got a new 4D ultrasound machine last week, I wish we could just drop by and do a quick scan for you!! I’ll be asking my Bible Study group to start praying for you and the baby and family tomorrow when we meet! Blessings from the Bergs in SD
Marlin & Darla Weaver
Apr, 14, 2014We are excited and happy for you guys! Will continue to lift you up in prayer as you follow God’s hand into yet another “new” chapter in your lives.
Blessings -Marlin & Darla Weaver
Lisa Brey
Apr, 14, 2014Aaron, that is wonderful news. So excited for you, Steph, and the boys. Congrats!! What an amazing blessing and reward for your obedience that you have to our loving God. He is so good. God Bless.
Cindy Johnson
Apr, 14, 2014Wow wow wow God is so very generous and kind. Your family is very special to Him/ Thanks for sharing and we are praying. Blessings
Julie Esquinaldo
Apr, 14, 2014Such wonderful new! Congrats! Children truly are a blessing from The Lord and yours are truly blessed to have you as parents. I pray that the boys that my daughters will someday marry are being raised by parents like you and Steph. We will continue to pray for health, strength, and guidance for all of you! This news made my day, thanks for sharing!
Traci
Apr, 15, 2014I am so excited for you all! Congrats on this beautiful baby!
Nic Hawbaker
Apr, 21, 2014Congrats!!! Katie and I are excited for you guys! Thanks for sharing your time and family with us. We hope your time at the coast was relaxing and refreshing.
Stephanie M.
Jun, 11, 2014This is joyful news. I love and pray for your family as you grow and serve the Lord.