Trusting God in the Twists and Turns
Otto Funk experiences the same type of apprehension every time someone prays for him. It began 10 years ago when he accompanied the youth group from his church in Canada on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico as a leader and translator. At the debriefing sessions a number of youth laid their hands on Otto and prayed that God would use him in missions. “I felt the Spirit stronger on me than I ever had before.” Ten years later, Otto and wife Lidia have just completed their first three year term serving in Lima, Peru with MB Mission.
It’s no wonder that Otto felt some uncertainty rise up in him again when a group of people in Northern Peru prayed that God would move MB Mission to transfer him and Lidia to Piura to help rebuild a church that has been falling apart after the pastor left. One month after those prayers were lifted to Heaven, Otto and Lidia found themselves working in that church in Piura, proving that life with Christ is always an adventure. Right after setting up their calendar of programs for the year in Lima and renewing the lease on their apartment, God took them on a detour that they never anticipated.
“We are thrilled to serve this God who always gives us what we need to follow His call and carry out His will,” says Otto. “We have been healthy through all the changes, and above all God has given us a new vision and passion for the people that are hurting in Piura.”
As Otto and Lidia start all over again – they have a Sunday School class of 4 children and a youth group of 5 – pray that the Spirit of God would move in power in the small church in Piura. Pray also for Otto and Lidia as they adapt to the changes before them and hold fast to a God who is always faithful.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him.” – Romans 8:28
The Next Level: Do you trust God with the twists and turns of life? Sometimes God takes us down a path entirely different than the one we thought we were on. As you follow God with an open heart, remember that He fulfills His will in us for His glory.