Frustrated with Delays
The Tate Family has served the Lord in Kitale, Kenya since January 2008. Their main ministry is indigenous church planting.
June 28, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Folks, life and ministry is just NOT going according to MY plans. I just can’t get a handle on things and it is frustrating me to no end. I have ministry alterations I would like to make and I can’t seem to move forward on them. My plans keep on being delayed and I can’t implement them or even move onward. I thought I would have much to write about this month and I can really only think of one word to write: Stymied. Or maybe, obstructed; blockaded; hindered; impeded. OK, that’s more like five words. But the idea is the same…I am frustrated over the delays. I want to move forward, I want to follow through with the plans I believe are from God, I want to write to you about some of the changes I wish to make and I want to see what God will do. Unfortunately, I think God is the main person I am wrestling with. It’s not that I don’t think the new direction isn’t from God. I do believe He is the one directing me. It’s just that He is not moving forward at the pace I want Him to or according to my timeframe.
You see, the main thing I want to do absolutely, positively cannot be done in my own strength or in my own power. My own ability will get me practically nowhere. Oh, I suppose that by utilizing my own severely limited abilities I might be able to build some kind of temporary human structure. But without the empowering Spirit of God demonstrating His power in this future ministry, it is simply a house of cards waiting to be blown over by the slightest wind or tremor. If there is one thing I’ve learned (I hope), it’s that without the moving of God in a ministry all my human efforts are futile. And I’m tired of starting futile endeavors, building futile ministries and trusting in the futile work of my own hands. And until God allows me to move forward I cannot outline what I think He wants me to do. That makes for a short, uninteresting, frustrating newsletter. But that’s where I’m at.
Afterward: Beloved, I have just read over my newsletter and, while I haven’t changed anything, I realize it sounds angry. I am NOT angry. Just impatient is all. I will be seeking advice from trusted counselors and friends. Grace and peace to you all.
Until next month, beloved.
May God’s peace and joy be with you.
For the glory of God in East Africa,
Roger & Julie Tate (and Amy, Josiah & Chloe)
rojuta[at]gmail.com
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