March '20 Update
A Change in Plans
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov 16:9)
This verse certainly rings true for me these last several weeks, as I am sure it has for you. My plan was to begin my four week trip (mid-April to mid-May) in Cambodia to meet with some pastors to discuss the potential for future training. That was to be followed by a trip to the Philippines to teach my regular week-long preaching modules in Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu City.
I had also planned to preach in our partner churches in these areas as well as at Higher Rock in Quezon City. But the Lord directed my steps in a different direction. Given the mandated quarantines, “shelter in place”, and travel bans that have swept across the globe, my plans had to be postponed. This does not mean those modules have been canceled but rather they have been moved to the fall.
While I am greatly disappointed at not being able to carry out the training I so love to do, I find myself with the time to do things that I have put on hold for some time. I can now prepare new material for the training, as well as make several long-needed improvements in the existing material. Being unable to travel will allow me to put together some ways to stay connected to my students when I am not there, ways I have been thinking about for a while but have not had the time to implement. I also have the time now to further equip myself by reading books and articles that have been waiting for me—materials that will enhance the training that I do.
A Word From the Lord in These Troubled Times
We live in a time of global upheaval not seen for the last two generations—an upheaval that has left many in fear and anxiety and struggling to find answer.
During times of struggle and difficulty in my life, I have found great comfort in Psalm 46.
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. (Selah)
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Selah)
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Selah)
Here is a sermon that I preached about two years ago in the Philippines on this very psalm. I hope that it is a help to you.
Prayer Requests
Here are some things you could be praying for when you think of us.
please pray for my twin grandsons who were born premature at 33 weeks. They are still in NICU after nearly a month. Pray they would be healthy enough to be released soon. My daughter and her husband are unable to see them due to family sickness and tightened restrictions at NICU. Pray for strength for my daughter who has been in several difficult trials since the beginning of the pregnancy.
please pray for wisdom for me to make the best use of my time these next couple of months. With my canceled travel plans I want to redeem the extra time at home wisely. Pray that I would be able to come up with ways to help my students while I am unable to be with them in person
please pray for the health of all in our family, especially my two baby grandsons, Ezekiel and Malachi
If You Wish to Support Us
If the Lord leads you to support this ministry, you can do in several different ways:
Credit Card: go to our GMI link. Note that GMI covers all online expenses so that 100% of your donation goes to our support.
Direct Deposit: print out the form from this link and follow its instructions. The missionary/project name is “Tim Carns”.
Check: make it payable to “GMI” and write “Tim Carns” on the memo line. Then mail it to Grace Ministries International, 13248 Roscoe Blvd., Sun Valley, CA 91352.