Last Wednesday I went to my doctor for a CT scan of my abdomen because of some recurring pains.  After the results were received there was a one inch mass found in my lungs that needed further clarification.  Needless to say the small pains in my abdomen were not on my mind after this discovery.  I remember praying “God, just let this be the only one in my lungs.”  Yet the report came back showing two masses and two enlarged lymph nodes.  The initial diagnosis from the radiologist was of great enough concern to order a biopsy for this week.  I remember my first thoughts of shock and amazement that we were now going down a path that was unknown and certainly unexpected. 

I was to leave Tuesday for Romania to help lead a prayer revival and further establish the work God has called us to with BridgeBuilders in Romania.  We are prayerful that while our team is there we will be able to establish BridgeBuilders Foundation  in Romania and that God would provide the needed funds of $19,000 to establish this work.  The foundation will provide permanent funding for our street pastor, Bogdon, who is leading the street people in Galati to Christ and discipling them in our first house church.  In addition, we are thrilled with the potential to set up our optical clinic and lab to train and disciple the poor from Romania and provide much needed medical care for these dear people.  The average monthly income is around $600 and a pair of glasses cost $250.00.  The clinic will also enable us to bring necessary funding to our work in Romania, lead people to Christ and  broaden our impact on the valley in Galati.  This is a community of metal shacks, dirt streets and hopelessness everywhere.  I was shocked that it was in Europe and clearly within our reach to help these tender hearted people.  In addition we are partnering with an American businessman who is exploring moving equipment from Garland, TX to Romania because of labor costs and setting up a tool and dye plant.  This will be an employer for men and women whose lives have been redeemed and who desperately need employment training, jobs, and continued discipleship.  The building will also be used as a church on Sundays for Bogdon so the people of Romania will not be burdened with the cost to build and maintain a church building.

Those were my plans for the week but God has placed us on another path to seek healing from God.  We thank God for His sovereignty and that we are to be anxious for nothing but pray about all things with thanksgiving.  I am thankful to God that His character never changes, that He is refining us and making us more dependent on Him.   I am thankful for my faithful family and for the amazing BridgeBuilder family. I am thankful to God for the fervent prayers of the righteous that are sustaining us and for our pastor and church that have embraced and loved us with the love of Christ.  We pray that God would protect us, heal us, and provide for us and this work that He has called us to.  You may be on an unexpected detour in your life.  Keep your eyes on Jesus,  count it all joy and thank Him for loving you enough to detour your plans for your good and His glory.