Summertime Hellos! We assume most of you are busy with fun summer activities like sports, cookouts, and enjoying lots of sunshine. We too are enjoying the eternal summer here and even though it can be unbearably hot sometimes we’re thankful for the sun compared to some countries who have months of darkness. There is always something to be thankful for when you consider what your situation could be like. With the summer heat and rains we get to enjoy the thick greenery of the jungle and lots of beautiful flowers. A little book we’ve recently read together has reminded us of the deep roots and green leaves the Lord wants to produce in our lives regardless of circumstances. Jeremiah 17:8 says “They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.” Oh that that would always be the story of our lives. That we would readily walk by faith in all situations and ask the Lord to continue to produce that life in us even in the hardest and worst situations we may face. “Green Leaf in Drought” is the story of the escape of the last CIM missionaries from Communist China. It’s been such an encouragement to our hearts to trust God, especially when we can’t see what He’s doing or trace the path of His hand. We long to be green in drought and continue to produce delicious fruit no matter what comes our way.
We are rejoicing this week as our partners have now moved into our village! Tim went the 8 hours there and back by jeep to pick them up. They flew in on our mission plane to the closest airstrip on Monday. They will have a week or so of trying to get their house livable and settled. If you remember the Lord provided a house for them to use here and it is turning out to be a great blessing. We still have lots to work through together as a team and need the Lord’s wisdom and unity. We live in a fish bowl in a lot of ways and desire that the people would see a difference in our lives way before we begin teaching them. The village people are very excited to see a new “white” family. They especially love all the kids’ red hair. In
We would like to remind you about our weekly prayer update Breaking strongholds. We have been strongly helped as God’s people pray. Our one confidence is in God that He will work miracles to bring down strongholds and slay giants, all for His name sake. Contact us at tim_ullum@ntm.org and we can add you to this weekly prayer update. Please be praying with us for Sius (see attached picture). He is the local witch doctor. We pray regularly for him that God would prepare him to one day be set free by the power of the gospel.
In just a week and a half Andrea’s Mom, Aunt, and sister will coming for a visit! We are so excited to have them come and meet Dina as none of our family has been able to do that yet. We look forward to lots of catching up and of course many new experiences for them. Everything from the heat, the crazy driving, life in our village, and of course lots of rice. We’re asking the Lord for a good time together and can hardly wait till they get here!
Dina is doing well as is the pregnancy. Thanks so much for your continued prayers for the adoption. We will have another home visit from the adoption agency and social dept. while my family is here and then possibly will find out if this huge part of the process will be completed in August. We’re rejoicing in Dina’s good health and development up to this point. She just sprouted her first 2 teeth and is on her way to being a walker soon!
Until next time may you be trusting the Lord to produce green leaves in you even in drought times. He is faithful to work in and through us to mold us into His image!
