Week 3, Buffalo, Basements, Brides

Hi all, we reflect on our third week here in Buffalo, and its been filled with confirmation that God would have us serve here. Working with Pastor Sunny, God is showing me how to emulate his care over his speech, his diligence in serving, and his personal drive to live very near God. His family also continues to show us the wonderful fruits God promises to those who abide in and serve Him.

Basements... we got to see homes today, and even saw one which cost as much as rent in California to own. So we are definitely looking to see if the Lord would have us settle down, or continue to rent. The desire to own is strong, but we also know that God always gives what we need, not necessarily what we want. So we are confident that He will provide!

Brides... there are five this year in BCCC's immediate and extended family of singles. We witnessed one today, of Ed and Shali, Shali being the closest of friends to Maggie. We thank God for demonstrating before us His ability to create beauty out of clay pots, when we adorn ourselves with the gospel. Their lives spoke of humility, innocence, and purity, that God enables all of us to pursue, when we live in fear of Him. I love the meditation of the wedding focusing on the resolve to bless the Lord amidst lack of prosperity:

¹⁷ Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, ¹⁸ Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. ¹⁹ The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19

May you be encouraged, as we have been, to live in fear of the Lord.

Buffalo, Residents Week 1

God is amazing! We're here, in the east coast, enabled by His grace to partake in the life of His saints here in Buffalo Chinese Christian Church. We are living in Eric and Vivian Wu's home for the next few days, as we wait for our belongings to arrive.

The weather is definitely different, and I find, conducive to great times of study. Maggie took pictures of the wonderful office prepared for me at the church, and it has been a tremendous place thus far, for preparations, about 4 hours a day. The remainder of my time is spent off church, this week- visiting w/ families and getting to know the area.

Maggie cooked her first meal today, Ziti pasta, w/ peas, olive oil, herbs, and chicken breast. Alongside the ribs from Dash's (courtesy of Eric), and the wonderful treats the Livingstone ladies dropped over, we had a feast! Unfortunately, Eric is ill, and did not see all the excitement downstairs as we were suprised by the care package the girls brought over at Red Oak.

We are enjoying the 3 hour difference, as it allows us now to call Cali, with our nighttime free minutes!

Just want to thank God with you, for He has done exceeding and above all our expectations. He is provider, sustainer, and enabler.

As I meditate upon this great privilege to enter full time work for Him, I am overwhelmed, knowing, as Paul did, of my wretchedness, and the amazing favor He bestowed upon all of us:

¹⁴ and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. ¹⁶ Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:14-16

Oh, and our new address is: 1887 Eggert Rd, Apt #3, Amherst, NY 14226