Sent, Settled, and Sustained

Sent by His Calling, Settled in His Provision, Sustained by His Grace

As July approaches, I find myself reflecting on our first year in Australia. This milestone also brings to mind a much longer journey that began four years ago when we left Cape Town, South Africa. From there, the Lord led us through Ireland and the United States before eventually settling us in Wanneroo, Western Australia.

Looking back on the various cities and countries we have called home, I am reminded of the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. While our circumstances are certainly different from his, I can see meaningful parallels between his experiences and our own.

Sent

For many missionaries, there comes a defining moment when they sense a specific calling from the Lord to go and fulfil the Great Commission. I believe it was the same for Paul: “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2–3

One of the things that strikes me most about Paul is his willingness to go. He did not hesitate while waiting for every detail to be revealed. He obeyed and stepped forward in faith, trusting God with the unknown.

In many ways, our family's journey has reflected that same principle. The Lord guided us through several places before ultimately bringing us to Australia. Throughout those years, we hoped He would continue to use us for His glory, even though we did not know exactly where. Seasons of uncertainty became opportunities to develop trust, patience, and dependence on God's timing.

Often, the Lord reveals the next step before He reveals the entire path.

Settled Through the Struggles

In 2 Corinthians 11:23–28, Paul recounts hardships that far exceed anything we could claim to have experienced. His testimony serves as a reminder that ministry is rarely straightforward. It often involves unexpected challenges and difficult seasons.

For our family, those challenges included health concerns that brought periods of emotional struggle. We missed family, friends, our church family, and the familiarity of life as we had known it. Watching our teenage boys and preteen daughter navigate many of these same struggles was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Through uncertainty and transition, they stood alongside us with courage, keeping their heads held high and seeking to do their best for the Lord.

Adjusting to a new culture has also been a humbling experience. Living in a different country has a way of exposing weaknesses, stretching comfort zones, and testing assumptions. Through it all, we are learning an important truth: difficulty does not necessarily mean we are outside of God's will, even when circumstances sometimes make it feel that way.

Finding God's Provision in New Places

Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul intentionally built relationships wherever he went. Whether connecting with Lydia or strengthening the church at Philippi, he found community and encouragement through God's provision.

In much the same way, the Lord has blessed us with a church family at Gospel Baptist Church. From the beginning, we have felt welcomed and embraced as part of the family of believers.

The Lord has also faithfully met our children's needs in ways we could never have anticipated. Long before we knew Australia would become our home, we prayed that God would provide godly friendships and opportunities for them to grow spiritually. Today, we are seeing those prayers answered. He has brought friends into their lives who encourage them in their walk with Christ, and it is a tremendous joy to watch them serve the Lord together.

Seeing those prayers fulfilled has been one of the greatest encouragements of our first year here.

Learning to Bloom Where We Are Planted

Paul's time in Athens demonstrates his ability to engage with people and culture while remaining focused on God's purpose. He did not spend his time wishing he were somewhere else. Instead, he faithfully served where God had placed him.

That has been an important lesson for us.

Learning to appreciate our new town, accept its differences, and be fully present rather than constantly comparing it to previous places has not always been easy. There have been times when we have had to pray earnestly, asking the Lord to help us focus on Him, recognise the opportunities He has given us, and make the most of them.

As we do, we believe the Lord can use us more effectively and help transform our "mission field" into a place where we can truly thrive for Him.

Contentment Through Christ

One of the greatest lessons I have learned through Paul's life is that contentment can grow through hardship.

There are still aspects of life in Cape Town, South Africa; Tipperary Town, Ireland; and Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, that we deeply miss. Those places hold precious memories and relationships that will always be important to us. At the same time, we are learning to embrace the life God has given us here in Wanneroo.

I have realised that I do not need to forget my past, but I should not allow it to prevent me from being content where God has placed me today. I should not long for things to return to the way they were simply because I think it might relieve the pressures of the present.

Instead, I want to follow Paul's example and remember: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Growing in contentment is ultimately growing in dependence upon Christ.

Sustained by Faith

Over the years, serving the Lord first as a single missionary and now as a missionary's wife, I have learned that God simply asks us to be faithful in sowing seeds and trusting Him for the growth.

We do not always see immediate results. Paul often did not either.

Whether it is feeling more at home in a new country, watching our children adapt to changing circumstances, or seeing people come to know Christ as their Saviour, many aspects of growth require patience. I am learning to trust the Lord with everything that feels unfinished, believing that in His perfect timing He will bring His work to completion.

Often, God is working long before visible results appear. “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6

The Journey Continues

Our journey is far from over.

Paul's life reminds us that the Christian walk is not so much about arriving at a destination as about faithfully persevering in the path God has set before us. Our family is still learning, growing, and adapting, and I suspect that process will continue throughout our lives.

Ultimately, our true home is not found in a particular country, city, or house. Our true home is found in Christ.

Like Paul, we are learning that faith is not having every detail mapped out in advance. Faith is trusting the One who faithfully guides each step.

One year has passed since we moved to Wanneroo. We may not feel as though we have fully arrived, but by God's grace, we are learning to walk faithfully where He has led us—sent by His calling, settled in His provision, and sustained by His grace.