How did we get here?

Have you ever had the refrain of a song get stuck in your head? No matter what you do, it doesn't seem to go away. I have had one particular song stuck in my head for almost a year.  Chris Tomlin's song, "Everlasting God" has been my companion for over 9 months now. I hear  "Strength will rise up as we wait upon the Lord" echoing through my brain.  Bill has been hearing "Where You lead, I will follow". Wise words as the Lord has called us to Guatemala.

Bill and I went on a mission trip to Guatemala last November with CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Assn.) and Missionary Ventures. These mission trips are used to distribute the motorcycles (horses, bicycles, boats) that CMA donates the money for each year. We knew that God had plans for us, and that we wouldn't be in Pocatello forever. We just had no idea that we would be called for missions work! In the week before we arrived, all I could hear in my head was "wait upon the Lord". I knew we would learn something during the trip, but I had no idea that we would be called to return to Guatemala so quickly.

We landed in Guatemala, and instantly, it felt like home. I didn't say anything to Bill about what I was hearing from God for a couple of days. He didn't say anything to me either. But we were the ones questioning the directors about everything Guatemalan. Our directors revealed to us that there was a need for a couple to manage the mission house for them. Bill and I just looked at each other, and then we prayed about it for the remainder of the trip. Before we left, we talked to the directors, and told them that we would be applying to Missionary Ventures to come back. When we returned to the States, it felt different, like we really didn't belong here anymore. We started the paperwork as soon as we were in contact with Missionary Ventures. We go to training in June for 10 days at MVI headquarters in Orlando, FL. Then it's back to close up the house, pack our belongings, and get ready for final departure.

Bill and I have been Christians since we were teenagers. Situations led both of us away from church for a time, but neither of us was far from God. It's amazing how your faith in man is tested, but God is always nearby. The Lord was just waiting for our return to fellowship. We both feel like walking with God is a continual process, and we are forever being refined. Pruning hurts sometimes! How else do we get rid of the things in our lives that aren't necessary for God to be our center?

To all that are reading, God Bless you. Please pray for our safety, our financial needs, and our ministry.  We are still looking for monthly supporters to keep us in Guatemala. We need approximately 70 at $30/month. Donations can be mailed to Missionary Ventures, PO Box 593550, Orlando, FL 32859-3550 or you can go online to http://www.mvi.org/ and donate there.  All donations need to be marked "preferenced for the future ministry of the Rileys". This ensures that you get a tax-deductible receipt, and that the money is used as it is intended.

We are trusting in the Lord that He will provide for our needs. He is ever faithful!

God Bless y'all!

Lisa