Anticipated Outcomes
Our little baby who started out the size of a vanilla bean seed, the Lord has grown into the size of a pineapple after 34 weeks! As this baby has grown bigger and bigger over time, it has become increasingly evident to everyone around me that there is definitely a baby in there! Lots of people see and ask, “When are you due?, “Is it a boy or a girl?, “Is this your first?,” or even just smile from across the room. What was once an unseen reality has now become a seen reality. At one point, I was pregnant and no one could tell. But I was just as pregnant as I am now. The anticipated, obvious outcome is that THIS BABY IS COMING OUT! And as we get closer, that truth becomes more abundantly clear.
This makes me think about the anticipated outcome of our salvation and God’s plan for the world. God has been and is sovereignly working throughout time and history to see his plan come to fruition. We aren’t just randomly living day by day with no destination we are heading toward. Just like the baby in the womb is headed for birth, those who have trusted in Christ are headed toward experiencing the full realization of our glorious redemption he bought for us with his blood. We will have a glorified body, in a new heavens and new earth, there will be no more sin, death, sorrow, or pain. We will live in unhindered relationship with God because of Christ. And we will worship Christ for eternity with believers from every nation, tribe, language, and tongue! In Romans chapter 8, Paul compares this waiting for, longing for, and hoping for our redemption like the groaning pains of childbirth:
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we are saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” - Romans 8:22-25
These realities are just as certain and real as the baby that is going to come out. It WILL happen. Whether we are ready or not! It is what all things are culminating toward.
When we knew a baby was on the way, life began to change. Preparations needed to be made. Baby items were purchased, the car seat was installed, and our hospital bags need to be packed because we don’t actually know the day this baby will come! In a similar vain, are we preparing for Jesus’ return? Are we ready? When he returns will we be ready, knowing we were longing for his return with such expectant faith and joy? Were these unseen realities so true to us that we couldn’t help but tell of them to those around us who don’t yet know the truths of God’s Word?
Since these things are true, let us live in light of our anticipated outcome. Let us press on toward knowing Christ and making him known. Let us be a part of spreading the message of Christ everywhere! We are praying for you as you live out your faith where he has you, and we appreciate and covet your prayers as we do the same among the Uruwa people.
Coast to Coast Travels
Our travels took us coast to coast. The minivan that caught on fire the day we purchased it, held up amazingly well. We put about 13,000 miles on it over 3 months! We praise the Lord for allowing us safety and for all of the sweet fellowship we got to experience with so many believers! We had a busy but wonderful time updating our supporting churches and individuals, while seeing family and friends on the way as well.
On July 18, we arrived in Atascadero, CA and moved into our apartment. The Lord continues to bless us and has provided us with this apartment owned by our sending church Atascadero Bible Church to live in for the remainder of our time in the states. We are all moved in and look forward to fellowshipping with our church over these next several months. We are also so excited to welcome baby Thek into our lives around September 5! After we have the baby, we will apply for his or her passport and visa. We plan to return to PNG in January, paperwork pending!
Our co-workers the Brendles returned to PNG in June from their first home assignment in America and having a baby as well! They rejoined the Weavers in Uruwa and are just beginning their Uruwa culture and language study. The Weavers had their second language evaluation recently and they each moved up one level from where they were previously! Keep praying for them and of course, our Uruwa friends!
Prayer and Praise
Praise the Lord for the safe travels and sweet fellowship with many who are supporting the Uruwa work!
Praise the Lord for providing us with an apartment to stay in owned by our sending church.
Pray that we would take hold of each moment during this season to capture it to be used for the kingdom.
Pray for baby Thek to remain healthy and for a smooth delivery (due date is September 5). And for us as we adjust to becoming parents.
Please pray for Jess’ family. Her grandma Rosa Lee passed away on July 9.
Praise the Lord for our co-workers the Weaver’s second language evaluations going well. Both Chris and Meegan moved up one level from where they were previously.
Please continue praying for language and culture learning for the Weavers and the Brendles who returned to Uruwa the end of June.
Pray for God to be preparing the Uruwa people’s hearts to hear and receive the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ one day. Pray he would be using our lives to be ambassadors for Him as we seek to display His love.
Pray for the continued strengthening of our walks with the Lord as well as our marriage.
Some people have asked us for the link to our baby registry. Here it is if you wish to purchase something and bless our family in that way.
Want to receive more frequent updates and prayer requests? Join our prayer group via Facebook or e-mail using the buttons below. And as always, please let us know how we can be praying for you as well!
Luke & Jessica Thek
Luke:
US phone: 8054236830
whatsapp: +18054236830
email: luke_thek@ntm.org
Jess:
US phone: 8165207474
whatsapp: +18165207474
email: jessica_thek@ntm.org
