April 2021 — Kelli Williford
From Liz —
Dear AP Girlfriend,
It’s a cold, wintery morning here in the United States, and I am excited about this first letter we are sending to you. During my visits with you in 2019, I felt there should be a place for our ladies to share their experiences, wisdom, and the Word of God in a regular and consistent manner. You all have so much to give, and in future letters you will be able to enjoy deep insights both practical and biblical, family traditions of overseas workers, TCK information, recipes that work on the field, and much more. We’ll catalogue these ideas as we go.
Each letter will feature an AP woman and her thoughts as well as a short note from me. Most of all, know that we are praying for you and covering you as you continue to serve the people of your calling. Thank you for all you do and for living a life that glorifies God and makes HIM famous.
The letterhead and theme for this next phase of communication is “NEVERAlone. Far in Miles, Close in Heart.” Hang on and let’s see what God does in us and through us. I love serving you all. If there is anything I can pray about for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me on Facebook Messenger or by email at liz.hartensveld@agmd.org.
Love and prayers,
Liz Hartensveld
From Kelli Williford —
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness”
(Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV)
An inspiring verse, a beautiful song, but do we really believe it? Is He always faithful every day? Recently my faith in God’s faithfulness was put to the test. While visiting the United States, the Philippines closed its borders again, and I was literally half a world away from my husband and our four children. Immediately I flew into panic mode: What if this travel ban lasts for nine months like the last one? What if something happens to my husband or one of our children, and I can’t get to them?
It’s so easy to sing about God’s goodness and love until we are faced with a big, scary question mark in our lives. For most of us COVID-19 has brought many questions about the future and the present. Something that has always been true is becoming increasingly obvious: We don’t have control.
God does.
So can He be trusted?
Is He good?
Just like the Israelites wandering around in the desert, it seems I ask this question at every turn. Yes, He had provided miraculously so our family would be in the Philippines during the pandemic. Yes, He had given supernatural peace as my mom breathed her last while I watched via FaceTime. But that was all in the past, just like the parting of the Red Sea and the water from the rock. This was a new level of fear and uncertainty.
Once again, I questioned God’s faithfulness. I had moments of overwhelming fear. But each time anxiety came, these song lyrics* would pop into my mind:
Fear can go to hell
Shame can go there too
I know whose I am
God, I belong to You
I would sing that song at the top of my lungs, tears streaming down my face, claiming His promise:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
(Psalms 23:4, ESV)
I still didn’t have any answers about the future, but I knew God was with me, and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that He IS good. Every day I woke up and read His Word, reminding myself He is powerful and sovereign. He is trustworthy. He is faithful!
Sure enough, the Lord made a way for me to return to my family. It took longer than I wanted, but looking back I see how every detail was orchestrated. He gave me the gift of more time with my dad and the gift of rest while I waited.
I feel pretty confident that somewhere down the road, I will again doubt His faithfulness. Because of fear, l will forget the good things He has done. But His mercies are new EVERY morning. No matter how many times we have to learn these lessons, His love is steadfast and NEVER ceases.
If you are in a season of doubt today, remind yourself who your Father is. Read His Word. Remember His good deeds! Sing songs of His faithfulness and goodness! Find a friend who will encourage your heart!
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
(Psalms 77:11, NIV)
*Song Suggestion:
“Prophesy Your Promise” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
Fun Family Tradition:
When our children have a birthday, we hide their gifts and write out clues that eventually lead to the presents. All of our kids love waking up on their birthday to hunt for their gifts!