Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Two Is Better Than One


Nearly three months into our marriage and we’re still going strong. Good news, right? I hope you aren’t surprised. I’m not either, although I am surprised at how much we are already experiencing the great blessing of marriage. Two is certainly better than one. For instance, Daniel frequently grills our food after I’ve done the prep work. 2 people = ½ the cooking. AWESOME. For real though, we love marriage and God pours His grace into our lives every day through each other. 

This grill is our appliance of choice
When Daniel and I met each other back in 2009, our very first conversation included our personal dreams of doing ministry work. When we began dating in 2011, our relationship hinged on feeling called towards a career in ministry.  When we got married just three months ago, our marriage signified two individuals joining forces to serve God in Africa. All along, we never doubted that ministry was a central part of our relationship. But what would that look like? Well, that’s a question we’ll be unfolding in this journey together. We can, however, answer what it will look like in our immediate future.

Daniel and I will be returning to Uganda in January of 2014. Community Evangelical Free Church (CEFC) of Elverson, PA has committed to be our sending church for one year.  Daniel will be working with Engineering Ministries International. Check out the website to learn more about them. In short, Daniel will be working as a Construction Manager, focusing on quality control and building to design. However, the actual building is a byproduct, as Daniel’s main vision is to disciple and train the local Ugandans who will be doing the hands-on construction work. I (Corinne) will be returning to Good Shepherd’s Fold to continue working as the Sponsorship Coordinator. After spending 6 months (Daniel) and 1 year (me) in Uganda, we are well aware that our roles will extend beyond construction management and sponsorship coordinating. We just have to wait and see what those “other roles” will look like, but you can read back on our older posts (which are now imported into this blog) to get an idea.

So what are we doing until January? Daniel is currently a full-time student at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Although I’m not officially enrolled, I tag along and audit his classes. I also am continuing my role as Sponsorship Coordinator for and babysitting on the side. In addition, Daniel and I are speaking at small groups/Bible studies of CEFC. Throw in some traveling and a handful of other speaking engagements, and you have a pretty good idea of what our weeks look like.

Daniel and I with our niece, Ellie, at Skyview
We would love your prayer for the following:

1)   Pray that God would continue to grow us both together and individually as we pursue God’s strong leading for our marriage.
2)   Daniel is currently enrolled as a full-time student at Westminster Theological Seminary. Pray that God would use the time as fruitful preparation for ministry.
3)   Corinne is working full-time as the sponsorship coordinator from America. It comes with challenges and blessings. Pray that God will grow the sponsorship program.
4)   Daniel is currently sorting out his American immigration status. Pray for wisdom concerning some big decisions we have regarding permanent residency and visa issues.
5)   Finances at GSF are low. Pray for God's provision as the GSF site supervisor, Mark Gwartney, fund raises in America.
 
Daniel and I need to raise funds for our one-time expenses before we leave for Uganda in January. If you would like to donate, you can:
  • Mail a check to Global Outreach International, P.O. Box 1, Tupelo, MS 38802. Please earmark it for "Corinne & Daniel Iya." You are also welcome to give a check to Community Evangelical Free Church. Please earmark "Daniel & Corinne Iya / one time expenses" on all checks given to CEFC.
  • Make an online donation by clicking this link and clicking "Support" under "Corinne Stoltzfus" (the website is a bit outdated). 

**All donations are tax-deductible and 100% goes towards our support**