Dear friends and family,

How are you? Like, how are you really? I (Liz) am coming out of a season of being too busy. I think this commonly characterizes life in our Western world as we value being productive over moments of stillness. Stillness typically causes me some stress. “What should I do with this time? What do I need to do next?” These thoughts roll through my mind causing more stress even though I’m seeking peace.

Lately, I’ve been working toward a better balance in my life of being productive while seeking time to be still and spend time with God. I was recently gifted a shirt that says, “Be still and know Ps 46:10.” The full verse reads, “He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’’ Whenever I wear this shirt I am reminded that I am not the one in control. I admit this is a challenge for me! I love control but it gives a false feeling of security and when things don’t go my way, I realize my foolishness. Instead, I am challenged to constantly recognize that God is the one in control. And praise Him for that! His ways are higher than mine and he knows what is best for me and those around me. I am comforted that Psalm 46:10 does not say, “Strive harder and then I will be exalted among the nations.” I am called to be still and recognize my place in the hands of the Maker who loves me and wants me to know him. And as I know him more, I am inclined to share him more. The knowing comes first. 

So I’ve had to make space in my life for seeking times to be still and know He is God. I’ve turned off text notifications (sorry not sorry if it takes me a while to respond to a text!) and I’ve been doing yoga as a way to slow down and care for my body that is still recovering after two very difficult childbirths. Overall I am feeling less attached to my phone and more in tune with myself. It is fun to see how God is opening my eyes to the people around me as I seek him. I still have plenty of days where I spend more time than I’d like distracted by this or that but God is gracious and kind as my wandering heart returns to Him. Praise be to God!

Praises and Prayer Requests

You prayed: Last update we asked for prayers for us in this season of partnership development.

God answered: Praise God we have been able to meet with individuals and community groups through our church. We have enjoyed catching up with old friends and getting to make new ones!

Pray: Please continue to pray for God to lead more people to partner with us. We are currently at about 30% of our financial goal. If you are reading this and we haven’t met with you yet, please reach out! We would love to share and see how God might lead you to partner with us. 

Pray: for Liam, as he has had a cough for about five weeks now. Please pray that we can find a solution at his allergist appointment next week and that he would feel better soon. We are also working with him on learning to manage his emotions. It is tough being 4 years old, please pray for wisdom and guidance as we help him navigate life.

Pray: we would pursue being mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. We want to put God first and it is so easy to get bogged down by the cares of this world. Please pray we would fix our eyes on Him. He makes the rest of the craziness seem much smaller.

WhatsApp group

We have started a WhatsApp group! The goal of this group is to provide more timely updates and prayer requests. If you would like to be a part of this group please click this link. You will need to download the WhatsApp app if you do not currently have it.

Giving

We are grateful for our many supporters who have helped us to reach 30% of our financial goal. We are praying for more monthly supporters as this will yield the greatest fruit in the long run. Would you be willing to pray about how God might lead you to partner with us for His glory in Japan?

If the Holy Spirit leads you to give, you can set up support through the link below:

Jake and Liz Kiley
Liam has started his second year of preschool and he is loving it! Some of his favorite activities include cutting with scissors and playing in the sandbox. At home, he loves playing with LEGOs.
Laurel turned two at the beginning of the month! She is generally very happy and enjoys caring for her unicorn lovey and playing dress up. She is also interested in whatever her big brother is getting into.
Stories are always a highlight before bedtime. Our kids love their books and their Dad!