“For everything there is a season…
Ecclesiastes. I’ve been reading this book of the Bible for a few days now and I’m struck by the wisdom (and the hyperbole!) rising out of this review of the human experience.
Chapter three has me thinking about the boundaries between ending something good and beginning something new, something uncertain.
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
– Ecclesiastes 3:2-5
These statements feel like big emotional pronouncements – they feel so final.
Most of the times that I’ve read Ecclesiastes I’ve come away feeling somewhat discouraged (everything is meaningless!). This time feels different. I am just sitting in the contrasting space of what I sometimes feel and what I know to be true about God and His character – His love and mercies are new every morning.
Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. – Ecclesiastes 7:10
Written to myself: Chris, don’t assume that the past season was the best season.
There is something new happening, something God is doing. Do I perceive it? Despite hesitancy on our part, God has made it clear: He has been preparing me to step into a bigger leadership role. Beginning Oct 1, I (Chris) will have a new role as the Director of Language Technology for our organization. We’re still part of the same ministry, the same mission organization. Your donations and monthly support enable us to do this important work! We work remotely from Grand Rapids, MI, and yet we are new to the level of responsibility in leading this amazing group of 80+ technologists in the Language Technology department. Being the director is both exciting and terrifying – I have great respect for the role, the responsibility and the leader who has gone before me.
We are working to see language communities around the world flourishing as they access God’s Word and grow in hope and dignity by providing technology that facilitates this transformation – this is Language Technology.
People are reading God’s word who would not be if Paratext and Scripture App Builder [Language Technology] were not developed and maintained. As one Wazai woman said, ‘Thank you for helping me to learn to read so I can read the Bible for myself.’
a time to plant…
We continue to put down roots here in Grand Rapids, MI
If I look around at what God is doing in the transformations I see in myself, the growth I see in my kids and our family, I am confident that God is working. The work that He’s given me to do in this next season of ministry is both a challenge and a gift: our story isn’t finished yet. I don’t know the mystery of why God is doing this, yet the only way I know to go forward is complete and utter dependence on Jesus.
Lean into Jesus! Here’s how you can pray for us:
- Chris’s 3 month scans and blood work were all great news! His next scans will be in December. Praise God for these great results!
- All three of our kids are running cross country this fall. It is a full-time parenting job to be at all the meets and coordinate their schedules!
- Luis turned 18! He is a junior in high school – we love the man he is becoming and we’re asking for wisdom as he makes further steps towards launching. Prayers for him as he looks for an internship this fall.
- Becca is traveling for a week for work starting tomorrow – pray that she would have meaningful meetings with the EurAsia wellbeing services team. Pray for Chris as he’ll be doing all the things to keep the kids going 🙂
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
— Ecclesiastes 12:13
Congratulations on the new position may God give you great wisdom as you lead the department! The updated picture of your family is sure showing how beautiful the kids are and how much they have grown!
May the scans in December be just as good if not even better than what you had this time.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1. God seems to remind us all that He is still working in our lives from the beginning through to the end. Thank you Chris for your words this morning. They encouraged me as we continue to move through a life with cancer.
Always appreciate your updates! Wonderful to see your kids growing and family thriving! Blessings on this new calling toward upward management in your technological field in the cause of Bible translation! I have every confidence that you will do well–as a solo Dad while Becca travels, as well!! 🙂
Always appreciate your updates! Wonderful to see your kids growing and family thriving! Blessings on this new calling toward upward management in your technological field in the cause of Bible translation! I have every confidence that you will do well–as a solo Dad while Becca travels, as well!! 🙂
Eccles. 12:13 sums up the Adventure of Life beautifully.
Prayers and Hugs
Congratulations on your new position Chris!! Glad the kids are doing well, love the pictures!
I’m sitting looking out of the window at my beautiful garden within the same dazzling State that you live in; it is bearing the changes that seasons bring even ‘tho it seems like it was just bursting with new life. Now, a little weary and ready for a rest. All part of the wonder of creation, all God’s doing, entirely His. (the ‘little weary part’ could be me!). That speaks exactly to the Scripture that you started with in this journal to us. PRAISE THE LORD, OUR LIVES ARE NOT OUR OWN, WE HAVE BEEN BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. We keep praying for you daily, and with great love. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, …for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ Acts 17:24-28
Ooh! So exciting! Praise God for the good reports and for your new role! Love the pictures!
Thank you for the update Chris.Great praise and gratitude given to our only wise God and Father….health report…you look soo great!Amen
God’s lead in this new path.
PTL for beautiful growing family.
Nikki
A time to heal; a time to build up. How wonderful to hear how your family is thriving! Although you may look upon your new assignment as terrifying, rest assured that God has prepared you for this moment and has given you everything you need to fulfil that responsibility. Praying for good scans in the future and for your family’s settling in with a new community of believers.
Wow, this is a thrilling report! And I hadn’t heard about Becca’s role with EurAsia — if you relate to Karis H., please tell her I said hello! We’ve related to the Webonary folks a lot recently as we work on the O Dictionary. We really do value your work, Chris! Let me know if you have CC. Meets on the west side (Holland, Hudsonville). I’d love to come see you and the kids!
Congratulations on the new leadership role, Chris! That is exciting. Great perspective on new beginnings and the work that God is up to in His timing. Safe travels for Becca. Thanks for the update. Continued prayers for you all.
You will do well in leadership!!!
Thank you, your sharing, Chris and Becca, are always a blessing to me. Your words and honest faith are very encouraging. My prayers are with you, and I am so thankful for how our Lord is blessing your family, each of you. Your new position with Wycliffe sounds perfect for you Chris; you have created so much for translation work already. Love the pics of the cross country runners, bet they are really hungry after all that exercise! Will be praying next week for your meetings, Becca, and for you, Chris, on the home front. Love you!!!!!
Congratulations! It was amazing to see pictures of your kids… you & Becca still look the same! May God continue to show His strength as you need it in more leadership now! Blessings, Sue
Rejoicing with you over the clear scans! And congratulations on your new position. I know you’ll do an amazing job and love all of your coworkers! Praying for you guys now as Becca is away and praying for Becca’s time to be rejuvenating and encouraging. Random thoughts: Btw,that chicken shadow picture is priceless. Also, Greg Vruggink (here in CM – pastor of the Gathering) did his master’s thesis on Ecclesiastes- in particularly the Hebrew word hevel, which translates to “vapor,” “smoke,” or “breath.” She says that “meaningless” is a poor translation of the word. So, be encouraged that your knowledge of God’s character is accurate and that this life is very meaningful. You are all demonstrating this daily. Thank you for your model. Love and miss you guys.
S&L
P.s. Good news for Seth too this week! The doctor said he can go down to one UV treatment a week! Who doesn’t want one less sunburn each week? 🙂
*He. (Not she) Greg is a man.
Such good news! Praying the Lord will fill you with His Spirit and give you wisdom and favor in this new position.
So grateful that your health is so good!
Praying for blessings on all of you precious people.
Chris, thank you for this beautiful and meaningful message! It’s so good to hear news from all of you, and this message is a great encouragement personally.
Your newsletters are always so encouraging and make me pause. Thank you for your ministry throughout the world and to people like me, your supporters. Best wishes in this new season. So happy to hear everyone is flourishing.
Wonderful to hear about your new role, new scans, new developments. God is good!
Congratulations Chris on the clear scans plus the promotion!!
Praying Becca has a great trip and a blessed time away.
I continue to pray for your family and thank him for you being healthy and living near by.
Love you
Aunt Dawn
God is so good and faithful in that He prepares us for what is coming.
Thank You Lord that You know the future and You graciously prepare us. Thank You for preparing Chris, Becca and the kids for these next steps – more leadership, cross country, etc. etc. Thank You that You walk with them in these transitions.
It was great to meet you Chris and Becca in person. My prayers are with you.
Congratulations on your promotion and the wonderful news of your scan. We continue to pray for y’all daily.
Would love to see you guys again. If you’re ever in Saint Louis, we’d take you to one of the Thai restaurants. God bless!
Congrats Chris on the new position! So glad to hear all was good news with your health. Praise God for those good results. Safe travels Becca and Chris good luck managing all those practice and meet times!! It can be exhausting at times but so worth it to see the joy and excitement on your kids faces. So glad to hear the kids are settling in and finding their passions to pursue! Think of you all often. We need a get together soon to catch up. I will work on that in the near future😉
Hugs from the Everetts
Chris, you will do a great job in the new bigger, leadership role because God is with you and is doing a great work through you. Thank you for all you have done and will do to make the Word available to so many! May the Lord bless you as you transition into this new role. Also, so thankful to hear the good news that the scans all came back looking great, that is a praise! Praying that continues in the months and years ahead.
Blessings to Becca and prayers for safe travel and meaningful meetings with the EurAsia Wellbeing service team.
Also praying for wisdom for Lucas in the decisions he will be making in the future.
Thank you for sharing the pictures too, it is so good to see all of you and to get an update on what is going on in your family. You all look happy and healthy!
Dear Chris and Becca, so thankful how God is continuing to lead each of you in your role. Thank you for this letter as well as your card. It is our privilege to partner with you in this journey and we will continue to pray for you. So thankful that Chris’s health check ups continue to be good. Thanks for the pictures too, always fun to see your kids and there activities. May God guide, give you wisdom and Blessings. Diane and Gerry Pedersen.
Such great news all around – thankful with you! I loved reading what the Wazai woman said about learning to read…::so she can read the Bible. And the chicken shadow picture made me smile……I did not catch it right away though. 🙂
Thanks for an awesome update, Hirts!
What a great opportunity for Chris to use his tech and teaching skills…..both of which he blessed me with when we were both in GR! Family is looking like it is flourishing and fall in GR is truly an exciting and renewing time. Thank you for your updates.