JUNE 2014 Letter LIVING WELL

Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs,
nor out of theological arguments,
but out of love. Roland Allen (English missionary, 1868-1947)

Why do we keep going to Zambia and Wisdom Community School? God has given us a love for the Zambian people and for the children at Wisdom. Supporting and developing a school for orphan children in a slum area was never part of “our” agenda. But when we were faced with the prospect of seeing a school close for lack of funding, God clearly told us that He wanted us to be the conduits of His provision for that school and to be the means by which He wants to share the gospel with those vulnerable children. Because of YOU, we can do that!

His plans for us have not changed when it comes to ministering to marriages. Because of YOUR support, we continue to give guidance to those in crisis, preparing for marriage, and wanting to strengthen their marriages. We still see many couples and learn/grow in that area.

If we asked YOU, “What percentage of couples are happy in their marriage today?” What would YOU say? Most people guess in the 30-40% range. Here is some good news for YOU!

In a new book, The Good News About Marriage: Debunking Discouraging Myths about Marriage and Divorce, Shaunti Feldhahn shares that most marriages are happy not hard. “Most married people today enjoy being married to their spouse and, given the chance, would do it all over again.” In her research, she found that 71% of married couples are happy, including one-third being highly happy.

“Well,” YOU say, “what about Oklahoma? What about other research?” Even though Oklahoma has one of the higher divorce rates in the country, 68% of Oklahomans say that they are “very happy” in their marriage. Another 29% are “pretty happy.” Only 3% are “not too happy!” [survey in 2001 by Scott Stanley for the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative]

Does that surprise you? Does that give you hope? What difference does it make if I am not one of the happy ones? The numbers show us that it is very common for people to be happy. If that many people are happy, my marriage can be happy too! Is marriage hard work? Yes, we often have to work hard but we can also have fun in marriage. “May you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” (Proverbs 5:18) “Enjoy life with your wife.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9)

Happiness is not the goal of marriage - honoring and glorifying God with my marriage is the goal. Our marriages are to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church. Certainly, enjoying my marriage would be part of that picture.

Your prayers for our final preparations and funding are greatly needed and appreciated!

Thank YOU for your continued support! We could not continue this ministry without YOU! We love and appreciate YOU and your support of what God is doing!

Our love in Christ,
Donna and Ed Edwards

P.S. Please pray that the Lord will raise up the remaining $1,000 to finance this mission.

To donate to Mission Zambia, click here.