October 2011

Our Resignation from HVMI

In the musical, Fiddler on the Roof, during a time of traumatic transition, Motel says, “Rabbi, we’ve been waiting all our lives for the Messiah. Wouldn’t now be a good time for Him to come?” To which the Rabbi responds: “We’ll have to wait for him someplace else. Meanwhile, let’s start packing.”

The continuing ministry story of the Denlingers will be from someplace else - other than HVMI. Part of the wisdom of having an eighteen month period of transition has been the opportunity to determine if the particular ministry positions that HVMI had envisioned for us would be workable for us long term. As for the future, the “where” of that “someplace else” is not yet clear to us.

We are very grateful to our fellow HVMI missionaries for their kind words of appreciation, their great affection for us and their belief in the part we have played and hopefully will continue to play in ministry to those with disabilities. Our lives are greatly enriched by learning to know these faithful servants and we pray for their success. They are doing a great work and are worthy of prayer, support and encouragement.

        Kari and the guy who sings lullabies to her

Kari often goes to sleep at night listening to songs from “Come to the Cradle,” “Close your eyes so you can see,” or “Sleep Sound in Jesus” albums. Here she is with the guy who has written those songs—Michael Card. We are so glad that many of you were able to join us for a very special evening of music with our favorite musical artist.  What a nice gift from God to us on the eve of Kari’s 25th birthday.

       In Every Change He Faithful Will Remain

While God allows some tough times, he also knows how to protect and save us through times of trial. At the end of September, on the way home from a Keith and Kristen Getty concert at Lancaster Bible College, our car was struck (totaled) by an older driver who ran a traffic light. We had enough time to accelerate and avoid greater calamity (otherwise would have been T-boned). Joan had minor injuries. Kari was not with us (it was her door that was hit). She was at home with her brother during our date night.

Support / Prayer

Thank you so much for your encouragement of us in every way.

With the resignation from our ministry here, we will no longer be receiving missionary support. HVMI will hold open our account until the end of November in order to receive any intended support for our ministry while we were with them. We would greatly appreciate your continuing prayers for us and any suggestions for where God may be calling us.

And please include in your prayers for us thanksgiving for all the ways we’ve been able to minister in these past six months and the blessings we’re received from all the people we have come to know.