Saturday, January 20, 2007

Huge Changes!


"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

So much has happened in our lives since we last gave you a written update. This passage about Spiritual Warfare hits home recently more than ever before. We always thought that Satan would attack us, go after us, try to keep a stronghold on Mexico City but we never thought he would hit us personally at home.

Over the past couple of months some issues have surfaced with Christine being isolated at home with the kids, homeschooling, her new pregnancy and helping with the ministry all without many Godly friends around. We began to see how these personal issues were affecting us in our leadership, our marriage and how we walk with God that we sought counsel. With the advice of our regional and national team and a Godly counselor we have decided to move back to the U.S.


We're sure this comes as a shock to many of you. It did to us too. We still believe God is doing an amazing work in Mexico City with our team and that He will raise up a spiritual movement that will impact every corner of the city. But that for now will happen without our family. It was humbling to say good-bye to teammates, ministry partners and friends but as we weighed the importance of what God is doing in our hearts, leadership and marriage we saw the tremendous wisdom in coming home to the U.S. to get help.

So over the Christmas holidays we packed up our house in Mexico and moved back to CO. After a few weeks of spending time with family in TX and CA we just arrived in CO. The time spent with family was much needed to help us deal with all the emotions, hurt and transition that we are experiencing.

In the midst of this Christine's mom, Pamela, has taken a horrible turn in her battle with lung cancer. She is still fighting tumors in her lungs and brain and her body has weakened even more.


What's Next?

So what in the world do we do next? Where will we end up? What is God calling us to do and be? Where are we living?

These are some questions that we are processing right now. Currently we're both meeting with a Godly counselor to help us sort out how we process life, lead, interact with each other and most importantly how we connect with God. Campus Crusade has given us a great gift to take some time to process all these important questions on an administrative leave. We are grateful.

We are currently renting a house in Greeley, CO near one of our good friends and regional directors and the kids are adjusting better than we ever imagined! Because of all the transition and change we thought it best to continue with homeschool and we are doing it together which is great.

The kids have enjoyed the snow and making new friends. Christine is beginning to show as she is in her 20th week of pregnancy. We’re going to have our baby now in CO and we hope sometime this coming summer to know where and what God is calling us to do. Please feel free to contact us at the email address above with questions or concerns.

We appreciate your prayers, love and support during this time as we seek the Lord to restore our hearts, leadership and relationship. God is good. Much love,

Steve & Christine
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3 comments:

JFreed said...

Hey there Steve and Christine,
Please know that I will join with others in prayer for your family. God is able to do all things. I know that you know that. I pray that you will rest in that as well.

Love,

Carissa

Jeff S. said...

Our prayers are with you guys!! Now that you're back in Colo, c'mon down to Castle Rock sometime... we'll cook you up some lasagna! (Well, ok. Lisa will. I'll watch) -Stauffers

Unknown said...

Hey Van Diest's,
Ray & Mary Alger our friends of ours in CA. We just recently moved to the Greeley area this last fall. Mary gave me your site info. I thought it might be fun for Christine and I to grab a cup of coffee sometime and meet. We also have 4 kids, ages 4-12. We have found a church home and have begun to feel more at home here in CO. But, I know it's tough. My email is: mvandesteeg@gmail.com.
A sister in Christ,
Marie Vande Steeg