Last month I read a book called The Imperfect Disciple by Jared C. Wilson. It was kind of a last-minute, “I need something to read on this road trip” book, but like so many other things that have happened with us in this line of work, it was exactly what the Lord knew that I needed for the time and for what was coming.
Most of
you know that, although we were planning to return to South Sudan and Uganda
last year, our home assignment was extended by many factors including Covid,
travel restrictions, counseling requirements, and educational needs for our kids. For the last year we have been focused on our
family’s mental health and healing, and I (Justin) have been working on the
pastor-training courses and making a few trips back to keep those things
moving.
As we
have progressed through the counseling process and helping our children with
their needs, it has become clear to us and our leadership that there is still
more time to be spent making sure that we do this well, and that our family is
able to heal and grow in necessary ways before we return to Africa. On one hand it is a tough pill for me to
swallow, thinking about the relationships and ongoing work in Lohutok and the
urgency of the Great Commission, we are eager to continue with evangelism and
discipleship among the Lopit and see Christ’s church grow and flourish in that
place where there are so many hindrances.
On the other hand, we all understand that the Lord often calls people to
seasons of rest and healing, that this season is an investment in our family
that will bear fruit for the rest of our lifetime in ministry, it is important,
and that there is no sense in “kicking against the goads.” Don’t stop reading yet!
None of us
have ever been good at gardening, but we did get some turnips this year! The boys didn’t actually like them, but Peter
Rabbit got them interested.
The past
month has been one of upheaval, prayer, phone calls, zoom meetings and
decisions. After lots of guidance from
our organization and our amazing home church, we finally have a path forward
that isn’t just “sit and wait” which most of you know I’m not good at! Amy and I both feel like God has called us to
the unreached, a conviction that you’ve heard us talk about and seen us chase
tirelessly. We’ve come to a point where
we can’t just keep saying “maybe six more months” and have decided to find
where God would have us engaged with His heart for the nations while we also
seek to be obedient during this season of necessary family investment.
Those of
you who support us have been incredibly understanding and encouraging to us
throughout this process of counseling and transition. We’ve struggled with the shame that brings
humility that brings trust in the Lord as we think about the fact that so many
people are praying for and partnering with us to reach the Lopit, and now we
are taking such a long break from ministry in Lohutok. So many of you know our kids’ names and the
names of our Lopit coworkers and disciples.
I don’t think that calling and mission have gone away, but we’re
accepting the Lord’s leading to do it in His timing.
Thank
you for sticking with us through all of this, and we pray that you would
continue to partner with us financially and in prayer as we start with a new
team, continuing to work towards Christ-Centered Churches among every tribe,
tongue and nation.
Most of
you will be hearing from me by phone in the next few weeks. Be patient with me, there are about 160 of
you with whom I need to connect! I want
to answer your questions and let you hear how excited we are to be on the
Encountering the World of Islam team.
Please continue to pray for our family as we transition to kids in
school, new team roles, new family routines that will eventually be more restorative
and restful, new support goals (America is more expensive than Lohutok!) and
new living arrangements. If you want to
reach out before I get to your phone call, as always, you’re always welcome and
my contact information is below!
Justin, Amy, Ezekiel and Caleb Culp
