The Smiths to Palau
The Smiths to Palau
Winter 2017
“Do you want to tell him, or should I?” That’s the look that I saw pass between the mechanics as they listened to the sound my van was making. It was gone. They knew it, and before they found the words to tell me, I knew it. Yet more importantly, before we even headed out on our trip, and before the foundation of the Earth, the Lord knew it was going to happen; and He wasn’t worried. Strangely, neither was I. It’s not that I’m super spiritual. In fact, I’m ashamed to say that most of the time, my pattern is, “Panic, worry, pray.” However, on that particular day, a peace that passed all understanding flooded my soul, reminding me that my Father had planned it all, and had already seen our way forward. True to form, and true to His Word, He showed Himself faithful in ways above all we could ask or think. Due to your prayers, generosity, and His faithfulness, we now have a newer, nicer van than we ever would have thought possible! We are praying that with the proper maintenance and Divine protection, the Lord will use this vehicle to carry us (figuratively, of course!) all the way to Palau.
He guides my falt’ring footsteps Along the weary way, For well He knows the pathway Will lead to endless day.
I sing thro’ the shade & the sunshine, I’ll trust Him whatever befall; I sing for I cannot be silent— My Father planned it all!
As we approach the final stages of our deputation, our thoughts are cast toward matters immediately concerning our transition to the field. We’re keeping an eye on ticket prices, and are staying updated with Bro. Terry McClure about current costs of gas, obtaining transportation, visas, and the ever-changing cost and availability of housing on the islands. I have often thought of going on deputation as “stepping into the water,” as the priests did before the Lord stopped the Jordan (Joshua 3:8). However, as we begin to think about transitioning from deputation to the field, it feels more like stepping out onto the water! Knowing this, we realize that if we keep our eyes on Him, He will see us safely to that land beyond the sea to which He has called us. In Christ,
The Smith Family
850-303-4993 allinallministry.vpweb.com [email protected]
Smiths to Palau Startup Costs: Many of you have asked for a breakdown of the startup costs that moving to and starting a ministry in Palau will require. After my last conversation with Bro. McClure, I believe I am now able to give a fairly accurate breakdown of our largest upcoming financial needs. The following is a listing and explanation of our three most important and pressing expenses required to take up residence in Palau and begin our ministry. Plane tickets: $20,000 Prices can fluctuate wildly, but the average is around $5,000 per person. As a family of four with two children who will be over two years of age at the time, we estimate that we will need around $20,000 to fly to Palau. Housing: $3,000 For the last few years, there has been an increasing influx of Chinese tourists, students, and shopkeepers to Palau. While this is a great blessing from a ministry perspective, the situation has made obtaining permanent housing in Palau very difficult. Occasionally, a small apartment or house will become available, and must be secured quickly and at a premium—especially for a foreign national. These very modest residences can be rented from between $800 to $1500 per month. Because of the ambiguity of prices, availability, and the conditions of the landlord for initiating the lease (which can be quite…creative…when dealing with Palauan nationals), we would like to have at least three months’ average rent available to us as we enter negotiations (about $3,000). We ask that you pray even now that when the time comes for us to make the final decision, not only that a home becomes available, but the right home at the right price in the right place for us to be most useful to Him. Transportation: $8,000-$13,000 Because of the isolated nature of Palau, obtaining ground transportation can provide an interesting challenge. All vehicles are imported, and parts can be extremely difficult to find. However, there are some brands that are more common on the islands, and therefore easier to repair (Toyota and Nissan are probably the most common reliable brands found in Palau). We had considered shipping our current vehicle to Palau (estimated $3,500-$4,000), but found that Honda would be a very difficult brand to repair and maintain on the islands. With these considerations, we have been advised that the best course of action would be to buy a new or nearly-new vehicle from Japan and have it shipped to Palau. The entire cost of this venture would come between $8,000-$13,000. Total Estimated Startup Cost: $31,000 to $36,000
Winter 2017
“Do you want to tell him, or should I?” That’s the look that I saw pass between the mechanics as they listened to the sound my van was making. It was gone. They knew it, and before they found the words to tell me, I knew it. Yet more importantly, before we even headed out on our trip, and before the foundation of the Earth, the Lord knew it was going to happen; and He wasn’t worried. Strangely, neither was I. It’s not that I’m super spiritual. In fact, I’m ashamed to say that most of the time, my pattern is, “Panic, worry, pray.” However, on that particular day, a peace that passed all understanding flooded my soul, reminding me that my Father had planned it all, and had already seen our way forward. True to form, and true to His Word, He showed Himself faithful in ways above all we could ask or think. Due to your prayers, generosity, and His faithfulness, we now have a newer, nicer van than we ever would have thought possible! We are praying that with the proper maintenance and Divine protection, the Lord will use this vehicle to carry us (figuratively, of course!) all the way to Palau.
He guides my falt’ring footsteps Along the weary way, For well He knows the pathway Will lead to endless day.
I sing thro’ the shade & the sunshine, I’ll trust Him whatever befall; I sing for I cannot be silent— My Father planned it all!
As we approach the final stages of our deputation, our thoughts are cast toward matters immediately concerning our transition to the field. We’re keeping an eye on ticket prices, and are staying updated with Bro. Terry McClure about current costs of gas, obtaining transportation, visas, and the ever-changing cost and availability of housing on the islands. I have often thought of going on deputation as “stepping into the water,” as the priests did before the Lord stopped the Jordan (Joshua 3:8). However, as we begin to think about transitioning from deputation to the field, it feels more like stepping out onto the water! Knowing this, we realize that if we keep our eyes on Him, He will see us safely to that land beyond the sea to which He has called us. In Christ,
The Smith Family
850-303-4993 allinallministry.vpweb.com [email protected]
Smiths to Palau Startup Costs: Many of you have asked for a breakdown of the startup costs that moving to and starting a ministry in Palau will require. After my last conversation with Bro. McClure, I believe I am now able to give a fairly accurate breakdown of our largest upcoming financial needs. The following is a listing and explanation of our three most important and pressing expenses required to take up residence in Palau and begin our ministry. Plane tickets: $20,000 Prices can fluctuate wildly, but the average is around $5,000 per person. As a family of four with two children who will be over two years of age at the time, we estimate that we will need around $20,000 to fly to Palau. Housing: $3,000 For the last few years, there has been an increasing influx of Chinese tourists, students, and shopkeepers to Palau. While this is a great blessing from a ministry perspective, the situation has made obtaining permanent housing in Palau very difficult. Occasionally, a small apartment or house will become available, and must be secured quickly and at a premium—especially for a foreign national. These very modest residences can be rented from between $800 to $1500 per month. Because of the ambiguity of prices, availability, and the conditions of the landlord for initiating the lease (which can be quite…creative…when dealing with Palauan nationals), we would like to have at least three months’ average rent available to us as we enter negotiations (about $3,000). We ask that you pray even now that when the time comes for us to make the final decision, not only that a home becomes available, but the right home at the right price in the right place for us to be most useful to Him. Transportation: $8,000-$13,000 Because of the isolated nature of Palau, obtaining ground transportation can provide an interesting challenge. All vehicles are imported, and parts can be extremely difficult to find. However, there are some brands that are more common on the islands, and therefore easier to repair (Toyota and Nissan are probably the most common reliable brands found in Palau). We had considered shipping our current vehicle to Palau (estimated $3,500-$4,000), but found that Honda would be a very difficult brand to repair and maintain on the islands. With these considerations, we have been advised that the best course of action would be to buy a new or nearly-new vehicle from Japan and have it shipped to Palau. The entire cost of this venture would come between $8,000-$13,000. Total Estimated Startup Cost: $31,000 to $36,000
