Hello Family in Christ!
When we wrote our last update we had a string of prayer requests, and the Lord has faithfully answered (at least in part) each one!
Passport and Canadian Documents
We have completed step 1 of Dejan’s work permit process, which was to obtain a new U.S. passport for him. We ended up mailing the application to the States, and it arrived a few weeks ago. Now we have to wait for some paperwork to be done through the Calvary Chapel in Calgary so that we can fill and file his application for a work permit with clergy exemption. On their side the paperwork is very technical, so please so keep praying for that!
Our daughter also received her new visa for Canada in late June, so her application was 4 months in processing. We are thankful that the Lord worked all the timing out for that.
New Neighbors
We wrote previously about our next door neighbor situation being quite stressful, and we were waiting and praying eagerly for nice quiet neighbors… and they came! They did not purchase the home but are renting instead; however, they are both nice and quiet! They are a family with mostly older children, but we had some chance when they first came to interact and it was all positive. Thank you so much for taking that request before the Lord!
Church Re-Opening
As you likely remember, we waited for what seemed the longest time to be able to meet as a church face-to-face following our provincial “after Thanksgiving”/winter holiday lockdown. The doors were closed for us to meet in any way but virtual (save the skeleton crew broadcasting the service from the church building each Sunday/Wednesday). In the end, the Lord blew open the doors, as the local pastor got us back in-person within 5 days, including our men’s and ladies’ Bible studies! We had been hosting those studies only online since we have always met in private homes, which was also not allowed, but over the summer months we had that blessing to meet regularly in the church building face-to-face.
Julie’s Health
Last spring Julie had some surprise health issues which caused her to experience uncontrollable shaking. Neurological (stroke) and heart issues were ruled out, so eventually we chalked it up to compounding stress and inability to access chiropractic care for the pinched nerve in her mid back (which has caused trouble before but not so severely). It seemed the nerve was causing these symptoms. She was able to get emergency chiropractic care at that point and has continued regularly. However a couple weeks ago she saw a substitute doctor for her adjustment, and in bringing that doctor up to speed on her health situation we believe we were given the answer to the source of the problem: a “parasympathetic storm”. It is like a panic attack of that part of the nervous system. When the body is not properly handling signals for normal daily function (rest and digest), it overloads in emergency mode (fight or flight), but as it is the parasympathetic nerves the uncontrollable shaking is the result as the body tries to get back into equilibrium. It was connected to the pinching nerve in her back and sounded to us and Julie’s regular chiropractor that this description was accurate.
As you see God is faithful in answering our collective prayers!
New Requests
As mentioned, we still seek prayer for our documents for staying in Canada: Dejan’s visa/clergy work permit specifically.
We also ask prayer for wisdom and discretion, as new restrictions were imposed this week in the province. At the moment the church can still meet, albeit with the standard distancing/masking. That is a win. In all other aspects of our personal lives however, it seems we will be limited to accessing groceries and basic retail, as neither of us has participated in the roll-out. Certain businesses, restaurants and other buildings will be carding people for for proof in order to gain entry. Our oldest may also soon not be allowed to attend her dance classes in person without participating. This situation may become mandatory for all Canadian residents (we fall in that category) in the near future, depending on some federal election results. We are greatly troubled by this lack of choice in a matter that is not black-and-white for everyone, so please pray with and for us in this regard.
Last but not least, please keep our family members in prayer: for our children's relationships with each other and with God, for our relationship as a couple and for us all in regards to the people we fellowship with and serve in the church.
We are so thankful you took time to read over this update, and even more-so for your care and prayers for our family. Without that vital support we would be lacking greatly, without question.
May the Lord bless and keep you close to Him!
Dejan and Julie <><
One final note: If you are one of our financial supporters, thank you! Please check the side bar for updated address information for GO! Ministries, as it has recently changed.
