Miles In Missions

Did you know that donkeys talk? One of the most interesting miracles in the Bible involves a talking donkey. The story goes like this… A prophet named Balaam is headed to Moab when an angel of the Lord blocks his path. The donkey won’t move because of the obstacle in his way so Balaam gets frustrated and beats the donkey. The donkey eventually speaks to Balaam questioning why he is being beaten. Once Balaam’s eyes are opened, he sees why the donkey won’t move. There is an obstruction in his way, an angel of the Lord. The angel says to him, ” I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.” Numbers 22:32.

I have to admit that I hate detours! I get as frustrated as Balaam did when I cannot get to where I want to go! Our family was supposed to be in the US for a one month vacation to rest and rejuvenate. As fun as it was to be at different restaurants or houses every day and night visiting with family, friends, and supporters, we were exhausted from no real “down time”. A few days before we were to board our flight back to Nigeria, we received notification from leadership at our agency SIM. “We strongly recommend due to current unrest in Nigeria, expected chaos with upcoming elections, and possibly lack of rest in the short time you have been at home, that your family remain in the US until after elections.” We were fully aware of the recent missionary kidnapping, bombs in Jos, and the possible unrest due to upcoming elections. But I still wanted to get home to my Missionary and Nigerian family, my dog, my cat, my home…oh my goodness I didn’t prepare anyone in the office for this….I didn’t leave enough supplies for all my helpers….what about CARE Africa and all my orphans, widows and abandoned mothers? If I was riding a donkey right now I would be beating him, and I love animals!

God brought a beautiful book to me only a few days before I almost beat my donkey. The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears. Amazing, Amazing, Amazing and Inspiring book! I just happened to be reading the part about Balaam and the talking donkey when this detour was placed in our way. Mark Batterson says “Detours are frustrating and confusing. But the devine detours often get us where God wants us to go. When I look back on my life , I’m grateful for the moments God has gotten in the way of my plans and rerouted me.”
So the Miles Family has been rerouted until mid April. Please don’t be offended if you didn’t know we were still in town. We were in shock and working out the details of our detour, so only a few people knew. We’ve had some time to process everything and are at peace with our decision to stay. God is working with us on resting during this time and not filling up our calendar. This isn’t the first time The Miles Family has been rerouted and I am sure it will not be the last. We are relishing in the truth that God loves us enough to get in our way when we are going the wrong way. Thank you for your continued support. We are excited to see what God does through us in Egbe when we return in April completely rested, filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit!