We were recently at Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene, Nathan’s growing up home church. While there we worshiped with the congregation and one of the songs chosen for worship was Martin Luther’s A Mighty Fortress. I have sung that hymn thousand times, but was struck in the moment by a line that brought sudden tears to my eyes.
Let goods and kindred go this mortal life also
The body they may kill, this truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.
Whew. It’s one thing to sing that as a high school student with few possessions and plans to commute to college from home. It’s quite another to sing those words a few months out from moving your family of 5 (soon to be 6) overseas.
So as Martin Luther admonished we are in the process of letting our belongings go and are beginning to say goodbyes to friends and family. My walls are becoming barer, my rooms a bit emptier, and my heart aches, but I pray that my treasure will be found in heaven.
Thank you Cvnaz family for loving us so long and so well and for reminding us of unchanging (albeit diffcult) truths.
-Bethany
Kingdom Outpost - The Gilley Family 
Oh Bethany!! Our hearts ache for you all as well and admire what you are embarking on. We will be here praying FOR YOU every step of the way!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
When I was where you are now, heading to Africa, I was struck by the same feelings. In fact, I was terrified to give up everything. As I prayed and asked God if I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life, he said, “Open your hands and let me take what I need to take so that you have room for all I have to give.” May that be true for you as well.
LikeLike
Thank you. We know that this is part of His work in our lives too, but it doesn’t make it easy.
LikeLike
Only those who do it can understand the emotion, however don’t get stuck there… go on to and rest in the promise given to those who do this::
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. – Matthew 19:29 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew19:29&version=NIV
LikeLike
On the previous comment and post of scripture I don’t mean to be insensitive to the feelings. Forgive me if it came off that way. I had once built up childhood dream possessions and a nice nest egg back in the seventies and left it all to go to Trevecca to study for the ministry. Not like leaving this country and going to another but similar emotions. And I always found that scripture comforting. The truth is it was fulfilled in my life. I have well over “a hundred times more ” now in so many ways besides possessions and family…
LikeLike