Blog Archives
The Big Announcement
Yesterday I posted on Twitter and Facebook that we would be announcing something big. Last time we did that, it turned out to be our survey trip to Colombia which preceded deputation. Well yesterday after posting the teaser, there ensued a great swarm of speculation… from “congrats on the twins” to “baby?” to “boys, girls, or both?” to…. wait, everybody really guessed that we’re having a baby? Could it be that simple? Was it that obvious? Hmmm
Actually, all of the guessers was at least partially right. Yes, we are expecting our second child!!
So now, questions fill our thoughts…. What will we name him (I’m pretty sure it’s a boy lol) … or her? What will he or she look like? How will we fit it all into our schedule? But really, we’re so thrilled that God would be so gracious to us in entrusting another precious child into our care. Looks like we’ll get to know the newest Vance in late May or early June.
It will be interesting to see how our little Amira reacts to not being the little baby anymore. If you have multiple kids, how did your older one react when they got a new sibling? Feel free to respond in the comments.
Thank you all for your prayers. Be praying for Aubrie especially as we will be travelling for some far-from-home meetings coming up this fall and into next year as we present our ministry in Colombia.
The Most Amazing Woman…Is Mine!
Aubrie, I love you. It’s hard to believe two whole years have gone by since we were married that gorgeous day up in Ashland, Ohio. The past two years have been phenomenal, yet it seems like we’ve always been together. I actually can’t imagine my life without you. It’s like we’ve always been one.
You’ve changed my life. Literally. I’m a different person because of you. You encourage me, help me, support me, respect me, and melt my heart with each loving gaze you throw my way with those big brown eyes of yours. I know I sure don’t deserve you but thank God he saw it fit to put us together. And he’s the one that will keep us together!
It has been such an honor getting to know you more each day, enjoying your company, serving alongside of you and seeing you grow into the godly woman you are. You really are the most amazing person I know. You fascinate me. I see how you respond to situations that aren’t ideal, love the unloveable, forgive, express patience, and give of yourself, and it really baffles me. You really do show Jesus to those around you. I have learned from you.
Wow, and talk about a good mother. Amira is so blessed to have you as a mom. You do such a great job loving her and giving her all the little things she needs. I know life get pretty hectic at times, especially with us on the road a lot, but you take it all in stride, and glorify God in it all. How do you do it? Amazing. I hope our daughter turns out like you!
And, of course, you’re my best friend. There’s nobody I’d rather live with and spend time with. I know I can be myself with you and that you’ll still love me. Now that sure takes somebody special!! 🙂 All joking aside, I honestly never knew how much of a friend my wife would be. I had prayed for you for years before I even saw your face, but I had no idea that your face would mean so much to me. That your company would light up my day. That your words would brighten my soul. We’ve shared many laughs, tears and shining moments. And Lord willing, there will be much more to come!
So, now, on our Second anniversary, allow me to say, I love you. I loved you on our wedding day, and I love you more now. If God gives us the time, I will love you for years and years and years to come. I honestly believe we’re together for God’s namesake and his glory. He put us together and we will live for him!! Here’s the song I wrote for us on our wedding day. It still stands true today 🙂
For His Name
For many years I prayed to God That he would give to me
A girl who loves him with all her heart And serves him faithfully.
And although at times I was dismayed Thinking you weren’t there,
Now I’ve seen God’s glorious strength portrayed,
Our two lives—one to share…
________
For His Name, For His Fame, For His glory we’re together.
We’re made one by the Son, And through his love.
And wherever God leads us That’s where we’ll go;
So that all the world that see us, They will know…
We’re together for His name.
________
As we start this journey new, Following Christ’s lead,
There are some things I promise To you faithfully;
To love you, to lead you, To be your best friend,
To live my life with integrity, Stay with you ‘til the end…
________
For His Name, For His Fame, For His glory we’re together.
We’re made one by the Son, And through his love.
And wherever God leads us That’s where we’ll go;
So that all the world that see us, They will know…
We’re together for His name.
________
So let come what may, I’m here to stay,
Forever I’ll be true.
On every mountain, every valley, I’m staying with you.
As a living testimony of Christ’s love and devotion,
I’ll give my all, follow his call
Because, I love you…
________
For His Name, For His Fame, For His glory we’re together.
We’re made one by the Son, And through his love.
And wherever God leads us That’s where we’ll go;
So that all the world that see us, They will know…
We’re together for His name.
We’re together for His name.
“How Can You Leave Your Baby?!?!”
Please enjoy this guest post by my lovely bride, Aubrie.
“How Can You Leave Your Baby?!?!”
I think that I may have asked a nurse that same question 3 years ago in Peru. She said that there is always a part of you missing when your babies are not with you, but sometimes it is safer that way. She recently told me she left them behind again this year when she went to Haiti to help after the earthquake. She knew it would be dangerous, with dirty water, desperate people, disease, and sickness. She was able to help so many people on that trip and many came to know Christ as their Savior…
Another missionary wife took her small child with her on their survey trip and the baby barely made it home. He was about a year old. He became so ill with high fevers and infections. He was limp, lifeless, and almost dead. The doctors were foreign and were known to poison Christians. The mom just couldn’t leave her baby behind and it almost cost them his life.
Dear Amira,
We’re taking this trip to Colombia and leaving you with Mamaw because it’s the best we can do for you. Mommy and Daddy know that there can be dangers in unfamiliar places and they might not have all the things we have in the United States, like different medicine, vitamins, houses, soap, toys and many other things. So we need to find out what we’ll need to bring and where the safest areas to live are in Colombia, so that we can give you the very best life any Princess could ever have. God has called us to tell people about Jesus everywhere in the world, and Colombia has millions of people who have never heard about salvation. God has called our family to tell people in Colombia about Jesus and that is why we are going. We will be back very soon, and WE LOVE YOU! You are our most favorite beautiful princess!
Love,
-Mommy & Daddy-
Getting Back Up To Speed
Life has been zooming by at full speed! We’ve had quite a bit going on over the past few weeks, so here’s an ultra quick update:
1. Hopefully The First Of Many…
Lighthouse Baptist in Dawsonville, Georgia has been my home church since my sophomore year of college 6 years ago and my wife’s home church since 2008 when she moved down to Georgia. We were so honored to be a part of their missions conference this year and look forward to being sent out to start churches and reach the lost in Colombia, South America. This was our first time presenting our ministry in a missions conference! My wife gave her testimony, and I was able to present our ministry plans and preach. Thank you, Lighthouse family for loving us, supporting us and for the generous love offering. We love you guys!
2. More Elbow Room….
God opened up the doors for my little family to move just this past weekend. It was incredible to see how he worked out all the tiny details to get us a place with a little more room. We now have a place that I can use as an office during deputation as I call hundreds of pastors and churches around the nation. Thanks, Lord! Now we’ve got to get unpacked. I don’t know… the “Box Jungle” look is growing on me…. nope, nevermind.
3. Wait, How Old?…
They always say that time flies, but it’s never been so true as now. It’s hard to believe that Amira is already 10 months! That’s almost 1 year! And that’s almost 18! Yikes!! Ha…. Well, anyway, she is now pulling up to stand, crawling like a speed demon (a cute one, of course), drinking through a straw, singing and talking like a politician just before election day. 🙂 Love that little girl!
4. Ten Days & Counting….
Our long-awaited survey trip to Colombia is only 10 days away! We’ve seen the Lord provide in a phenomenal way and now have 100% of our support for the trip. Be praying for us as we visit the cities of Medellín, Bucaramanga and Bogotá. We’ll be visiting a couple existing missionary works, a children’s rescue home and a couple indigenous churches as well. We’ll also be in some areas where there is nothing to be found. It burdens our hearts that we cannot find any like-minded churches or missionaries in so many parts of this country. Will you pray that God works in our hearts and lives as he gives us clear direction as to his will? We are confident that Christ will be magnified.
Thanks for keeping up with us. Feel free to send us a message get in contact with us with any questions or comments you might have. God bless. Love you guys
The Vance Family 