Some of you have asked to hear our story and we wanted to honor your requests. We hope that this will help you to understand how God has been working in our lives, and how we were called to minister in San Miguel, Mexico.
Most of you know that Scott was let go from his position as youth minister in October, 2009. It was a very hard decision for the elders to make, but they felt like God was leading them in a different direction for the Church. At the time it was difficult for us to understand, but we had to remind ourselves that Gods ways are not our ways, and we had to trust that He was going to lead us where He wanted us to go. One of the things that we didn't want to do was get ahead of Gods plan for our lives. We wanted to remain faithful in everything we did, and continue life, like the storm had never arrived.
In January of 2010, we decided as a family to fast and pray and to seek God for 21 days. We wanted God to move in our situation and to show us our next step into ministry. We had several specific prayer requests during our fast. We wanted to be as specific as possible, so that when God was moving we would know for sure that He was leading us. About two weeks after the fast, God was silent. This was a time of uncertainty, but God was so faithful and He provided for us in ways that were unbelievable. We had to Trust Him and His plan. We knew that God would lead us in His timing.
One of the major prayer requests we had during the fast was we wanted someone to search us out for ministry. Some days we would search on a few of the pastor sites but never really felt God leading in any direction. I mentioned to Scott that Pastor finder.com had a spot on their site that allows you to post your resume. He was not fond of this idea and he thought it would be a bad idea. I was a little persistent (as sometimes I can be) and felt like we should post his resume on the site. After a few days, Scott did agree to post it. About a week later Scott received an e-mail from Great Commandments Ministries (GCM). They were seeking out a pastor for a Church in San Miguel, Mexico. If you know Scott's heart, he has a passion to minister in missions. During the fast that was another prayer request that I prayed, for God to give Scott the desires of his heart.
Scott was a little hesitant to share the news of the e-mail with me. He wasn't really sure how I would respond about going to Mexico, and moving there to do ministry. He finally shared with me that he was contacted by GCM and they were seeking out a pastor for their Church, Antioch Bible Community and it's in Mexico. Well, I have to be honest with you, at first I said, "I don't think that's a good idea and I'm not sure about moving that far away." I told him I would have to pray very hard about this new opportunity! Wow, Mexico I thought...Yikes!!
So I prayed, and God brought to mind my requests that I asked Him for, and He confirmed in my heart that He was working and we needed to be listening. There were two other specific requests that I prayed during the fast. I asked God for an exciting new ministry for us, something that was different, and if it could be in a warm climate, God I would really love that! I couldn't deny that God was leading. Scott already felt like God was leading us, it was my heart that needed to catch up, and it did.
The staff at GCM had a phone interview with Scott, followed by an application which we both filled out. Through a series of events, Scott and I were asked to fly to San Miguel, Mexico to interview with the staff, get acquainted with the Church and to visit in the community.
We fell in Love, and God confirmed in our hearts that we were going to minister at Antioch Bible Community in San Miguel Mexico.
We are just amazed at how God worked in our situation. We give glory to Him! We held onto His promises and continue to do so. One of the verses that helped us through our storm was Matthew 6:33-34.
But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own thongs. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
We appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support! We as so blessed by each of you. Thank you so much for all that you do. We will continue to keep each of you updated on our journey. May God bless each of you in a very special way!
Love and Prayers,
Scott and Tammy Provins
This picture was taken outside, on the grounds, of Hotel Mission el Molino. This is where Antioch Bible community meets every Sunday for Church.
