Wednesday, July 20, 2005

2nd Update

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

I know it has been a few weeks since I have given you an update regarding our oldest son's condition after his automobile accident July 3rd. Suffice to say we are very grateful he is alive. The driver who collided with him had no license or insurance and had six prior convictions for drunken driving. He remains in jail but is expected to plead not guilty. One passenger in his automobile remains in the hospital, and Nate and Krista are now involved in various legal proceedings, court appearances, and hospital visits with physical therapy. An especially intriguing exercise, is a Victim's Impact Statement Nathan and his wife Krista will craft and be read in court prior to much of the legal proceedings. We are praying not only for justice and fair recompense, but for an opportunity to demonstrate God's grace, forgiveness, and mercy to the offender and other families involved. Carlene has remained in Minneapolis for several weeks to be with Nathan as Krista has returned to work.

Needless to say, these past weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. But the support of family and friends who have faithfully interceded have been a constant source of encouragement.

I returned to the Pacific Northwest on Monday and will spend the next few days preparing for ministry in Los Angeles at the Korean based Youth With A Mission school. Carlene returns on Thursday, July 28th to the Seattle area where we will attend her family reunion in Port Townsend. After nearly six weeks of being away from our little condominium in Gresham, we finally come home on August 1st.

Most of us have at one time or another experienced a season not unlike Carlene and I have. Nowhere does God promise of life free from difficulty or tragedy. As I have talked with many of you on the phone or through email, a common question is: "What is the Lord saying to you?"

In the moments following our early morning phone call on July 3rd, I felt Lord remind me of the promise found in John 10. Jesus promises that those who listen to his voice and follow Him will never perish; and that no one can snatch them out of His Hand.

I believe this was God's word for us during that hour. He has not said much more than this. Sometimes I desperately desire a word from a Lord and when I receive it, I neglect to rest in that word. These past few weeks I have learned to rest in the promise that God will never leave us, and that nothing or no one can snatch us away from His Hand. I am learning to be content in this truth. I don't need another word... I want to learn to rest in this one.

Most of us are involved and quite busy with ministry. We have many things to do and people to see. Events to plan for and fires to put out. Much of this can be good. But the temptation is to miss an opportunity to rest in God's current promises for us.

My prayer today, is that God would give us renewed confidence and rest in His current Word. What has he said to you? Are you resting in what he has already said?

Thank you again for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. We rejoice in God's faithfulness and grace.

Bless you,

Darrell

Thursday, July 07, 2005

July Travels

Dear Friends and Family,

(Carlene....)I have three windows to my right as I'm resting on a comfy couch, and the sun is brightly shining. It is a good day.Darrell and I are in Minneapolis at our son's home where he is being nursed back to health. We received news while visiting Darrell's sister in Napperville, Ill that Nate was on the road July 3rd when a car with 3 drunk passengers spun out of control and crossed over into oncoming traffic. Nate was hit head on. Fortunately, seat belts were in use, the air bag deployed, and he was not severely injured. He underwent 2 surgeries to repair tendons in his right knee and remove dashboard fragments. It was a tearful reunion with a thankful heart I kissed his warm face. We are thankful too, that all five people who were involved in the three-car collision are alive. One man is still suffering a back injury so please include him in yourprayers. Please pray for continued healing…also for all the details of insurances and lawyers as the driver had multiple DUIs. (Darrell)No parent wants to receive the news at 2 am their child was injured and trapped in his car...but the Lord was so near...right from the beginning. He spoke to me from John 10:...My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and theFather are one."Nate said he felt in the seconds following impact, the presence of the Lord and a peace which can only come from the Father. We are grateful...and thank you for your prayers. (Carlene)We celebrated Darrell's 50th birthday in Napperville, Ill at his sister's beautiful home where all four sibling's families gathered to eat, laugh, swim and watch Darrell open many humorous gifts and cards. Before we flew out to the Mid-West...Darrell and I were blessed to share with many friends and new acquaintances at San Juan Baptist Church in Port Townsend, Jim and Marie's Messianic fellowship, and Evergreen 4-Square church with Bruce Norquist, both in Tacoma. A memorable connection with Peter Yang, who is a South Korean missionary to North Korea and ministers to the children was unforgettable. We'll share more of his story later. Remember Worship at the River this Sunday July 10th@ 6PM in the Sam Cox BuildingGlenn Otto Community Park (1102 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale)This is the theme upon which the evening will be centered: Ps 27:44 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. NIV

Bless you all....and remember to give your children a big hug.

Darrell and Carlene DahlmanP.S.

Remember to make email changes in your address book:Personal email account: darrelldahlman@gmail.comCell phone: Darrell 503-997-0713 Carlene 503-997-4236Ministry e-mail account: Pacificministries@gmail.com http://pacificministries.blogspot.com/
Pacificministries
Worship at the River2nd Sunday's @ 6pmIn the Sam Cox BuildingGlenn Otto Community Park1102 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060