Psalm 23 shares comfort and reassurance. At different points in life what we need is not that same as before, either. As we shared in the newsletter, something new is that Liberty and Van are taking an international adventure without mom and dad! Good, this is a path I would call “right”. First, it is an opportunity for them to have an adventure with friends, classmates, and teachers. But more than simply an earthly adventure, it is one with spiritual and eternal ramifications. Their group will be going to a place in Africa where there are opportunities for them to participate in ministries which are welcomed. It isn’t just a bunch of foreigners showing up to prove how good they are. It is interesting to think that somewhere in that African town where they are going there could very well be some kids, probably younger, maybe their same age, with whom Liberty and Van are going to connect and bond. And none of them know! So, pray with us as Liberty, Van, their team, and the hosts all prepare for this trip in March.

In case you are led to give financially, here are some details:

https://teachbeyond.org/campaign/100424/service-project-bfa-van-cooke

https://teachbeyond.org/campaign/100424/service-project-bfa-liberty-cooke

This is arranged by BFA/TeachBeyond, meaning we don’t handle the finances. It also means that, for example, if Van receives 5,000 in total, for example, that only 2450 will be used for Van’s trip… the excess goes to TeachBeyond, not us. So take a look at the page before contributing in case the amount shown is close to the USD2450 amount!

You can also give via WEC Canada, or WEC USA – if you use this option, be sure to specify the gift is for the COOKE family.

If you don’t require a tax receipt, you can:

Use our family’s Paypal page: https://paypal.me/shanecooke;

If you are in Europe, or use Wise.com, send a gift using IBAN to:
Walter Noel Shane Cooke
TRWIBEB1XXX
BE64 9670 9300 2552

Pray also for our own path. You may recall that last year we were facing a financial crunch, having lost a significant portion of our support. God arranged a very last-minute miracle whereby we could serve at BFA for one more year. However, this would last for only the year. We find ourselves in a similar situation. Without more people or churches who believe in mission through education, who value the well-being of, caring for, and teaching MKs while their parents remain on-field, who feel we are in line with God’s calling… it is unlikely we will return to BFA for next year. So, we ask you to pray. I suppose one focus of prayer is for more finances. But more importantly, prayer for the path we are to be on is important. After almost 28 years of service overseas, I’m less inclined to automatically assume that God “proves” his calling on someone by supplying all the finances that is needed. I’ve seen far too many instances of valid, needed, excellent efforts started by quality, God-fearing, sincere people simply not get off the ground because of various reasons: unsupportive leadership, weak team, uninterested donors, “not flashy enough”, poor promotion or presentation, etc. The inverse is true, too: how many ministries seem successful but are led by unsavoury characters who know how to play the role, or continue due to inertia, rather than because it is needed? Thankfully, God DOES provide, as would any Father who is asked by his children for fish or bread, but often the provision comes from the family of God.

⁹ Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Matthew 7:9-11

We would really relish knowing that you are praying with us about the path we ought to be on. Thank you!