Dugans Updated

Ah yes- another update! It seems as if I can hardly let you know one step of our journey to Brazil before our direction changes, we get stuck in the mud (in this case american soil), or we travel in circles. For those of you following our story for the past year you can confirm the fact that this venture has been long, rocky, and somewhat a blind road. Thank you for walking with us!

On Monday afternoon we withdrew from the mission.

( let me pause while you all gasp in shock...)

Catch your breath yet? This decision was not easy to make. It took a couple of months of praying, and consulting with others before we knew it was the right thing to do. With our plan to open up a coffee house ministry, it simply did not make sense to stay joined with an organization that holds a different vision. Michael and I aspire to be as effective in ministry as possible- we know now that working under Betaina (the mission in Brazil) just is not the right fit for our family. It would be like smooshing a peice into a puzzle that was simply made for a different picture.

I do know what you may be thinking. "Those Dugans- going alone- rebels- walking away from the mission- head in the clouds- what are they thinking?"

Let me assure you that going "Independent" does NOT mean going solo. More than ever before we recognize the need for the church. We can not- and will not go - without a strong group of believers supporting us in prayer and accountablity. Currently we are looking for specific peoples - who's purpose is just that. If any of you are interested - please let us know!

Our meeting to withdraw went well- and we are happy to report that the doors will remain open to us if we desire to return one day. This is especially good news, because one day we would like to partner with Bethany ministries. Only time will tell. I am sorry that I don't have any juicy details of a break-up for you to pass on to others. We love Bethany and Betania! There is no drama.

So that being said, right now we are working towards going on a survey trip to Brazil. We are waiting to hear back on the status of our financial funds with the mission. The trip will cost about $2,300 - and that is amazingly what we have raised. Since we have left the mission these funds may not be given to us (instead directed towards another ministry) - but we are hoping and praying that the funds will be designated towards our goal. Please pray with us! If all works out- we could be in Brazil at the end of June.

We are also busy working on updating passports and visas. That is a story of it's own to save for another day! But is a area in need of a miracle. Please pray!

Sometimes I get frustrated with the way things are working out so sllllllllllllllooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwlllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyy. But am reminded that we are in God's care and that we live for Him. I've said it before but will say it again. We are SO thankful to have people like you praying for us. Thank you thank you. Keep posted!