Karl and Debbie....earthen pots
Dear praying "pot-ners",
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 about the treasure of God's presence and calling in "jars of clay". This is also translated “earthen pots”. Many of you know that Debbie has brought pots and baskets home from all over the world. They are our record of the treasure of being able to be in so many places on God's mission to bring redemption to a broken world.
I don't know what you think of when you think of "earthen vessels". Most of us think of clay which ranges from fine china to your pre-schooler's crude coil pot made with enthusiasm. A more compelling image for me now is one we have marveled at and is found in many places of the world. It is that of a gourd...a vessel grown from the ground. Nice ones often crack which might limit their usefulness. But many peoples have found a way to keep the vessel useful and actually increase it's beauty. Take a look at the picture of a sewn gourd.
Deb has just returned from her surgery at Johns Hopkins which leaves her looking a bit like the sewn gourd. Under the stitches hides a brand new metal hip ball and socket. Surgery was done in an hour. So now I have an earthen vessel not only made more beautiful by the stitchery of surgeons, but more able to continue carrying the treasure of Christ to a broken world. She should be recovered enough to teach at Covenant college in September, but I will take a training trip to Congo with World Relief for her while her new parts grow together.
The awareness of our weak bodies has been renewed in us over these last months. Not only was our life changed (Deb leaning on a cane with great pain), but most of our peace studies folks have been hit with life issues that have sadly caused a lot of loss of time, energy, and some to drop out of the program. In October I go to Manilla for the annual residency block to attempt to revive the enthusiasm and work of six remaining participants in cohort three. I still hope to see several graduate next April from earlier cohorts.
Last weekend we had the joyful treasure of God's blessings to us in the form of all our children and grandchildren gathered into one very full house. It is the treasure of His dwelling in us, broken as we all are.
Our financial support continues to be a leaky vessel, so as you pray for Deb's recovery, pray for that as well. Many friends have given sacrificially to keep us going. We are mindful and thankful for the stitching material that the Master often uses...you!
May you know the treasure of the presence of Christ amid the brokenness around you.
"...we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
--We have begun a salary reduction plan that will continue to move to the level that donations support. Give thanks in prayer with us that God does supply all our needs.
https://www.mtw.org/missionaries/details/karl-and-debbie-dortzbach