An Urgent Prayer Request
When it rains it pours. That’s what people say when things seem to go wrong all at once. I’ve said it to others a few times myself. However, we are currently in such a time in our lives and would really like your prayer.
As many of you know, my wife (Kim) is Australian and has been serving with YWAM here for several years. In the process of renewing her visa, we recently received a call from Immigration Canada suggesting that they are considering NOT renewing the visa, as they feel Kim should apply for Permanent Residency. We have an interview with them on Feb. 28th to find out.
The trouble is that they could very well make Kim leave the country to apply from Australia. Needless to say, this would be terrible. One of the reasons we have not applied for her status earlier is that it requires a significant amount of money to do so. Needless to say, we dealing with a great deal of stress right now.
Our first hope is that they grant us the visa that will allow us to pursue Permanent Residency while Kim remains in Canada. However, even we this is the case, we face the challenge of raising the finances (nearly $2000 in the end) and dealing with the limitations of the process that will strongly impact Kim’s ministry leadership (i.e. travel limitations, etc.).
As if that weren’t enough, we came home to find that the YWAM Mission House furnace, which we just spent $500 to repair a month ago is dead again. Sure, it isn’t a huge deal, but in times like this, every little challenge gets blown out of proportion.
That is why we really need your prayers during the next few days, weeks and months. God has always been faithful in His provision. Stand with us as we seek Him for the peace and wisdom to deal with each day.
Peace,
Jamie Arpin-Ricci
www.arpin-ricci.blog.com
I will, Jamie. God’s peace and strength to you and Kim.
Praying…
Jamie- I’m praying for you guys! Please keep us informed of any changes or communications with Immigration.
Mike, ScottB & Cindy,
Thanks so much for your prayers. It has been a very difficult time for us. We will keep you posted.
Peace,
Jamie
Almighty Father,
Jamie and Kim are seeking your righteousness, your Kingdom. I ask that you be Provider for them during this difficult time. Provide grace to them through their government concerning Kim’s visa renewal. Provide the money they will certainly need either now or at some point in the near future in order to gain permanent residency. Provide someone to help them repair or replace the Mission House’s furnace.
Fill them with your peace as they trust your provision.
Father, for these needs and for others that concern them, we ask for your blessing.
For it is in the name of Jesus our King that we pray.
Scott L,
Thanks so much. We so need these prayers.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie,
I’ll be praying too.
Grace,
Thank you so much. We’ve been praying for you guys too.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, I’ll be in prayer.
Ted
Thanks Ted.
You know I’m praying, especially considering the fact I know how much it will cost (Steve’s wife is applying for permanent residency as well) and the time and paperwork involved!
LOVE YA!
Jezzy,
Thanks. Yes, the money is a huge issue.
Peace,
Jamie
we’ll be praying for you guys definetely at staff meeting tomorrow as well.
We love you both!! Dino too!
ralph //
Hey Jamie,
I second Ralph, we will get everyone to pray for you guys. You are our family! Craig and I will be facing the residents issue soon too…ugh…can’t we all just get along??
Hey can you email me your home address?
thanks,
jp
Thoughts and prayers for clarity and comfort for you during this time. I pray that you’ll be able to receive whatever God’s got in store for you, and that it will be the best thing ever!
Ralph & Jamie Porter,
Thanks for passing on the request to the rest of the Vancouver crew. We love & miss you guys!
Peace,
Jamie
Aj,
Thanks.
Peace,
Jamie
Although I read your post a little later than the others, I’ll certainly be praying for you and Kim and you move forward through this challenge. You’ve entrusted your lives to Christ, and though his hand may not yet be seen, it will undoubtedly be exciting to watch his answer and provision unfold.
standing with you,
Chris
Chris,
As difficult as it can be to walk it through, we are also eager to see God’s faithfulness. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Defiantly defiantly praying for you guys!!!!!!!
Thanks Ryan, it means a lot.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie,
DANG! Praying commences immediately!
Rob,
Thanks for your prayers. Dang, indeed! We are so tired and we have another week to wait…
Peace,
Jamie
I will be praying
Be Blessed
Debbie,
Thanks!
Jamie
Jamie,
I’ll be praying for you guys. I work with immigration policy alot and I know how crazy that world is.
pax,
ant
Anthony,
You said it! We have a friend who contacted us, as he has a connection in Immigration Canada who might be able to give us some direction. It sounds promising. Keep praying!
Peace,
Jamie
I’m in Canada (from the US) going through the PR process right now. It seems unlikely as they’d make her leave the country as there was a new law passed in Feb 2005 that if you’re in the country living with your husband/wife, you can apply. She’ll be considered a visitor, and I assume Australians have the same length as Americans–six months. At the four month mark, she’ll have to apply for an extension of the visitors status. That is something I’ll also have to do soon. It’s taking approximately seven months for the inland PR to be processed. Yes, it seems like a long time, but be thankful that there’s this option out there and you ARE able to stay together.
There’s also a Yahoo! Group for canadian immigration. It’s full of people who are pretty much going through the same thing. A LOT of information from these people. They’re more knowledgable than even CIC. I suggest you join that group.
Carrie,
Thanks so much. We just learned about the new Feb law this morning from a friend. A lot less problematic. Yeah God!
Peace,
Jamie
as a YWAM guy and a friend of many internationals…i totally understand what the stress is like for you. ok, so i don’t totally understand but i do empathize. britt and i are committed to praying for y’all as friends and YWAMers. all in God’s timing, my friend. blessings…
drew.
Drew,
Thanks so much. We have some good news. They can’t kick Kim out. Yeah!
Peace,
Jamie