SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS: Clinton & DeAnna Morris • Indianapolis, Ind.

We are nearing the end of the fifth month of trying to buy a house in Indianapolis (Indy). During this time, I have learned a great deal about patience. I won’t claim to be good at being patient, but I have felt a persistent call to remain steadfast.

This year, I challenged myself to study all the books of the Bible that start with “J.” I began with enthusiasm, but I soon found myself lingering in Joshua. One theme in Joshua stood out — “cease striving.” It wasn’t just a message in the text; it was a message for me. My pastor, Andy Neal, also echoed this idea, a constant reminder during this season, but while Joshua taught me to rest, the reality of our house hunt felt anything but restful.

Indianapolis has become a looming whale in our lives. A Moby Dick that we have pursued relentlessly. We have made seven offers on houses. Each time, I have jumped into my van, driving to Indy, hoping that this time would be the one. We even moved all our worldly possessions to Indianapolis, holding onto the hope that we would finally settle. Yet instead of peace, it has felt like a mad chase. Like Captain Ahab on the Pequod, I have found myself caught between faith and frustration.

Amid this pursuit, another term has become essential to our journey — “mission critical.” This question has become a guiding principle for our decisions: What is truly mission-critical for our calling? Is living in Indianapolis necessary for our ministry to thrive?

After months of striving, I have come to a difficult yet liberating realization. While our ministry can operate remarkably well in Indy, being physically present in the city is not mission-critical. We are now exploring alternative options. There are still parameters to consider, but our vision has become broader. I don’t yet know where we will end up, though we do have some places in mind. We are currently investigating relocation options for these cities. Thank you for your continued prayers. We watch and wait as God creates the space He wants us to be.

• Book Project — I am currently writing a book or booklet on the habits of 4 Spaces. A rough draft is currently under review with a select group of individuals closely connected to the project and its concepts. My goal is to complete this work soon and make it available to the many who have expressed interest. Once the book is ready, we plan to launch training sessions and coaching environments to help others implement these habits.

• Prayer Needs — Pray for “Thunderwolf,” a severely depressed former Christian who feels he has no one to talk to about his situation in life. Also, pray for God’s provision in our search for a house, our upcoming move and our family dynamics during this transition (This is always hard on DeAnna and me, as well as the kids). Continue to pray for more financial partners, that the new city would quickly reveal itself, that a clear pathway would be easily seen and for partnership conversations.

If you are interested in learning more about our ministry, please get in touch with us at (870) 316-1519 or clinton@4-spaces.org. You can also connect with us at 4-spaces.org/missionaries.