By Taylor Cranfill
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward,
but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he
doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself
on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he
knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I
shall come forth as gold (Job 23:8–10).

These are the verses God has given us as our yearly
family theme but more pointedly, they wonderfully
describe many of the tribulations we have been
through in this season of deputation. Time after time
we have wondered “Why, God?” and “Where are You,
God?” Yet, in his perfect timing He has continued
to show Himself mighty and to give us the peace we
needed in the restlessness, unexplainable joy in the
suffering, and miracles when all seemed impossible.

To better understand this though, I want to rewind
and walk you through our journey, starting in the
Taylor, MJ & Lynsey
32 BIMI
Number 2, 2024
summer of 2021 when we knew we
were heading to Chicago or that
was at least where the Lord seemed
to be leading us. During this time,
I was still serving at my sending
church and my pastor suggested
we attend CAMP BIMI at the
BIMI World Missions Center. Of
course, we were excited about the
opportunity and we quickly made
plans to be there. However, due
to prior engagements and short
notice, my wife, Lynsey, was not
able to make the trip, so I set off
on the journey alone. During that
week at CAMP BIMI, I was able
to learn valuable lessons but more
importantly, God showed me and
ultimately our family that it was His
will for us to join the BIMI family so
they could help us more effectively
reach the wonderful, yet needy city
of Chicago. Many things led to this
decision, including such things
as BIMI helping with finances,
assisting in getting meetings, and
building profitable friendships. We
began the process of filling out the
paperwork and doing the required