My grandmother just turned 80 years old a few weeks ago. My grandfather did so last September. One thing that just makes my heart leap for joy when I hear them speak in awe of the faithfulness and graciousness of God. Like, its brand new to them! Every gift, every provision, every new revelation of who He is, is a brand new experience with Him. Their hearts rejoice. They smile real big. I, without trying to, I find my spirit celebrating with theirs that OUR God is so amazingly incredible!
Anyone who's heard my testimony of how I came to know Jesus, knows that it's because of the faithfulness of these two beautiful people. Their faithful and relentless prayers protected me and set me on a course headlong into the arms of the Savior. Their love and peace exhibited to me a truth and steadiness that I craved growing up in a world of chaos.
And they'll tell you, I have always been their "baby girl" - they've been there from the beginning. Except...they weren't. They weren't always there. They couldn't be. Some of the most heart wrenching memories of sadness that I still feel today were the times when I had to tell them goodbye after a visit. I hated leaving them. They weren't always there. But their prayers were. And the God that they trusted to protect and guide my life, the God that I had an inkling of but certainly didn't know - He was always there.
They prayed.
They prayed and they prayed and they prayed.
I was 15 when I came to know Jesus.
15!
15 years of praying.
And hoping.
And trusting.
And believing.
15 years.
15 very long years of praying for salvation and revelation and relationship.
And that's just one of the many prayers that they've prayed over me!
Years upon years of prayers for protection, wisdom, calling, purpose, provision, community....the list goes on.
You know what, I've since doubled 15, and I know - know that I know that I know - that they are still covering me in prayer. Always.
So why am I sharing this?
At 80 years old and with the faith of a child who is completely dependent on their Father, relying on his goodness and faithfulness, they still have not lost the wonder and joy that it is to walk with our Heavenly Father. And I am, by far, not the only one they've prayed for in their 80 years of life. Far from being the only answered prayer. With four kids, 11 grandkids and a few great-grandkids, their life is full. They have a church family that they are still very connected to, and ...at 80 years old, they may walk a little bit slower, but their hearts and minds are as fixed on Christ as ever.
I pray that when I reach 80, I still have that same joy and confidence in my Father and can celebrate the faithfulness of my God who faithfully answers prayers and never disappoints with those that the Lord has filled my life with.
And thank you Lord for giving me such wonderful examples of grace, love, laughter and family through these beautiful people. Bless them abundantly. Bless them mightily. And may they know absolutely, how much they are loved - not just by family, but by you.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Sotiris: Lesson 2
Wounds can happen with even the best intentions
Yesterday I left Sotiris outside to enjoy some sunshine (he's supposedly an indoor plant) but brought him back in for the night as it's still getting pretty chilly at night.* However, my room tends to get dry and warm with the heat on and I don't know if it was the change in temperature or just a lack of observation previously on my part, but when I went to sit outside with Sotiris today, I noticed a couple of brown leaves. A few of them were new baby shoots that had started, but shriveled up before anything could firmly take hold. The others were damaged spots on already established leaves.
I. Was in. Shock.
Legitimately!
I mean, I like to think I'm not THAT oblivious to something that I'm responsible to care for! I've been watering and praying and giving him sunshine and fresh air....and yet here, before my eyes, I see evidence of damage done to this thing that I am far more attached to than my pride will let me admit outright. And I'm...clueless.
As I sat there apologizing, to both the Lord and the tree, for my negligence, and wondering how this could happen when I've been so diligent in caring for him, the Lord began to whisper a few things to me.
1) It is possible to not see/notice new growth until it's too late - and sometimes we never actually see it. And this isn't always a bad thing. Don't misunderstand me. I think that far too often though, we can miss the "first steps", the "new growth", the wing stretching, the stepping out into something new because the "new" can often seem so insignificant. And dare I say, in my own life anyway, I miss it as much in my own life as I do in the lives of those the Lord has granted met he privilege of being witness to. Sometimes the dead leaves fall off before we ever know they're there.
And I had no idea what caused the bruising on those leaves, but it made me sad to know that these beautiful leaves would likely have a permanent scar from something that I had no awareness of. What if it happened again? What if...?
"What if's?" trail along in my mind thinking that I somehow needed to protect the tree from....nature. It's natural. It's not pleasant, but it happens. And maybe I did have a part in the wounding....(ooo, ouch. Here we go Lord...#2), but maybe I didn't. And either way, maybe these little wounds won't be the death of my little tree.
"What if's?" trail along in my mind thinking that I somehow needed to protect the tree from....nature. It's natural. It's not pleasant, but it happens. And maybe I did have a part in the wounding....(ooo, ouch. Here we go Lord...#2), but maybe I didn't. And either way, maybe these little wounds won't be the death of my little tree.
I've been challenged to be more mindful of my words and actions and how they impact those around me. I don't want to miss the opportunities to encourage new growth and I don't want to be the cause for someone else's wounds. Most certainly, premature growth happens and maybe it doesn't work out. And not all bad experiences are because of me. But I can be more aware of what is happening and how to respond.
2) Wounding....The Lord has been healing a lot of old wounds. And some new ones. It's easy to get angry and point the finger at those that we feel should have known better, should've seen, should've done better. I thought of how many stories of parents who have had the best intentions to do right by their kids, only to find out that their child was wounded by some event that they weren't even aware of. Whether it's the "first steps" that parents completely miss or new growth that they were just too busy to see or just life happening...children get wounded.
As a child who has been wounded, this reality gives me the grace to show forgiveness. It reminds me to be intentional to see beyond the fault and address the wound. As well as to remember that sometimes failures promote more growth. Failure doesn't have to be the end.
3) Unlike us, God is never unaware. He doesn't miss the new growth - whether it's premature or not - or the bruises, and he knows exactly it's purpose in our lives. He has a plan, a good plan (See Jer 29:11).
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depth of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psa 139: 13-16
The Lord has been teaching me a lot about the significance of wounds in our lives. Not the least of which is that the wounds do not make us, do not define our worth or ability. Sotiris is a very healthy and happy tree. So he's got a bruised leaf or two...I've probably got a few more than two bruised leaves on my life tree but I have been blessed beyond measure. Not because I've earned it. I've not worked my way into overcoming the pains. I've simply once again come to realize that the wounds don't define me, don't limit me, don't value me.
Only Jesus can do that.
Anyone says who says any different speaks a lie.
Jesus knew me before sin. Jesus knows me now. And the really beautiful thing?! Jesus was with me and saw me in EVERY bruise and EVERY failed new growth attempt.
Only Jesus can do that.
Anyone says who says any different speaks a lie.
Jesus knew me before sin. Jesus knows me now. And the really beautiful thing?! Jesus was with me and saw me in EVERY bruise and EVERY failed new growth attempt.
The tree will continue to grow.
*It was still winter in FL during the time of writing this
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Sotiris: Lesson 1
There is One caring for you
This concept of caring for a plant is strange to me. In fact, it's one that I've often railed against it in playful fun at friends who think greenery in the house is a necessity. And yet...
Here I am - a new and PROUD owner of a tiny little tree named Sotiris. A name meaning Salvation. Named so for the purpose of the tree: to remind me of those whose salvation I am believing for and chosen in effort to represent the passage in Ephesians that I repeatedly come back to:"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" Eph 3:14-21I felt compelled to get this tree as a symbol and sort of catalyst for my prayers. It seemed to be a pretty cool thought to get to watch the growth of a tree and was somehow sure that it was meant to teach me some perspective in the salvation process, but I truly didn't know what to expect. Within the first few days of ownership, however, the Lord has spoken faithfully - "I am taking care of you."
I can see how food, water, shelter, sunshine for this tree is dependent much on me. If I leave it in my bedroom there won't be much growth happening and that would defeat the purpose of having the tree. But since the tree represents to me, the spiritual side of life, I'm reminded that God is taking care of me - and those who I am trusting for.
He controls and knows the needs we have for food, water, shelter, sunshine and all the rest. And in His sovereign hands, he's got it under control.
This of course is not a new thought for me, but somehow in this moment the truth that God is intentionally and willingly taking care of me, just became a whole lot more personal. He's feeding, clothing, and caring for his children.
"And which of you be being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matt 6:27-31So I want to encourage you with a little reminder. The birds of the air and the flowers of the field are taken care of by God Almighty. And this same God is offering to take care of each of us too. His ways are perfect. His ways are just. His love is true. He offers us the chance to rest in his care and trust Him with all of the cares of this world. What a relief it is to turn it all over to him and just rest. Taste and see that Lord is good in all of His ways.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Adoption
When I was in eighth grade I made Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.
I gave my all to him.
Surrendered everything.
Gave him complete control of my life, my will and my desires.
Around the same time, I met a family at church that basically took me in, adopted me in many ways. Over time, I became part of the family and I knew it. We celebrated birthdays and holidays together, we rejoiced together in the good times, mourned together during the bad times, we challenged each other, we did life together.
My given family was a bit of a mess during this period of time and I was (and still am to this day) so incredibly thankful that I had this place to go; this family that I knew I was considered a part of - not just because I called them mine, but because they also claimed me. There was a couch and a cup of coffee ready and waiting for me at any time. I was welcome. I was accepted. I was loved.
Scripture says that when you belong to Christ, the Spirit of God dwells within you and gives you life (Rom 8:9-11). Paul goes on to say that those in whom the Spirit of God dwells are made "sons [and daughters] of God" (Rom 8:15-17).
By this Spirit we are adopted into the family of God.
By this Spirit we are compelled to cry out "Abba, Father".
By this Spirit we are made heirs with Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Ephesians, Paul points out that when God created the world, He intended for us to be adopted as children of God through Jesus Christ and that we have gained an inheritance (Eph 1:5,11). He goes on throughout the epistle to state that we who have accepted Christ and are living by the Spirit of God have been made "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph 2:19), "fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers of the promise of Christ through the gospel" (Eph 3:6). Again, in Galatians Paul writes,
Until this morning, the concept of adoption has eluded me. I've understood the basic concept, and even more recently have I been able to start to grasp the weightiness of being called a daughter of God, a co-heir with Christ. What it means to not simply be accepted and tolerated but claimed, desired and made a part of.
But my Heavenly Father has reminded me this morning of the significance of this family who took me in and made me one of their own many years ago. This, and so much more, is what it is to be adopted into the household of God: to be taken in, cared for, loved, desired, valued, made a part of the family, given an inheritance and treasured forever.
What shall I say then? Can anything separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus?
I dare say nothing at all.
I am His forever.
I gave my all to him.
Surrendered everything.
Gave him complete control of my life, my will and my desires.
Around the same time, I met a family at church that basically took me in, adopted me in many ways. Over time, I became part of the family and I knew it. We celebrated birthdays and holidays together, we rejoiced together in the good times, mourned together during the bad times, we challenged each other, we did life together.
My given family was a bit of a mess during this period of time and I was (and still am to this day) so incredibly thankful that I had this place to go; this family that I knew I was considered a part of - not just because I called them mine, but because they also claimed me. There was a couch and a cup of coffee ready and waiting for me at any time. I was welcome. I was accepted. I was loved.
Scripture says that when you belong to Christ, the Spirit of God dwells within you and gives you life (Rom 8:9-11). Paul goes on to say that those in whom the Spirit of God dwells are made "sons [and daughters] of God" (Rom 8:15-17).
By this Spirit we are adopted into the family of God.
By this Spirit we are compelled to cry out "Abba, Father".
By this Spirit we are made heirs with Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Ephesians, Paul points out that when God created the world, He intended for us to be adopted as children of God through Jesus Christ and that we have gained an inheritance (Eph 1:5,11). He goes on throughout the epistle to state that we who have accepted Christ and are living by the Spirit of God have been made "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph 2:19), "fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers of the promise of Christ through the gospel" (Eph 3:6). Again, in Galatians Paul writes,
"God sent forth his son...to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying 'Abba, Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (Gal 4:4-7)In light of this, returning to Romans 8, Paul's declaration of the surety of God's love for him, and for us, is incredible. You see, I've often held to the words and declaration of Romans 8:31-38 for an assurance of acceptance and love, but I had never before read these words in light of my adoption. But when framed with the lenses of acceptance as a daughter of the Most High, an heir and partaker in the household of God, these words suddenly hold so much more weight to them.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?....No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."They are no longer simply big words of the big God that I serve, they are words of assurance that the family I've been adopted into is never going to leave or forsake me. I am more than a conqueror who defeated sin and death through Jesus Christ. My Heavenly Father loves me, looks out for me, takes care of me, and will never abandon me.
Until this morning, the concept of adoption has eluded me. I've understood the basic concept, and even more recently have I been able to start to grasp the weightiness of being called a daughter of God, a co-heir with Christ. What it means to not simply be accepted and tolerated but claimed, desired and made a part of.
But my Heavenly Father has reminded me this morning of the significance of this family who took me in and made me one of their own many years ago. This, and so much more, is what it is to be adopted into the household of God: to be taken in, cared for, loved, desired, valued, made a part of the family, given an inheritance and treasured forever.
What shall I say then? Can anything separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus?
I dare say nothing at all.
I am His forever.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Transparency, Perspectives and Realities
I've been in Germany now for seven months.
It's been seven months of seeking God's face and depending on Him for direction and provision.
Seven months of learning what it means to "trust in the Lord and lean not on [my] own understanding" (Prov 3:5).
Seven months of trial.
Seven months of grace.
Seven months of stress.
Seven months of learning what it means to live guarded with the "peace that passes all understanding" (Phil 4:7).
Just after Christmas, it was brought to our attention that there was a misunderstanding in the financial expectations with our landlords, and suddenly we found ourselves with a very large bill and no income. I turned to God.
In November, I had a trial of learning what it means to trust in the goodness of God. What I learned from that was that God is ALWAYS good - no matter what, no matter where, no matter how the cards fall. God is good.
So now in the face of a mountainous bill, is God still good?
When there's a new, inexplicable ailment every week (for six weeks) that manages to somehow keep you down, is God still good?
When you know that your current God-given mission and objective is to learn the language so that you can clearly communicate the message of hope that you have been sent to share to a people, but you don't feasibly have the means to complete that task...is God still good?
When you weekly find yourself at the foot of God's throne, surrendering again the fears and doubts of living this life of faith, of loneliness, of pain, of distance, of - dare I say it - disappointment, IS GOD STILL GOOD??
The answer to all of these questions is invariably and resoundingly - YES!
And during that challenge in December, when I was literally facing a rock, a trench and a hard place and didn't like the looks of any of them I discovered what Paul really meant when he said to the Phillipians "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil 4:12)
I learned that (and this may seem basic for some of you), while I've said for years that "God is good all the time and all the time, God is good", my belief of that was dependent on Him working out His will in accordance to mine. In other words, I was operating under the belief that any outcome that did not coincide with the ideas that I had in my head would constitute a failure (and since I know that I can't fail God, my concern for failure actually had much more to do with a fear of man than a fear of God). Therefore, they were not "good".
However, the truth of the matter is that when we give something to God and say "Here you go. Do what you want with it" then God gets full control over what the outcome is - regardless of whether it's in line with what we want or not. AND, because God is good, ALL the time, "[h]e is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he" (Deut 32:4), then I should be able to not only trust but expect that any outcome that God brings about, get this, WILL. BE. GOOD.
Can I just tell you what a weight off that is for someone who has no idea where the money for bills is coming from? Can I just tell you that when you're asking friends and family to send monthly support to you to do the mission that God has called you to (especially when it's currently "to learn a language"), what a relief it is to be reminded that while these are the people I'm asking for money, these are not the people I'm asking for validation in my calling and mission.
My calling and mission are sure.
God's Word is sure.
My life's dependency on Him is sure.
But people, sadly, are not.
Opinions change.
Support varies.
Friends come and go.
There is only one constant in this world, and that is God. And He is it for me.
So, in the last three-ish months, I have... (Also known as "Praises")
- progressed (quite significantly I would say) in my German language level and am almost at the closing end of the A2 level.
- had the opportunity to start a bi-weekly small group with a couple of girls from the university
- have been privileged to start meeting one on one with another university student
- been able to join a church small group as well as participate with a couple of worship nights with fellow brothers and sisters.
- thankful for opportunities to share in meals with fellow language students and share about life and cultures
- experienced an incredible and unexplainable attitude of peace, grace and understanding towards others and towards myself
- begun to recognize new lessons beginning to be learned in my personal spiritual life (always exciting!)
Prayer Requests:
- Health: From depression to sinus infections to allergies (Spring will be brutal) to flu to strained muscles and fluke sickness that has never been a part of my life, my life has run the gambit for health issues in the last three months. I had a dear friend remind me about a month ago that God has a work here for me to do and the devil is certainly not going to just lie down and let me do it. My health has been one consistent way that the enemy has sought to keep me from doing all that I've set my mind to do. Please pray with me against these attacks and that my health would stay strong and good that I may continue on in the work that the Lord has set before me.
- Study: This time of unemployment has been meant to be a time of study and growth in both the Word and the language. In both of these areas there has been much growth evidenced and I'm both excited and thrilled to see where it continues leading me to. Please pray for the continued endurance needed to finish this season strong.
- Small Groups: I'm thrilled that we've finally got small groups started after a season of quietly learning what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Please pray that these groups would be a source and space of life, love, encouragement and community growth among us as we seek to live/do life together as Christ's disciples.
SFC:
1) The university is currently on break in between semesters until April so we're not currently having our weekly meetings. Absence can make the heart grow fonder but it can also cause a forgetfulness as well. Please pray that the community/family that has been built up over the last semester will actually be strengthened during this down time.
2) The student leaders are also taking this break time to pause and pray about what God's vision for SFC Freiburg is and how we can best carry that out given the means and talents that we currently have at our disposal. I ask you to please be praying for discernment, boldness sensitivity and wisdom to the things of God that he would have done on our university campuses.
- Future Plans:
1) Currently I have been in the process of applying for possibly apprenticeships that are available in Hotel Management. This would provide a bit of income, career training, a legal working visa and a whole new spectrum of people to influence with the Word of God (=]). However, this requires a German speaking level that I have not yet attained (B1, comes after A2), but am very close to. I would have to pass a test to say that I've done it. It also would require at least three years commitment, which is beautiful in the sense of long term (when three years is considered "long term") stability and constancy in the groundwork of ministry being laid; not necessarily so favorable in regards to return trips for visits in the US (but we'll see what God has in store). Please pray that if this IS God's will, the correct connections will be made and that those wheels will be set in motion ASAP.
2) I am also currently in the process of planning a return trip to the US this summer. My intention is to work as well as visit. First and foremost, this trip is an answer to prayer to see family and so, while I love the idea of working again, I also would really love to spend time with family and friends. Please be in prayer for all of the details that are involved with this (transportation, schedules, monies, etc) to be worked out gracefully in His timing.
- Finances: Six months ago I asked many of you to consider helping to support my life and calling here in Germany, three months ago I reiterated this sentiment again and made known to you the option of sending monthly support via my organization ICMS (you can go to Ray's donation Page), now I'm asking again. The reality is that I still have very little coming in and I'm still not allowed to work on my visa (I'm currently living off of $200/mo; hello!). That said, I ask you again to please consider donating a monthly amount (it can be as little as you can afford) so that I CAN continue on in this amazing work that He has started here in Germany.
- Freiburg: There is a work of God on the move in Freiburg, and it's because of the faithful prayers of many faithful ones over many decades. Freiburg is a small university town and seemingly insignificant, but when you take into consideration that Freiburg University is a well-renowned university that has students from all over the world, when you take into consideration that the university students of today are going to be the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow, I hope you see the significance of Spirit driven vision for this city. Will you join me in praying for this city, for its students and for the faithful saints that are here laboring in churches, on campuses and in other outreach ministries (refugees, sick, homeless, prayer and more)?
It's been seven months of seeking God's face and depending on Him for direction and provision.
Seven months of learning what it means to "trust in the Lord and lean not on [my] own understanding" (Prov 3:5).
Seven months of trial.
Seven months of grace.
Seven months of stress.
Seven months of learning what it means to live guarded with the "peace that passes all understanding" (Phil 4:7).
Just after Christmas, it was brought to our attention that there was a misunderstanding in the financial expectations with our landlords, and suddenly we found ourselves with a very large bill and no income. I turned to God.
In November, I had a trial of learning what it means to trust in the goodness of God. What I learned from that was that God is ALWAYS good - no matter what, no matter where, no matter how the cards fall. God is good.
So now in the face of a mountainous bill, is God still good?
When there's a new, inexplicable ailment every week (for six weeks) that manages to somehow keep you down, is God still good?
When you know that your current God-given mission and objective is to learn the language so that you can clearly communicate the message of hope that you have been sent to share to a people, but you don't feasibly have the means to complete that task...is God still good?
When you weekly find yourself at the foot of God's throne, surrendering again the fears and doubts of living this life of faith, of loneliness, of pain, of distance, of - dare I say it - disappointment, IS GOD STILL GOOD??
The answer to all of these questions is invariably and resoundingly - YES!
And during that challenge in December, when I was literally facing a rock, a trench and a hard place and didn't like the looks of any of them I discovered what Paul really meant when he said to the Phillipians "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil 4:12)
I learned that (and this may seem basic for some of you), while I've said for years that "God is good all the time and all the time, God is good", my belief of that was dependent on Him working out His will in accordance to mine. In other words, I was operating under the belief that any outcome that did not coincide with the ideas that I had in my head would constitute a failure (and since I know that I can't fail God, my concern for failure actually had much more to do with a fear of man than a fear of God). Therefore, they were not "good".
However, the truth of the matter is that when we give something to God and say "Here you go. Do what you want with it" then God gets full control over what the outcome is - regardless of whether it's in line with what we want or not. AND, because God is good, ALL the time, "[h]e is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he" (Deut 32:4), then I should be able to not only trust but expect that any outcome that God brings about, get this, WILL. BE. GOOD.
Can I just tell you what a weight off that is for someone who has no idea where the money for bills is coming from? Can I just tell you that when you're asking friends and family to send monthly support to you to do the mission that God has called you to (especially when it's currently "to learn a language"), what a relief it is to be reminded that while these are the people I'm asking for money, these are not the people I'm asking for validation in my calling and mission.
My calling and mission are sure.
God's Word is sure.
My life's dependency on Him is sure.
But people, sadly, are not.
Opinions change.
Support varies.
Friends come and go.
There is only one constant in this world, and that is God. And He is it for me.
So, in the last three-ish months, I have... (Also known as "Praises")
- progressed (quite significantly I would say) in my German language level and am almost at the closing end of the A2 level.
- had the opportunity to start a bi-weekly small group with a couple of girls from the university
- have been privileged to start meeting one on one with another university student
- been able to join a church small group as well as participate with a couple of worship nights with fellow brothers and sisters.
- thankful for opportunities to share in meals with fellow language students and share about life and cultures
- experienced an incredible and unexplainable attitude of peace, grace and understanding towards others and towards myself
- begun to recognize new lessons beginning to be learned in my personal spiritual life (always exciting!)
Prayer Requests:
- Health: From depression to sinus infections to allergies (Spring will be brutal) to flu to strained muscles and fluke sickness that has never been a part of my life, my life has run the gambit for health issues in the last three months. I had a dear friend remind me about a month ago that God has a work here for me to do and the devil is certainly not going to just lie down and let me do it. My health has been one consistent way that the enemy has sought to keep me from doing all that I've set my mind to do. Please pray with me against these attacks and that my health would stay strong and good that I may continue on in the work that the Lord has set before me.
- Study: This time of unemployment has been meant to be a time of study and growth in both the Word and the language. In both of these areas there has been much growth evidenced and I'm both excited and thrilled to see where it continues leading me to. Please pray for the continued endurance needed to finish this season strong.
- Small Groups: I'm thrilled that we've finally got small groups started after a season of quietly learning what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Please pray that these groups would be a source and space of life, love, encouragement and community growth among us as we seek to live/do life together as Christ's disciples.
SFC:
1) The university is currently on break in between semesters until April so we're not currently having our weekly meetings. Absence can make the heart grow fonder but it can also cause a forgetfulness as well. Please pray that the community/family that has been built up over the last semester will actually be strengthened during this down time.
2) The student leaders are also taking this break time to pause and pray about what God's vision for SFC Freiburg is and how we can best carry that out given the means and talents that we currently have at our disposal. I ask you to please be praying for discernment, boldness sensitivity and wisdom to the things of God that he would have done on our university campuses.
- Future Plans:
1) Currently I have been in the process of applying for possibly apprenticeships that are available in Hotel Management. This would provide a bit of income, career training, a legal working visa and a whole new spectrum of people to influence with the Word of God (=]). However, this requires a German speaking level that I have not yet attained (B1, comes after A2), but am very close to. I would have to pass a test to say that I've done it. It also would require at least three years commitment, which is beautiful in the sense of long term (when three years is considered "long term") stability and constancy in the groundwork of ministry being laid; not necessarily so favorable in regards to return trips for visits in the US (but we'll see what God has in store). Please pray that if this IS God's will, the correct connections will be made and that those wheels will be set in motion ASAP.
2) I am also currently in the process of planning a return trip to the US this summer. My intention is to work as well as visit. First and foremost, this trip is an answer to prayer to see family and so, while I love the idea of working again, I also would really love to spend time with family and friends. Please be in prayer for all of the details that are involved with this (transportation, schedules, monies, etc) to be worked out gracefully in His timing.
- Finances: Six months ago I asked many of you to consider helping to support my life and calling here in Germany, three months ago I reiterated this sentiment again and made known to you the option of sending monthly support via my organization ICMS (you can go to Ray's donation Page), now I'm asking again. The reality is that I still have very little coming in and I'm still not allowed to work on my visa (I'm currently living off of $200/mo; hello!). That said, I ask you again to please consider donating a monthly amount (it can be as little as you can afford) so that I CAN continue on in this amazing work that He has started here in Germany.
- Freiburg: There is a work of God on the move in Freiburg, and it's because of the faithful prayers of many faithful ones over many decades. Freiburg is a small university town and seemingly insignificant, but when you take into consideration that Freiburg University is a well-renowned university that has students from all over the world, when you take into consideration that the university students of today are going to be the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow, I hope you see the significance of Spirit driven vision for this city. Will you join me in praying for this city, for its students and for the faithful saints that are here laboring in churches, on campuses and in other outreach ministries (refugees, sick, homeless, prayer and more)?
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Second Christmas and Be Encouraged
"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." Ps 66:16
So here in Germany, we celebrate Second Christmas on Dec 26th. It's the day where people go out and celebrate Christmas with extended family and friends - you know, the people that you're NOT supposed to ditch your family for on the 25th. :)
Well Jo and I, along with another friend and student leader, were invited to spend Second Christmas with the family of another friend, J, a student that we've gotten to know through SFC this semester. He comes from a family of eight children and is very sweet-spirited with a quiet and calm personality; although he'd proven on a number of occasions that he has no problem getting LOUD or silly when the time calls for it. Given that, we were a little surprised by the invite to spend Second Christmas with his family, but also deeply honored.
His family, namely his siblings, went above and beyond to get us there and home again (they live up in the mountains), making accommodations for us to sleep comfortably, the dinner that was prepared was fabulous, they took us bowling (!!), and they even left the cat outside when they heard that I was allergic. They were wonderful in every sense of the word.
But it wasn't just the things that they did for us that made this family wonderful. In my opinion, inviting complete strangers into your home, or better yet...allowing your brother to invite complete strangers into your home during Christmas holiday is enough to color me impressed. But no. That's not all it was. From the time that we met the siblings, walked into the house or sat down to chat, there was not a moment of feeling out of place, unwelcome or different. My German is rough and most of them spoke some English but few were comfortable using it. But that didn't stop us from sharing. Whether it was playing games, worshiping our Father together as a Body, or sharing the passion that God has placed on our hearts with each other, there was a tangible sense of the Spirit at work in this meeting and in this family.
This Christmas season has been a tad challenging for me. It felt weird: a little strange, even a little lonely, and it's easy for me to start thinking too hard when I can't figure out why I feel a certain way. My brain started churning towards all the different unknowns and options that 2016 presents and, to be honest, and can be overwhelming if I don't keep myself in check and surrender it all to my Father. But Second Christmas was a blessing in disguise. I thought it would be a fun way to experience Christmas holidays the way Germans do it. Get a little immersed. Get out of my comfort zone. And maybe, if I was lucky, make some new friends or at least strengthen the ones I had.
It was so much more.
"The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:2-3
One of the oldest siblings cut straight to the meat of conversation (already a plus for me because we skipped right over small talk) and asked Jo and I why we came to Germany. He had already pointed out that he knew that we were missionaries, so it was a pointed and slightly challenging question. But as we began to share the message that God gave us to share with German[s]y, as I listened to his hearts desire for Germans to come to an experiential knowledge of our Lord but his struggle to see it in real life, as I was able to share testimony of how we've already witnessed this movement taking place just in the six months that we've been here, I began to be encouraged and heartened. I hadn't realized it at the time, but some days later I realized that I needed to be reminded of my purpose and calling here in Germany. I needed to see the hope that fills the hearts and eyes of young students who here the message of the Father for them. And I needed to see that faithful obedience produces fruit - in this case, it was going, speaking and seeing the encouragement and empowerment that came just in sharing testimonies, in bearing witness of each other's lives.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Heb 10:24-26
I am convinced that we, as a Body, are losing the significance of Christ in our daily lives here on earth, because we're forgetting WHO our God is. And the reason for this is that we don't share testimonies. We pass off His work in our lives as trivial or even convenient, but it's the constant awareness of God's presence and working in our lives that brings Him closer to each of us. It's when we are reminded of His work in the lives of those around us, as well as in our own lives, that we are able to 1) encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith, 2) become more aware of His working around us, and 3) live our lives as testimonies to believers and unbelievers alike - how else will they come to know this God??
What is God doing in your life? What are you trusting Him for this year? Share it. Tell it. Brag on God a bit, He deserves it. And watch the world catch fire with the Light of the World.
Happy New Year friends! God bless.
So here in Germany, we celebrate Second Christmas on Dec 26th. It's the day where people go out and celebrate Christmas with extended family and friends - you know, the people that you're NOT supposed to ditch your family for on the 25th. :)
Well Jo and I, along with another friend and student leader, were invited to spend Second Christmas with the family of another friend, J, a student that we've gotten to know through SFC this semester. He comes from a family of eight children and is very sweet-spirited with a quiet and calm personality; although he'd proven on a number of occasions that he has no problem getting LOUD or silly when the time calls for it. Given that, we were a little surprised by the invite to spend Second Christmas with his family, but also deeply honored.
His family, namely his siblings, went above and beyond to get us there and home again (they live up in the mountains), making accommodations for us to sleep comfortably, the dinner that was prepared was fabulous, they took us bowling (!!), and they even left the cat outside when they heard that I was allergic. They were wonderful in every sense of the word.
But it wasn't just the things that they did for us that made this family wonderful. In my opinion, inviting complete strangers into your home, or better yet...allowing your brother to invite complete strangers into your home during Christmas holiday is enough to color me impressed. But no. That's not all it was. From the time that we met the siblings, walked into the house or sat down to chat, there was not a moment of feeling out of place, unwelcome or different. My German is rough and most of them spoke some English but few were comfortable using it. But that didn't stop us from sharing. Whether it was playing games, worshiping our Father together as a Body, or sharing the passion that God has placed on our hearts with each other, there was a tangible sense of the Spirit at work in this meeting and in this family.
This Christmas season has been a tad challenging for me. It felt weird: a little strange, even a little lonely, and it's easy for me to start thinking too hard when I can't figure out why I feel a certain way. My brain started churning towards all the different unknowns and options that 2016 presents and, to be honest, and can be overwhelming if I don't keep myself in check and surrender it all to my Father. But Second Christmas was a blessing in disguise. I thought it would be a fun way to experience Christmas holidays the way Germans do it. Get a little immersed. Get out of my comfort zone. And maybe, if I was lucky, make some new friends or at least strengthen the ones I had.
It was so much more.
"The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:2-3
One of the oldest siblings cut straight to the meat of conversation (already a plus for me because we skipped right over small talk) and asked Jo and I why we came to Germany. He had already pointed out that he knew that we were missionaries, so it was a pointed and slightly challenging question. But as we began to share the message that God gave us to share with German[s]y, as I listened to his hearts desire for Germans to come to an experiential knowledge of our Lord but his struggle to see it in real life, as I was able to share testimony of how we've already witnessed this movement taking place just in the six months that we've been here, I began to be encouraged and heartened. I hadn't realized it at the time, but some days later I realized that I needed to be reminded of my purpose and calling here in Germany. I needed to see the hope that fills the hearts and eyes of young students who here the message of the Father for them. And I needed to see that faithful obedience produces fruit - in this case, it was going, speaking and seeing the encouragement and empowerment that came just in sharing testimonies, in bearing witness of each other's lives.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Heb 10:24-26
I am convinced that we, as a Body, are losing the significance of Christ in our daily lives here on earth, because we're forgetting WHO our God is. And the reason for this is that we don't share testimonies. We pass off His work in our lives as trivial or even convenient, but it's the constant awareness of God's presence and working in our lives that brings Him closer to each of us. It's when we are reminded of His work in the lives of those around us, as well as in our own lives, that we are able to 1) encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith, 2) become more aware of His working around us, and 3) live our lives as testimonies to believers and unbelievers alike - how else will they come to know this God??
What is God doing in your life? What are you trusting Him for this year? Share it. Tell it. Brag on God a bit, He deserves it. And watch the world catch fire with the Light of the World.
Happy New Year friends! God bless.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Adventures in the Kingdom: Reflecting Forward on 2016
Five Christmas’…
Five New Year celebrations…
Five years of birthdays…
Have been missed.
Five year’s worth of life events -
marriages, divorces, separations, estrangement, boyfriends (not my own of course), breakups, babies, moves, sicknesses and deaths – have been missed.
Five years.
It hasn't been easy. I wouldn't trade the experiences, connections and adventures that I've had for anything as they've shown me more of my King, who I am and how wonderfully He and I work together when I obey. But it has been far from easy. If you had told me six years ago that I would find myself living overseas as an expat with no idea what the next step of my journey would hold, I don't think I would've believed you. I certainly didn't anticipate this life. But faithfulness to the Lord is to live a life of adventure, I've found. (Even for those who don't country hop and stay in the same place, there is an adventure for you too.) Someday I pray that adventure will include a family and perhaps even a stable home, but today I'm reflecting on the adventures that have already been had. So many more than can be recounted here.
It hasn't been easy. I wouldn't trade the experiences, connections and adventures that I've had for anything as they've shown me more of my King, who I am and how wonderfully He and I work together when I obey. But it has been far from easy. If you had told me six years ago that I would find myself living overseas as an expat with no idea what the next step of my journey would hold, I don't think I would've believed you. I certainly didn't anticipate this life. But faithfulness to the Lord is to live a life of adventure, I've found. (Even for those who don't country hop and stay in the same place, there is an adventure for you too.) Someday I pray that adventure will include a family and perhaps even a stable home, but today I'm reflecting on the adventures that have already been had. So many more than can be recounted here.
In June of 2011 I left America to go to China,
thinking it would only be for one year.
In 2012 I thought that I would stay in
China for just one more year.
In 2013 I obeyed and stayed for another
year, but was beginning to sense that the end wasn’t in sight just yet.
In 2014 God began preparing me to move –
but not back to America.
In 2015 my wonderful Father had me pack up
my life into two suitcases and two boxes, move, once again, to another country,
culture and community.
As 2016 approaches, I’m preparing for
another wild ride.
 |
| This may look like a lot but when you consider that this is all two people own aside from two boxes being sent by mail, it's not much. |
But He has been faithful.
When we needed a place to call home, He was
faithful to provide a place that was more and better than we could have
imagined. He even added the much desired and much prayed for and believed for
community that we so needed and desired.
When I had no idea where finances were
going to come from, He provided for our needs.
When it looked like there was no way we
would be able to acquire visas to stay, He provided the favor and the means to
do just that.
When I had no idea where to begin getting
involved in ministry, He provided the contacts to open the door to active
ministry all over the city.
When I broke my toe, He healed it. Just
‘cause He can. *smile*
When I needed church support, He brought it
(in the most unlikely of places)
When I was sick, He Healed.
When I was struggling with the goodness of
God, He was patient with His child and reminded me that He is a Good Father,
ALWAYS.
YES, my God has been faithful in every way
this year (as He has been in the past). And I am thankful for the hard times, the struggles, the challenges
that I’ve faced that have brought me closer to Him and taught me more of who He
is.
Looking forward to the coming year, I’m
excited to see what God has in store, though I confess that there is still lots
to discover. I will continue on in my working/assisting with SFC in various
aspects, including worship, teaching and relationship building. I will continue
on in my language study for as long as necessary (likely another 6 months at least). I
will continue to seek to build connections at the local Prayer House, as well
as the local body that I meet with regularly.
Yet, in the midst of the consistency, I’m
also seeking specific direction to become clearer in the coming weeks/months in
regards to ministry, schooling, trips to the US and financial provision. As it
is, I’m seeking and living off of financial support given. And will likely
continue to do so for at least the next year (legally I am unable to work on my current visa; depending on how God leads in areas of ministry will dictate whether I seek work after language or continue on in this new phase of life). I would urge you again to pray and
consider giving a small amount (maybe only $20) monthly to assist in the basic living
expenses that need to be covered. One of the many blessings that has come in
recently is that I’ve been accepted as an “agent” of International Christian
Mission Services (ICMS) which is a 501(c)(3) organization and enables those
giving to me as an overseas missionary to receive tax receipts. This is especially good news for the churches that I've been in contact with. A BIG answer to prayer.
2016 will be a year of excitement and challenge!
It will be year of constant change and the unexpected. But it will also be a year of blessing and declaration. A year of fulfillment, and a
wonderful year of growing with our glorious and wonderful Father.
As you prepare to enter into a new year, a new season, perhaps even a new chapter, I pray that our God would bless you greatly
in this coming new year and that 2016 would be a year of drawing closer to our
Lord as children of God as well as the Bride of Christ. God bless!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)