Wilma's World

Trials and Pain

2012-01-04T04:35:00.001-08:00

As I sit watching the sunrise from my window peek over the buildings, I am reminded of God's faithfulness. For more than a decade it seemed that my season had been marked more with pain than joy. Times when I felt cold and hollow inside, as if on an unwanted roller coaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. My latest season has been filled with many some normalcy and blessings: being part of a team that purposes to impact nations for Jesus; taking a walk on a sunny day; phones & Skype that keep me connected to family and friends through the miles; and most recently enjoying being together with my daughters and other family this Christmas. These and many other things have dotted my life with smiles and warmth amid the normal challenges and transitions of life.

Unfortunately, some of my very dear friends, who have walked with me through some of my deepest sorrows, are currently walking through seasons of pain & difficulty for a variety of reasons. As I reflect, I am grateful to God for friends and family who give love and strength to help buoy us up when we seem to be drowning (at least from our limited earthly perspective!). I have lifted my friends up in prayer more than a few times. I've listened on the phone as they have poured out their heart. I've sat in silence, when words were not adequate...the very things they have done for me. I am grateful that some are beginning to see breakthroughs. And my heart grieves for the ones that see an end they would never have chosen.

I was reminded again this morning of God, the ultimate Potter will not let my friends pain go without purpose. As sure as the sunrise, His Word is true. He promises that their current trials are producing an eternal glory that can only be achieved through the path of suffering. II Cor 4 16-18 says it like this, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Reading from a devotional book this morning, Anonymous, which I highly recommend, the author quotes a mentor of hers in the following statements. "...trials do not prepare us for what's to come as much as they reveal what we've done with our lives up to this point...trials tell us less about our future than they do about our past. Why? Because the decisions we make in difficult places today are greatly the product of decisions we made in the unseen places of our yesterdays." After some reflection, I have to agree. And I wonder...how am I doing today in my current trials? How am I doing in my current decisions?

As I share a tear, or a pray, or a hug or a phone call with my dear friends...I ask God to help me be a comforter, a true friend, showing His grace to them...not throwing out a quick Bible verse to a question that has no earthly answer or giving my advice when I should be giving love. Which, sad to say, sometimes I do. And I pray for more of His grace in my friends lives and situations, and for His glory to shine through their darkest pain while they wait upon God. And I ask God to help them draw from the arsenal of their past trials and let them feel the warmth of His Spirit inside the seemingly desolate caverns of their hurting souls.

I am grateful for my close friends. They are my teachers. I see His glory reflected in their stance and demeaner...even through the pain. So to them I say, "Thank you ladies for being a refection of God's glory and grace to me and to all who see you. Thank you for letting the frangrance of our Savior come through when you are squeezed beyond your comfort zone. It is a privilege to walk beside you and help carry the burden of this difficult, seemingly unwelcome, season of your life. I love you."

To the rest of us I close with words from Oswald Chambers, "What is your life--sweet? Drink it with grace. Is it hard, painful--commune with the Son and allow the trials to bring you closer to Him." May we learn to rely on God's grace which allow trials to bring us closer to Him.

Cuzco, Peru & surrounding areas

2011-05-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

In April of last year I visited Cuzco, Peru for the first time. I was struck by the area's natural beauty, with mountains and scenic views all around. Truly magnificent! This region is a very popular tourist area because Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world, is just a few hours away by train. However, I was struck by more than the physical beauty. This area also possesses great spiritual darkness, abounding with occultism and syncretism. Out of last year's trip a partnership & community transformation project was born between the Assemblies of God in Urcos, Peru, OneHope and SouthPoint Church, Southaven, MS.

This recent trip (end of April 2011) had a two-fold purpose: to stop in Urcos, to see how things are progressing with Pastor Angel & the community transformation project and to hold a pastors' conference for the region of Cuzco. The goal of the partnership is to provide God's Word to every child and youth in the area and provide biblical teaching to help combat the challenges of abuse, alcohol and the spiritual darkness in the area.

Through this partnership, land was purchased in a strategic area where the Peruvian government is going to build a main thoroughfare, then believers from SouthPoint Church raised funds to provide the foundation and roofing for the church in Urcos, and local believers built the walls. (See video)

Last year a team from SouthPoint Church (Southaven, MS) raised funds, came and did Book of Hope distributions in the schools, trained leadership in the church and held a Family Fun Festival in Urcos, reaching out to children, youth and their families. Many attended and lives were transformed from the outreach.

Another goal of the community transformation project is to help establish Pastor Angel as a respected leader in the community. One way we chose to do that is through additional pastoral training. Most of the pastors in this area have had little or no formal theological training. It was my joy to be able to plan and carry out a pastors' conference for the region. We had 53 village pastors come. One traveled 20 hours on transportation to get to Cuzco! We taught basic pastoring skills such as: how to conduct holy communion, a baptism, a wedding & funeral. But we also taught on more meaty subjects,

such as: spiritual warfare, divine healing and

the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was exciting to see several baptized in the Holy Spirit and some healed! Some new believers have been added to the church from that outreach. One particular father was delivered from alcohol and is being discipled. He, his wife and children now all attend the church. God is good! The church is also gaining more exposure in the community and becoming known as a place where families can find help. Pastor Craig Wendel and a team from Southaven, MS are coming back this summer to partner again in holding another Family Fun Festival and more training in the church.

Even though there is much spiritual opposition in the area, God moved...and is still moving! Please pray for Pastor Angel, his family, and everyone involved in the community transformation project in order to have greater impact in the city of Urcos and beyond. THANK YOU for praying. THANK YOU for your partnership. TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

When God speaks...

2011-01-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

I was just recently in a meeting in Fang, Thailand where there were AT LEAST 5 languages represented, although most of the participants understood Thai (except me & most of the team with me!). It made me start to think how God speaks to each of us. God is such a personal God, and yet, He is aware of everyone in every culture and EVERY language! He is such a BIG God, and yet, can speak so individually, in a way that is meaningful to every individual! No matter the culture, language, circumstances! In that meeting, I know the Holy Spirit was at work, "speaking" to each of us. How cool is that! What an amazing, awesome God we serve! He is intimately acquainted with me and is still able to speak to a pastor from a tribal village in northern Thailand! Thank you God, for being personal and intimate with each of us, while reaching around the world to EVERY tribe, culture and tongue! Truly, YOU are amazing!

Community Transformation...one life at a time!

2010-09-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

I thought you might want to hear a few stories from some of the lives that have been touched through the Cultivate partnership. Woodpecker is one of our partners. Their mission is three fold: serving the community and being a witness of Christ through their thrift store, helping youth learn how to have confidence in working with adults and teaching youth how to manage time and money through their "time bank." (The youth work for Woodpecker and for their time they get points. After they get so many points in the bank, they can go to one of the local businesses and buy things with their points)

Paula (left) & the rest of us worked
cleaning up damaged goods
at the warehouse after the Typhoon

Paula, a 17 year old from the Ami tribe, is going into her 2nd year of nursing school. Tomorrow is her last day working at Woodpecker before going back to school. During the school year she rents a house and so she needs to earn money during the breaks to pay for her rent. This summer she had 2 job offers: one with Woodpecker and the other with 7-11. (YEP! They do have 7-11's here and they are amazing...bank, postal service, snack foods, bill paying...LOTS of stuff!) Paula decided to take the job with Woodpecker even though she would have earned more at 7-11. "At first," she says, "I did my 'list' and found I had lots of down time. Then I was challenged, mainly by example, to manage myself. I found myself working harder without being told: cleaning, labeling, sorting. I felt successful. It is not just a job. Sometimes I sell things, sometimes I talk to people. Sometimes I can share my faith."

Pastors Jon & Hana, part of the
community transformation team

Hana is another of our partners. She and her husband Jon are both pastors at Fata'an Presbyterian Church. Recently the community transformation team had a group from Japan come to speak to the elderly community. The first goal was to challenge the believers to interceed for their young people. And the second goal was to speak to the community regarding reconciliation. Let me share a bit of history which may help you understand why: Japan ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. Japan's original intention was to make the island a model colony, so much effort went into improving the economy, education and public works. The Taiwanese and Japanese, overall, had a good relationship. However, the last 5-7 year of their rule this changed, largely due to what was happening in Germany and what eventually became known as World War II.

This picture drawn by local artist for
Pastor Hana's illustration

During our community outreach, Hana shared a story about her uncle who was a pastor during the Japanese rule. Even though there was persecution against the Christians, towards the end of the Japanese rule, her uncle continued preaching about Christ. The Japanese soldiers had him build a wooden dog house with his own hands and then put him in it to weather the sun and rain without food or water. 2 days later he pretended to be insane and they decided to let him out. He immediately shouted, "Praise the Lord!" Hana continued telling of God's mercy and grace to each of us. The Japanese team asked for the forgiveness of the people in the community for the wrongs done to them by Japan during that era. Several elders from the tribe came and hugged the Japanese team, choosing to receive their forgiveness. It was an incredible moment! We are praying that God will use the seeds of forgiveness that were sewn to open the doors for revival to come once again to the tribal people of Taiwan...and spread throughout the entire island!

Yes...God is changing lives in Taiwan. And we are praying for a bountiful harvest!

A Stranger in a Foreign Land

2010-09-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been the foreigner? Visiting in a land that is not your own? Not sure of the signs or culture? This morning I was in Taipei, Taiwan, at the main train station. I have been here a few times over the past year, but never alone. It is a very large station with several different platforms, boarding areas and walkways to get to other trains and buses. For this trip, I had assured my Taiwanese colleagues that they didn’t need to meet me (several hours out of their way) but I was sure that I could find my way to the right train, trusting that I would eventually find some kind soul who spoke enough English to help me. Now that the reality was upon me, I found myself a bit unsure, but determined to the right train. In order to do that I needed to get to the right platform at the right time. To any Taiwanese person, trains are a way of life. They take trains to work, trains to shop, trains to visit family across town or across the country. And besides familiarity with the train system, Taiwanese have another huge advantage over me…they can read the signs!!! That’s my challenge! Some of the signage is in both Chinese and English (for which I am very grateful!!!) but the majority is simply in Chinese.

Having arrived early enough to ensure I could find someone to help me, and having found the platform that I eventually needed to get to, I was roaming around the train station, looking for a phone store to purchase a sim card for my phone. All of a sudden, a gentle female voice from behind says, “May I help you? I saw you walking around and thought maybe you are lost. I came to pick up a friend, they are already here but wondered if you needed help before I left.” I thanked her kind gesture and told her that I was fine, knew where my train was, but now was looking to see if there was a place at the train station to buy a sim card. She was not sure, but said, “Let’s go ask as the information center.” We went together, she asked in Chinese. The lady at the information center said there was one nearby if I took one of the trains a few stops away. I thanked both of the ladies trying to help me, but felt it best to stay at the train station so I didn’t venture out and miss making it back in time for my train to Guangfu. I took her hand and looked into her eyes and thanked her, again, for showing me such kindness. She told me she had lived in Sweden and would not have made it if it hadn’t been for friends who had helped her.

After she left, I found myself thinking of this kind woman who, even though she was in a hurry, went out of her way to see if I needed help. I wondered how many times I had missed an opportunity to help someone else because I was busy or in a hurry or simply not paying attention? I wondered if I would have done the same thing if I were in her shoes? I wondered if she herself knew my Savior, in this land where only 3-4% are Christians? I silently lifted her up to Jesus, praying for her salvation, thanking God for this woman who had shown such kindness to me. And I prayed that Jesus would make me more like Him, willing to see others’ needs around me…and to make me willing to take the time.

Radical change...what will it cost me?

2010-08-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

This morning I was reading in Mark chapter 5 and came accross the story of "Legion," the demon possessed man that Jesus delivered. Now that is a great story, isn't it? A man who spent his days and nights crying out among the tombs. A man who had incredible strength because he had been chained, many times, with iron around his hands and feet...yet he broke them off. Unfortunately, this man was dealing with the wrong power. Demonic power. His life was a mess. He was tormented, miserable and alone.

When Legion met Jesus he fell at His feet and begged Jesus not to torture him. You see, torture is all that man had known for many years. Demonic power oppresses. Demons torture. There is nothing loving, nurturing or caring about anything demonic. So...you would think everyone would have been thrilled when Legion was delivered by Jesus. No longer would this naked maniac be roaming among the tombs and crying out. No longer would this man, so deeply wounded inside, cut himself on the outside. Legion had encountered the person of Jesus Christ, and this encounter freed him.  We see in this story that the towns people found him "clothed and in his right mind." Oh, how Jesus still wants to do that today!!!

Sounds like a happy ending, right? Well not with the towns people. You see when Jesus delivered Legion, the demons were sent into a heard of pigs nearby. These pigs, about 2,000 of them, rushed down the bank and into the lake and drowned. What did this deliverance cost the person who owned the pigs?  Can you imagine watching the pigs, screeching and deliberately running into the water to be drowned? Sounds like some kind of strange movie to me.

Verse 17 tells us what the towns people thought. They begged Jesus to leave that region. Jesus had messed up their town, their social system. It wasn't comfortable anymore. They were freaked out by it all. Makes me wonder what my reaction will be when drug addicts, prostitutes, demon possessed and other less desirable creatures, like Legion, get saved and come to my church. How will I react? Or what about the prodigal that comes back? After all, they "deserve what they get!" Dear God, help me to be ready to receive with love anyone you bring into your Kingdom...even when it messes up my comfortable world.

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

2010-07-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

I remember a song in the 70's with the chorus, "ch-ch-ch-changes." When my girls were small, they always seemed to be hanging on to my skirt or hand or something. During that season I wondered if there would ever be a time when, for at least 5 minutes, one of them was not clamoring for my time or attention. Well...I can tell you, that day has come. Now, instead of hoping for 5 minutes away from them, I find that I am grateful for each minute that we are privileged to share!

I had the joy of spending time with each of my daughters over the 4th of July weekend. I flew into Green Bay and spent the first few days with Libby. Then she and James (her boyfriend of 2 years) drove me to Colby, WI where we had arranged to meet Reba and her boyfriend. The 5 of us spent the afternoon together in Colby, WI, a small, quaint town of 1,616 people (at least according to the city sign we saw!). Lunch was good and the conversation too. We were having fun . After several hours together, I rode to Minneapolis with Reba and David. A few days later I helped Reba drive to Florida for a job. (I'll enjoy having her closer for this season!)

As I sat at the restaurant with my daughters and their boyfriends, I mused..."They've grown up and I've gotten older." They have lives of their own and I have mine. Yet, we still share our lives together, just differently. I wondered how differently life might look in just a few short years. Ch-ch-ch-changes. Yet, through all of the changes, seasons in our lives, God has been very good to my daughters and I. He has seen us through the good and the bad times. He's been our provider, friend, counselor, helper, guide and constant companion. My prayer is that both my daughters and I will continue to keep Him number one in our lives, whatever the season of life, whatever the changes, until He calls us home.

Friend, if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I pray you chose to do so soon. He is waiting for you. "Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) He loves you and wants to meet you. But you must ask Him to come in. Will there be changes...more than likely, yes. But the changes He will bring in your life, though sometimes painful, will always be for your best. I am glad He came in my life 37 years ago. And I willingly give Him control to do as He pleases. Back to the song...ch-ch-ch-changes! Continue to change me Lord to make me more like You.

Taiwan

2010-04-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was in Taiwan for the month of March. Traveling by train is a normal part of life there. I enjoyed seeing some aspects of culture through the window of the train as well as the many breath taking views.

It was a joy to have my girls join me for part of that month. Reba came at the beginning of week 2. While I led the meetings, she was a big help in the focus group and ministry design meetings by taking notes of everything that was translated into English. Not an easy job! Libby and James, her boyfriend, joined us at the beginning of week 3, just in time for all of the English classes we had scheduled! It was certainly a new experience for both of the girls, since culture and ministry were so very different from what we had experienced together as missionaries in Madagascar. And for James...this was his first missions experience ever! He did great! We even celebrated Reba's 23rd birthday together! Something we haven't been able to do for years. Her cake...2 Snickers bars, side by side! Mmmmm!!!

What impacted me most was hearing, again, the need for laborers in this spiritually dry land. It is not only a matter of need, but timing is critical as well. Over the past few decades the tribal areas have been damaged through natural disasters. Most recently was the typhoon last August. Many villages were severely damaged or totally destroyed. Some of the tribes are being told to relocate because their land is no longer considered safe. This has created many challenges, but also an openess as well.

Over the past 100 years, there has been Christian evangelistic efforts made among the tribal people, with a degree of success. Many of the pastors feel that if the Church does not stand up and make a difference now, what has been gained could very well be lost. Joanna Lei, former legislature of Taiwan, stated "It is a very critical time for the Christian Church in the aboriginal areas." She went on to say that the Buddhist group, Tzu Chi, is making strong efforts to bring the tribal people to Buddhism. Also, for tourism purposes, the Taiwanese government is encouraging a return to ancestral worship.

In my last week of meetings, I was moved by the hearts of pastors in the areas I visited. Their request was not for more financial resources, but rather for help with Christian materials and Christian laborers. They stated that there are so many open doors right now and not enough people to walk through them. Pastor Yu-Hung, from the Jia-Mu Methodist Church, said "In the process of rebuilding...I just want to see hearts return to God... We are in a serious spiritual war." I would agree. Time is quickly passing. Souls are hanging in the balance. My prayer is that Christians from around the world will listen to the Voice of the Master and labor wherever He leads. If God is prompting you and you are not sure how God could use you, please read my last blog post. Then explore the world of possibilities! There are many places to serve at home...and abroad. Even so, Lord Jesus, come!
NOTE: For any of you that might be interested, I have many more pictures from my trip to Taiwan, as well as the other places I have been on facebook.

Could it be you?

2010-03-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when we think of missionaries, we think of incredible people...unique people with special gifts, talents and abilities. Someone who always has control of their emotions. Someone who can quote all the important Bible verses with chapter and verse! Someone who hears God's smallest whisper and says, "I delight to obey you God!"

I must admit to you that I am not that person. Actually, of all the missionaries I know, they aren't that person either. I am just a normal, ordinary girl from Ohio who happened to say "yes" when Jesus asked me to go. There are days when I am very much reminded that I am still that simple, ordinary person and, at times, ask, "God...are you still sure you want 'me'?" Times like when I miss my daughters or the rest of my family or friends. When I have eaten more unusual food and I just want something "normal." When I just want to touch base with someone who knows me very well to keep myself grounded and it is the middle of the night for them. When I want to stand up and scream "enough!" when for several hours I don't understand any conversation or what is going on around me. When the heat is too hot, or the bugs are to thick, or there are cockroaches or other varmits sharing my sleeping quarters! When I have shared a room too many times with complete strangers (who usually end up being my friend!) and just long for my own space! When the shower is too cold, the food is too weird, the language too hard, the time zone too far off my own and jet lag is pulling at my will and emotions! I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

"So," you ask yourself, "why is she sharing all of this with us?" Because as I travel to different countries, share with fellow believers around the globe, I still see something staggering. THE NEED IS STILL GREAT! OPPORTUNITIES STILL ABOUND! And yet, THE LABORERS ARE FEW!! Jesus told the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. Well...I am praying! And I ask you, "why not you?" Oh, I am sure your excuses are very good and would convince anyone why you shouldn't go. You aren't qualified, not smart enough, don't like bugs, etc. etc. etc. Welcome to my world! And the world of most of us who call ourselves missionaries.

I have seen or heard of so much opportunity for English speakers in so many parts of the world. Places that are not open to a "missionary." I am asking that God stirs in the hearts of some retirees who are brave enough to ask, "Is there something more for us to do, God?" For a young person out of college who says, "Yeah...I can give a year and see if God wants me to give my lifetime." Or to the middle aged person who thinks they just couldn't do something like that! I got back into missions at age 45. Asia, the Middle East, some places in Latin American & Europe have many opportunties, right now. Secular places looking for English speakers to come and teach, some of these are even paid positions. Where you could model Jesus by your life and earn the right to share about Him with your lips. International churches need pastors. Kids need loved on and mentored! The list goes on.

I simply ask if you would ponder the question, "Could it be you?" And then maybe just take it a bit further and ask, "God, could you use me?" Many of these doors of opportunity will not be open forever. And Jesus could come again soon. Are we about our Father's business? Am I obeying what He is asking me to do? All He is looking for is some insignificant person willing to say "yes, I'll do what you want me to do. I'll obey." Could it be you God wants to use around the world or right where you are? It is all about saying "yes" to the Master. The assignments are up to Him!

Hidden agenda???

2010-01-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those days? I knew Saturday was going to be a busy day with coordinating a survey in an area OneHope is working on in Pompano Beach and then heading off to PA for a meeting. With that survey behind me, I made my way back home, reviewed my suitcase to ensure I had all I needed for my presentation and trip to Erie, PA, then made my way to the airport. I was excited because things were going like clock work.

I made my flight from Fort Lauderdale to Detroit. When I deplaned, I looked at the flight board and saw I had a little over an hour until my next flight, so I decided to walk from one terminal to the other for some exercise. Arriving at my gate, I still had enough time to review my presentation and then we began to board. Once on board, I sent a text to Ty and Cina saying it looked like my plane would be on time. Shortly after that, our plane taxied for take off. My seat mate was a high school foreign exchange student from China. I thought, hmmm...divine appointment? I breathed a prayer to God that I was open to share with this young man about Jesus if a door would open.

He was easy to converse with, a very nice, open, and bright young man. I didn't feel any specific prompting or leading, so simply shared as the conversation led. We talked about politics, religion, foods, living cross culturally and many other topics. I tried to let Jesus shine through as opportunity permitted, but felt an uncomfortableness because my "agenda" wasn't accomplished like I hoped it would be. As we approached Erie, I asked the student if I could pray and ask Jesus to bless his new semester with his new family. He agreed, so I prayed a simple prayer.

Some time passed and we never landed. Both my seat mate and I wondered what was happening. People began chattering on the plane as it dawned on most of the passengers that we should have landed by this time. Soon the stewardess came on and said we would be going on to Cleveland and could not land in Erie because of fog. Some grumbling and opinions floated throughout the plane. Well, I thought...so much for an "on-time" arrival...and now I'd be a 2 hour drive away!

To make a long story short, I caught a ride with a woman whom had been on the same plane. She graciously invited me to ride with her back to Erie. Her husband had started driving to Cleveland to pick up his wife when he heard we were being rerouted to Cleveland. She and I sat in the airport talking while we waited for her husband to arrive. They were Mormons. I remember thinking again...hmmm...another divine appointment? At this point, in all honesty, I would have rather been in Erie and crawling in bed! We were on the road around midnight heading to Erie. As much as I wanted to share Christ with my seat mate on the plane and my gracious friends who were giving me a ride to Erie, nothing seemed to flow. I was frustrated with myself. Having this internal agenda of what I wanted to share with both of these opportunities and not sensing it happening the way I thought it should. I knew I didn't want to force it. My body and mind were very tired. And my spirit even felt sluggish. I found myself praying for this couple a few times as we spoke of family, parenting, and a variety of other topics.

The three of us finally arrived in Erie around 2:00 am. The last mile the fog was as thick as soup! We finally found the hotel, thanks to the GPS that instructed us step by step, feet by feet, through the thick fog, into the parking lot of the hotel. I thanked them for their kindness, gave some money for gas and they headed back off into the fog for their last mile home. I was so grateful for God's provision through these two kind people who allowed a complete stranger to ride with them from Cleveland to Erie!

Wearily, I checked into hotel, my mind still struggling with a feeling of not having shared like I could have about Jesus. The words just didn't seem to come. I wondered...did I miss an opportunity just to simply love them like Jesus because my mind was so occupied with my agenda and wondering if I would share the right thing? I sure hope not. Before I feel asleep last night, I asked Jesus to touch each of these three people and take my feeble attempts to let Him shine through me. I also asked Him to help me learn to be more concerned about His agenda and showing His love to someone instead of being so concerned about having the right words to say. Only heaven knows if my "hidden agenda" hindered the Gospel. As for me...I hope I've learned to let Jesus shine through me more and not to be as concerned about the logistics of it.

I guess He really is...

2010-01-14T04:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but often I wonder about all the random things that happen in life. For example, I choose to take this road instead of that one. I feel impressed to randomly go see a girlfriend rather than hit the grocery store.

Over the past few years, I have to believe much more in the sovereignty of God than I ever used to. I always "knew" that God is sovereign and have seen His hand operate that way in my life often, but usually after I can look back on things. But when those totally unexpected twists in life happen...usually the ones that hard...it makes me wonder. "God, are you there? Are you aware of what is going on? Were you sleeping when all of this took place?"

I was reading today and a passage jumped out at me. Yeah, I've pondered it before, but today, it reminded me again that God is in control. In the first chapter of Acts, verses 21-26, the disciples cast lots to see who was going to be the new disciple! Seems like a pretty important decision and yet they casts lots.

Casting lots was quite common in biblical times. The Levites used it in the temple to determine which goat would be sacrificed and which would be the scapegoat. Poor Jonah was thrown over because the sailors casts lots...by the way, Jonah's guilt was found out! Interestingly, casting lots is in the Bible over 70 times (including both the Old Testament and the New Testament).

Now, I am not recommending that you begin casting lots to determine what you do. However, at times, it may be an improvement! :) The point, as I see it, is that they believed God would show His will through it! And He did. I need to trust that God is directing my path as I give my decisions over to Him. The little tiny ones and the really BIG ones!!! I really think that the more I choose to follow Him and make decisions that are right and biblical in general, the more right random decisions will be in my life. At any rate...I guess God really is sovereign!!

Tea anyone?

2009-12-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a special way to make tea? I didn't. I am a tea lover and make tea quite regularly. Ho wever...I did not know the Chinese way to make tea until I went to Dafu in Taiwan. Teresa, our OneHope National Director in Taiwan, Bethany, director of Woodpecker, an organization that OneHope will be partnering with in this area and I were visiting a school and going to talk to the principal (Rose) about an English as a second language program. Before we got to business, she graciously served us tea the Chinese way. It was very interesting.

First Rose took the tea and smelled it, careful to breath in the aroma but then quickly turn her head away from the tea as she exhaled. She turned the tea around in its container before carefully pouring it into the pot she pre-heated with hot water. Then she let it steep for not a long time and we drank our first sips of tea. She filled the pot again and this time it steeped a bit longer. The small cups were only filled less than a third full.

Did you know that you don't bring your head down to drink the tea, rather, you bring the cup up with your hands placed a certain way under the cup. This enables you to keep eye contact and enjoy the conversation around you.

These cultural exchanges are quite valuable. I learned about Rose that day. I learned that tea is important to her and it makes up a piece of who she is. I learned that she likes to teach and demonstrated that by her willingness to allow me to participate in the tea making. I also noticed that she has an eye for detail and beauty as she demonstrated in the way she served our cake. (Beautiful, isn't it?)

Rose is a Buddhist with a passion for young people. She cares about her students and wants to do her part to see them succeed. I had the opportunity to pray for God's blessing and guidance on her school, but did not have the opportunity to share Christ with her. I pray the day comes when I, or another believer in Christ, have the privilege of sharing with Rose, not only in lifestyle and prayer, but through a relationship where a life speaks louder than words which begs the question...what is different? I pray our lives earn the right to tell how Christ poured our His life for us, even more precisely than the way Chinese make tea. He because our sin substitute on the cross so that we might have relationship with Him and the Father. I pray for Rose. I pray for Taiwan and the 97%, most of whom have never heard of Christ's redeeming love. May Christ be lifted up and many bow before Him as Lord and Savior.

Community Transformation Project--Cultivate

2009-09-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

I am preparing to go to Taiwan and work with the nationals to help set up a ministry design that will have the potential of reaching 10 different indigenous tribal groups on the East Coast and central plains of Taiwan. These tribal groups, many years ago, had missionaries that came to them and evangelized them. It was said that about 80-90% were Christians and their work was very effective. However, the reality today is that most of the tribes that are "Christian" are in name only. Their form of "Christianity" has synchronized Christian elements with superstitions and tribal religions. A recent email from one of the nationals in Taiwan stated that "few are really transformed by the Gospel and live their lives their own way." (Sounds a lot of America, doesn't it?)

These indigenous tribes face economic and social barriers, causing substandard education and a higher unemployment rate. And to compound matters, this area was hit the hardest by typhoon Morakot in August of this year and the earthquake which affected Taiwan in September of 1999. A Buddhist group, called TzuChi, have put much effort into the rebuilding of this area to show their concern. The hearts of these tribes are open to anything at this moment, which makes our work even more critical. What message will reach these people first? My prayer is that it is the only true message of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Please pray that God will give us wisdom and a divine strategy to reach these precious people with the power of the Gospel. You may be wondering...why are these people so important? After all, didn't you say that some of them already profess Christianity? Of Taiwan's 22.9 million people, 93% are a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Only 4.5% are "adherents" to Christianity. What if God truly had the hearts of the indigenous tribal people? With the right understanding of who they are in Christ and what God wants to accomplish through them, this small minority of people (representing only 2% of the population!) could be strategic in reaching the rest of Taiwan! That is my hope. That is my prayer. That we will reach them with the transforming power of the Gospel and that they, in turn, will reach others! With God all things are possible!! Thank you for your prayers! Together we are making a difference!

OneHope National Coordinator, Honduras

2009-07-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add a picture in my post below of Walter & Katy Ordonez to help you remember to pray for them and their 2 sons. Also, please pray for the other people who have helped out with OneHope teams in Honduras. Thank you for your partnership...it does make a difference!

Please pray for Honduras

2009-07-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

It was my joy to go to the country of Honduras on June 14th. I had planned on leading two teams back to back. The first team, from Toledo, OH was great. It was a BIG team (43 people) and they were eager to work. We passed out 20,317 copies of the Book of Hope to children and youth. We did have some challenges since a main water pipe broke the week before our arrival due to an earthquake.
On our last day with this team,
we got to visit a fire station and the firemen showed us their equipment, role played someone being hurt and I got to see what it felt like to use a fireman's hose! It was quite the challenge to keep hold of the hose once the water got to full pressure! We also got to see President Zelaya make a speech in the city of Comayagua where we were! I wondered at that time if we were in the middle of history in the making since I was aware of the possibilities of politcal tensions...and we were!
Then the second team came. They were excited about being there and the week was full of potential. Unfortunately, I had been made aware that the political tensions were becoming more and more a reality. They were made aware also, but we all hoped it would not amount to anything and we would at least get some days of ministry in. On Tuesday we were heading out to where we would do ministry for the week and found ourselves in the middle of a truck strike. The trucks had lined both sides of the street and had narrowed the road from a 2 lane street to a one lane. We followed the road for about a mile and came to the block. There had been tires burnt and people were assembled. We never felt our lives were endangered at that moment, but I compare it to being in a very dry field with someone smoking...and you never know when they are going to throw down the cigarette butt! We made the decision to head back to the US since we could not get to the place where we had ministry lined up for the week. And we were not sure how extensive the political challenges were going to go. Unfortunately, things did escalate. If you have watched the news at all, you have seen the challenges the country of Honduras is facing.

Please be praying for the country of Honduras. And for our national coordinator Walter, his wife Katy and their two boys. They live in the capital, not far from the airport, where most of the action is taking place. Thank you for praying! It will make a difference.

Cockroaches or a grasshopper?

2009-05-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

Often when we think of missionaries, we think of brave, determined people. Well, I hate to bust your bubble, but I just may not fit into that category! About midway through my 3 week trip to Africa I hit the proverbial wall. Let me tell you about it.

I was in the country of Benin. It was HOT. We had an incredible day of ministry starting off in one city with a Hopeclub at a school. Then travelled several hours and did a book distribution in a muslim school. Then off to a very large elementary school where I was talking and playing with a few kids on the playground when the bell rang for recess. Within minutes I was bombarded by hundreds of kids surrounding me and pressing into me! It took all of my energy just to remain standing and not get pushed over by the crowd! I had to make my way, very, very carefully, to the truck so I wouldn’t fall on some little African child and squash them! (Jim Byh, another AGWM missionary working with OneHope saw the whole ordeal and said he wished he had a video camera to have caught the sight and sound of this rushing mob of children!) Whew! I made it through that.

Later that evening we were off to do a GodMan showing at the same school with many of the same rambunctious children! We had a crowd of 750 people...all squished together like a bunch of sardines, even though we were on a very large property and the screen was big enough that you could see the film from hundreds of feet away!!!

The GodMan film finished and MANY responded to the altar call. (Sorry, I never did get the actual number of responders.) What a great day of ministry! But I was quite tired. Emotionally, physically. The dirt, the crowds, the heat. And I forgot how very tight African crowds could be!!!

So I make it back to my "hotel" for the night, which is just a simple cement room with a cornered off spot for my bucket bath. After thanking God for this precious bucket of water that allowed me to get the dust and dirt and sweat off of me, I needed to use the bathroom before retiring for the night. Oh dear...that is the outhouse outside. Sigh. I threw on my makeshift robe and headed with flashlight in hand to the outhouse.

Well, I had 2 choices, both turkish style (meaning there is just a whole and a place to put your feet...but it was cement and I was very grateful for that!!!) The one stall had about 30 large cockroaches roaming around. The other had only 4 cockroaches and one grasshopper. I tried to shew the grasshopper out of the one side, but he simply wouldn't go! So...I opted for the one with more cockroaches. At least they couldn't jump on me while squatting!

So, you wonder, what does this have to do with anything? Well, it makes a fun story for one! (Although, I wish I wouldn't have been so tired and would have ventured back out with my camera so you could have gotten the cockroach view of the outhouse!) But there are other reasons too.

I shared this is to remind me...and you...of the many blessing we have. Also I am reminded again and again of the fact that if God can use me back in Africa...He can use ANYONE!!! HIs grace truly is sufficient for the challenges we face. A very sobering thing for me was that God reminded me that this was my experience only for a season. Many live it every day. Some of these are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So I am challenged once again, am I willing to spend and be spent to encourage our brothers and sisters of different cultures and to make sure everyone gets to hear the good news of Jesus Christ's love and redemption? Yeah...I guess by His grace, I choose the cockroaches! By the way, my trip before and after my tipping point was really quite enjoyable!!

Thank you to each of you who support me through praying and giving so that I am able to go. Together we are making a difference!!!

Reconnecting

2009-03-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for the opportunities to reconnect with family and friends. It is relationship that adds color to our lives. Some of my relationships have been around for many years, while others are just beginning. I think of Walt & Marilyn Stewart, Sherry Lain & Cyndi Mann, all of whom I've known for 36 years.

And my girls. Some of their friends are new to me. But my girls and I have stood the test of time. Each one of these relationships help shape me and define my life in some way.

I'm truly grateful for many of you who read my blog and who partner with me to reach many for the cause of Christ. But the most important relationship in my life is that of my best friend, Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that He came into my life and forgave my sins when I was 14 years old. He gave my life meaning and purpose way back then. And He continues to forgive me, lead me and guide me each and every day. If you don't know Him, or only know about Him, won't you ask Him to forgive your sins and make Him Lord of your life today? I'd be happy to introduce you to Him. You won't ever be sorry you did!

Boot Camp

2009-02-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

I have never been in the military, but I do know that boot camp is tough! I've heard from several friends and family members how challenging it is...quite frankly, I don't know if I would make it through it!

I recently had the privilege of participating in a missions bootcamp for Valley Forge Christian College's students going on missions trips this year. There were about 45 students going to a variety of countries. There was teaching, prayer for the students and communion. I was encouraged to see the desire and heart of the students. (And I was excited to meet the students who will be going with me to Honduras in less than a month!) Being with the students reminded me of when I was a student at North Central Bible College (now University) studying missions. I knew God had called me, I just didn't know exactly when I would go or where it would take me.

As I reflect on life now, there are still times in life when I don't know the when or where or for that matter the how of life! My path has been different than I had planned, but it has been an incredible journey! It is true that some chapters I would have rather left unwritten, but then I wouldn't have gained some of the treasures in my heart. I have learned that God is faithful and He is enough. He will get me where He needs me to be in His timing. And if I let Him, He will be all I need. All I have to do is trust and obey. These are two simple words, yet often they challenge me to the core. Will I trust God when things are anything but clear? When the path is scarry and looks like I will fall off the edge? Will I obey Him when it goes against everything my flesh wants to do?

Hmmm. Funny, after so many years I'm really not that different. Yeah, there are more gray hairs and wrinkles, but inside there is still a little girl who falls at her Father's feet, often unsure, still seeking guidance, forgiveness and hope. I am so glad God doesn't change. He still invites us to the communion table. Not just around the bread and the grapes, but daily, to commune with Him. And He is still there, ready to forgive, lead, comfort and guide. I guess we are never too old to go to boot camp and get back to the basics : )

Family Matters

2009-01-11T17:14:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite gifts this year was the gift of family. What a joy I had this Christmas season to be able to spend time with my girls and some of my brothers and sisters! We all live in different states, so getting together is not always easy. It was the first time in our adult lives that we were able to celebrate this season together. Though my family may be a little crazy, I truly do enjoy spending time with them. Having history to share, things to remember...to laugh about, cry over, this is part of what makes family so special. And we did just that! Lots of laughter, food and fun! One of my brothers is pretty good at pool, so we took him to a pool hall for his birthday. Not my forte, but I certainly had fun with the family. We actually celebrated together 7 birthdays that covered a 5 week span for the first time ever! I'm grateful God has given me this gang to shape my life. (Okay, while growing up I may not have always been thankful for them!!!) Family is important. It is part of God's divine plan.

So it is with the Body of Christ as well. I am truly grateful for the family God has given me in my brothers and sisters in Christ. I can honestly say that I would not have made it through some seasons of my life without both my natural family and my family in Christ.

I pray for my natural family. There are still quite a few that do not know Christ as their personal Savior. How sad it would be to enjoy their company so much here on earth and not be able to spend eternity with them. I pray that believers that live near them will be faithful to live and share their faith with them. And I try to do the same here. I always think...that is someone's brother/mother/neice/cousin.

Family does matter. Naturally and spiritually. I wouldn't be who I am today without God using them to shape and mold me. Thank you God for family!!!

Only 2 days to go!

2008-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that I have been in language school for 10 weeks and only have 2 days to go! My progress doesn't seem to be 10 weeks worth to me...but I do know I can speak better than when I came! Thank the Lord for that. While it has been challenging to be in language school (especially at the ripe old age of...almost 50...yikes!), I truly count it a privilege. I have met some incredible people. There are certainly some very neat missionaries here studying with me, however, I have enjoyed my teachers tremendously. They have modeled Christ to me. Who else would sit and listen to me read like a lower elementary school kid and still smile when they see me coming into the classroom? (Ok, mothers do this with their kids all the time...but they aren't my mom! : ) But their personal stories have impacted me most. I was very encouraged when I was able to follow that prompting in my spirit to simply share heart to heart with one of my teachers, mostly without words. Her heart was heavy from life's burdens. I listened, put my arms around and shared tears. I thought of God's providence. Because of my life's experiences I was able to understand, to some degree, her pain. Did God bring me all the way to Costa Rica for this one moment? Or maybe it was last week when I spoke a word of exhortation through the Spirit to a Costa Rican woman I go to church with and because of that she was free to show her emotions through acting and God used her acting to rescue a person from suicide. I am not sure. They have impacted me. And in some small way, I hope I have impacted Costa Rica. God is amazing. He is extravagant. I may have used this scripture before, but it bears repeating: From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. (Isaiah 46:11) God cares about each of us so intimately, that He will go to great expense to touch one heart. Language school has been more to me than simply the process of learning Spanish. It is, as is all of life, about touching lives. Theirs...and mine.
(Pictures are of some of the cast from our production of Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames which we did last weekend in the church plant I attended here in Costa Rica. 98 people made profressions of faith! Praise God!!!)

To be or not to be?

2008-09-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from our Columbus Day no school day get-away to Jaco Beach. It was a 2 1/2 hour bus ride on curvy roads. San Jose is up in the mountains and much cooler, so it was nice to enjoy the sun and the sand and the ocean even if it was only for a day. Thank you Lord for that day of refreshing!!!

Language school. Friday's classes were spent working on the verb "to be" in Spanish. Sounds simple, right? Well, not when there are 5 verbs that are used to express "to be!" I hit the perverbial wall on Friday. I got stuck. I couldn't remember which verb was used for which circumstance and, quite frankly I could hardly come up with any sentences at all since my brain seemed to freeze!!! I was going bananas!!! After mentally checking out for the moment, that afternoon I had a decision to make. Would I decide to continue to do my best "to be" totally here or decide not "to be" here and give mediocre efforts. What to do...

I spent a lot of my weekend looking over the 5 verbs. Can I say I have them mastered? Not yet. As a matter of fact, I'm still not even close to having them mastered. But I am further along than I was Friday morning!!!

I guess life is like that too. Life happens. Things get tough. Will I quit when it gets tough or keep on moving? In my own strength, I very well could decide to call it a day, throw in the towel and give up. But, by God's grace and some good 'ole determination I believe I'm going to make it. And I trust, whatever you are facing, you will too. After all, I'm reminded of the promise that tells me I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! I'm so glad He is my strength!!! And He can be yours too!

Brain in a blender anyone?

2008-09-02T14:23:00.001-07:00

Language school. Who would have thought that I would be sitting in language school at the age of 49? This morning, after only 4 hours of classes, I was quickly reminded of my language learning experience in Quebec when I began my pursuit of French. I often told people that it was like putting your brain in a blender. And I have come to believe, once again, that it is so. How can I feel so mentally and physically exhausted after only 4 short hours? Then I remind myself that I have been reduced to a preschooler in just a few short minutes!!! With much effort I was able to count to 20 this morning and say my a,b, c's. Or should I say "ah, bay, say?" Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for this opportunity. God has opened this door and I will walk through it. I am reminded that anything of value usually has a price tag attached. Communicating the Gospel cross culturally is no exception. And if I want to accomplish this then, once again, I must become like a child. God's ways are not our ways. He chooses to use the weak (that's me) and the weary (me also???) to accomplish His purposes. Why? So He gets the glory and not me! God's lavish love will take a nobody from nowhere to fulfill His purpose and send them to the places He desires. Isaiah 46:11 sums it up, "From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose..." That is missions in a nut shell. Fulfilling God's purposes in a land not your own. So...brain in a blender??? Count me in!!! (Book of Hope team after our first day of language school.)

Heart transplant in Lima, Peru

2008-07-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

I just recently got back from 3 1/2 weeks in the great country of Peru. I spent 2 weeks in Lima and then another 10 days in Huancayo up in the mountains. It was beautiful!!! However, of all of my experiences in Peru, the one that impacted me the most happened shortly after my arrival in the country.

We had picked up the team from First Assembly of God in Pekin, IL the night before. After just a few hours of sleep we got on our bus and headed toward our place of ministry that morning. We were all very excited to get to work. After a few hours on the bus, trying to find the orphanage, we picked up this lady who was going to show us where the orphanage was. We didn't go very far when the bus stopped and the lady who had gotten on just a few moments before motioned for me, Carly and Pastor Chuck to get off the bus and follow her upstairs...she wanted to show us something. Much to my surprise, we are taken up a flight of stairs into a medium sized room with many people. In the corner was a twin bed with a lady lying on her side in the bed. The lady from the bus proceeded to tell us how this woman had fallen and broken her back some 6 months ago and had been bed ridden ever since. She peeled open the woman's adult sized diaper (in front of the whole room) to expose this poor woman and a horrific open sore on the bed ridden lady's left hip. I was appalled that this poor woman on the bed was being show cased in front of so many people in such a vulnerable state. The lady from the bus began to speak to us for about 45 minutes about the woman's financial needs, etc. but seemed to overlook her other needs for care and kindness.

I wish I could tell you I was filled with compassion, but I was not. I was angry and felt like our American team was being manipulated and the woman lying in the bed was being exploited! I remembered how it felt to be unable to move off of a bed when I was paralyzed back in '98 and to be at the mercy of those around me. I remembered a room full of doctors talking about me all the while that I was in the room yet they neglected to speak to me! I felt for the woman lying in the bed. I couldn't believe the many emotions that were vying for my attention in my own heart. Many of which were not Christlike! As my mind worked its way through the maze of thoughts and emotions, I was quickly taken from my myriad of thoughts and slapped into reality when I was asked to pray for the lady lying on the bed.

I quickly breathed a silent prayer and asked God to give me His compassion and love for this woman. I asked for the translator to interpret and I began to pray for her. By the end of the prayer both the woman on the bed and I were in tears. I knelt down, and once again with the help of the translator began to share a bit of my own testimony of how God had healed me and I told the woman I would believe for her healing as well. Her heart was touched. And my heart was changed.

Shortly after the prayer we went back to the bus and headed toward the very poor area in Lima where we would minister to about 50 kids outdoors through skits, testimonies and by giving each child their own Book of Hope. During the bus ride my thoughts shifted to Jesus. He always managed to see individuals...not just the crowds and He was moved with compassion when He saw them. I spent the time on the bus recomitting to seeing people. And not just people, but individuals in the crowd. And asking God to forgive me for the many times I have tried to use a particular situation or circumstance for my own ends instead of being primarily concerned about the needs of others. I'm so grateful God doesn't give up on me. And that He is always working to make me more like Him.

Food for Thought

2008-04-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of reading a book by Claude Hickman called Live Life on Purpose. So far it has been quite a good read. Here's one quote I have been mulling around in my head, "Don't be afraid of the unkown of the journey; be afraid of missing the life God has appointed you to live." I wonder how many opportunities I've missed by simply being afraid of the unknown? I do know that I want to live the life God has purposed for me. You might be asking, "How do you do that?" Simply by yielding to His plan instead of trying to get God to fit into your own. By determining to find His plan in His Word and then follow along with what He is already doing. Henry Blackaby (another author) writes often about getting involved in what God is already doing and going with that.

I don't know about you, but I am often trying to fit God into my box. For example, when I pray, often I tell God what I would like to see happen and then say, "okay God, go ahead and do it!" Or I have my grandiose ideas of how I'm going to help God out in His great plan of life instead of allowing Him to choose the how and where and when I serve Him (even when it is much less glamorous than I thought!). I am trying more and more to lift up my request to Him (and the struggle, fear or worry that wants to come right along with it) and then say, "God it is yours, to answer how you see fit." And I'm trying to let go of the reigns of my life and say "Take them God, I offer them up to you as an act of trust and submission." I'm finding a greater freedom in knowing He orders my steps. I'm still responsible to obey the part I'm called to play, but I am not trying to control it as much as I used to (well, in most cases anyway!!!). I'm able to enjoy the slower seasons and run like crazy in the faster paced ones. I'm learning to rest more in the mundane, knowing it is just as much a part of His plan. (By the way, I still believe that most of life happens in the mundane!) And I can walk confidently when I'm in over my head, knowing He has opened the door and by His grace and strength I can walk through it.

Yep, I want to follow Him and live my life on purpose. The purpose of lifting Him up to whomever the Lord leads my way. The purpose of seeing Him glorified in a world that wants very little to do with Him. And to learn to trust in the dark or quiet places when it seems I am all alone, knowing that He is indeed with me and directing my path...because I am leaving the choice up to Him. And in the end, my life will be filled with purpose, passion and joy no matter the circumstance.

Chicken Soup for the Soul!

2008-03-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yep...we've all heard of that book! Encouraging, heartwarming and often challenging too. Well, while I was in Colombia...I decided I would add a word to the title of that book. Ready? Chicken FOOT Soup for the Soul! Yep, that's right! Chicken foot soup is what I was served one day for lunch! Well, okay, it wasn't just chicken feet, but it did have a chicken foot in it!!! Imagine a plump (only because it had been boiled in the soup) juicy chicken foot floating on the top of your soup! Making you hungry yet? Me neither!!! Actually, the soup itself was very good, once I managed to balance the swollen chicken foot on my soup spoon and give it to one of my Colombian friends!

My time in Colombia was challenging, encouraging and rewarding! My very first trip with Book of Hope was also a learning trip. I learned a lot and realized I have lots to learn! The Colombians were a joy to work with! They have a real heart for their country and a desire to see God move and be glorified. And the country itself was absolutely beautiful, sometimes almost breath taking!

My trip was filled with new experiences and new friends. And strange encounters of the cultural kind. If you have ever spent any length of time in another culture you will be nodding your head in agreement. My #1 food "fun" was the floating chicken foot in my soup, but there were certainly others...and not all of them were food related. My most memorable moment of the trip was when my two wonderful host ladies (who were quite brave to have a non-Spanish speaking guest in their home for 1 week) served me a common Colombian snack before going to bed my second night in their home. I "enjoyed" a large chuck of cheese situated very elegantly on a dainty bowl full of thick pasty jelly! Let's just say I managed to get it down, while my Spanish hosts watched to see if I like it! (I tried to look like I was enjoying it!) They kept asking me if I liked it. That was one time I was actually glad for my language barrier so I didn't have to lie! Smile.

Missionary life is not always fun or full of good communication. Ruth and Amanda, my dear Colombian hosts, took very good care of me. After a few days of being together, we finally managed to find a way to "communicate" through gestures and pantomime and we enjoyed each other's company. I was never far from my borrowed Spanish/English dictionary. After about 5 days in their home, I wanted to express my gratitude to them for their many kindnesses and for treating me so well. They were awesome!!! So, with dictionary in hand, I started making my phrase by phrase sentence. You....vosotros...me...mi, spoil....I looked up the word for spoil and told them. I can't remember what 2 words were listed in my dictionary, but they both looked stunned and then after a few seconds they both started to laugh! They mimed to me what the words I actually said meant. They pantomimed that I had actually told them that they hurt me by poking at each other, putting something on the ground and stomping on it and other actions! "Oh dear..." I thought....I didn't communicate very good here! When I went to the church that morning, I asked our translator what I actually said. Needless to say, he had a very good laugh! He told me the word I wanted to say was "mimar" which means to pamper! When I arrived home that night, I told Ruth and Amanda that they "pampered" me, not "spoiled" me. They laughed again and understood what I was trying to say! Yep... all in a day's missionary journey! (Just another reason for the argument for language school, right?)

I certainly provided many laughs for those around me in my attempts to speak Spanish. But one thing is universal...God's power to save. Many lives were touched and transformed through the power of the Gospel. Four of us from Book of Hope trained about 20 nationals and together we distributed the Book of Hope to 30,000 children and youth. It was a joy to see the kids get totally drawn into our skits and presentations at the school assemblies. To see them laugh and enjoy our presence was reward in itself. But to see some of them get tears in their eyes when they were reminded of how important and precious they are to God, now that was rewarding! In Ipialis, one of the cities where we did one of our trainings, they have the highest rate for suicide among youth in Colombia! I pray that the power of God's Word will transform lives through the Book of Hope in that beautiful city. God did transform lives. Individuals. People, like you and me, with hurts, joys, baggage and worries about school, family, life, decisions. Each one needs to hear about the love of Jesus Christ.

One way God used me on this trip was to speak individually into many of the young people's lives with whom we worked...kind of like a surrogate spiritual mother. It was a joy to see tears in many of their eyes when I would bless them, encourage them, hug them or reassure them of God's love and remind them that He has a purpose for them. His love transcends all time and cultures...even while using a very limited vessel! His love can cover the ugliest sin or deepest emotional wound. His love is enough. No matter where you live or what you are facing. I'm thankful I can share His good news!

It is a joy to work for the Lord. Not always easy, but certainly worthwhile. And if God can use me as His vessel He can certainly use you. I've decided I better learn to laugh at myself or decide to stay home! And I most certainly don't want to do that. There are too many souls at stake. Lord, make me a vessel that you can use!!

The itineration trail behind...Book of Hope ahead!

2008-02-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

It is with great joy and gratitude that I am writing this blog! After 19 months of itineration, I will soon be re-established and ready to begin ministry with Book of Hope.

Itineration, in many ways, is a gift from God, though I confess, I am ready for it to end. The opportunity to preach in so many pulpits and to minister to scores of people, in a variety of settings is one of the privileges afforded me as an itinerating missionary. Thanks to everyone who allowed me to come and minister!!!

It has amazed me how God used one of the most painful parts of my past to minister to many others. He truly takes our brokenness and uses it as a vessel from which to He can flow through to minister to others.

I am reminded of the analogy God gave me regarding the tiffany lamp and His promise to pick up my pieces, clean them up and make them something beautiful that He could shine through! Only God can do that!! That is what God wants to do in each of our lives. Are we willing to let go and give Him the mess? The pain? The shame? The hurt? Funny how often times we try to keep control of it or ignore it. It is a scarry thought to be exposed. But it is only when we give God complete control of every piece that the enemy can no longer condemn us or harrass us and God can clean them up and remake them as He pleases. Can I promise it won't be painful...no. But I can tell you it is worth it in the end! It is only when we give the pieces up to God, willing to face them in all of their ugliness, that God can clean it up and make it new! What an awesome God we have!! And what a beautiful message we can share!!!

I'm ready for this new chapter. And I'm ready for God to shine through me as I begin ministry with Book of Hope...pieces and all!

While you were sleeping...

2008-01-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am quite sure there are many who are very sad in Green Bay tonight. After an incredible season for Brett Favre and the Packers, they lost in overtime to the New York Giants, 23/20 for the NFC title and right to go the Superbowl. I couldn't help but think of a lot of things as I watched a portion of the third quarter and the remainder of the game, including overtime. The temperature alone would sort out any fan that was not truly a diehard Packer fan. -4 raw temperature, -24 with the wind chill, did not stop the 72,470 Packer fans from coming to the game!

If only we, as Christians, were as hearty as the Packer fans. Lambeau Field games have been sold out since 1980. Win or lose, the fans are loyal. Rain or snow. Warm or frigid, they head off to Lambeau Field, first to tailgate and then to enjoy the game. 72,470 fans came out tonight in subzero weather. How many times have I not gone to church because I was "cozy" or into something else and time slipped passed me? If I were a betting person, I bet that there was not a fan who missed this game tonight by choice, unless it was truly a dire situation. How many times have I gone to church with a ho-hum attitude, not expecting anything from the service, but going out of a sense of duty? Believe me, the fans that went to the game tonight totally expected the Packers to win. All of the statistics pointed to the Packers winning the game. Even though they lost, Packer fans will remain loyal. Oh sure, they will grumble about what should have happened. But you can bet your bottom dollar, next season, they will be there with their cheese head hats, tailgating and cheering through another season!

When times are tough for us as Christians, can we still hang tough, knowing that God is sovereign? Faithful? Even when things are tough? Or will we be like a fair weather fan (like myself when it comes to football) only rooting when our team is on top? Even though life's statistics may point to the impossible, the Bible tells us that with God all things are possible!!! Will we believe God when He says that He is sovereign and His ways will win out? That His Word will not return void???

Another thought I had tonight was the fact that a lot of people sat and watched the game, whether actually in Lambeau Field, or in the warmth of their living room, for 4 hours or more (depending on whether they watched the pre-game and post-game hoopla). Yet most of us complain when the service goes over the normal time by 15 minutes!! It also made me flash back to this past summer when Lambeau Leap of Faith was happening and 10,000+ Christians joined together in Lambeau Field (see article from July below). Are there only 10,000 believers in Green Bay???

And lastly, although I make no claim to be any kind of football guru, the portion of the game I watched seemed as if the Packers were not able to make much happen. It was as if they were "sleeping on the job." I'm sure they tried, but for some reason it was certainly not the best game they ever played. And, "while they were sleeping," the Giants won the game. What will happen if the Church of Jesus Christ does not wake up? How many more casualties will there be? How many more souls will be lost? I know I came away challenged tonight in my walk with the Lord. What is happening while I am spiritually sleeping? Wake me up Lord and help me to be a greater fanatic for Jesus Christ than those of the Green Bay Packers!!!

92% down, $508 still to raise in monthly support!!!

2008-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that I am finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!! And to see the end of fundraising finally coming into sight! After 18 months of travelling, preaching, singing, sharing, speaking...I can finally see the finish line! I'm not there yet...but I can see it. With the Lord's help, (and many of you too!) I've raised $6,152 in monthly support. I have promises for another $370 a month that haven't yet made it through the paperwork at headquarters. That brings me to a grand total of $6,522!!! (By the way, I'm still looking for a few more partners to help me meet the remaining $508 still needed in monthly support to send me on my way to work with Book of Hope. If you would like to partner with me, but have not yet done so, please click on one the links to the right.)

For those of you who like numbers, here are a few of them. I have driven 41,145 miles and flown to 7 States to have 175 services. I've flown to Alaska, Oregon, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Florida & West Virginia. I've had services all over Wisconsin & Illinois. Had other services in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Florida, Wyoming, Alaska, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Washington (state), Virginia & Maryland. I've travelled to or through Missouri, Oklahoma and Indiana as well! And before this month is over, I will have added Nebraska to my list of States travelled for itineration.

Besides the many miles and places I've been, I haven't yet mentioned the multitudes of incredible people I have had the privilege of meeting, eating with or staying in their homes. It has been my joy to pray with, cry with, listen to and laugh with some amazing people! Itineration is challenging. It challenges your stamina, both emotionally and physically. But it is also an incredible privilege. I wonder when I get to heaven, how many people would not have been there if I hadn't come to their church, spoke with them or prayed with them, somehow encouraging them along the way?

I wonder still...how many times I might have quit or given up if someone hadn't shared with me an encouraging word, a pleasant smile, made a financial commitment or challenged me to remember the call? "THANK YOU" to each and every one of you who have touched my life in someway, whether big and small, on the itineration trail. Without YOU I wouldn't have made it this far. Without YOU I wouldn't be able to see the finish line coming into focus. And without YOU I wouldn't be able to finish! Each and every one of us plays a valuable part. We are a body. There is nothing we can't accomplish when we work together. But when we try to go it all alone, we accomplish very little. Thanks for helping me make it this far. And pretty soon, "we" will make it to the finish line!

Ready to quit? Keep standing!

2007-11-26T21:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like quitting? You know, you've given it your best shot, tried really hard and you just didn't make your goal. It took longer than you thought, was harder than you imagined, or perhaps something unforseen got in your way. You had every intention of finishing...but you just couldn't. Or didn't.
I've been wrestling with this lately. I'm in the middle of a battle in my mind and spirit. My thoughts are like this: The itineration road is long. I thought I would have finished by now. I've made a million phone calls and I've spent many miles in the car. Is it worth it? Will I ever make it? You'll be happy to know I've talked to God about it. Oh yeah...and I've let Him know that His time table is certainly different than mine! (Sorry...you probably thought I'd be more spiritual than that!!!)
Then the enemy has visited with me too. "Wilma, you can't make it. No one is going to answer that phone. Why try? You aren't going to get more services and certainly not more pledge support! Your final 15% is n e v e r going to come in. Give up. Throw in the towel. You tried. C'mon, just give up."
I must admit, it has been a tempting idea. But then I am reminded of a swimmer, Florence Chadwick. In 1952 she attempted to be the first woman to swim 26 miles between Catalina Island and California. Hour after hour she swam. But after 15 hours a thick heavy fog set in. She told her mother, in a boat along side her, that she didn't think she could make it. She began to doubt herself. She swam for another hour and then asked to be pulled up into the boat. She later found out that she was within a mile of her destination. She said that she quit because she could no longer see the coast line, there was too much fog.
In Philipians 3:12, the apostle Paul tells us to press on. He continues in verses 13 and 14 saying "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Paul kept his "shoreline" in clear view.
It is so easy to loose sight of our goals. A great time of worship, a vision at the alter or a dream in the night and we feel God is right beside us, speaking to us. We are ready, let's go! But then...the fog sets in. Fatigue. Self-doubt. Circumstances. Like Florence, we get lost in the fog and disheartened, often giving up within reach of the goal.
But Florence didn't stop there. Two months later she determined to attempt the swim again. She got back in the water. The same 26 miles lay before her. And the same thick fog set in. But this time she didn't give up. Why? She told reporters that she kept the goal of the shoreline in her mind, even though she couldn't actually see it. And she made it. She reached her goal and was the first to do it!
When my road gets longs, I have to remind myself why I am doing what I am doing and remember Who it is that called me to do it. Once again I find encouragement in the words of Paul. I Thessalonians 5:24 says, "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." The reality is, if I don't quit, it will happen. God will see me through!
I remember 9 years ago when I was in the hospital in the island country of Reunion, after a very serious accident. I was tired, discouraged and told I would probably never walk again. Life was quite overwhelming. My dear sister Sandy sent me a saying that I taped on my hospital bed where I could see it every day. It read, "Sometimes it's victory just to stand still." If we don't give up we will make it!
There are many times in the book of Revelation it says "to him who overcomes..." I like that. It doesn't say "to him who is the best or first, the fastest or the quickest. It simply states to him who overcomes. We can overcome. How? By not quitting. I just simply have to finish the race by not giving up!!! With God's help, I can do that. I can continue to stand (or sit if necessary) but I won't give up! I'll keep on going by His grace, one day at a time. I hope you will too. Remember, God is faithful and He will do it!

Don't Quit--author unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -

You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup.

And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt -

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

The Power of a Touch

2007-11-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me to think back over my life and to realize that I have known some of my close friends for over 34 years! It doesn't seem possible. Who would have thought that when I met some of them in youth group at the ripe old age of 14, they would touch my life and still play a significant role in my life at 48 (not yet 49 Sherry!!!). Each of the dear friends you see above, I've been privileged to see in the last few weeks. And what a joy it has been. Catching up and getting a real hug...not just a chat on the phone or an email. But live...in person!!!

I have many "life-er" friends that I've had the joy of seeing along the itineration road. Some "life-er" friends I've not seen for years, but yet we keep in touch. Other friends I've only known for a short season in life, yet they've had a profound impact on my life. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life. But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

The truest friend who has ever touched my life is Jesus Christ. While I'm very grateful for my other friends--who are "Jesus with skin on" to me--none of them can replace the One who died on the cross to take away my sin. And how He loves me from day to day! He is there in the middle of the night when I wake up concerned about something in life. He is the one who will carry my burdens...if I choose to give them away. And He is the One who continues to challenge me to become all that I was meant to be for His kingdom, and picks me up when I fall.

I am very grateful that Jesus has given me good friends to touch my life down here on earth too. Where would I be without them? “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." (Anais Nin)

I'm grateful for those who have made my life brighter, healthier and more whole by their touch. I can honestly say that I have come to realize that those whose touch on my life was painful, harsh or cold, have helped make me who I am also. So I guess I'm grateful for them too! Although I hope I don't get to "meet" too many more of them! Smile.

Recently I met a couple whom I had never met before. They spoke volumes into my life...though it was not by their words. Rather, it was the lives they lived in front of me, for the brief hours that we were together and they are probably unaware. They have deepened my praise for God...and caused me to ask Him many questions too. One day I will share with them. But for now...I am still pondering, praying, sorting out and seeking.

Who have you touched today? There is power in a touch, you know. It may be physical touch, or simply by your presence. But you are touching lives each and every day. Though I fall miserably short of this goal, my prayer is that every time I touch a life, they will feel the hand of Christ...somehow.

I wonder...what fingerprints did I leave behind today?

Ministry in the "hometown."

2007-10-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Convoy of Hope in Green Bay, Wisconsin...what an awesome experience! On September 1st, 435 volunteers from 39 churches and organizations touched the lives of 2,462 people! It truly was a fun day to be serving the Master. It was a lot of hard work, to be sure, but I think each volunteer felt it was
worth it.

Here are a few facts from the day: 6,500 ice cream treats were eaten...4,600 hot dogs too! I'm not sure how many bags of tortilla chips!

Many were pampered with the 110 facials and makeovers that were done. Not to mention 186 haircuts! There was a kids' zone, a health tent, prizes to be won and much more. And TONS of food to be given away! Literally.

Makes you wonder...why would 435 people volunteer to give up a beautiful Saturday to serve strangers they don't know??? It's quite simple really. It's all about Kingdom work. People touching people...a chance to be "Jesus with skin on" to another person.

In the prayer tent, where I had the privilege of serving, there were 56 decisions for Christ. In the kids' zone, 167 children and their parents made decisions for Christ. And for those who did not make a profession of faith, they at least had the opportunity to feel that they were special and valued. One woman said it was the first time in a along time she felt like a "real person." Even if they didn't realize it, I believe each person came one step closer to knowing the love of a Father in heaven who cares for them very much.

Tears formed in my eyes as I listened to the stories people shared with me in the prayer tent. Life is hard and people are hurting. I always asked if I could pray for them. Most allowed me to, others declined. Our goal was to let each person know that they have a heavenly Father who cares deeply about them. So deeply, in fact, that He sent His one and only Son to die for their sins...and mine.

One man shared with me that he ad done "something that only he and man upstairs knew about and he'd carry with him to the grave." I had the wonderful opportunity to tell him the good news that Someone already carried it with Him to the grave...that someone is Jesus. With tears in his eyes, he decided to allow Jesus to take that load from him.

What about you? Are you carrying an unnecessary burden with you? Jesus says, "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Carrying the burden of sin by ourselves is overwhelming. But the good news is that we don't have to carry it!!! We can get rid of that heavy burden by admitting our sin, asking Jesus to forgive us and making Him Lord of our life!!! The Bible tells us that "all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) He died on the cross to purchase a place in heaven for us. And to help us overcome our sinful ways while we are still on earth. And believe me...I'm very glad He did!!!

Used by people or used by God?

2007-08-25T19:55:00.001-07:00

(Photo: Reflecting and relaxing after conference at Word of Life Church)
Have you ever had one of those experiences where you felt used? It left you with a terrible feeling, right? Dirty. Frustrated. Confused. Angry...at yourself for being duped...again. And angry at the other person who used you. I've been there. I've been used by people before...and it hurts. And, quite honestly, I've used others too.

When God is the One who does the using, the feelings are quite different. I'm always amazed at the fact that God can use me. Or even more amazing, the fact that He wants to use me!!!

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of being one of the speakers at a single's conference hosted by Word of Life Church in the DC area. What amazed me most is the fact that God used me, with all of my warts and wrinkles! He chose to use me to minister to and touch other peoples' lives. How incredibly awesome is that? When God uses me I am fulfilled. When I am used by others I feel wounded and hurt. When God uses me I bring Him glory. When I use others I hurt Christ once again.

God wants to use us to fulfill His plan on earth and to bring Him glory. Am I allowing Him to do that through my life? Or do I spend my days seeing how I can use others and exert my energy keeping myself from being used by others? Do something crazy today...ask God to use you! You won't be sorry that you did.

Lambeau Leap of Faith Follow-Up

2007-07-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Over 10,000 believers gathered at Lambeau Field to respond to the call to repentance on 07-07-07. It was a great day and a privilege to be a part of "God's remnant" as we were often called throughout the event. Over 75 first time commitments to Christ and over 200 rededications were made! What an awesome day!

The weather was sunny and beautiful (although, I will admit it was quite warm after several hours : ) I had the joy of having two of my sisters join me for the whole experience. The worship and speakers challenged and encouraged each of us to examine our own hearts and respond to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. For me personally, there were moments of reflection and personal repentance that Saturday. But it was so much more, the times spent in preparation for the event...praying for Green Bay, anticipating what God was going to do, and walking around Lambeau Field interceding for the city of Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin...all of these have shaped me. I have a greater burden for NE Wisconsin and the United States. The whole event was challenging...encouraging...and caused me to long for something more.

Although the numbers were not what I was hoping for, I do believe God began something that day which will eventually produce more fruit. I'm thankful that those who organized it and carry the weight of it all, did not grow weary and give up. Where would the 75 who made first time committments to Christ be? I hope it encourages each of us to be faithful to do what God has called us to do. And...leave the results to Him!!! May He find us faithful upon His return!

Are you ready for 7-7-07?

2007-06-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'm excited! Everyone in the vicinity of Green Bay, WI has the opportunity to share in a life changing, region shaking event. It is called "Lambeau Leap of Faith." A group of people who are tired of the "business as usual" Christianity. A group of people who are tired of the decline in the morals of America. A group of people who are asking God to change us to become more like Him. That excites me!

It will take place on July 7, 2007 at Lambeau field in Green Bay, WI. (If you want more information, click here) It isn't a denomination or church that is putting this on, but rather a group of people, from many denominations, who want to see God move in NE Wisconsin. I want to invite you to be a part of this exciting event. I'm going to be there! I wouldn't miss it! I'm praying and believing that God will meet us in a very special way.

If you live too far away to join this exciting event, you can pray. Pray that God will prepare our hearts so that He can do what He wants. And if you live within driving distance of Lambeau Field, please consider coming. It is free! (Parking is only $5.00 for the day!) And God wants to meet you there! It is not about you, or me, but about God. Isn't it time we make it about Him?

Hope to see you then!

How do you see yourself?

2007-04-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Life it funny. Sometimes we are on top of the world and others times we feel like we are scraping the bottom of the barrel. And oh how quickly our perspective can change. Circumstances, some one's cutting words, a new outfit...all of these things can affect how we see our self.

Recently I was teaching at a women's retreat and taught about victorious secrets! That's right, NOT Victoria's secrets, but VICTORIOUS SECRETS. The secrets from the Bible that give us the much needed eternal perspective. When we base our life on the Word of God and allow it to determine our self esteem, and not the fleeting opinion of others, or even more fleeting, that of our youthful strength and beauty, we will be set for life.

The Bible teaches us that everyone has eternal value and worth to our loving Father. EVERYONE. Yes, that includes YOU. And the person you can't stand. God is no respecter of persons. He loves us all and came to die for us all. Everyone of us. The good, the bad and the ugly.

At times, I have felt like a crumbled up dollar bill. I've had things mark my life. I've felt worthless. Once in awhile, I feel like the new crisp dollar bill...lookin' good! No matter if a dollar bill is crumpled, marked on (oh come on...everyone has doodled on a dollar bill at some point or other in life!!) or even ripped or a corner piece mission...the fact remains...it still has worth. Why? Because it is a dollar bill.

That is just like us. We may have had things in life mark us, even trample on us and leave us for dead...BUT you still have worth in the eyes of a loving Father. Why? Because He created you. YOU HAVE WORTH! No matter what you or someone else has to say about it. You have His image stamped inside you. You are His treasure!!!

So...the next time you are in the mall and walk by Victoria's Secrets, or pull out a dollar bill to pay for something, or eat one of Nestle's Treasures, think about YOUR worth. YOU are valuable! So much so that God sent His only Son to die for YOU. That my friend is a secret that will help you become victorious in HIM!

Easter is coming!!

2007-03-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Easter is one of my most meaningful holidays. It is filled with new life, hope and celebration. It is what seperates Jesus Christ from the many other religious leaders in history. He rose from the dead! And through this, He purchased our salvation, healing and the many other benefits we receive from Him. But in order for there to be a resurrection, there must be a death. Are we ready to die in order to see God's power demonstrated in our lives? I know that often, I would rather Jesus pick someone other than me for the death part. However, I'm first in line when it comes to wanting to be resurrected from a difficult situation!

In John 12:23, Jesus said "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." Jesus was talking about His going to the cross. Isn't it interesting that He stated that He was going to be glorified...through the cross? Jesus certainly has a different way of looking at things. And He is regularly challenging me to do the same. Challenging me to die to my dreams, my goals, my timing, my will...(notice how many times "my" is there???) It seems Jesus is continually bringing me back to the place of needing to make Him Lord...again. I'm learning that trusting Him and following Him is the very best place to live. However, I also know it is not easy...and that He is always giving me the choice as to whether or not I make Him Lord in every situation.

This Easter, let's determine to let it be about Jesus and not about us. Let's choose His will, His plan, His purposes...no matter what the personal cost may be. By His grace, we can do it! Living in the power of His resurrection is truly the best place to be. Even if it does mean that we must walk through our own personal graveyard.

Musings

2007-01-26T15:33:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe we are already near the end of January. I can hardly believe how quickly time does fly by. It makes me wonder how I am using my time. Each of us are given 24 hours in a day. I must confess, some days I manage my time well, while other days...not so efficiently. I wonder if my life would change if I knew exactly how many days I had left to live??? Would I squander more time if I knew I had many years yet to live? What if I knew I would only live to see tomorrow? Would it affect the way I live...and if so, how?

Another thought roaming in my spirit is the question "How effective am I for God's Kingdom?" I have been seeking and praying to be used more of Him. That is truly my desire. I want to be used by Him and for Him and letting His life pass through me to others. "Dear God, help me accomplish this by the power of your Spirit!"

A final thought...someone shared this quote with me in December. I had not heard it before, but feel it certainly bears repeating. So, here it is: "The Bible is a missionary that never gets sick, needs no pay and never takes a furlough. It is always there, ready to do the work it was intended for." (Adoniram Judson, missionary and bible translator to Burma) So I am left to ponder...what kind of Bible am I??? Am I doing the work I was intended to do? Finally, what do people read when they see me?

Itineration friends

2006-12-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Itineration and friends along the way

Libby & Homecoming Football...Trojans won!!!

2006-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Libby's Senior Homecoming Football Game

Want to see some photos of Reba & her football fancies??

2006-12-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

Reba's football photos

Southside Worship Center ladies retreat

2006-11-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

This is me with some of the ladies from the Southside Worship Center's retreat. It was held at the Mariott in Oak Brook. It was a treat to see everyone! Southside ladies...I love you!!!!

Lives are being changed!!!

2006-11-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

How exciting to see God changing lives! I've travelled over 5,000 miles since my last posting and have had a few people commit their lives to Christ. Several have rededicated themselves to Christ and many are being changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It always amazes me that God uses "jars of clay" to make eternal changes in others' lives. What an awesome privilege we have to partner with the Master. It is just like the lyrices from one of Casting Crowns' songs says "How refreshing to know you don't need me, how amazing to know that you want me!" (Complete lyrics below).

Allow God to shine through YOU. He loves you and believes in you. Will you believe in what He can do through you? Start the new year out right...with Christ in you, the Hope of glory!!

"In Me" by Casting Crowns

If you asked me to leap
Out of my boat on the crashing waves
If you ask me to go
Preach to a lost world that Jesus saves
I'll go, but I cannot go alone
'Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong
'Cause when I'm weak,
You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and
I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

If you ask me to run
And carry your light into foreign land
If you ask me to fight
Deliver your people from satan's hand
I'll go, but I cannot go alone
'Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong
'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that You want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and
I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

To reach out with Your hands
To learn through Your eyes
To love with the love of a savior
To feel with Your heart and to think with Your mind
I'd give my last breath for Your glory
'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that You want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me
The power of Christ in me
The power of Christ in me

On the road again!

2006-08-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been putting on a lot of miles since School of Missions. I've had services in Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio. It's been enjoyable.

In Ohio, where I grew up, I got to see some old friends, have a service in the church I got saved in and have a family reunion. It was really enjoyable. Many highlights!

One thing I love about itineration is connecting with friends from all over. For example, while driving through Chicago, I called a girlfriend from years back when we lived in Chicago. It was so much fun to chat and we are going to set a date for some of us gals to have a get-together when I am in Chicago in September. Passing through in central Illinois, I was able to connect with some pastor friends. Itineration can truly be a joy!

Thanks for everyone who has had me in their church! And for those who pray for me and my family. I do appreciate it!

Front of Prayer Card

2006-06-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog to see what in the "world" I've been up to. Since my reappointment to missions, I have resigned my job as a chaplain, finished out my adult foster care and am currently in Springfield, MO attending School of Missions. It has been an exciting journey so far.

I have itinerated in Wisconsin and West Virginia. Next month will find me in Wisconsin and Illinois. So far I have raised 13% of my needed budget. THANKS to everyone that has prayed, given and supported me! Together we can do it!

Keep stopping in to keep up with my progress. And thanks for stopping by!