Hey All,
I am so wonderfully overwhelmed today. Yes, it's Valentine's Day. And yes, I'm spending it single. But that doesn't add or subtract from the incredible joy that's found in the Lord. I am blessed with friends who encourage me, support me, and hold me accountable! I have been so thrilled to get plugged in with other believers, both on the quad and around the World! If you pray for a community of believers to surround you and pray that the Lord will open your eyes to see the genuine friends you already have, BOOM...WILL HE DELIVER. I am completely sold, drinkin' the kool-aid, and ALL IN. Love the Lord, love others. It's so simple, but having people surround you with prayer and encouraging words and THE Word and reminders of His love when times are tough, makes all the difference. If you're not plugged in, GET THERE! It can be Bible study, Church, small groups, a student organization, people who read the Word together...just find a group of people to live life with who will "spur you on" to grow in your faith. Once you surround yourself with like-minded believers, you will be so encouraged just by knowing they're there. With all the people God has put in my life or reconnected me with, it overwhelms me to see His love. It's moving. It's active. It's changing lives in other schools, towns, and countries. Can you feel it, too? The stirring? Something is happening. Not just here on campus on in Texas or in the United States. Maybe we're finally waking up. Maybe our eyes have been opened to see the beauty of doing work for the Kingdom. Maybe we'll never know why us, or why now. But I tell you what--if you think that Church is boring, Bible Study is reading a bunch of old stories, or that a community of believers can't impact the World--you are mistaken, and I would love nothing more than to show you what God is doing. If you feel in your heart that God is moving you to act, because really, His love compels us to action--do something. Get fellowship. Get active. And GET READY, because God is working and moving in mighty ways. We just have to open our hearts to see it, and decide that it's worth the risk to get involved. Really, what better cause than to chase after Christ and to share His love with the lost, broken, and unreached? What could possibly be better?
-Insert shameless BattleGroups plug-
If you're on the Quad and wonder, are there believers like me? What does it look like to be a Godly leader in the Corps? How can I follow the rules and guidelines but show Christ's love through my actions as a cadet? Do other people struggle in the same way I do? The answers to those questions can be found through some awesome time of fellowship called Battle Groups. I wish I would have been involved as an underclassman, and I encourage you to get involved. Cough, Thursday evenings in Duncan, in non-regs. You can be comfortable, relax, and enjoy a time of small group fellowship where we struggle, grow, and praise the Lord together.
-End of Plug-
Now, on a more serious note, my fundraising update as of today...
I have nothing but humble thanks and praise for those who have donated thus far. It's a constant battle between the bottom line and reminding myself that God is GREATER. He is so faithful and I am trusting it all to HIS timing. I won't pretend that it's easy to do. $6,000 is a lot to owe at 147 days out. I'm well aware. But I am trusting the same God that parted the red sea, spoke to Moses through a burning bush, and thought our World into motion. Suddenly that sum of money just doesn't seem like a challenge. I am struggling to find the balance between having faith in His timing and in actively communicating my needs to friends and family. I want to have joy over the money I've raised, but don't want to seem complacent or inactive. I know know know in my heart that He just wants me to let go. To trust entirely. To stop clicking the "refresh" button on my account as often as I do. So, all of that being said, I won't be checking my missions account until the next milestone's deadline has passed. Oh--feel that little tug in your stomach? Yeah. ME TOO. The, "Oh...what if you're $20 short the day before, and you don't even know to ask for it?" or "What if you're $500 short, and miss it by a long shot?" Well. My God is bigger, and I need to let go. So I'll just say that I owe $360 until I hit the next "milestone" and that amount needs to be in, in the next 20 days. If you're buying a t-shirt, that's separate from this account and you'll need to contact me directly. But other than that, I leave it to the Lord.
God is good. ALL THE TIME!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
A Letter to Men
Hey All,
Let me preface this really quickly by saying it was a blessing to have so many of you guys ask me questions! REAL, honest, why-are-girls-so-crazy kind of questions. Thanks to Tiffany for the idea. She's had men write letters to women, and now I feel "up to the challenge" of hopefully encouraging my brothers in Christ to have a better understanding of us woman-folk! I took the questions the men were asked in these letters, as well as some specific questions from guys that submitted them. It's long, but hopefully worth the read. If you have thoughts, please share. I'd like to know how much of this makes sense!
Let me preface this really quickly by saying it was a blessing to have so many of you guys ask me questions! REAL, honest, why-are-girls-so-crazy kind of questions. Thanks to Tiffany for the idea. She's had men write letters to women, and now I feel "up to the challenge" of hopefully encouraging my brothers in Christ to have a better understanding of us woman-folk! I took the questions the men were asked in these letters, as well as some specific questions from guys that submitted them. It's long, but hopefully worth the read. If you have thoughts, please share. I'd like to know how much of this makes sense!
Brother in Christ,
Let me
start out by thanking you for your questions. Thank you for having the courage
to ask specific questions about us women. I will openly admit that we are
confusing, difficult to understand, and sometimes even a little crazy. Hopefully
this letter can help clarify a few things in your mind and heart as you pursue
the Lord and the plan He has for your life, whether that includes a wife or
not. I will also admit to you that dating and relationships have been a huge “thorn
in my side” so-to-speak. I have had enough experience dating the wrong kind of guys to have a solid idea
of what not to look for. I hope and
pray that this letter can be encouraging to you and that God will continue to
work in your heart to make your desire for Him greater than any longing to be
in a relationship.
As for
what attracts me to a guy, I will give you a perfectly cliché, hallmark, Sunday
School answer. He absolutely must be “souled out” for Christ. When I think
about a potential relationship, I will consider what that person is willing to
for the Lord (which should be ANYTHING). There is nothing more attractive than
a man who prays and encourages those around Him. One of (if not the MOST)
attractive qualities in a guy is his heart for the Lord. As for what I notice,
I pay a great deal of attention to a man’s words. Out of the abundance of the
heart, the mouth speaks. Does he spend his time tearing others down, or
building them up? Is he so passionately in love with Christ that he can’t help
but share what the Lord is doing? Do his words match his actions and the way he
lives his life? I am only a woman, and I wish I could say that looks don’t
matter at all. I put a great deal less emphasis on them than I have in the past,
but essentially, girls like to see some effort! Put on a button down shirt.
Wear jeans. Take care of yourself. Those are good places to start!
In
regards to what I’m “looking for” in a potential relationship, the key thing to
me is that I shouldn’t have to look very
hard. I understand that people can
be guarded, and guys especially may not be comfortable talking about emotions.
That’s not what I’m referring to. The qualities I look for should be obvious
parts of them that can’t help but shine through. I am looking for someone to be
a “battle buddy” and a “running partner” (not real running, let’s be honest). I
know this sounds kind of strange. But honestly, I am looking for someone to
fight alongside me to do the Lord’s work. I want a “lion chaser,” meaning,
someone who will actively pursue the Lord and isn't afraid of a challenge. I
will be as honest as I can be, I am stubborn and for the most part, like to
take care of myself. I need a guy who can keep up with me. For this reason I don’t
look for someone who treats me like I might break if you squeeze too hard. I
want someone who will be a spiritual leader but will also spur me on to a
stronger relationship with Christ. Someone who isn't afraid to call me out on
tough issues and be genuine with me, even if that’s difficult to do. I don’t
think I’m comfortable with being in a relationship where I am supported. I need
more than someone to cheer from the sidelines; I want someone to actively
participate with me in reaching the lost for Christ.
If you
are curious about a girls’ intentions, my advice and encouragement is to be honest.
Be honest. Be honest. Be honest. If you find that a girl is pursuing YOU; you’re doing it wrong. I am an
extremely independent person, but I will not chase after a man. I will not ask
you what your intentions are in hopes that you want to date me, court me, or
otherwise pursue me. If you are at the point in a friendship/potential
relationship where you think a girl may have developed feelings for you or may
be romantically interested, you need to DTR—stat. I’m talking about a
face-to-face, sit down, talk it out kind of session. I know, a guy’s worst
nightmare. But I am perfectly serious. Tell her your intentions in a clear and
respectful way, and ask her to explain hers as well. And for goodness’ sake,
encourage her to GUARD HER HEART. If you cannot be honest enough or bold enough
to sit down and explain the way you feel to your sister in Christ, then you do
not need to be pursuing her. You do not need to date her. Your best bet is to
tell her specifically all you want is friendship, and pray for her as a brother
in Christ.
I can’t speak for all women, and
unfortunately, many a guy has thought that I was romantically interested when
all I wanted was a friendship. I believe friendship is the best basis for any
relationship. Girls flirt. We like attention. We like to be told we’re pretty
and we even like those cute little messages you send us, just because.
Sometimes we like the attention and we go along with it because it encourages us
to know that guys will treat us well. This doesn't mean that we are ready for a
relationship or that we are interested. It varies girl to girl on how that’s
expressed. We are called to encourage each other and love one another as
brothers and sisters in Christ! This does not mean we are dating! So unless we've specifically had that conversation, you can safely assume that we are friends.
But again, if you feel that a girl may be developing those feelings, be brave
and talk with her about it. That’s the best way to clarify and understand each
other.
If you
want to encourage your sister in Christ, there are plenty of little (or big) ways
you can do this. Encourage her to read the Word. Speak truth in her life when
she needs it (but speak it in love, please and thank you!). Open her doors for
her. Be her friend. Make her laugh. Listen to her, I mean really, listen. Ask
her to put more clothes on. In a world where men are trying to see as much of
women’s bodies as they can, it is refreshing to have a guy ask a girl to put on
a sweater/wear leggings under that really short dress/etc. I had someone
respectfully ask me something similar once, and it took me by surprise—but I
was thrilled. Encourage us to be modest, and tell us if we are causing you to
stumble. Remind her that Godly men do exist. Serve her by living a life that reflects
the love of Christ! There is nothing more encouraging and refreshing then to
see men my age that are entirely wrapped up in doing the Lord’s work. Finally,
always be praying for her.
A
quick comment on Proverbs 31, you should read it. You should look for it in the
women in your life. It is a great guide for a Godly woman! BUT—look for a woman
who emanates Christ above all else! It’s one thing to desire to serve men as a
Godly woman, using Proverbs 31 as an example. It’s entirely different if a
woman is trying to be the perfect future Mrs. Whoever. I think that’s a trap
many women our age can fall into. If you've found a Godly woman, and she isn't ready to date or isn't comfortable with that kind of relationship at this point in her life, appreciate that. Respect that. Don't settle for less. There is a difference between convenience and connection! Don't settle for a girl that's a non-believer just because it means you can have a hot date or a good lookin' girlfriend. A real woman is worth waiting for, and more than likely, she'll make you wait!
When
pursuing a girl, it’s important to know what she thinks of as “dating”. It can
mean many things to many women. I am one of “those girls” and I like to read
Josh Harris books about good ol’ fashioned courtships. But I have many friends
that are comfortable with anything from casually dating to being friends first
or even courting. We all have different experiences and convictions that shape
the way we handle relationships. Talk about it with the girl you are pursuing
and agree upon the boundaries and expectations of your relationship early on!
This will save a lot of headache, I speak from experience.
Many
of you asked about discussing failures/struggles with sin/past
relationships/past sexual impurity. Phew. That’s a tough issue. When it comes
to you talking about things that you struggle with currently or have had
problems with in the past; there’s a time a place for it. A first date or over
coffee? That’s probably not the ideal time. But there is a need for that
conversation. I’ve read Wild At Heart, and that makes me an expert on men.
(Ha-ha, that was a joke…It’s a touchy subject so that’s your comic relief) But
from what I’ve heard and read, men feel that failure somehow mars them. Failure
isn’t a reality in Christ! We are redeemed and restored through His incredible
love. Failure turns to victory and growth in the presence of Christ! Pray that
God will use your struggles to build your strength in His grace. Rejoice in the
ways God has overcome your struggles for you and the times He has moved in your
heart to remind you of it. We all have a past. We all sin. We are unworthy of
the precious love of our Savior, but He gives it freely. Your sin was nailed
next to mine on the Cross. The beauty in our stories comes from the things He
has overcome in us. There is no shame in Christ! NO SHAME!
That
being said, we women are imperfect. We have struggled too. While you may feel
that your struggle somehow automatically disqualifies you, women have a
seemingly universal struggle as well. The lies of the enemy tell us that our
struggle makes us unworthy. That we don’t deserve better. That we aren’t good
enough. When (not if—when) these lies start to come to mind or attack your
heart (or even the heart of the girl your dating) we are comforted in knowing
that our GOD is greater and He made us in HIS image. We are sensitive about our
pasts. We are hesitant to talk about our hurts and wounds in our hearts. You
are not alone in being anxious about having that conversation, and you are not
alone in the struggle. We are all redeemed and made beautiful (err uh, handsome!) in Christ. I
encourage you to share the things you’ve struggled with, and pray for one
another.
In
closing, women are all so different. We are each unique, beautiful creations in
Christ, and we deserved to be treated as such. We’re royalty! No, I don’t mean
Disney princesses (though sometimes I wish…). We are daughters of the King of
Kings and He made us to be loved and respected. He made woman from Adam’s rib;
to be his equal, by his side, and near to his heart. We want courageous men.
Men who are bold in their faith and who will live a life of character and
reckless abandon for the Lord! I pray that you seek the Lord above all else and
have faith that the very Creator of our universe took the time to hand-fashion
a woman for you and for your heart. Keep pressing on towards the calling God
has for you!
--Your Sister in Christ
Thursday, February 7, 2013
I'm Angry--So I Googled.
Hey All,
I really did Google about my anger. You'll see in a minute.
Thank you for your prayers and support. God is moving in the lives of so many on campus here at Texas A&M. He is using organizations worldwide to share His love and to bring redemption and healing to places so dark and consumed by lies. I'm sure we sometimes would rather pretend these places didn't exist. Maybe we'd rather ignore them. Assume these dark acts only occur in far off places. Surely, surely they don't happen here. They couldn't happen in our own country, could they? It's not that common anyways, is it?
After the Nefarious screening, I became instantly burdened. The reality of the scope and magnitude of the problems regarding sex trafficking and its incredible correlation to prostitution can be easily disheartening
Just to throw a few numbers and facts out to you:
--27 million people are currently enslaved
--88% of those are women and children (80% women, to be more specific)
--In Cambodia, as high as 90% of parents will sell one or more of their daughters to a pimp.
--Prostitution is legalized in Amsterdam. LE-GAL-IZED.
--The international average age women enter into prostitution (or girls, depending on how you view them) is 13 to 14. This includes girls in the United States.
In a slightly comforting way (though, nothing about the film made me very comfortable), many of the professionals interviewed regarding the emotions, damage, and overall effects of sex trafficking and prostitution were--you guessed it, Psychologists. These were professionals who "speak my language" and I instantly could frame the things they found to be true with the small amount of knowledge I've acquired about behavior and conditioning. Sparing the lecture and boring details; these women do not choose prostitution. They do not choose to be trafficked. Some, especially at young ages, do not know they are being trafficked. This is the only lifestyle they know. They have been psychologically broken and reshaped to believe that the relations between them and the "customer" constitutes love. Love. The beautiful language of our Creator. Tainted. Marred. Twisted. Force-fed to these women to make them willing. It's sickening. It's infuriating. It's the reason that, even after women leave prostitution, they may return to work because it is the only sense of normalcy they've ever known.
In the situation of trafficking, especially internationally, many of these women are from small towns. They are promised work, hope, and a way to earn money for their families. Some are sold by their parents. Some volunteer out of love for their families--thinking they will find a good job in the city. They are exploited, stripped of identity, and sold as many times as they can be deemed "useful". They are sold. Sold. SOLD. THESE WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS ARE SOLD. These women were made in HIS image. They are our sisters in Christ. They are beautiful and made to be loved; like every other woman. That beauty is poisoned. Used against them, to destroy any semblance they had of hope or of a brighter future. They are trapped in a body that is used like an object. They are left with the guilt, shame, pain, memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and emptiness. Make no mistake; these women are attacked. Physically, yes. Of course. But more than that. Spiritually. Their very souls are tormented by a life that is built on lies of the enemy. They are vulnerable and broken physically and emotionally by their traffickers or pimps or clients; what little hope they may have to hold on to is stomped out like a used match.
The only two things I can reconcile myself to understand at this point are that (1) The enemy is actively involved in the breaking and abuse of these women. In the way they learn to hate themselves and lose all sense of hope. In the way that these men feel the need to purchase women for fulfillment. In the lies the pimp or traffickers tells himself so that he can believe in his heart that it's just "good business". He is on the hunt for these women and would love nothing more than to destroy their hearts. (2) Our God is a healer. He is a redeemer. Regardless of the hopelessness and pain and bitter, hard, angry hearts that these women all share; He is greater. There is NOTHING, absolutely nothing that can separate these women from the love of Christ. There is NOTHING our God cannot do and no heart that He can't restore.
I've tried to write about this, specifically, several (maybe 5, 6, 7...) times already. The end result is usually me, frustrated, angry, and I end up in prayer and forget what "good takeaway" or "positive" there is to pull from all of this.(I do mean angry. Hands shaking, face red, had to Google "is it a sin to be angry with the Church for sitting idly by?" kind of angry...luckily righteous anger often moves us to action!) It took me a while to calm down enough to find words. It's understandable, given the nature of the acts done to these women. I pray, and ask you to pray, that God would use my passion to serve, help, and heal. Even if it's just one. That is one heart that can come to know the love and healing I know in my life. One woman or child rescued, one pimp that stops selling, one "John" that stops buying...that's where it starts. I humbly ask that you spend time in prayer for these women. There is a very real, nightmare of a spiritual battle being fought over these women. We can start with prayer, until God moves us to action. But please do consider, if you are called to action; don't run. Don't run from a calling because these numbers seem too big. Don't run because you don't know where to start, how to help, or what to do. The Lord will direct your steps and guide your heart. There are people that think about doing; and there are people that do. Which will you be?
I really did Google about my anger. You'll see in a minute.
Thank you for your prayers and support. God is moving in the lives of so many on campus here at Texas A&M. He is using organizations worldwide to share His love and to bring redemption and healing to places so dark and consumed by lies. I'm sure we sometimes would rather pretend these places didn't exist. Maybe we'd rather ignore them. Assume these dark acts only occur in far off places. Surely, surely they don't happen here. They couldn't happen in our own country, could they? It's not that common anyways, is it?
After the Nefarious screening, I became instantly burdened. The reality of the scope and magnitude of the problems regarding sex trafficking and its incredible correlation to prostitution can be easily disheartening
Just to throw a few numbers and facts out to you:
--27 million people are currently enslaved
--88% of those are women and children (80% women, to be more specific)
--In Cambodia, as high as 90% of parents will sell one or more of their daughters to a pimp.
--Prostitution is legalized in Amsterdam. LE-GAL-IZED.
--The international average age women enter into prostitution (or girls, depending on how you view them) is 13 to 14. This includes girls in the United States.
In a slightly comforting way (though, nothing about the film made me very comfortable), many of the professionals interviewed regarding the emotions, damage, and overall effects of sex trafficking and prostitution were--you guessed it, Psychologists. These were professionals who "speak my language" and I instantly could frame the things they found to be true with the small amount of knowledge I've acquired about behavior and conditioning. Sparing the lecture and boring details; these women do not choose prostitution. They do not choose to be trafficked. Some, especially at young ages, do not know they are being trafficked. This is the only lifestyle they know. They have been psychologically broken and reshaped to believe that the relations between them and the "customer" constitutes love. Love. The beautiful language of our Creator. Tainted. Marred. Twisted. Force-fed to these women to make them willing. It's sickening. It's infuriating. It's the reason that, even after women leave prostitution, they may return to work because it is the only sense of normalcy they've ever known.
In the situation of trafficking, especially internationally, many of these women are from small towns. They are promised work, hope, and a way to earn money for their families. Some are sold by their parents. Some volunteer out of love for their families--thinking they will find a good job in the city. They are exploited, stripped of identity, and sold as many times as they can be deemed "useful". They are sold. Sold. SOLD. THESE WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS ARE SOLD. These women were made in HIS image. They are our sisters in Christ. They are beautiful and made to be loved; like every other woman. That beauty is poisoned. Used against them, to destroy any semblance they had of hope or of a brighter future. They are trapped in a body that is used like an object. They are left with the guilt, shame, pain, memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and emptiness. Make no mistake; these women are attacked. Physically, yes. Of course. But more than that. Spiritually. Their very souls are tormented by a life that is built on lies of the enemy. They are vulnerable and broken physically and emotionally by their traffickers or pimps or clients; what little hope they may have to hold on to is stomped out like a used match.
The only two things I can reconcile myself to understand at this point are that (1) The enemy is actively involved in the breaking and abuse of these women. In the way they learn to hate themselves and lose all sense of hope. In the way that these men feel the need to purchase women for fulfillment. In the lies the pimp or traffickers tells himself so that he can believe in his heart that it's just "good business". He is on the hunt for these women and would love nothing more than to destroy their hearts. (2) Our God is a healer. He is a redeemer. Regardless of the hopelessness and pain and bitter, hard, angry hearts that these women all share; He is greater. There is NOTHING, absolutely nothing that can separate these women from the love of Christ. There is NOTHING our God cannot do and no heart that He can't restore.
I've tried to write about this, specifically, several (maybe 5, 6, 7...) times already. The end result is usually me, frustrated, angry, and I end up in prayer and forget what "good takeaway" or "positive" there is to pull from all of this.(I do mean angry. Hands shaking, face red, had to Google "is it a sin to be angry with the Church for sitting idly by?" kind of angry...luckily righteous anger often moves us to action!) It took me a while to calm down enough to find words. It's understandable, given the nature of the acts done to these women. I pray, and ask you to pray, that God would use my passion to serve, help, and heal. Even if it's just one. That is one heart that can come to know the love and healing I know in my life. One woman or child rescued, one pimp that stops selling, one "John" that stops buying...that's where it starts. I humbly ask that you spend time in prayer for these women. There is a very real, nightmare of a spiritual battle being fought over these women. We can start with prayer, until God moves us to action. But please do consider, if you are called to action; don't run. Don't run from a calling because these numbers seem too big. Don't run because you don't know where to start, how to help, or what to do. The Lord will direct your steps and guide your heart. There are people that think about doing; and there are people that do. Which will you be?
Monday, January 28, 2013
What's a Lion Chaser, Anyways?
Hey All,
I am constantly blown away by the ways God brings the perfect encouragement at the right time. He is faithful, and I am blessed. I've had several conversations in the past few weeks that can't be anything but divine appointment! I've had people I haven't talk to in years, months, (or really talked to at all) say the things I've needed to hear at just the right moments. Talk about encouragement from every angle.
I can tell that the reality of leaving is starting to sink in, finally. I have 159 days left in Texas before I leave for training in Arizona. That leaves 129 days until my full payment is due. Yeah, those numbers are getting smaller and smaller--really fast. As much as I want to worry, I know that there is no reason to. He will bring the funding in when it's the right time, not when I kindly remind Him that I still need a solid six grand. For all the friends who've told me that fundraising alone will stretch your faith--they were not joking. They've been spot on, and I thank them for their honesty.
A few people who've seen (or even noticed) the "Chasing After Lions" reference in my blog website have assumed it was a pun based on the fact that I'm going to Africa. ...Africa, chasing lions...get it? As much as I wish I could take credit for being that clever, the title is actually something much more meaningful. There's a little known story in the Old Testament (yeah, people still read that sometimes) about a man named Benaiah. For some of you Biblical History folk, you may recognize his name as being the leader of David's army. That's an awesome job title, but that's not where his story starts.
In 1 Chronicles, chapter 11, there's one verse that summarizes Benaiah's accomplishments. Consider it his resume.
"Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion."
Wait--what? In a loose, modern-day equivalent, it's saying "BTW--killed a lion today. NBD. It was kinda snowy though, so it was cold and stuff..."
And that's exactly what he did. It doesn't say he was chased by a lion and fought it off. It also doesn't say he had his crazy-swole group of mighty men with him to put a hurtin' on some little lion cub. It says he WENT DOWN into a pit, and fought the lion. Oh, and it was snowy and he was alone and he didn't just fight it, he killed it dead. I can't even begin to think of the best way to kill a lion, but I'm guessing that being in a pit with snow in it would be a bit of a disadvantage.
There is an awesome book written about this guy and the God he serves. It's called "In a Pit With a Lion on A Snowy Day". Don't let the preposition-ridden title fool you though, this book is fantastic. It analyzes Benaiah's characteristics and what kind of crazy person chases after a lion. That's where this insane story meets up with my life (and all of ours, if we let it). Running into a lion in the middle of a snow storm is NOT what I'd call an "awesome opportunity". To me, it just sounds like a nightmare. But, because of Ben's instinct to chase after the lion (literally), word gets around to King David about what he's done. He ends up the commander of David's army. What we'd think of as a nightmare ended up being one of the biggest highlights of Ben's resume. It got him to the place where God wanted him to go. Are you starting to piece it all together yet?
I won't summarize the entire book--but trust me, it is worth a read. The "lions" in our life often look like failure. They look like us, miserably crashing and burning and grasping at straws because we have no idea why our life is suddenly falling apart. The scary, huge problems in our lives can be our lions. The situations that we think must be too hard or too difficult for God to use can actually be exactly where we need to be. Not only are we supposed to accept these challenges, we're supposed to chase after them. To fight them. To allow God to bring us the unthinkable victory at the last minute. Yeah, it's dramatic. It's intense. But it's the life of a lion-chaser.
Some people naturally have and recognize these characteristics, others don't--or don't know it yet. When I think of "lion-chasers" that I know or have heard of, I think of people who start Bible studies in their living rooms with a few guys and a guitar. That Bible study is now called Breakaway--and serves thousands of Aggies every Tuesday in Reed Arena. I think of people like Levi Benkert, who sell their possessions and uproot their families to move to Ethopia; all to save the lives of children and heal the hearts of widows. I think of Ms.Rhonda, who runs an orphanage in Honduras and has brought more hope and healing to that community than you'd think possible. These are the type of people that I'd consider full-fledged, badge-wearing, lion-chasers.
But we all could stand to be a little more courageous in our lives. There's a part in each of us that longs to live a sold-out life for Christ that doesn't ask questions--that just acts on faith. I think there's something in our hearts, instinctively, that knows we're made for more than just the 9 to 5 kind of job. But I have to warn you, should you find yourself to be a lion chaser...you might end up a little--restless. I have to remind myself that not everyone spends their time browsing the internet for international ministry jobs instead of doing their Biology homework (Mom, Dad, if you're reading this..just know that my homework will still get done!)
You might find yourself a somewhat confused, because God is interfering in your life in a BIG way. You might even feel overwhelmed, like the desire in your heart to serve others is taking too much time away from other things. You might feel like you have NO idea where to start, what your "lion" is, or what you're supposed to do.But if you find yourself starting down challenges with an open mind, you believe that playing it safe is too risky, you'd rather act now and consider the odds later, and you know that you are guaranteed uncertainty--you might just be a lion chaser. And you might just learn to love it. I encourage you to read the book, and of course to pray. His biggest challenges and our hardest trials can turn out to be the very thing that puts us on track to the life He has planned for us; sometimes it just takes a little adjusting.
I am so thrilled at the ways God is working in the lives of so many people that I know, and in my life as well. There is much to be excited for, and I can't wait to see what's next. 159 days to go.
2 Timothy 2:7; For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
I am constantly blown away by the ways God brings the perfect encouragement at the right time. He is faithful, and I am blessed. I've had several conversations in the past few weeks that can't be anything but divine appointment! I've had people I haven't talk to in years, months, (or really talked to at all) say the things I've needed to hear at just the right moments. Talk about encouragement from every angle.
I can tell that the reality of leaving is starting to sink in, finally. I have 159 days left in Texas before I leave for training in Arizona. That leaves 129 days until my full payment is due. Yeah, those numbers are getting smaller and smaller--really fast. As much as I want to worry, I know that there is no reason to. He will bring the funding in when it's the right time, not when I kindly remind Him that I still need a solid six grand. For all the friends who've told me that fundraising alone will stretch your faith--they were not joking. They've been spot on, and I thank them for their honesty.
A few people who've seen (or even noticed) the "Chasing After Lions" reference in my blog website have assumed it was a pun based on the fact that I'm going to Africa. ...Africa, chasing lions...get it? As much as I wish I could take credit for being that clever, the title is actually something much more meaningful. There's a little known story in the Old Testament (yeah, people still read that sometimes) about a man named Benaiah. For some of you Biblical History folk, you may recognize his name as being the leader of David's army. That's an awesome job title, but that's not where his story starts.
In 1 Chronicles, chapter 11, there's one verse that summarizes Benaiah's accomplishments. Consider it his resume.
"Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion."
Wait--what? In a loose, modern-day equivalent, it's saying "BTW--killed a lion today. NBD. It was kinda snowy though, so it was cold and stuff..."
And that's exactly what he did. It doesn't say he was chased by a lion and fought it off. It also doesn't say he had his crazy-swole group of mighty men with him to put a hurtin' on some little lion cub. It says he WENT DOWN into a pit, and fought the lion. Oh, and it was snowy and he was alone and he didn't just fight it, he killed it dead. I can't even begin to think of the best way to kill a lion, but I'm guessing that being in a pit with snow in it would be a bit of a disadvantage.
There is an awesome book written about this guy and the God he serves. It's called "In a Pit With a Lion on A Snowy Day". Don't let the preposition-ridden title fool you though, this book is fantastic. It analyzes Benaiah's characteristics and what kind of crazy person chases after a lion. That's where this insane story meets up with my life (and all of ours, if we let it). Running into a lion in the middle of a snow storm is NOT what I'd call an "awesome opportunity". To me, it just sounds like a nightmare. But, because of Ben's instinct to chase after the lion (literally), word gets around to King David about what he's done. He ends up the commander of David's army. What we'd think of as a nightmare ended up being one of the biggest highlights of Ben's resume. It got him to the place where God wanted him to go. Are you starting to piece it all together yet?
I won't summarize the entire book--but trust me, it is worth a read. The "lions" in our life often look like failure. They look like us, miserably crashing and burning and grasping at straws because we have no idea why our life is suddenly falling apart. The scary, huge problems in our lives can be our lions. The situations that we think must be too hard or too difficult for God to use can actually be exactly where we need to be. Not only are we supposed to accept these challenges, we're supposed to chase after them. To fight them. To allow God to bring us the unthinkable victory at the last minute. Yeah, it's dramatic. It's intense. But it's the life of a lion-chaser.
Some people naturally have and recognize these characteristics, others don't--or don't know it yet. When I think of "lion-chasers" that I know or have heard of, I think of people who start Bible studies in their living rooms with a few guys and a guitar. That Bible study is now called Breakaway--and serves thousands of Aggies every Tuesday in Reed Arena. I think of people like Levi Benkert, who sell their possessions and uproot their families to move to Ethopia; all to save the lives of children and heal the hearts of widows. I think of Ms.Rhonda, who runs an orphanage in Honduras and has brought more hope and healing to that community than you'd think possible. These are the type of people that I'd consider full-fledged, badge-wearing, lion-chasers.
But we all could stand to be a little more courageous in our lives. There's a part in each of us that longs to live a sold-out life for Christ that doesn't ask questions--that just acts on faith. I think there's something in our hearts, instinctively, that knows we're made for more than just the 9 to 5 kind of job. But I have to warn you, should you find yourself to be a lion chaser...you might end up a little--restless. I have to remind myself that not everyone spends their time browsing the internet for international ministry jobs instead of doing their Biology homework (Mom, Dad, if you're reading this..just know that my homework will still get done!)
You might find yourself a somewhat confused, because God is interfering in your life in a BIG way. You might even feel overwhelmed, like the desire in your heart to serve others is taking too much time away from other things. You might feel like you have NO idea where to start, what your "lion" is, or what you're supposed to do.But if you find yourself starting down challenges with an open mind, you believe that playing it safe is too risky, you'd rather act now and consider the odds later, and you know that you are guaranteed uncertainty--you might just be a lion chaser. And you might just learn to love it. I encourage you to read the book, and of course to pray. His biggest challenges and our hardest trials can turn out to be the very thing that puts us on track to the life He has planned for us; sometimes it just takes a little adjusting.
I am so thrilled at the ways God is working in the lives of so many people that I know, and in my life as well. There is much to be excited for, and I can't wait to see what's next. 159 days to go.
2 Timothy 2:7; For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
We Don't Need You...GO SIT DOWN.
Hey All,
I'm sitting here in the first week of classes, with admittedly not much to do. I find myself staring at the current balance in my missions account. Humbled, thankful, excited--and frustrated. So incredibly frustrated. At part with myself, but also with a few things I think seem to have...well, rubbed me the wrong way.
I have several women in my mind that I can think of that are incredible, Godly women who live Christ-centered lives. Sure, they are busy.We all have our schedules and the demands of life. But they are never too busy to listen, pray, or stop what they're doing to share what God has put on their hearts or what they're struggling with for the day/week/month. All of them daughters of the King, all of them beautiful. All of them struggle, have been brokenhearted and have found redemption through our Savior.
Some of them were not raised in Christian homes. Some of them aren't comfortable praying out loud. Some of them have regrets that the Lord is working to turn to lessons and healing. Some of them struggle with drinking, sex, negative self-thoughts, don't hang around friends we would "bring to Church", and don't attend Bible study every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. But they LOVE our Savior and they are the first to tell you how they've struggled. How they sin. How they've believed the lies of the enemy for too long and had to break free from lifestyles that didn't reflect what they know in their hearts. These women are not afraid to ask for prayer. They will come to you with their failures and heartaches and tears because they have no shame in Christ. They are sinners who struggle; and they are beautiful. They can't quote every verse in the Bible or explain to you the exegesis of the Old Testament. But their lives are real. Full of failures. Imperfect. Made whole through Christ.
Now. There is another group of women that comes to mind. They might as well have a parking spot and pew reserved at Church for Sundays, Sunday evenings, Wednesday nights, and Saturdays too. They live blessed lives, as far as we know. They never curse, drink, disrespect their parents, have impure thoughts, get angry, or sin in any way. At least that's what they'd let you think. These women are busy with Church, Bible Study, Women's Groups, working in the Nursery, etc etc etc. You get the idea. I love these women just the same, and I love their dedication to serving--really. But their hearts are condemning, to others, and likely to themselves.You can hear it in the way they ask you where you were last Sunday, why they saw you talking to "Sally" who's a non-believer, why you spend time with friends that drink, etc. Every time I see the looks of judgement from them to the girl who's not "dressed appropriately" for Church or the shock in their eyes when they learn someone has struggled with drinking, gambling, or even--had a divorce--I want to tell them to SIT DOWN. WE DON'T NEED YOU. YOU ARE HURTING YOUR SISTERS IN CHRIST.
I know--I'm judging them in even saying that they're too judgmental. But hear me out. I want them to sit still, for even a few minutes, and be honest with themselves. Be humbled before the Lord. Be reminded of how easy it is to fool ourselves into thinking we are "good women". Here's a hint; NONE of us are. I want them to think back to Mary and Martha. I desire for them to have a change of heart and for the Lord to work in their lives! But I also want them to realize the damage they (--we--) do as women when we go to Church acting as if our lives are perfect. YES, we are always blessed to face another day. YES, we can always have joy in Christ even in our sufferings. But NO we cannot be so foolish as to think that anyone will take the charade seriously.
The danger lies in the women (especially young women, us college women) who look to them and think that if we were "Godly enough" (whatever that means) that our lives would look like that. Arguably, the opposite is true. When we are constantly facing difficult trials (real talk: when life seems to fall apart all at once), we can KNOW that God is working in us and is in the business of using our failures to make us better. To make us real. To humble us. To convince us the charade does other women HARM.
We all do it. We all have at some point, do now, or will in the future. I think it's part of our struggle with self-image as women that makes us compare ourselves to every other girl on the face of the planet. But please, hear me out. We are not called to stand up and shout about our perfections. Sit down and search your heart. Are you more concerned with the image you're portraying or Who's Image you're bearing?
To the women who don't think that they are "that girl" that's sold out for Christ, because they sin too much, make too many mistakes, or don't go to enough Bible studies, please. STAND UP! You are the women we need. You, who have been through the fires and flood and can stand on the other side in awe of the overwhelming love of Christ. You, who finally broke free of that addiction. Who finally left that hurtful relationship. Who finally stopped running from Christ and sprinted to the Cross to be made whole. Who has been broken and made whole more times than you can even count. We need you. We need your story. We need real women who will share what God has done in your life. Your story is one of redemption and you are beautiful because of the God you serve. You probably are "that girl", and you impact more people with your honesty than you'll ever know.
I love women that serve. I love that there are women who enjoy seasons of peace and joy in their lives--that is not my frustration. Please understand that I wish we, as women, would be more honest with each other. It's hard enough to be a woman in this world. It can be exhausting to try to keep up with our emotions and everything that's going on in our lives. We all know how hard it is to stand up for what we believe in. The last thing we need is to make it harder on each other with all the pretending, surface-only, acting-right-but-living-wrong, pretending-we-have-it-all-together "show".
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
I'm sitting here in the first week of classes, with admittedly not much to do. I find myself staring at the current balance in my missions account. Humbled, thankful, excited--and frustrated. So incredibly frustrated. At part with myself, but also with a few things I think seem to have...well, rubbed me the wrong way.
I have several women in my mind that I can think of that are incredible, Godly women who live Christ-centered lives. Sure, they are busy.We all have our schedules and the demands of life. But they are never too busy to listen, pray, or stop what they're doing to share what God has put on their hearts or what they're struggling with for the day/week/month. All of them daughters of the King, all of them beautiful. All of them struggle, have been brokenhearted and have found redemption through our Savior.
Some of them were not raised in Christian homes. Some of them aren't comfortable praying out loud. Some of them have regrets that the Lord is working to turn to lessons and healing. Some of them struggle with drinking, sex, negative self-thoughts, don't hang around friends we would "bring to Church", and don't attend Bible study every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. But they LOVE our Savior and they are the first to tell you how they've struggled. How they sin. How they've believed the lies of the enemy for too long and had to break free from lifestyles that didn't reflect what they know in their hearts. These women are not afraid to ask for prayer. They will come to you with their failures and heartaches and tears because they have no shame in Christ. They are sinners who struggle; and they are beautiful. They can't quote every verse in the Bible or explain to you the exegesis of the Old Testament. But their lives are real. Full of failures. Imperfect. Made whole through Christ.
Now. There is another group of women that comes to mind. They might as well have a parking spot and pew reserved at Church for Sundays, Sunday evenings, Wednesday nights, and Saturdays too. They live blessed lives, as far as we know. They never curse, drink, disrespect their parents, have impure thoughts, get angry, or sin in any way. At least that's what they'd let you think. These women are busy with Church, Bible Study, Women's Groups, working in the Nursery, etc etc etc. You get the idea. I love these women just the same, and I love their dedication to serving--really. But their hearts are condemning, to others, and likely to themselves.You can hear it in the way they ask you where you were last Sunday, why they saw you talking to "Sally" who's a non-believer, why you spend time with friends that drink, etc. Every time I see the looks of judgement from them to the girl who's not "dressed appropriately" for Church or the shock in their eyes when they learn someone has struggled with drinking, gambling, or even--had a divorce--I want to tell them to SIT DOWN. WE DON'T NEED YOU. YOU ARE HURTING YOUR SISTERS IN CHRIST.
I know--I'm judging them in even saying that they're too judgmental. But hear me out. I want them to sit still, for even a few minutes, and be honest with themselves. Be humbled before the Lord. Be reminded of how easy it is to fool ourselves into thinking we are "good women". Here's a hint; NONE of us are. I want them to think back to Mary and Martha. I desire for them to have a change of heart and for the Lord to work in their lives! But I also want them to realize the damage they (--we--) do as women when we go to Church acting as if our lives are perfect. YES, we are always blessed to face another day. YES, we can always have joy in Christ even in our sufferings. But NO we cannot be so foolish as to think that anyone will take the charade seriously.
The danger lies in the women (especially young women, us college women) who look to them and think that if we were "Godly enough" (whatever that means) that our lives would look like that. Arguably, the opposite is true. When we are constantly facing difficult trials (real talk: when life seems to fall apart all at once), we can KNOW that God is working in us and is in the business of using our failures to make us better. To make us real. To humble us. To convince us the charade does other women HARM.
We all do it. We all have at some point, do now, or will in the future. I think it's part of our struggle with self-image as women that makes us compare ourselves to every other girl on the face of the planet. But please, hear me out. We are not called to stand up and shout about our perfections. Sit down and search your heart. Are you more concerned with the image you're portraying or Who's Image you're bearing?
To the women who don't think that they are "that girl" that's sold out for Christ, because they sin too much, make too many mistakes, or don't go to enough Bible studies, please. STAND UP! You are the women we need. You, who have been through the fires and flood and can stand on the other side in awe of the overwhelming love of Christ. You, who finally broke free of that addiction. Who finally left that hurtful relationship. Who finally stopped running from Christ and sprinted to the Cross to be made whole. Who has been broken and made whole more times than you can even count. We need you. We need your story. We need real women who will share what God has done in your life. Your story is one of redemption and you are beautiful because of the God you serve. You probably are "that girl", and you impact more people with your honesty than you'll ever know.
I love women that serve. I love that there are women who enjoy seasons of peace and joy in their lives--that is not my frustration. Please understand that I wish we, as women, would be more honest with each other. It's hard enough to be a woman in this world. It can be exhausting to try to keep up with our emotions and everything that's going on in our lives. We all know how hard it is to stand up for what we believe in. The last thing we need is to make it harder on each other with all the pretending, surface-only, acting-right-but-living-wrong, pretending-we-have-it-all-together "show".
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Why Bother?
Hey All,
Before I start ranting--I mean, writing...I want to wish you all a belated and blessed New Year! It's now 2013. and for some reason, I'm suddenly feeling like the countdown has "officially" begun. I'm $7,000 away from my goal--but I'm believing in faith that the money will come through! (I did the math; if EVERY person on my facebook gave $9.00...I'd reach my goal!) I am excited and so ready for all this year has to offer. I sincerely thank you from the bottom-of-my-heart for reading this and for supporting me. You are all a collective blessing in my life thanks to your kind words and heartfelt prayers.
Some of the most common questions I hear when I describe my trip to people are, "Why bother?" or "Why are you going?", "Isn't that a ton of money?", "What happens to the kids when you leave?". I'd like to address some of these questions, and please know that I do so as genuinely as possible.
For me, it all starts with the Gospel. I'm sure many of us can recite John 3:16 in a heartbeat, but that's not actually what I'm referring to. I think one of the ways to know that you've fully digested the Gospel is to realize that you can't. Once we've taken in the full, beautiful devastation of the Gospel...it will change the way we think. It's an entire shift in mentality. Suddenly, everything will all come back to His unfailing love, our unworthiness, and His unfathomable forgiveness. When we live in the understanding that we are meant to be separated by sin, but we are reunited at the feet of Jesus when we leave our burdens, sin, and failures at the Cross.
When, on an individual level, we look at our own life and see the brokenness...when we see the pain and the heartache and the trials we've endured, the beauty of the Gospel will wreck our lives. He will be our number one. His desires become the desires of our heart. And suddenly, everything else just seems to matter less. I can appreciate the beauty of his forgiveness because I've lived in the brokenness of my failures. I can look to tomorrow with hope and joy, because of the storms He's carried me through--bitter, fighting, and uncertain.
I believe in my heart of hearts that there is a brokenness in the World. In the realities of so many, they have endured pain and suffering in their lives--but they have no beautiful devastation to frame their problems. They have no knowledge of our incredible Savior to keep them afloat. They live in a darkness of the heart that is desperately crying out for salvation from a God that they don't yet know. My desire and my passion is to live the Gospel with them, beside them. To love them as He loves us. If the Lord would use my life and my heart as a tool to shine His light into that darkness, that would be enough. I'm merely a vessel of the glorious message of our Savior and His love.
I want to see the broken healed in His name. I want them to know my Savior and what He's done in my life, and that He can work in their lives with all the intricacy and redemption that I know in my heart. I want the widowed to find love in Him that can heal the pain of their loss. I want orphans to be raised with the love of an eternal Father that will never end. I want young women to pursue the Lord as the healer of their broken hearts, no matter the pain caused by the men who have hurt them. I want young boys to be transformed into Godly men that will lead their households on faith. I want His name to be glorified in every nation and every heart. I may not see the day that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, but I do believe with all my heart that I will see miracles. That our God will do the unthinkable and soften the hardest of hearts. That lives will change and glorify Him and Him alone. That it doesn't matter if they remember my name, as long as they get to know and love the God that sent me.
I can't say for sure what will happen. I can't even begin to fathom the wonderful things He has planned for our team. All I know is that He will be glorified and lifted high in all that we do. That, I'm certain of.
Before I start ranting--I mean, writing...I want to wish you all a belated and blessed New Year! It's now 2013. and for some reason, I'm suddenly feeling like the countdown has "officially" begun. I'm $7,000 away from my goal--but I'm believing in faith that the money will come through! (I did the math; if EVERY person on my facebook gave $9.00...I'd reach my goal!) I am excited and so ready for all this year has to offer. I sincerely thank you from the bottom-of-my-heart for reading this and for supporting me. You are all a collective blessing in my life thanks to your kind words and heartfelt prayers.
Some of the most common questions I hear when I describe my trip to people are, "Why bother?" or "Why are you going?", "Isn't that a ton of money?", "What happens to the kids when you leave?". I'd like to address some of these questions, and please know that I do so as genuinely as possible.
For me, it all starts with the Gospel. I'm sure many of us can recite John 3:16 in a heartbeat, but that's not actually what I'm referring to. I think one of the ways to know that you've fully digested the Gospel is to realize that you can't. Once we've taken in the full, beautiful devastation of the Gospel...it will change the way we think. It's an entire shift in mentality. Suddenly, everything will all come back to His unfailing love, our unworthiness, and His unfathomable forgiveness. When we live in the understanding that we are meant to be separated by sin, but we are reunited at the feet of Jesus when we leave our burdens, sin, and failures at the Cross.
When, on an individual level, we look at our own life and see the brokenness...when we see the pain and the heartache and the trials we've endured, the beauty of the Gospel will wreck our lives. He will be our number one. His desires become the desires of our heart. And suddenly, everything else just seems to matter less. I can appreciate the beauty of his forgiveness because I've lived in the brokenness of my failures. I can look to tomorrow with hope and joy, because of the storms He's carried me through--bitter, fighting, and uncertain.
I believe in my heart of hearts that there is a brokenness in the World. In the realities of so many, they have endured pain and suffering in their lives--but they have no beautiful devastation to frame their problems. They have no knowledge of our incredible Savior to keep them afloat. They live in a darkness of the heart that is desperately crying out for salvation from a God that they don't yet know. My desire and my passion is to live the Gospel with them, beside them. To love them as He loves us. If the Lord would use my life and my heart as a tool to shine His light into that darkness, that would be enough. I'm merely a vessel of the glorious message of our Savior and His love.
I want to see the broken healed in His name. I want them to know my Savior and what He's done in my life, and that He can work in their lives with all the intricacy and redemption that I know in my heart. I want the widowed to find love in Him that can heal the pain of their loss. I want orphans to be raised with the love of an eternal Father that will never end. I want young women to pursue the Lord as the healer of their broken hearts, no matter the pain caused by the men who have hurt them. I want young boys to be transformed into Godly men that will lead their households on faith. I want His name to be glorified in every nation and every heart. I may not see the day that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, but I do believe with all my heart that I will see miracles. That our God will do the unthinkable and soften the hardest of hearts. That lives will change and glorify Him and Him alone. That it doesn't matter if they remember my name, as long as they get to know and love the God that sent me.
I can't say for sure what will happen. I can't even begin to fathom the wonderful things He has planned for our team. All I know is that He will be glorified and lifted high in all that we do. That, I'm certain of.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Be The Light, Here.
Hey All,
I checked my EM (Experience Mission) account this morning to find my total at $2300! How incredible! A $1,000 donation was made by Bethany Christian Church, where my grandparents are active members. That's actually--kind of, what this post is about. Let me explain.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:14-16
This Church is located in the small town of Burton, Texas. My grandparents are jokingly known as the "youth group," since the majority of the members are elderly, have great-grandchildren, etc. Their attendance may only be averaging 30 or so a week, some of them park their wheelchairs in the aisle, and some can't drive themselves to and from the small service. But don't let the description fool you, this community of believers supports more mission work than most larger Churches I've attended. They send kids (including myself over the years) to Sandy Creek Bible Camp by paying for the week(s) in full, sponsor Destino Del Reino (an orphanage and school in Honduras), and several other missionaries around the World. They pray for each, by name and circumstance, and constantly stay up to date with the lives of those in their community.
When people talk about living as a light that shines for Christ, these are the kind of people I think about. Not all missionaries have to cross oceans to serve the Lord, and we're all called to live as examples wherever we are. Their group of believers supports so many efforts to share the Gospel and puts a hurtin' on satan when he tries to get a hold on anyone they know!
They minister and do outreach in their own community, too. They host Bible studies, Women's conferences, and other events as well. While supporting missionaries around the world. While keeping up with family and friends, always offering to have you over for dinner or pray for you or help you in whatever way is needed. They think of others first, regardless of what health issues they may be having at the time. And they rarely (if ever) miss a Sunday service.
This is a small group of 50+ year old believers, doing work for the Lord in ways that most twentysomethings "don't have time for" or "don't have energy for". Imagine what we could do if we followed their example and actively served as missionaries in our own little spheres; our own little worlds. That's what Church is all about, and I'd argue they make a pretty good example of living their lives in the full understanding of the Gospel.
I am incredibly thankful for their example, support, prayers, and donation towards my trip. My only hope is that I could live my life in such a way that people undoubtedly see Christ through my actions, like they do. Doing mission work isn't just about building a Church in another country (though there's value in that), it's about building His kingdom wherever we are. We have to live it here and now. Serving Christ doesn't start when you get on a plane for South Africa, and it doesn't end when you get back. It's a lifestyle, a status of the heart, and what we're called to do.
213 days to go.
I checked my EM (Experience Mission) account this morning to find my total at $2300! How incredible! A $1,000 donation was made by Bethany Christian Church, where my grandparents are active members. That's actually--kind of, what this post is about. Let me explain.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:14-16
This Church is located in the small town of Burton, Texas. My grandparents are jokingly known as the "youth group," since the majority of the members are elderly, have great-grandchildren, etc. Their attendance may only be averaging 30 or so a week, some of them park their wheelchairs in the aisle, and some can't drive themselves to and from the small service. But don't let the description fool you, this community of believers supports more mission work than most larger Churches I've attended. They send kids (including myself over the years) to Sandy Creek Bible Camp by paying for the week(s) in full, sponsor Destino Del Reino (an orphanage and school in Honduras), and several other missionaries around the World. They pray for each, by name and circumstance, and constantly stay up to date with the lives of those in their community.
When people talk about living as a light that shines for Christ, these are the kind of people I think about. Not all missionaries have to cross oceans to serve the Lord, and we're all called to live as examples wherever we are. Their group of believers supports so many efforts to share the Gospel and puts a hurtin' on satan when he tries to get a hold on anyone they know!
They minister and do outreach in their own community, too. They host Bible studies, Women's conferences, and other events as well. While supporting missionaries around the world. While keeping up with family and friends, always offering to have you over for dinner or pray for you or help you in whatever way is needed. They think of others first, regardless of what health issues they may be having at the time. And they rarely (if ever) miss a Sunday service.
This is a small group of 50+ year old believers, doing work for the Lord in ways that most twentysomethings "don't have time for" or "don't have energy for". Imagine what we could do if we followed their example and actively served as missionaries in our own little spheres; our own little worlds. That's what Church is all about, and I'd argue they make a pretty good example of living their lives in the full understanding of the Gospel.
I am incredibly thankful for their example, support, prayers, and donation towards my trip. My only hope is that I could live my life in such a way that people undoubtedly see Christ through my actions, like they do. Doing mission work isn't just about building a Church in another country (though there's value in that), it's about building His kingdom wherever we are. We have to live it here and now. Serving Christ doesn't start when you get on a plane for South Africa, and it doesn't end when you get back. It's a lifestyle, a status of the heart, and what we're called to do.
213 days to go.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)