Can't remember the last time I so looked forward to summer

When I was a kid, I remember my dad (well, at least I think it was him) sing-song saying, as summer vacation started, "School's out, school's out, someone's let the fools out!"

He couldn't be more right and I will gladly accept the title of "fool" this year, for what a year it was. As I wrote back in December, I've never felt more unequipped, unqualified and under stress in a job than this past year. 

After December, it didn't really get better either. I am pretty sure I don't like this leadership gig. When we left Africa, I somehow thought cross-cultural ministry in a more western culture would be easier. It isn't. I've never felt more like an outsider than this past year.

But I'm also stubborn, don't like to give up, and most importantly, I don't think God has asked me to move on, at least not yet.

Last Sunday, the sermon focused on Jesus' interaction with the man with leprosy found in Luke 5. 

While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

I've read these verses many times. Hearing them read aloud, in French, I noticed something I had never noticed before. In French, the word, or expression, used by the leper was "make me pure." I immediately thought, "Hmmmmm... interesting... I wonder why he requested purity and not healing?" Same thought could have crossed my mind in English, "Why did the leper ask to be cleaned instead of healed?"

I know all about the image of leprosy representing impurity, or uncleanliness, in the eyes of God. As a result, those sick with the disease were forced to live outside the camp, crying out "Unclean!" any time they were in proximity of others. I don't understand why God chose this image and why those sick with the disease were forced to live with this burden of exclusion and rejection by society and his people. If I am being honest, it is one of those things that has always bothered me and doesn't fit with the image of God I want to be able to tuck in my back pocket and carry around with me.  Since I can't create God in my image, however, I'm stuck wrestling with this incomprehension and tension. So, all of that to say, I do understand the use of the word clean in the leper's request, but...

For those of us reading the biblical text in this day and age, without that same background connotations and with only the knowledge that leprosy is disease, I think the use of the word clean is perfect and perfectly fascinating. 

Back to the leper - he falls on his face and begging, praying, that the Lord would be willing to cleanse him...

I immediately thought of long moments over this past school year, on my face before the Lord, tearfully imploring him to...

• fix things,
• make it all go away or at least go a bit more smoothly,
• show me what I could do to do to fix things,
• send us to a different mission field,
• just let me teach English with business people,
• give me at least a little energy to face another day,
• comfort me with his presence because this season was so, so lonely,
• help me to walk the halls of the school and actually continue doing the job,
• and a million other things essentially along those same lines.

Many of those prayers? Well, he promises he hears them. 

In retrospect, I can see how others he faithfully answered... on repeat. 

They were the prayers like the leper's prayer, even though I never, ever prefaced my prayers as that man did - stating my confident knowledge of his absolute power to grant any request while humbly acknowledging that THAT wouldn't happen... 

...unless God was willing.

Ever wonder what prayers God is willing to answer?

The ones that are prayed according to his will, and not just a "may Thy will be done" in closing. 

It is the prayers that reflect the character of God and his image within me, that bring honor and glory to his name, that permit his truth and light to shine, that point any watching eyes (including my own) in his direction.

Two answers to prayer, directing my eyes and heart to seek refuge in God and God alone, are two songs literally breathing just enough courage into my wary weariness that I can continue another day. They have been earworms (as my kids say), stuck in my head, and I am so thankful.

The first is Lauren Daigle's Thank God I Do. Read the lyrics : 

I've seen love come and

I've seen love walk away

So many questions

Will anybody stay?

It's been a hard year

So many nights in tears

All of the darkness

Trying to fight my fears

Alone, so long alone

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You

I'd probably fall off the edge

I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go

So keep me held in Your hands

I've started breathing

The weight is lifted here

With You, it's easy

My head is finally clear

There's nothing missing

When You are by my side

I took the long road

But now I realize

I'm home with You, I'm home

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You

I'd probably fall off the edge

I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go

So keep me held in Your hands

You're my safe place

My hideaway

You're my anchor

My saving grace

You're my constant

My steadiness

You're my shelter

My oxygen

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You

Thank God, I do

The second song was written by my daughter for a school assignment. She had to compose the music, write the words and put the whole thing together, recording it for her class.  When she played the final version for me on our way in to school the morning it was due, I bawled (I know... not the most conducive for safe driving.).

I don't have her permission to share the recording of her song, but these words:

Home is not a place

It's the people you're with

The place I feel safe

Because you're who I'm with...

Home's never a place

It's who we are

The place we feel safe

Because you're who I'm with.

Her song is the cry of a Third Culture Kid's heart, but it has also been the cry of her cross cultural worker-mama's heart, realizing all over again that the only safe space, the only home, is near to the heart of God because that is who He is. As I work in the garden, fold laundry, or just sit and stare out the window at the river and the sunset, these words run through my head, healing my heart.

Summer, a season for growth and rest, 

an answer to prayer.

YES! I did it!

I REALLY don't like talking on the phone, for any reason, ever. Not even with family and close friends. I can do it, I don't sound freaked out and usually don't stumble over my words. I even leave coherent messages on answering machines. But given the choice between talking to someone in person, texting, fb messaging or email... or making a phone call - I will NEVER choose the phone call. 

My husband doesn't get that, not at all. So, sometimes I have one other avoidance option - I get him to make the necessary phone call for me!

He usually rolls his eyes and sighs big... and then does that little service for me, because he loves me!

When you add the complication of trying to make a phone call in French - well, I can become a world champion procrastinator...

Several months ago, I decided I decided it was time to start looking for ways to volunteer, outside of my church or a Christian school, in my local community - wherever that might be. It was one of those New Year's resolutions from a few years back - before we left Niger for home assignment. I had been convicted of my furloughing introvertedness:  when home from Africa (our place of service, at that time), I'd literally quarantine myself within the Christian community. I couldn't... didn't... do that for four year chunks while in Niger; I figured I had that right and I had justified it by my very real need need to rest, recharge and rebuild. 

January 2013, I realized that MY "reasonings" were hogwash - and simply excuses for me to avoid ministry and give in to my nature that is perfectly content at home, not talking to or interacting with people, except on MY terms. In fact, I was convicted that my "self-fulfillment" in that sense was nothing less than sin.

So, I made that resolution and by God's grace... and a few friends and family members who help keep me accountable... I've actually followed through and maintained this practice for a significant chunk of time - volunteering at a Pregnancy Resource Center and at a wildlife rehabilitation center while back in Michigan. 

Then we moved.

It was easy to get involved in our church, Christian school and the studio ministry - for the obvious reason: THAT was why we came to Quebec - to encourage Jesus followers here and to hopefully encourage others to become Jesus followers.

Finding ways to get involved in our communities, outside the Christian communities, however, has taken a little bit of time.

Tori gave the first accountability nudge, without even realizing it! We hadn't even been here a month, I was still unpacking boxes, and she began begging to find out if there was a wildlife rehabilitation center in our area. She loved working at the A.R.K while back in Michigan (and usually requests the possibility of a shift or two when we are back in town for vacations). We did find a place to volunteer - only they only needed help from April to September. We contacted them in October. I left my name and contact information - and hoped to hear from them the following spring.

I was content to let the volunteering stay on the back burner until April - I was starting to experience the full impact of plunging 6 kids at once into a non-maternal language school system, and homework not only felt overwhelming; we were drowning in it. But Tim kept telling me about a guy he worked with at the studio, an older gentleman that volunteered, working with kids after school to do their homework. He kept saying I'd be good at something like that. That wasn't the direction I really wanted to go. I was doing enough French homework with MY OWN kids! About that same time, a refugee family (from Congo by way of Burundi) started attending our church. The idea of helping refugees sounded a lot better than homework, and the arrival of Syrian refugees was all over the news. 

So I looked on line and found a center that coordinates volunteers, filled out the application, went in for an interview, had my police check and thought I'd see lots of opportunities to help welcome newcomers to the Belle Province. Except there were none of those opportunities listed, at least none that I found. 

So I started to sign up for one-shot opportunities, to at least dip my big toe into the water and test the temperature.

I'll never forget my first volunteer experience here in Quebec. It was helping with a 5K cross country up near the military base. All the other women who looked to be about my age got to stand around and hand out bottles of water as runners passed their table. I was recruited with the 20-something crowd (Really people? Can't you see the gray roots and wrinkles?) to run up a mountain and then stand there all morning, cheering and directing runners to follow the race/right path. I stood right next to a sign that warned of the prolific presence of black bears in the area. I was a little nervous most of the morning.

Would I do it again? Possibly... ah... probably.

Tori and I did hear back from the wildlife rehab center - and volunteered there, averaging 1-2 shifts/week throughout the rehabbing season this past spring and summer. We are both looking forward to returning next spring. It is funny how in serving and caring for animals, I get an opportunity to serve, care for and love people who are passionate about wildlife and the environment.

But I knew that would be coming to an end with the beginning of a new school year...

So, I finally decided to take a peer counseling training course, thinking I could get involved that way. The first session was offered over the summer, while we were traveling - so I registered for the one slated to begin in the fall. I received my certificate in October, and am officially signed up as a trained volunteer with the "Maison de la Famille" as a peer counselor.

But what does all that have to do with using a telephone... the subject with which I started stream-of-conscious-ing way back at the beginning of this post?

Well, I picked peer counseling because it is something done in person. No one told me, until I was already signed up and given a client to contact - that THAT FIRST CONTACT was done by phone.

Yikes!

Today - after much fear, trepidation, procrastination and finally, prayer - I made the call.

I was able to understand and be understood.

And I've set up my first actual meeting.

Score!

Not just celebrating my phone call,
but the success my football team has experienced this season as well!

Don't expect me to say that it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Because it was. I feel like throwing up just thinking about it, and knowing that it will be a part of every helping relationship I have through this organization.

That, however, isn't a good enough reason for me to consider not being involved... not trying to serve this community... not taking His love into this world with every tool and talent God has given me.

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How are you giving back? 

Are you seeking ways to be involved, even though it may not feel natural or comfortable for you?

How are you involved with people outside of your Christian community?

photo credit: classic_film Mary Tyler Moore, The Dick Van Dyke Show, 

"Empress Carlotta's Necklace," 1961 via photopin (license)

photo credit: loungerie Salvador Dalì - White aphrodisiac telephone (1939) via photopin (license)

photo credit: puffclinty Malcolm Willis Getting the Crowd Going via photopin (license)

of yummy breakfasts and hoping... praying...

A week ago, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and noticed that one of my friends was giving her testimony at a Déjeuner de l'Espoir.

"What's that?" you ask.

Translated literally, it means "Breakfast of Hope..." or perhaps "Breakfast for Hope" is a better translation... but that's a bit of quibbling over details. 😊 Regardless, "for more than 23 years, Hope for Today has regularly offered these free conversational breakfasts 'chats' in restaurants throughout the region of Québec. The goal of [these breakfasts] is to present Jesus Christ and to invite those at the breakfast to become his followers. At these meetings, participants will hear powerful testimonies from men and women whose lives have been transformed by the love of Jesus, the Son of God, simply by having accepted Him as their only Savior and Lord." (translated from the web page of Aujourd'hui l'Espoir)

And so back to my story... I attended one of these this past weekend...

It was a bit of a stretch for introvert me. Tim couldn't go - he was busy recording upcoming television programs. Between school and church, the kids have usually had their fill of French and tend to like their English Saturdays at home, with the family. But I really wanted to hear my friend's testimony while experiencing first hand this ministry facilitated by the organization we've come to Quebec to partner with, so even amidst second thoughts, I dutifully drove to the restaurant. The fact that it was a breakfast meeting and we were going to a Chinese restaurant did concern me a little bit as I had no idea what might be served for breakfast. In hindsight, that needn't have been a worry at all - omelets, quiche, eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and waffles with REAL maple syrup, baked beans, lots of fruit... it was a really, REALLY good breakfast buffet!

I sat down - at the end of one of the long tables set up for the breakfast in the private room rented for the affair, and before too long, an older gentlemen walked up, asked if the seat across from me was saved. When I said it wasn't, he asked if I minded if he sat there. 

Which began a conversation that left me both brokenhearted and hopeful...

My new friend is a 79 year old bachelor. He really enjoys farming and gardening. From our conversation, I concluded that perhaps, the first part of his life was wasted... in many ways... and then he read a book that changed his life. It wasn't the Bible. This book, did, however, highly regard Jesus as the best prophet that ever walked this earth. And now, so did this man. wants to live his life modeled after Jesus. Yet as I was visiting with him, it was very clear that he believed was a really good person, one of the good guys involved in charity work and other social Gospel activities. He was convinced that God would be happy to welcome him into Heaven some day. He believes Christ died on the cross to save the world. But... I didn't understand him to say that he thought he actually needed a Savior - just a good life model/mentor. 

While we were eating, I shared my testimony. He heard my friend's testimony, which was unmistakably clear. He heard the pastor who introduced my friend summarize all men's need for a Savior and then the plan of salvation. He also heard the man who concluded the breakfast with a final clear, short and sweet, presentation of the Gospel.

He left the breakfast, thanking my friend for her testimony, but not really seeing that her words were applicable for him... to him. 

I left the breakfast, heart heavy because of a sweet older gentleman; we'd enjoyed delightful conversation for over an hour that morning, yet even when presented with the truth, he didn't recognize his need. He is blind, but claims he can see.

That morning, I came home and sat down to read my bible... I was a couple of days behind schedule - it had been a crazy busy week.

This was the passage (NLT, from John 10):

   When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

   The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”

   “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”

   “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.

   Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

   Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?”

   “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

Sometimes, it is easy to look at people like the Pharisees - and not like them or become frustrated with their stubborn blindness. 

I was reminded that Pharisees were just like this man, probably really great folks (outside of their angry conversations with Christ) - and that Jesus came for people like them "to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 

Join me in praying for my friend... 

May God show him his blindness so that he can, truly, see.

And may God show each of us our areas of blindness, for we all have areas where we are Pharisaical, where we have to acknowledge our blindness before we ever have hope of truly seeing.

Not too many days ago - but the sun's shining now and I can actually see a small patch of grass in front of that tree today. M&M came home from school and wanted to know if she could go lay out in the sun on the grass!

(In the interest of full disclosure - all food pictures included in this post were prepared by me and/or my gang and were taken at our house... not at the restaurant.)

Longeivty in Ministry ~ Go fast or go far. It IS your choice...

"Like longevity in life, some basic things are needed -

right genes [to be a child of God], right diet [God's Word],

right exercise [involvement in ministry]

and right environment [a place in God's community - the Church].

The Apostle Paul set it as his goal to walk worthy and finish well. So should we!"

Yet what does the practical outworking of this look like in real life and ministry? How do expats working, ministering and seeking to be Christ’s  “…witnesses… [in] Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1.8, NASB) sustain long and productive careers?

Based off of a sermon by my home church pastor and some additional, subsequent study, I’ve identified priorities, seven of them, that when practiced, can help protect those in ministry, particularly cross-cultural ministry, from burnout and temptation. Even more than protect, these priorities can also give direction and hope as they help us remember that all is grace and a gift from God.

Those priorities are:

1.       Seeking the Lord, consistently and continually

2.       Praying without ceasing

3.       Balancing personal growth, rest and ministry

4.       Welcoming accountability

5.       Committing to marriage and family

6.       Choosing to be teachable, even in difficult circumstances; and

7.       Determining to be a genuine team player.

This post considers that final priority – determining to be a genuine team player.

I’ve always been competitive. As a young person, I competed as both a gymnast and a swimmer. I swam in college (until a torn rotator cuff ended my years as a swimmer). And while I was always part of a team… the nature of the beast in both of those sports was highly individualistic. There was always a lot of rhetoric about self being the toughest competition – and always reaching for a better score or a faster time.

But? The bottom line…at least for me?  

I wanted to be first and the one standing at the top of the podium with the blue ribbon, biggest medal, the tallest trophy... not just winning out over competitors from other teams, but also scoring higher than/touching ahead of my “teammates.”

And I was okay with that. In fact, my introverted, very private, very individualistic self actually preferred it that way. I could publically cheer for my friends and teammates, but privately celebrate when I was the winner.

So I didn’t, really, learn how to play on a team until...

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To read the rest, please join me over at Missionary Mom's Companion, where I posted yesterday - finally finishing (except for the wrap up post) - a long series on longevity in ministry! Be sure to let me know what you think by commenting!

Want to read our current prayer letter?

 Then follow this link!

There's lots of pictures and a current list of praises and petitions!

"It's hard to believe, but we leave for Quebec in less than two weeks! Lots of changes... lots of unknowns. Please pray our family through this time of transition."

With our two oldest girlies at CBA's Jr/Sr Banquet

Rebekah and friends - jumping for joy!
The end of the school year and graduation was right around the corner!

We actually had two graduates this year: M&M from K5 and Rebekah from high school! 

Spring 2015 Prayer Letter

Can a Person be an Answer to Prayer?

«Alors il dit à ses disciples:

La moisson est grande, mais il y a peu d'ouvriers.

Priez donc le maître de la moisson d'envoyer des ouvriers dans sa moisson.»

Matthieu 9.37 à 38

Have you ever had someone tell you, on more than one occasion, that you are an answer to their specific prayer? It is at one moment bewildering, and at the next, humbling. Our response is first one of wonder, knowing our own insufficiency. Later, we are overwhelmed by thankfulness for the graciousness of God in our lives.

The amazing adventure God has been writing in our lives now includes our biggest transition chapter yet: from overseas missions in Niger, West Africa… to North American missions in Quebec City. We thank God daily for this new opportunity to proclaim His precious gift of salvation.

In the front hallway of the office of Aujourd’hui Espoir (Hope for Today), hangs a picture of a sower in a field. Underneath the picture is the following Bible verse:

“Then saith he unto his disciples,

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers

into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:37-38

Tim had the privilege of spending January and February in Quebec City, helping with the daily production of Hope for Today’s French radio and television programming. On several occasions, studio staff would say to him, “You know, we’ve been praying for two years that God would send us someone like you to come and help us with this ministry.” Wow! That’s encouraging! Tim had the opportunity to attend weekly prayer meetings with our new ministry colleagues and was heartened to see the commitment and energy devoted to prayer as the board of directors, leaders and volunteers met for an open prayer time via Skype every Thursday evening.

We believe that what has seemed, at times, an interminably long and open-ended research of God’s will for our future has actually been a God-orchestrated and Holy Spirit guided 4,800 mile ministry transfer. God hears the prayers of His children, He has a plan of redemption for His world, and He moves His team members from place to place to fill these roles.

A large portion of Tim’s recent volunteer time up in Quebec was spent editing episodes of the television program Words of Life. You can view a sample of these programs on Hope for Today’s website: http://espoir.ca/2015.La-parole-vivante.htm

Preparations

Sounds like the title of an article on home remedies!

For us it is the myriad of details to be taken care of before moving day: dentist appointments, weddings, travels, a high school graduation, visits with friends and loved-ones, assembling all of those things we need to set up house (and left in Niger), and PACKING. Lord willing, July 1st we will begin our trek to Quebec and jump feet first into this new ministry. We sincerely appreciate your prayers for this new step in our lives. 

Could you also pray with us about all of these small details and big preparations?

Leaving the Nest

Both Brendan and Rebekah will be staying in Michigan when the rest of us move north.

Brendan will continue his studies at Saginaw Valley State University. He is currently pursuing a degree in Biology and has secured an internship this summer, working at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Please pray for him as he studies, interns and keeps up with his part-time jobs.

Rebekah has been accepted at Faith Baptist Bible College. She plans to begin studying missions nursing this fall. She’ll be living with family and continue working here in Midland this summer. Either Tim or Richelle will make a trip back in August to help her with those first steps of transition into college life.

GRATITUDE CORNER

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

~ from Philippians 4 ~

It is a privilege for us to partner with you for world evangelism. We’ve got such an amazing team of friends and family standing with us!

Churches 20

Families 38

Individuals 4

100%

of our recommended monthly support has been committed!

Thinking of Friends in Niger

If you follow world news, you may have seen Niger prominently displayed there more than once in the past few months. In the eastern part of the country, spill-over violence from the Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has displaced thousands of Nigeriens from their homes. In several of the larger cities of Niger, dozens of churches, schools, and homes and businesses were burned by mobs angered over the depiction of the prophet Mohammed in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Our own church, EEB Harobanda, was attacked and burned at that time. Please pray for our dear brothers and sisters, the Christians of Niger, missionary workers, and their Muslim friends who protected them. We know that God will never abandon His children… that they are always in His Hands.

Outfit and Passage

We are thanking God! He has moved in the hearts of His people and He has provided our recommended support to live and serve in Quebec. We have been stunned by the generous and sacrificial response to our presentation of this work. We thank God for both those who have committed to support us and for those who are currently investing in this ministry.

We are now putting together our O/P budget for our move to Quebec. Please pray with us for wisdom as we approach the process of budgeting for the expenses of moving the family up to Quebec City, getting set up in a home, securing uniforms and educational supplies for a new school, and significant setup at the studio for Tim’s ministry. We are trusting the same God who is moving us on our way, Who already knows all of these details and expenses, and Who has already planned for how they will be funded.

We also don’t want to forget to thank many of you – you who have gifted us with dressers, mattresses, bed frames, chairs, dishes… and other items – all of which are God-sends as we look forward to the business of setting up house again on this side of the water.

Living Water / L’Eau Vive

We thank God that one of the few Christian schools in Quebec is located in Quebec City. Our new furlough schedule (traveling to the States for several weeks each summer) will allow us to keep the children in the same school for several years at a time. This will be extremely helpful, as the children are re-entering school in French.

Please pray for each of them. Could you imagine showing up at a new school for a new school year knowing that it was going to be in a language which is not your mother tongue?

Founded in the 1980s, L’Eau Vive has about 280 students. Initially organized as a Christian school within the public system, L’Eau Vive was privatized in 2001. It is the only accredited Christian school in the province of Quebec. Again, we thank God for meeting this educational need for our family. It fills a very important niche for Christian parents seeking a quality education for their children. We know the school would also covet your prayers.

Back to School

In January, Richelle began an online program and is working towards her certification, providing her with the necessary qualifications to teach English as a second language. Since she is working with the ESL class at Calvary this year, she’s already able to use much of what she is learning.

In April, she will be heading for Montreal for two weeks to complete the teaching practicum portion of the class. Please pray as she travels… and for Tim, as it will be his turn to handle all family logistics while she’s gone!

Praises

• Family time over the holidays
• Great ministry visit for Tim to Quebec in January and February
• Two teenagers on their way to getting their drivers’ licenses this spring
• A new-to-us used vehicle (4 wheel drive & seats 8) to carry our family to Quebec
• Rebekah has been accepted at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankney, Iowa for the fall semester
• We have located a house to rent, located halfway between the studio and the Christian school children will be attending in the fall
• An amazing family of mission, studio and ministry partners

Petitions

• Details of the secondment agreement with our Canadian partners
• Provision of Christian worker’s visas from the Canadian government
• A very busy Spring schedule this spring - pray that we will not get lost in or distracted by all the activity
• That our family grows in godliness and thankfulness

Thankful to be serving our Lord together with you,
Tim, Richelle,
Brendan, Rebekah Joy, Nadia, Anna, Victoria, Jonathan, Elsie Mae &
Mary Michelle Wright

Wrights Broadcasting Truth to Quebec, Fall Prayer Letter

…He must needs go through Samaria. 

(from John 4)

Does that phrase “must needs go through Samaria” intrigue you? Have you ever tried to imagine the tension that must have existed as Christ walked this earth:  Just how could Jesus be fully God and fully man - at the SAME time?!

That begs the following question: As God, did Jesus already know that there’d be this woman He’d meet at the well and that this meeting would lead to the belief of an entire city? Or, did the God-man allow His foreknowledge to be limited, making Him completely dependent on the leading of the Spirit?...

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To read the rest of this update, please follow this link! 

And...? Thanks so much for caring about our family, taking the time to read, to pray and to consider partnering with us in this ministry! We are so appreciative of you!

Longevity in Ministry ~ The essentials? Or merely superfluous? ~

Several weeks ago, I started a series that I'm hoping will be both a challenge and encouragement to you, based off of a sermon by the senior pastor at my sending church. The first post focused on that oxymoron that the God is sovereign, but that men are also responsible. Imagining those two truths as a horseshoe where, as mere humans, we only see and comprehend the ends. God, on the other hand, looks at the whole and thus can see how two things that appear contradictory do actually work together. The second post considered one of the ends of that horseshoe: trusting God, not only because He is sovereign - but because He is sufficient in that sovereignty. The third post explored the other end of that horseshoe and specifically what God's Word says about obedience and abiding in Christ.

A 2003 study on missionary retention/attrition observed that the number of missionaries leaving missions for preventable reasons is increasing. One of the interesting details...

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To read the rest, please join me over at Missionary Mom's Companion, where yesterday, I continued a series on this topic of longevity in ministry.

Lately I've been reading about "picking up strippers... and... serving people just as they are."

That's a pretty a astonishing statement.

That's because that was the topic of the latest book I picked to review.

And since I know you are already thinking the question... 

I'll go ahead and answer it.

Yes.

I ABSOLUTELY picked this book because I was intrigued by the outrageous title... the provocative line drawing of high heeled shoes on the cover... the splash of scarlet on an otherwise gray scale cover.

After all, books with stripper in the title are not often on the shelves at your local Christian bookstore - be those virtual shelves or real (and heavy) wooden ones.

I was intrigued. Wouldn't you have been?

How to Pick up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness, by Todd and Erin Stevens, was challenging, refreshing and just downright fun to read. In fact, I read several chapters aloud to my husband as we were traveling last weekend. Todd pastors Friendship Community Church in Nashville, TN, and a key focus of their church is servant evangelism. Basically, what that means is that meeting needs, serving others, and spreading kindness - no strings attached - is evangelistic in nature when the goal is sharing God's love to others. This approach recognizes that spiritual growth (which most followers of Jesus recognize as a process after salvation) is also a process prior to salvation and our goal should always be encouraging people to move one step closer to knowing Jesus. One of their goals, as a church is to "aim love outward... to love [their] community in such a way that if [they] closed the doors tomorrow and ceased to exist as a church, then even the people who had never visited us on a Sunday would miss us terribly... [which] will only happen if [they] demonstrate love for [others] at a level they have never before experienced and would have never expected."

One of the outworkings of that philosophy (and the inspiration for the title of the book) led to Erin Stevens (Todd's wife) deciding to serve - extravagantly - those who worked at one of the strip clubs in town. Servant evangelism isn't their only push, however, in their desire to meet people where they are. They also encourage what they've labeled as kindness evangelism and Good Samaritan outreach. The ultimate goal is always to connect with people in a relevant way and to encourage them to make even the tiniest steps towards knowing God.

Hands down, this is one of the best books I've read on community outreach and serving those all around us. I don't know if I say that because it resonates with a direction I've been compelled to move in recent months or if it has challenged me even more to actively be a servant evangelist, but either way, I highly recommend this book. 

Let me know if you are interested in reading this one!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”