Missionary Heart

Popcorn in Minneapolis

2009-03-10T22:49:00.006-05:00

I'm sitting up late, with a big bowl of buttery popcorn next to me, determined to not to go sleep tonight until I record a few events of the past weeks. So much has happened and my family keeps asking me for a post. I've officially been here for 2 months now. It will be a bit of touch and go, but you'll get the picture.

So...here are the highlights of my past month in MN.

Attended the Midwest Missionary Care Conference (amazing weekend! I've got a whole stash of notes; I'll blog on that one later) I went with several people from the AFLC world missions office and another friend from WI. Jessica stayed with me all weekend and I was so encouraged having her with me after some pretty quiet evenings by myself. The theme of the conference was taking care of our missionaries. How do we nurture them for long term service, for spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness?
Made new friends.
Made a giant batch of clam chowder. (Yes, there is a story behind this one!)
Started attending a Sunday night Bible study on Revelation and made new friends.
Attended Beautiful to God conference for young women. (I actually went as a small group hostess for the girls, but ended up being so refreshed with the theme of loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Taste and see that the Lord is good!)
Continue to visit new churches every Sunday and I'm starting to narrow down the options. Thank you for faithfully praying grandma!!!!!
Started going to Wednesday night Lenten services at Faith Free Lutheran. Meet more new friends; (Are we seeing a theme?).
Lost my cell phone. Love my TomTom.
Learned how to NOT walk on the ice! =)
Finally receiving my MN driver's license, car title, and health insurance.
Listened to a fascinating lecture series on Islam.
Made more new friends (how many more names can I forget?)
Spoke on Accelerated Distance Learning at the Bible School. This is something I started praying God would open the door to three years ago. Wow, as I stood at the front of the classroom is was so amazing to look back and see the route God took to answer the prayer.
And tomorrow I pick up my dear southern friend, Adela, from the airport for half a weeks visit, as she tours the Bible School! Yea, fun times and pictures taking ahead.

Woven in between all of this is my new work in the AFLC Home Missions office, which I enjoy immensely. I make mistakes and blush frequently in the learning curve, but I know this season won't be forever. It is like a family here in the administration building and people have been so helpful on every side, making the transition smoother.

I won't say it's been easy, but God's people around have shared in the change with me. I am so, so, so grateful to Jesus for not just carrying me to this place, but carrying me through the change. I read this verse, Matt 25: 35-40, a few weeks ago, and they hit me so forcefully in my present situation that it brought tears to my eyes.

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

"I was a stranger, and you took me in." Wow! I never understood how wonderful the testimony of Jesus is when lived out in this way, until I became a stranger myself, and experienced the warmth of someone extending a hand when I was feeling terribly lonely, inviting me over, bringing me hot bread, taking me to church, fixing my windshield wipers, shoveling my snow, sitting with me at church, having me over for a Texan supper, calling to check on me, or praying with me and for me. This is all God's lavish goodness that is totally undeserved and therefore all the sweeter. Can I be Jesus like this to someone today? Will you? Without saying words, these actions give off the fragrance of a beautiful Savior.

My friends back home ask, is it really hard living by yourself?

Yes, I do miss my family everyday. I miss talking with them at night, curling up on the couch to watch a movie with my sisters, or puttering around among all the herbs with Tricia. And I miss my church family every single Sunday. I miss all of you at Word of Truth! Sometimes all one wants is a familiar friend to sip a cup of tea with (while nibbling some creamy Dove chocolate).

Yet, in the midst of experiencing solitude, I find that I am not alone. Everyday I wake up He is enough! I'm sure this is something that the Holy Spirit has been gently cultivating in my heart for many years, but I've never had to truly test it like this, until now. That is, the peace of finding my identity and joy, not in people, but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is such a humbling place; it has simplified my spiritual walk and gotten rid of some of the clutter. It has prodded me to spend more time in prayer. It has given me a renewed appreciation for true and godly companions, the ones who push and prod me to know Jesus more. The ones that have a vision to change the world for God.

At the end of it all, I can't help loving Jesus more.

My popcorn bowl is empty, which means this blog is about to go to bed.

Tonight I'm praying for the Punjabi people of Afghanistan, a Muslim people who need missionaries. A people who haven't even had the opportunity to know that Jesus offers them an Eternal Home. It's my turn to open the door, and welcome a "stranger" in Christ's name.

~Christie

Missions Conference - Day 4

2009-01-29T22:49:00.009-06:00

Pastor Paul Nash opens up our evening tonight telling the story of William Borden. As heir to the multi-million dollar Borden Dairy company, he shocked the world by leaving fame and fortune behind that he might share Jesus with Muslims in China. During his years of ministry preparation at Yale and Princeton, his zeal for the lost and his fervent prayer ministry transformed both college campuses. Just months after his ordination in 1912 and well-publicized departure to China, 26 year old Borden contracted spinal meningitis and died. At the back of his Bible was written this statement: “No retreats, no reserves, no regrets.”

Just months after his ordination in 1912 and well-publicized departure to China, Borden (who was only 26) contracted spinal meningitis and died! At the back of his Bible was written this statement: “No retreats, no reserves, no regrets.”

Though seen as "a waste" in the world's terms, both his life and his death leave us a challenge. We are challenged to hand over all those temporal toys and amusements that hinder total consecration. His role model shows the beautiful, eternal fruit of dying to self that I might live unto Christ.

Pastor Nash is director of the Home Missions work in the AFLC (the department I am blessed to now be working in) and shares about the new mission work in Naknek, Alaska and the KAKN radio station broadcasting from there. This is a new work for the AFLC (since summer 2008) and such amazing doors of ministry opportunity are opening up there.

Pastor/Missionary Dan Giles gave a final message tonight on surrender. "When we surrender, God unlocks hidden gifts." We can't list our inabilities as excuses for not surrendering. Pastor Dan tells about how he responded to God's call for missions, and afterward found out God had given him a real knack for linguistics. He would have never imagined God using him in linguistics, never in a million years. But those who God calls, he qualifies.

Are my priorities, God's priorities? The question is not "if" I should have a call to reach the lost, but where and how. Everyone is called to be a worker in the harvest field.

"To whom much is given, much is required."

Here are 3 ways to reach the lost. We've probably heard them before; they aren't rocket science. They are, however, just plain inescapable and vital. There is nothing more important.

1) Pray--I mean really pray for missions. For workers, for souls, for seminarians, for church leadership, for peace and effective government so the Gospel can spread freely and without threat. Put up prayer cards. Don't just talk about praying, really pray.

2) Give and Send--Provide for the practical needs of missionaries. Be an active "sender," not just in sending money, but in the ongoing care for your missionaries. Pray for creativity (I like this idea)--that God will show new ways to give. He tells about one seminarian he knew, on a very limited budget, who collected coke cans to recycle so he could send money to missionaries.

3) Go--not just for fun or adventure. Realize that missions is treading on the devil's territory and it will bring spiritual battle.

Instead of ending with a hymn tonight, Pastor Lee dismissed us quietly. Those who felt God speaking are encouraged to stay and pray. Many start filing out, quietly whispering in the reverence of the moment. But many are staying. Many are on their knees. Lord, speak to us!

It's been fun blogging the mission conference this week...alot of extra work, but I'm glad I did it. It gave me lots of extra time to think over the messages and their application. If you just found my blog this week because of the conference, I hope you will stay tuned!

Mixed Ensemble

“No retreats, no reserves, no regrets.”

Missions Conference - Day 3

2009-01-27T21:24:00.003-06:00

Is it Tuesday already? Night 3 of the AFLBS Mission conference is underway. The opening speaker comes to us tonight from Wycliffe Bible Translators, brother Arvid Westfall.

Starting out he announces a conference coming up right here in Minneapolis (Feb 20-21), which he us to pass the word about. The Midwest Conference on Missionary Care, training for helping churches and laymen understand how to be the best caretakers of their foreign missionaries.

(This perked my interest immediately, since I'm very, very interested in this aspect of missions. How can we best be an Aaron or a Hur to the missionaries in the field? Just maybe I'll be able to attend it.)

Brother Arvid and his wife were Bible translators in Guatemala, and are now living in the states serving as both church mobilizers and translators.

Here's his opening statement: "I'm excited about this generation! Why? Because it is logically possible, by the empowering of God's Spirit, that you can reach the world in your generation."

He tells a story written by Amy Carmichael, Daisy Chains. If you haven't heard or read it before, skip over to the above link for a moment. How does Jesus find us?

This brother shares statistics about translation; the fact that there are still 2,500-3,000 languages without a page of Scripture. Can you imagine not having the blessed privilege of opening a Bible in your moments of deepest pain, grief, uncertainty, frustration? This statistic makes the Word dearer to me, and compels me to act - someway, somehow.

You know what I gleaned most about his 30 minute message tonight? It wasn't the stories, or quotes. It was just his life. He is 70 years old and still going full speed for advancing the Gospel among the nations of the world. He's still doing a translation project and prays to see the Old Testament completed among his people group in about 6 years.

God, give me a life-long passion for your mission, just like this witness before me! Hebrews 12:1-2

But the night is just beginning. We have a prayer time again and then join in singing, "Christ for the World We Sing."

And what a treat, we have a quartet singing tonight. Everyone is smiling as Pastors Lee, Monseth, Rolf, and Mr. Andrew Hanson sing "Come and Join the Reapers". They receive enthusiastic applause! Where is my camera? I keep forgetting it. I won't forget for Thursday evening.

Oh, and I just discovered that some wonderful, technically gifted people are recording the sessions this week and they are DOWNLOADABLE! Yes, that means you can listen what I'm trying to feebly describe in this blog. Please avail yourself of the opportunity.

Pastor Giles gets up. "Why does God choose to use us? Why does God choose to use prayer? Is He capable of spreading the Word without men and women? Yes! But for some reason, known only to Him, He has chosen to use you and me. "

He shares lessons for a new missionary from the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 10 and Luke 10 tonight. Excellent material. This is the chapter where Jesus commissions the 70 disciples to go out 2 by 2 for a season of ministry training exercises. Here's some things we learn.
- Jesus sent the disciples to a target people group. It is not that other people are to be ignored, but He understood that specific aim, bring specific results. (vs 5)
- Go in total dependence on My provision. (vs 9)
- Bring a blessing with you wherever you go (don't be just takers)(vs.12-13)
- Focus on ministry to people who are hungry to hear (Vs 14)
- Don't get side-tracked (Luke 10:4)
- Any there are many more lessons in these verses!! Study this for yourself if you want to see more of our Lord's advice for new missionaries.

Pastor Dan explains universalism. Most Americans fall into this category, believing that you are destined for heaven when you are born and basically "earn" your way to hell by being thoroughly wicked. This is completely opposite what the Bible teaches.

There are estimated 6 billion people on earth. About 20% live a place with a strong Christian witness. About 60% in a place with at least a very minimal witness. But 20% live WITHOUT any Gospel witness. How can I even wrap my mind around those numbers? Every second a soul goes to hell without Jesus.

He challenges all us young adults, "Don't be afraid of raising your children on the mission field."

Three biggest decisions in life:
What will you do with Jesus?
Who will you marry?
What is God's call for my life?

Are you hearing His call?

We closed by singing, Here am I Lord. The altar was opened for a time of prayer.

There is no meeting tomorrow night, so everyone can attend their local church. I'll be back blogging Thursday night.

Will you pray for all the students at this conference this week? Will you pray that even among the young men and women in the pews tonight, God will raise up laborers for His Harvest?

Missions Conference - Day 2

2009-01-26T21:48:00.004-06:00

I slid onto the bench just in time for the introduction of the opening speaker this evening, Pastor Don Richman, founder of Eastern European Mission Network.

Pastor Richman asked a front row Bible School student to open in prayer.

He read Habakkuk 1:5 "Look among the nations and watch—
Be utterly astounded!
For I will work a work in your days
Which you would not believe, though it were told you."

Pastor Richman went back in history to tell the story of the great oppression of communism and socialism in Eastern Europe. "The damage is still palpable to this day,"...he said. The wound is so deep.

But then he explained how God shone light in that darkness. He told the story of, "The Red Cranberry" from the autobiography of a Lutheran pastor that lived in Tartu, Estonia.It's too long to tell, but the theme was simple delight in the goodness of God even in the midst of darkness.

Pastor Richman carries such an enthusiasm in his presentation. "There are amazing doors through teaching English." He explored opportunities in Europe, though Christian English camps to touch lives. You begin by developing relationships, building trust, being available. But he added, "don't wait to go; be doing this now, just where you are."

Most memorable in my mind is the story he told of a young woman in one of these countries, who loves Jesus, and is trying to live out her faith is the midst of some really hard circumstances with family. She needs the daily strength of Jesus. I'm going to remember her name for a long time.

He led us into a segment of prayer in small groups all over the chapel, just as we did last evening. Isn't this the heart of missions conference?

Next, a ladies trio sings a beautiful rendition of Fairest Lord Jesus. We take a mission offering, (Lord, use these gifts for growing your Kingdom).

Pastor Giles opening the main service by reading Ps. 74:20. "Have respect to the covenant;For the dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty."

His message tonight took a slightly different theme than some might have expected.
"How's your prayer life? Do things happen when you pray?"

If you buy an iron and it doesn't work, what do you do. You read the instruction manual, you call the company, and if all else fails you take it back. The iron is supposed to work. Comparing this with our prayer life he explained how too many of us pray expected God to NOT answer, expecting things WON'T happen. It's like buying a new iron and then being content to set it on a shelf not working, rather than striving to find out how to make our prayer life a vital reality.

Spiritual warfare is reality. Seeing the "haunts of cruelty" breeds a prayer life, he explained. For the next little while, the chapel echoed with stories of God's provision, down to the minute, of His healing hand, or His grace.

"Why am I telling you these stories?"...he asked. "It's not to make you think I'm something special. I'm not a spiritual giant. I'm telling them to showcase the faithfulness of God. He's the God who keeps every promise He has ever made."

The first step towards answering God's call to missions is believing that He is a God who keeps His promises. If we do not begin in prayer, and remain in prayer, believing He keeps His covenant, God has little use for us in His kingdom work.

Comparing physical and spiritual warfare, the enemy must establish a beachhead in order to move inland. If he can get an inch, he has hope to go in further and further. In so many of these countries that have been overrun by darkness for generations, the battle now rages in the opposite direction. Light must make a beachhead. It starts in a few lives, but it begins to change a generation, and then the children, and later the grandchildren.

This is why we must know how to pray. Breaking from darkness into the light cannot happen on wishy washy prayers.

Matthew 28:18-19
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The pastor's closing words..."All power has been given...Go therefore..does this mean you?"

Moving Update

2009-01-25T22:54:00.003-06:00

I’m getting settled into my new, frosty home sweet home in Minneapolis. These past two weeks since arriving have flown past on gilded wings. This past week I have been doing orientation in my new job, unpacking, trying to set up a new bank account, making new friends, shopping for basics, scraping off the ice on my car, and trying to figure out my way around the city (how happy I am for the GPS given me!).And now this coming week in missions conference in the evenings to look forward to after work.

People ask me a dozen times a day how I am adapting to the cold. Honestly, I am enjoying it. I love looking out over the snow blanketed landscape every morning. Sure it has been freezing, last week being the coldest on record in Minneapolis in 5 years. I’ve prayed that God would help me embrace this new place, cold and all. He has been, and giving me joy in the new discoveries all along the way.

There are some amazing, humble, Spirit-led men and women, pastor’s and their families on the front lines of sharing the Gospel. I am truly humbled to be in this new place, with this new job, serving them in Home Missions.

Missions Conference Begins

2009-01-25T21:55:00.002-06:00

Tonight the AFLC annual missions conference at the Bible School began at 6:30 sharp. For years I've wanted to be able to attend this, never guessing that one day I would be living 1 minute away from the chapel. The mission conference is mostly attending by Bible School students, but it open to area churches as well. This is a treat indeed and I thought that some live blogging of the conference events would be fun.

Day 1
Bible school students are filing in, dressed like Eskimos in their overstuffed jackets. It's a chilling 0 degrees outside. The chapel quickly fills.

Pastor Rolf, dean of the Bible school announces the theme verse from Matthew 9:35-38
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
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.

We sing hymn 303, O Zion Haste. It's not a common mission hymn, but it has powerful words. It's well worth learning.

Chuck Lindquist is introduced from the World Mission Prayer League. WMPL is in 17 countries and has about 120 full time missionaries. Pastor Lindquist shares three moving stories, spanning a century, all about God using ordinary students of the Bible to touch the world in extraordinary ways. "Dear God, do it again," was his concluding passionate prayer. I felt that prayer throbbing in my heart too. "Yes, Lord, do it again!"

We split into small groups for about 20 minutes of prayer time for the the week, for missionaries, for our own hearts to be sensitive to the message the Holy Spirit has for us.

Next we have a some students get up and sing a beautiful song with the guitar. I've never heard this song before, In Me, (but googling it afterwards I see it's by Casting Crowns). It's so fitting for this mission week. Here's one of the verses.

If you ask me to leap
Out of my boat on the crashing waves
If You ask me to go
Preach to the lost world that Jesus saves

I'll go, but I cannot go alone
Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

Missionary Dan Giles is the main speaker for the week, former missionary in South America for 30 years. (And here is where my blogging gets a little sporadic. Pastor Dan has me listening so deeply to his stories and challenges, that it's hard to write them down. I'll have to finish this part of the blogging afterwards...)

He doesn't paint a glowing picture of missionary life, or of great revivals and ease. Rather he describes the lostness of people who are living in bondage to the enemy. And the only hope is Jesus.

Re-reading over Matthew 9 he puts things in perspective. Jesus is in the midst of a revival, people were being healed, believing, the kingdom of God was at hand and growing in the hearts of people (v 35). But then, in verse 36 we see a contrast, as He looks out over all the people, all the thousands of people milling around him, who were not all part of the immediate, up close happenings, lost, hurting, wondering about like sheep without a shepherd, and it caused Him to cry out in compassion to 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."

As Pastor Dan spoke I came to better understand this verse and the the heart of how Jesus must have said it. There were several parts in his message where you could have heard a pin drop, he had the whole room listening so intently. Praise God for faithful messengers of His Word.

Here's the closing challenge: Until I come to a point of seeing people as Jesus does, His purpose in my heart has not yet been fulfilled." Pastor Dan's direct goal is not to make missionaries of us. God is the one Who does that. His heart is to help us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, see people as Jesus does. And from that, a missionary heart is inevitable.

It was a stirring opening night. Look for another post tomorrow.

Lord, may your Kingdom come, You will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Migration

2009-01-09T22:59:00.008-06:00

One journey is over and another one started. It's hard to believe I'm here, in Minnesota, unpacking my shoes and blankets and tea cups in a new home. Dad and I had a safe and beautiful drive up from Texas. Everyone in my family woke up early Wednesday morning to say goodbye. God's tender mercies were so sweet to me just then.

Mom recommended I stop at Cracker Barrel to rent an audio book for the drive, which was a brilliant suggestion for my 17 hours in the car. I found one book by Jan Karon, A New Song, that looked interesting. This was the first time I have ever read anything by this author, but I can't tell you how Providential it was that I picked that book. It turned out to be a delightful novel about a pastor and his wife who were moving from one place to another, transplanting church and ministry and relationships, and all the struggles and joys as they walked through it. It is a simple story, but I couldn't believe how timely it was in encouraging my heart and putting joy and reality in my expectations.

Today was my first full day and there is so much I want to tell, of unpacking, the gifts of furniture and dishes and everything that people brought me, or sledding down a hill at midnight and running into a tree, but I'm completely exhausted and can hardly lift a finger to type any more. This blog will have to be a day behind.

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift, Jesus Christ my Lord.

Here is the first dusting of snow we met somewhere in Iowa.

And then it started to get a little heavier

And heavier!!! This is dad and I in front of a snow mound.

Medicine Lake, just a few houses away from where I live. It is spotted with little ice huts right now, each one filled with frigid fishermen fishing for flounder (or some other shivering fish).

And this is my very bare new home, full of boxes!

My God's presence be in this place and His peace abide.

Phote Journal

2009-01-08T00:39:00.007-06:00

The night before the move

2009-01-07T00:35:00.002-06:00

What a day! Actually, it’s 12:30 am as I write this. It seems as careful as I tried to plan, last minute adventures seemed inevitable.

I woke my sisters early this morning for a romp in the chilly morning air, with a thermos of hot chocolate to share when we reached the lookout spot. Back up at the house we did some moving of boxes here and there, finally all to the front porch. About 10:45 we were off for a trip into town for a very last minute installation of new tires. My dad is so faithful to watch out over my car and give me advice; at the last minute he highly advised I put new tires on. So…that took up my morning, not as I planned, but I did get to have lunch with my dear friend Mindy while waiting for the tires to be put on. My sister Karyn accompanied me for the errand too, which I enjoyed very much.

By the time we got back in the afternoon, Nathan was the center of attention, having just walked in the door from the dentist where he had his wisdom teeth out. He actually seemed quite chipper for getting 4 holes dug in his jaw. 

The rest of us did more packing and rearranging of the boxes in the Civic. Finally, at long last, I thought we had things almost fitting. We were motivated to make fast work of it because the air was getting quite a bite. At last, it was packed to the gill…and almost fit. But then we looked at the wheel rims hovering over the tires in the back, and added up the combined weight of all the boxes and realized that no matter how condensed and tight we packed, the weight would never work on the chassis of the Civic. It was quite distressing. I was already pared down and leaving many boxes of things and all my furniture at home. What to do?

So, last minute, I decided to get a rental car in the morning for a one way trip from Dallas to Minneapolis. My dad was already planning on driving up with me in the Civic (and flying back) so this works out just as well. We’ll each take a vehicle, and be able to distribute the weight, plus take up all the boxes of things that I was having to leave behind, things like books and a computer printer that are bulky.

Once again we unpacked, repacked and arranged. My family were such good sports; I couldn’t have done all this without them. Finally, by God’s grace, I believe everything is tucked away and ready for leaving in the morning.

Packing up

2009-01-05T14:27:00.004-06:00

Sunday, January 4th
Here I am two days before launch to Minneapolis, God willing, surrounded by boxes, a “to do” list, and steaming cup of Good Earth Original tea. I have good intentions of blogging about my adventures transplanting up North and catching hold of all God has in store for me. I want to chronicle the joys, challenges and lessons along the way. I am counting on His grace being a dominant theme. It has carried me thus far.

So for now my adventure begins by packing up and saying goodbye. I decided after much debate (and looking at the price of moving vehicles) to take up only what fits in my Honda Civic. Those of you with Civics are probably laughing knowingly behind your computer screens. How in the world does one fit an entire move into a little Civic? The answer: packing, repacking, and the loving exhortations of family and friends who are brave enough to say, “Do you really need that?” (Thanks Tricia and Karyn for going through my books with me ) Here are a few items in my boxes, which made it through the grilling, each with a story.
• A power drill
• Wooden spoons
• An electric tire pressure gauge
• A sewing machine and three hat boxes
• One of my favorite books, Leadership Coaching
• Two boxes of chalk

Amazingly, it is actually starting to fit in!!!! I’m so grateful that there is opportunity for a second wave of boxes to come up with acquaintances driving up north later this spring. I probably won’t need my summer clothes for quite awhile! I’m also incredibly grateful for the generosity of friends in Minneapolis gathering an assortment of household items, like a dining table, couch, bed, book shelf, etc… in preparation of my arrival.

We’ve had a delightful holiday vacation with family. Matthew is on break from Dallas Theological Seminary and Karyn came back from Lubbock THREE TIMES so we could all be together. I wish I could bottle up the memory of us all sitting around the dining room table discussing the first chapter of Exodus, or debating the practicality of practical jokes, or laughing over the latest drama on the ranch.

Thank you VERY MUCH to all the friends who put on a surprise going away party New Year’s Eve. It was a hugely encouraging send off, more than you will ever know. I shall keep all your words of advice in mind and try not to slide off onto any frozen lakes, wear warm socks, and keep a blanket in my car! The highlight of the evening was my sibling’s rendition of “So Long, Farewell” from the Sound of Music. What a riot! I will keep that in memory for life.

Today I said goodbye to my church family. These are people that have known me most of my life and I have a hard time imagining going to church and not seeing their faces. Goodbyes have never been my favorite moments, for I usually feel awkward, and unsure of what to say, or how to express it, but my heart is full. There is so much anticipation in God’s unfolding plan, which shores up my faltering in all these goodbyes.

These last few days will fly by and so I must be off. I want to make time for tea with my sisters, getting my car inspected, labeling my boxes, and watching a Texas sunset.

Is my life Vital and Strategic?

2008-07-11T23:13:00.003-05:00

Last post I mentioned the Perspectives National conference in Dallas, Texas. A report is overdue. What an absolutely amazing weekend spent with people of all ages passionate about missions. I didn’t know a soul when I walked into the place Thursday night, but it wasn’t hard to make friends, especially during meals. (During lunch break everyone with a car held up a sign in the lobby with the name of a local restaurant. If you wanted to eat there, you would join the group. It was a corny system, but it was great fun for meeting new people.)

I took alot of notes (handcramp!) and bought my budget’s worth of books. Just a few of the dozen sessions I attended included: Keeping Apostolic Passion Alive in Your Heart, mobilizing college campuses, Giving children a heart for missions, and Expecting Great Things of God. This was all heart fuel for me; all solid, immensely practical teaching.

Thirty plus mission organizations had booths set up and it was neat to visit with each: ELIC, Navigators, OMF, Pioneers, The Traveling Team, etc… How encouraging to meet workers from all over the world, to hear their passions and see how God is using them to spread His Gospel. How much we miss in this life when lose sight of the big picture God is working out in all parts of His Body. Sometimes we get ourselves cornered within one or two ministries or denominational outreaches, and forget that God is at work far, far outside the boxes we draw. Each one of these is filling a place in the spread of the Kingdom. Have you looked outside your box lately?

What’s interesting is that even with all these ministries, not all the places are full, not all the tasks are assigned. People are still unreached. That’s why God has put specific dreams and creative ideas in YOUR heart and mine. I believe every Christian can find a way to live with vital, strategic significant in God’s global purpose.

That’s worth repeating: Your role is vital and strategic when you are walking in obedience! Say that to yourself when you look at the mirror in the morning. Isn’t that amazing? That God allows us (He doesn’t need us) to partner with Him in touching the people of the world. It may be teaching little children, developing websites, stitching up someone arm in the E.R., starting a business, selling insurance (that sounds familiar), creating a new product, passing out literature in Brazil, or writing a book. Although we don’t just fall into this vital, strategic role by default—we have to pursue it. We must be intentional about it. Above all, we must be obedient.

So here’s my reflection: In every generation there are just a few who truly “expect great things of God and attempt great things for God”. They pray big. They walk in grace and yet shudder from being entangled with the affairs of this world. They know their own weakness and therefore walk in humility. These are the men and women poised for vital, strategic significance in God’s kingdom. Who will join the ranks?

Perspectives National Conference

2008-06-12T10:44:00.003-05:00

"Expect Great Things From God....
Attempt Great Things For God"
- William Carey, 1792

This is the theme of the Perspectives National mission conference I'm attending this weekend, and I'm so very excited to be participating. Ordinarily, I wouldn't have been impossible for me to go, but it happens to be in Dallas, and the timing is perfect, just before my trip to Ukraine. The purpose of the conference is to train, enhance and introduce new resources in mission mobilization. Among the dozens of excellent options, they will be having special tracks on mobilization among college students and young adults, which I'm especially looking forward to.

It will be a bit of a tight squeeze after work to make it for the evening session tonight, but I'm going to try since Floyd McClung will be speaking. His mission fervor has made a strong impression on my heart over the years. One article he wrote, Apostolic Passion, burns in my mind. It's so short, yet so powerful. I also stumbled onto another of his longer works several years ago in a used book shop, Living on the Devil's Doorstep. What an amazing story that testifies of the difference one family can make when they trust God and offer hope to the outcast.

One thing I'm looking forward to is spending time with other mission-hearted people from across the country, letting their love, insight, experience, and ideas rub off on me. In a world that is fast paced, and thoroughly secular, it takes deliberate effort to keep perspective on the eternal. My danger is losing the wonder and urgency of this Great Commission.

This weekend is a welcome opportunity to refresh this vision in my own heart. What can you do to refresh yours?

No, but...God will

2008-05-23T16:03:00.000-05:00

"The man… looking at him with a smile that only half concealed his contempt, inquired, "Now Mr. Morrison do you really expect that you will make an impression on the idolatry of the Chinese Empire?" "No sir," said Morrison, "but I expect that God will."

- Robert Morrison

Praying for China

2008-05-20T16:46:00.003-05:00

Have you been praying about the horrible circumstances in China lately, with the earthquake? My heart breaks for those tens of thousands of people who have had their lives turned upside down. For those without Jesus, who is there to cling to in such hours of suffering? Who gives hope? Who will never forsake? There are still so many millions unreached in China. I think of my two visits to China and all the precious people I met and visited during those travels. When I hear the news reports, their faces come to my mind. Some of them I have no way to contact. I wonder if they are ok.

May God open doors for the Gospel even amidst the devastation. May Christians in China be strengthened. May they reach out as the hands of feet of Jesus. Let us be their Aaron and Hur, supporting them in prayer.

Continued..."How can I best prepare?"

2008-05-20T16:22:00.003-05:00

A few more practical suggestions from the Dohnavur Fellowship...

Spending Money- There are many unnecessary gadgets and ornaments that it is very nice to possess, for which we spend money without thinking. All our money is God's if we are His children. Rich and poor, we should think and pray before we spend, and we should learn to do without. Some, after indulgence in small ways, find it very hard to stop. The people among whom we are to live in the mission field, for the most part never could buy such things or their local equivalent. The unnecessary separates us from those we come to serve. Do not let us live like misers, but pray before we spend.
Pride- If you take offense easily, do not come to the mission field thinking that is does no matter. He humbled Himself. He did it deliberately. So let us not care overmuch for the praise or blame of men, even of other Christians. To our Lord we live. If something is misunderstood, learn to go directly to the one concerned. Be frank and humble and straighten it out.
Joy- Be glad always. Praise God continually. When you are ill or tired or tempted or at your wit's end, learn the habit of perpetual praise, for it prepares a way whereby God may show us His victory.
Adaptability- We must learn to be adaptable, be willing to start from the beginning, go to school again to learn the language and the customs and the mind of the people to whom we go. If we do not like having our careful plans altered and something quite different substituted, the sooner we learn to be able to take this joyfully the better.

Hmm...good thoughts. Convicting to my heart. These things aren't just helpful for those headed to the foreign field-they are for all of us who want to give 100% for the Kingdom, wherever we are.

How can I best prepare for the mission field?

2008-05-14T16:36:00.008-05:00

"How can I best prepare for the mission field?"

"How can I discipline my life for maximum kingdom impact?"

"What practical, down-to-earth, suggestions are there for living out a missionary heart right here in the United States.

Have you ever asked yourself any these questions? They have certainly come to my mind, and I've asked them frequently to those older and wiser men and women around me. It's usually not the lofty, theological answers that grab my attention, although they have value--it's the practical ideas for Kingdom living here and now.

I ran across an anonymous little article, "Discipleship means Discipline"(July 2007 Heartbeat of the Remnant) that was originally published by the Dohnauvur Fellowship in Wimbledon, London (founded by missionary Amy Carmichael). It's full of succinct, sometime humorously blunt, wisdom nuggets for over two dozen life issues (difficulties, sleep, speech, books, social life, prayer, etc...) that relate to missionary service. I'm interested to know if Amy Carmichael wrote these ideas down herself, as they reflect some of her writing style.

So if you've been asking yourself lately, "How can I best prepare for missionary service?" here are a few ideas to get you started...

Effort- It will not be easy. We must go out of our way to acquire this preparedness. We are called to a strict training for a hard fight which will not end till we hear God's 'well done.'

Difficulties- Let us learn to choose the hardest things, to do what others leave undone. We can begin in the ordinary affairs of home life. The joy of hard climbing and the glory of the impossible should not be mere phrases but experienced facts.

Helpfulness- Make opportunities each day to help others, in inconspicuous ways, not grudgingly but joyfully, though it may mean far less time for yourself. Be king and thoughtful. Be courteous and goo mannered: 'Love is never rude, never selfish.'

Food- 'I don't like this.' Well, learn to like it, unless it actually does physical harm. Be grateful for what God has given. If it is just a case of likes and dislikes, learn to be able to eat things that are not your choice-and enough to keep you fit and strong, not a mere mouthful. The ability to eat unflinchingly may mean much for friendship with peoples of another land whose food is very different from ours.

More from "Discipleship means Discipline" to come. Please check again in a few days...

Enlarge My Vision, Lord

2008-05-05T09:50:00.003-05:00

Enlarge my vision Lord! Help me to see
A whole vast universe in need of Thee
Increase my love I pray, cause me to hear
The cry of dying souls afar and near.
So prone am I, dear Lord, to dwell within
My own secluded realm. Forgive my sin!
Enlarge my vision Lord, teach me to care
With Thine own heart of love, this is my prayer.

~ Avis M Christiansen

The above poem was written shortly before she died while in her 90's. May this be my passion till the end!

Encountering Islam, week 2

2008-02-14T14:39:00.003-06:00

Shalom!

I can't let another week pass without commenting on my Encountering Islam class. Last night was our second Wednesday evening session (dad, and my brothers Matthew and Nathan are attending too). Each week the class is hosting a different speaker (several will be Muslim back-ground Believers) addressing different aspects of understanding and interfacing with Islam from a Biblical worldview.

The book that goes along with the course (by the same title) has been fascinating to peruse. Granted, with the Peru trip next week, I haven't had long, settled times of reading, but everything I've read so far is fascinating. I appreciate that it brings in over 80 different authors, rather than just hearing one man's perspective. Encountering Islam (the book) is extremely well laid out, very user friendly, well foot-noted, with graphs, pictures, and charts, divided into succinct little chapters with specific life application at the end of each section. (Encountering the World of Islam was one of five finalists in 2006 in the ECPA Christian Book Awards' Christian Life category.)

My prayer is that God would till up hard places in my heart and do what He will in my life with this information. It's not that I'm after expertise; God hasn't placed a specific call on my heart to work in a Muslim country. In fact, I don't even know a single Muslim personally right now. It's more of that still, small voice that over the past few years, through missionary friends, books, Perspectives, and trips, that has been compelling me to look carefully at this people- this most unreached people in the world and ask, "Lord, what is my part?"

Here are a few things notes interesting to me from last nights "history of Islam" lesson.

Not all Arabs are descendants directly from Ishmael. There is a whole group of Arabs that are decendant from Qetura (or Keturah) Gen 25:1-6, Abraham's wife after Sarah died.
In the Koran, many allusions/references to Jesus Christ, come from the so called "Gnostic Gospels," such as the Gospel of Thomas. A half truth, can be more harmful than a obvious lie.
We all hear about the Sunnis and Shiites in the news. There are several differences between these groups. Here's one distinction that helped me sort out the files in my brain. For one, Sunnis are extremely leader loyal while Shiites are more Koran loyal. The speaker compared these two groups to Catholics (who place great importance on the pronouncements of the pope) and Conservative Evangelicals (holding up the inspired Word of God).

Blessings, my friends. May His kingdom come, His will be done!

Homeless and Frightened - Pray for refugees from Chad

2008-02-05T13:04:00.000-06:00

How can we even relate to what these people in Chad are facing right now? No army is planning to rush us out of our homes with guns and force us to flee for our very lives. We don't have to worry where we will find a place to sleep tonight. But 20,000 refugees from N'Djamena, the capital of Chad are asking those questions. Life and death.

What should can you and I do about it?

A) Make big posters, fly to Washington DC and demand US intervention?
B) Put on sack cloth and refuse to eat food as long as the refugees suffer (that would be a long time)?
C) Nothing. People around the world face war and suffering all time. We can't help everyone.

How about none of the above? But there is something we can do.

For starters, let's look up Chad on a world map, read the news headline, and stop to pray for God's justice and mercy on those affected. We can pray for the Church impacted and ministering to those refugees. We should pray that even in this scary situation, men, women and children will find refuge in the Rock of Ages. We can mention it to a friend over dinner tonight, ask if they have heard anything about the current crisis in Chad. You can stop and pray about it together. If your church knows any missionaries in that region, you might want to send them an email, let them know you are thinking about them. Maybe you can mention it at Bible study. Multiply the prayers. God works through prayer! Check out what He's already been doing through Christian involvement and ministry towards those affected .

Technology on the Mission Field

2008-02-01T09:22:00.000-06:00

Now here's an interesting link to read, Technology on the Mission Field, by Weston Leibee. I found this article in a magazine produced by Charity Christian Missions. I'm not sure how we ever got signed up for this magazine, but I've enjoyed the challenging articles over the past few years.

Is technology a missionary's friend, or is it his foe? When I am able to send a message to family via laptop and satellite phone from a remote village, or 'sit in' on a board meeting in Pennsylvania from Ghana via international conference calling, it seems like a friend. When as a returned missionary, it makes me feel about two decades behind the times, it seems like a foe.
Missionaries aren't the only ones caught up in the drama. How is technology affecting the senders? What about the potential future missionaries that are being raised up and trained? What about the short-term workers? Is technology helping or hurting the cause of world missions?... (read the rest here).

I believe the author leaves the reader with a balanced approach to technology, and some good questions for helping keep that balance, as applicable to short and long term workers.

Am I planning on taking my laptop to Peru? Yep. Things are such that it would be best to check in at work while I'm away. In that sense, my laptop will be a friend (I probably wouldn't have been able to totally drop my work and travel to Peru otherwise). It will also allow us to post pictures on the ministry team blog for family and friends back home. This is my first mission trip taking along a laptop, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out, and if/how it effects my perspective. I like how the article ends..."Let us make wise choices so that an unbiased observer could accurately describe our relationship with technology as using and not abusing."

I guess that's the heart of it. Technology is a means, not an end. Mastering technology, having the best, knowing all the jpeg, i-pod, wi-fi lingo doesn't amount to a hill of beans in eternity. Souls are what matter. If technology is frittering away our time, or creating barriers to our witness, then it is being abused. If it is extending the reach of the Gospel and opening doors to transform lives, we should make effort to harness it for the Kingdom.

A World Christian, Daily

2008-01-17T13:24:00.000-06:00

What a fabulous issue of Mission Frontiers arrived in my mailbox this week. I've been chomping at the bit to put some words about it on my blog. This bi-monthly mission magazine put out by the US Center for World Missions focuses on reaching the least reached with the Gospel of Jesus. And what's neat, is that they are all about getting every Christian involved, not just a select few. Their heart gears towards mission mobilization on the home front; equipping, motivating, compelling Believers to live in view of eternity.

In fact, that's what this entire issue was about-amazing opportunities to learn, read, participate, educate, and pray for the spread of the Gospel. They highlighted various opportunities, such as Perspectives (you can read posts of Perspectives in my 2007 blog archives), Global Prayer Digest, and Insight (an integrated 1 year study of missions for college age students).

In Dr. Winter's editorial page he made this profound statement, which has stuck to me like a burr.

We talk a lot about people becoming
“World Christians”—those who accept
a range of personal responsibility that
extends to the entire world.
But, do you know what? Realistically, I
would not give you a dime for a World
Christian who is not also a DAILY World Christian.

Unless personally you make sure something
daily enters your consciousness,
something vital and gripping about
God’s great heart and His overall claim
upon your life—unless that happens,
your life will grow slowly or not at all.

God, for example, is concerned about
those millions of fearful, stressed, suffering
people in our world who struggle to
survive. They have absolutely no security
and at best only a fleeting awareness of
their true, loving Father in heaven. He
cares. Thus, the better we know Him
the more we share His concerns! We
don’t fully belong to Him if we do not
also care, and CARE DAILY."

In essence, what he's saying, is that a passion for the spread of His glory isn't something that wanes like the tide, here this month, this Sunday, this mission trip, and then gone again. It is a daily consciousness. And it doesn't happen unless we are intentional to fan that flame, and keep ourselves reminded that we are just "strangers and pilgrims" on this earth. He's describing someone with a missionary heart.

This whole business of reconciling daily life and work with daily world Christianity, is where my battle stands. It's easy enough to want to be a daily world Christian, but the living it out, the ever constant consciousness that God desires praise of every people, tongue, and tribe, that takes deliberate effort and prayer.

So here's the question, how will you and I "personally make sure something
daily enters our consciousness, something vital and gripping about God’s great heart and His overall claim upon our life?"

It can take all sorts of shapes, something we read, pictures and maps around us, family prayer time, newsletters or blogs we subscribe to, fellowship with like-minded friends. But with daily intention and always towards that end of challenging us to pray and live our utmost for His highest, "that every tongue might confess that He is Lord, to the glory of the Father."

Step Faster, Step Surer

2008-01-10T10:13:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth Prentiss, from a letter dated 1870

The more I reflect and the more I pray, the more life narrows down to one point ~ What am I being for Christ, what am I doing for Him?

Why do I tell you this? Because the voice of a fellow-traveler always stimulates his brother pilgrims; what one finds and speaks of and rejoices over, sets the other upon determining to find too.

God has been very good to you, as well as to me, but we ought to whisper to eah other now and then,

"Go on, step faster, step surer, lay hold on the Rock of Ages with both hands."

You never need to be afraid to speak such words to me. I want to be pushed on, and pulled on, and coaxed on.

The Story of Christianity

2008-01-09T14:31:00.000-06:00

Here's one of my reading goals for the next month or two, The Story of Christianity, by Dr. Justo Gonzalez. This combined 2 volume tome is slightly daunting, with 800 some pages of small print, and a generous sampling of pictures and maps sprinkled throughout. It seemed a good idea to post this goal online, so as to have some outside accountability to actually finish it!

Dr. Gonzalez explores Church history, from beginning to present day. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy history, but typically it's not my bedtime reading material. I'm convinced, however, that having a solid understanding of Church history strongly shapes our view of God at work in the present.

God repeats many of his themes, like the leading line in a melody, through the centuries. There is myriads to learn and be challenged by, from the testimonies of Church fathers, missionaries, reformers, pastors, martyrs, and religious pilgrims. I'm looking forward to tracing the history of the global church, not just the American church, but that in Africa, Asia, south America, etc...

Another strong reason for looking back to church history, is getting a better perspective of how I fit into God's global plan. "Their" part, my part, and your part are all intertwined, and to have a true perspective of myself, I must look at my "family" before me.

I've only just chased a dozen or so pages down, but already I'm impressed with simple, sometimes profound, examples of God's purpose and plan for His children.

In the Gathering Dusk - 2007

2007-12-31T20:54:00.000-06:00

I read an excellent post Mr. Doug Phillips this week- Three of the Most Important Things you can do at This Time of the Year. He comments on 1) Chronicling the Providences of God 2)Saying Thank You to those who Investing in your life, and 3) Extending Forgiveness. It is well worth 5-7 minutes to read his post.

Prompted by his article, I took a few hours yesterday afternoon to chronicle on paper the major events of my 2007: the experiences, new friendships, travels, books, lessons, failures, and joys of the year. With chilling weather outside, and a warm cup of tea at hand, the memories flooded back, new resolves were put down, and praise offered. He is faithful.

If you are reading this blog, look for improvements coming. In 2008 I have plans of expanding my posts with greater variety, outside guests, and certainly improved consistency in posting. Things are starting out with a bang; the first few months of the year I'm looking forward to a ministry trip to Peru with Global Encounters.

Also, I'm excited about attending a Perspectives partner course called Encountering Islam in February and March. Is there a course near you? I'd love to discuss the course topics with other people. For the past few years, I've wanted to learn more about Islam, but done relatively little to actually pursue that. This year I'm resolved to break from my comfort zone and learn in depth about this religion that has millions upon millions of people in spiritual bondage. I'm delighted that the same church that hosted Perspectives spring 2007 is hosting Encountering Islam this year.

As the last minutes of 2007 settle resolutely to the end, may they find you and I waiting for, longing for, and hastening the Return of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Even so, come Lord Jesus, Come.

Praying for Pakistan

2007-12-28T09:44:00.000-06:00

Pakistan and Afghanistan are home to one of the worlds "top 10" unreached people groups, the Pashtun. It has been extremely difficult to bring the Gospel into that Islamic stronghold, but the little by little advance of democracy aided by Prime Minister Bhutto was opening doors. Gospel for Asia has a thoughtful write-up on the impact of Prime Minister Bhutto assassination.

Dr. Yohannan pointed out that the Church, both in Pakistan and in other South Asian nations, is not separated from the larger society.

"This situation affects the kingdom's work," he said, "making life more difficult for everyone.

"But is it my prayer that through this terrible event, the people of Pakistan and India will realize the need for a greater reality. I ask all Christians to join with me in praying for the people of Pakistan, and that God will use this crisis to open the eyes of those who do not know Him."

A Light for the Gentiles

2007-12-26T18:00:00.000-06:00

Last night before bed I was re-reading the Christmas story. Something beautiful leapt out of the pages at me when I came to Luke 2:28, where Simeon prophecies over the infant Christ.

"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

A light for the Gentiles. What Gospel words...including every nation, tongue and tribe. Including me. Had his prophecy only included Israel, you and I would still be in darkness. But what sweet grace, that the Light came into ALL the world.

A Blessed Christmas to You

His Omnipotency

2007-12-09T20:36:00.001-06:00

"How often do we attempt to work for God to the limit of our incompetency, rather than the limit of God's omnipotency." J. Hudson Taylor

Bloglines—A Communication Resource

2007-12-09T20:08:00.000-06:00

Technology turns into a slave master unless you and I make a point take dominion over it. Cell phones, instant messaging, email, facebook, and yes, even blogs, all seem to emanate some sort of "tyranny of the urgent" in demanding our attention. I find myself having to deliberately swim upstream, lest I get sucked into wasted hours.

So here’s a tool I’ve found and value for helping me control the inflow of technology communication in my day. It’s called Bloglines and I’m sharing it on this Missionary Heart blog, because, while it’s great for many reasons, it’s especially valuable for helping us keep up with your missionary friends.

Missionaries are starting blogs by the day (like this), as a tool for communicating with all us folks back home. They can put up pictures, prayer requests, and family updates easily. The different missionary friends I know don’t post frequently, maybe every few weeks, but I enjoy reading them so I can pray specifically. However, because they are less frequent, they can be easy to forget about checking on.

Bloglines is a free service that cuts down on the chase. I’ve been a user for several months now and would not even think of going back to my old way of looking at blogs. It has cut my hunt and read time in half easily. Not only that, but it is ad free.

Instead of having a dozen blog links saved in my Favorites folder, Bloglines allows me to “subscribe” to blogs and view them all on one screen. I just have my Bloglines account saved in favorites now; they keep track of the rest. It’s so easy and probably took me 10 minutes to set up.

The left side of my Bloglines screen shows my blogroll, the list of blogs I’ve subscribed to. The blog is highlighted if there has been a post, along with the number of postings added. If I click on it, Bloglines allows me to view the new postings on the left hand side of the screen. With Bloglines I can see at a glance when all my favorite bloggers post.

I hope you will give Bloglines a try, redeem your time, and make use of it for Kingdom purposes.

Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

~Christie

Pleasure Cruise or Rescue Vessel

2007-08-08T16:34:00.000-05:00

"If the Great Commission is true, our plans are not too big; they are too small." -- Pat Morley

A missionary acquaintance of mine over at Gospel for Asia shared this short video link with me. It was so well done, so gripping in its message of personal responsibility in the great commission, that I thought I'd share it with you all. It is called:Christianity, Pleasure Cruise or Rescue Vessel.

This dramatized film clip tells a story of a sinking ship and the response of the rescue ship near by. Warm and dry inside the rescue ship, the crew had slipped into a comfortable apathy. Why risk their own lives to help the sinking ship? Each person on board has to make a choice if he or she will help in the rescue effort, or stay inside. Every person helping in the rescue effort makes a difference. Every person.

For a short clip, this film was very well done and cuts right to the chase, bringing practical application to a powerful message. May it challenge you to live as a "rescuer."

~Christie

GoConnect

2007-08-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

I found an **awesome** website today doing in a big way exactly what I'm excited about-missionary mobalization. It's called GoConnet.

It's has a little bit of everything:
PRAYER & NETWORKING
RESOURCES--with links to mission resources, tools, ministries, classes, articles, mp3's, etc.
TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES
NEWS, MAGS & BLOGS

And I especially like that it is updated DAILY with mission facts and prayers for unreached people. This one is going into my Favorites.

Dr. Blue on Pioneer Church Planting

2007-04-27T13:42:00.000-05:00

We had a FANTASTIC speaker last night at Perspectives class. What a blessing to hear him share. DR. RON BLUE is president of CENTRAL AMERICA MISSION (CAM) INTERNATIONAL. He has traveled to 50!!! different countries during his work with international missions and is a fireball of enthusiasm. His passion for evangelism and discipleship is effervescent and contagious. It flows from an obvious close relationship with His Heavenly Father.

Last night the topic was Pioneer Church Planting, but Dr. Blue added insights on many different areas of missions as well. He spoke on C1-6 strategies of evangelization among Muslims and shared a list on how to avoid syncretism. Addressing contextualization, he looked at the Apostle Paul’s effective strategies for reaching the Gentiles. We looked at obstacles to church planting, evangelism guidelines from Acts 17, and a few case studies of pioneer church planting movements.

Here are a few random notes and well-put thoughts from his lecture.

On the privilege of missions, he said-God could evangelize the world so well without us. He could send angelic messengers. Her could line up glittering stars in the heavens with a clear message, like “Jesus Saves”. He could shout it with His own trumpet voice from heaven. But he chooses to primarily use us, people made in His likeness, to bear His salvation to the ends of the earth. What a privilege!

On fear of evangelism-“There are no strangers, only friends I haven’t met yet.”

“Don’t measure evangelism by converts, but by faithfulness of proclamation.”

In intercultural communication, we can adapt how we communicate the TRUTH, to be understood in that culture, but we should never adapt THE TRUTH itself.

Christian unity must no restrict Christian liberty, Consider an orchestra, there is unity and harmony in following the same director, but there is liberty of different instruments.

~~~~~

So many good thoughts. The only possible way to apply them is in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Global Christians

2007-04-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

"We must be global Christians with a global vision
because our God is a global God." -- John Stott

Major Global Prayer Requests This Week:

Political Turmoil in Ukraine
Tsunami Hits the Solomon Islands

"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Let's pray that God work in these events for the exaltation of His name, the provision of His people, and the overthrow of darkness.

Class Notes from Perspectives

2007-04-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Gen 12:1-3

How does God's promise to Abraham in Gen 12:1-3 reveal that God is a missionary God?

God’s purpose (to redeem a people from every people, and to rule a kingdom over all kingdoms) is embedded into the promise given Abraham. Abram was blessed exceedingly and called apart for the purpose of blessing all the nations of the world, bringing them into a saving relationship with the Almighty. God had a passionate message for the world and he needed a messenger--Abraham became that missionary patriarch. I am so blessed to see God's missionary heart revealed from the beginning.

It's also fascinating to see that this missionary mandate came in the form of a promise, which emphasizes what God would do through Abraham, not what Abraham could accomplish on his own. It is a promise of being co-laborers in a vital relationship with God, not slaves with a missionary “to do” list. What a promise to hold on to; man will fumble in his attempts to follow God, but God’s mandate (because it is also a promise) will never fail.

Mission Perspectives Classes are Starting Up Again

2007-01-18T16:44:00.000-06:00

As usual, Dr. Ralph Winter found a succinct way to challenge readers in this latest issue of Mission Frontiers. "Are you Finding your way into God's highest call for You?" His editorial comments are usually the first thing I read in every issue, not because I assimilate everything he says, but because he makes me think-hard. He has a heart to reach the next missionary task force of this generation and regularly gives practical steps for involvement and mobalization.

One of which is the Perspectives course in World Missions. Yes, that's right, it's the beginning of the semester and Perspectives courses are starting up all the over the country. You can find out if there is a local mission Perspectives course in your area by checking here.

Let's see, how many years have I been working on Perspectives on my own? Too many, but I've loved every hour spent in study. Several years back I purchased the study materials and tried to go through the whole course on my own. And I almost made it, but last year I decided to sign up for the online version of the course in order to get feedback on my assignments. My sister, meanwhile, attending nursing school in Lubbock, TX, was blessed to attend a live Perspectives course last semester, where they flew in different mission speakers every week to discuss the study topics. She encouraged me if I ever had the opportunity to attend a live class, to go for it.

I'm excited, because this semester there is a course somewhat close and God willing, I'll be able to drive to the once a week class. The LORD has so abundantly been working in my heart as I've gone through this course even on my own, growing my faith and stretching my prayer life. I hope you'll prayerfully consider looking into one locally, and if you end up attending somewhere, drop me a note. May the Lord bless you today ~Christie

Pray for Urbana

2006-12-29T16:49:00.000-06:00

The Urbana Mission Conference is going on this week in St. Louis, Dec 27-31. This is the 21st mega mission conference that Intervarsity has sponsored. Although I've never been myself, I know quite a few people who's lives were touched for missions through Urbana in years past. The heart of Urbana is seeing Jesus lifted up among the nations. Let's pray that He will be glorified and the Word would accelerate forth through this year's Urbana. Amen.

Sacrifice?

2006-12-29T16:47:00.000-06:00

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" -- David Livingstone

A message for all people

2006-12-22T15:36:00.000-06:00

One month somehow turned into almost 6 months away from this blog. Yet I am determined to not totally give up on returning to blogging. What can I say about the past 6 months? The Lord is good and gracious and bestows on me more than I could ever ask or think.

I remember when I was a little girl memorizing a passage from Luke for my Sunday School class. There was some sort of class reward for memorizing it, but you know, I still have those words in my heart to this day.

"There were in that same country shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, Peace, goodwill to men." Luke 2:8-14

Merry Christmas!

~Christie

Vacation

2006-07-05T14:01:00.000-05:00

Missionary Heart is taking a few weeks vacation from 3x/week blogging until the end of July. Blogging is something I do because I want to fan a passion for missions in my life and in the life of anyone who happens into this blog. My prayers are so big for missionarheart blog and I'd love to see the Lord do something significant with it. Right now I just keep writing and praying by faith; this is what the Lord has directed me to do for this season and I can rest in leaving everything else up to Him.

When I'm back there are more topics than I had time to finish this summer, like missions and medicine. I want to do a whole segment on practical steps a young person who feels called to missions can take right now in order to prepare for long-term service. Plus, missionary interviews are on my list and there are so many good mission biographies to mention.

But then again, maybe before I get back to my computer the LORD Jesus will make His glorious return! We should always look forward to that day, pray for it, haste it, and wake up asking, "What if it were today?" It keeps us reminded were are just strangers on this earth, passing through. It keeps us reminded that we must redeem the time making His name famous.

God be with you

News and Views

2006-07-03T14:51:00.000-05:00

Another thought on the VOM conference...I was reminded that there is so much more going on around the world than we ever hear reported in the news. In my mind, I know God is as work, but sometimes in the day to day grind of listening to politicized news, it becomes second thought rather than a fore thought.

For example, as we listen to the political blurps about news in Iraq and Iran, we shouldn't forget that God is doing something utterly awesome in reviving the heart-hunger of these Muslims toward Himself. He is creating revival. He is creating a people for Himself--new brothers and sisters in Christ. Listening to world news should be like an outline for prayer targets that day. New people are being brought into a saving faith in Jesus every hour and they covet our prayers.

What news can we pray through today?

He must Increase, Part 1

2006-06-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

Where do I begin in capturing the triumphant, Christ exalting spirit of the VOM weekend? The conference was a medley of captivating testimony from individual VOM partners in restricted regions of the world like China, Columbia, Egypt, Iran, India, Nigeria, etc… These reports were combined with prayer and praise on behalf of these brothers and sisters for a full schedule, yet one with a perfect balance of intensity. In the evenings, conference attendees could spread around the beautiful Oklahoma Wesleyan campus for Q&A sessions with individual speakers.

The conference sold out with 1,000 attendees, besides children that were registered for the Kids of Courage program going on simultaneously. I wish to have had the opportunity to stick my head over in the children’s program; it would have been interesting to listen in on.

Let me share from my heart the three big fires this weekend flamed.

First, this weekend was all about making much of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

There is a common temptation when reading or hearing stirring testimonies of faithful Believers, and of their endurance through horrific or extreme difficulty, to elevate that person to some super-hero level. In the long run, this sort of idealizing is disappointing (because people are sinful) and frustrating (because I too am sinful) to say the least. That's not what this conference was about. With a spirit of grace and humilty the praises and sufferings of courageous Christians pointed to God.

I was reminded of the Old Testament law concerning servants found in Exodus 21:2-6
A faithful a servant was free to leave the house of his Jewish master after fulfilling his six year of indentured service. However, at that time, “If the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free; Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.” (v 5,6)

In the Jewish community, a pierced and scared ear was not an attribute of the greatness of the servant, but of the goodness of a Master, who had won the heart of his servant for a life of service. Isn’t that an incredible allegory?

That’s how I felt about the speakers at this conference. Their “scars” and steadfastness under persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ only magnified the greatness of our Heavenly Father—how constant His strength, how sure His presence, how desirable His fellowship, how ready His ear to hear our prayers.

When we hear or read testimonies of faith, that is what should burn in our hearts.

“He must increase, I must decrease.” John 3:30

More thoughts tomorrow…

Part of the Body

2006-06-27T17:56:00.000-05:00

INCREDIBLE! That's my one word summary. There is so much in my heart to share from the Voice of the Martyrs mission conference this past weekend. I know it is going to take time for everything to peculate through my heart and mind, but I wanted to post something as soon as possible. I keep praying that the testimonies I heard won't merely impress me, but that they would change and compel me to go beyond where I am now in my own walk with the LORD. And I'm convinced that faithful is He who begun the good work, Who will also complete it. I only have a minute more to blog this evening so let me share the Friday evening opening illustration that I loved, and then save the rest for other posts this week.

Hold out your hand in front of you and slap it hard with your other hand. Go ahead.
Did you feel any pain? Hopefully so. If not, something might be wrong. Either 1) you slapped somebody else's hand or 2) you have leprosy and the characteristic loss of feeling in your limbs.

Analogy: When the body of Christ suffers, do I feel their pain? Are am weeping with them? Am I rejoicing with them? If I'm the fingers, do only care about the hand or the arm (which is in close proximity) or all the parts of the body, which function together.

But if I'm not feeling that pain...wow...
Am I even part of the Body?
Or am I suffering from spiritual leprosy and deadened senses?

Lots to think about.
I'll post a whole lot more tomorrow. God be with you.

Wear the Crown this Weekend

2006-06-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

I can't believe this weekend is already here. Tomorrow the Voice of the Marytrs "Wear the Crown" missions conference begins in OK and I'm really excited to be attending.

One of the neat things I looking forward to is a special fellowship time in the evening when we will have opportunity to personally "meet our family," i.e. our persecuted brothers and sisters, face to face. So for weeks I've been asking family and friends, "What type of questions would you ask a persecuted Christian if you had 5 minutes with them?" I've been given some great ideas and I pray I have opportunity to ask some of them to the "family" I'll meet.

Next week I'll be sure to post pictures and highlights from the weekend. When God brings it to mind, pray for each of the people sharing at the conference, that God will be glorified in the things they share and that each person listening will have a heart prepared to receive and respond.

Act

2006-06-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

"Sympathy is no substitute for action."

-- David Livingstone, missionary to Africa

1813-1873

Interested in learning more about David Livingston?

Check out Christian Biolgraphy Resources online.

Family Mission International

2006-06-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a link worth sharing, especially for families interesting in ministering together as a family in a foreign culture. To my knowledge, Family Mission International is unique among organizations that focus on family missions. I've being following FMI's ministry for several years now and am uplifted with the vision, training and opportunities they are facilitating.

Part of FMI's vision statement is being, "engaged in mobilizing and equipping churches and families to share the message of Biblical family, family discipleship, and home education worldwide." They are investing in making it possible for families to take short term mission trips together. They are also raising up a network of American families to host and disciple visiting foreign families who are hungry to observe Biblical discipleship.

Take a moment to read through some of the rich articles and testimonies on this sight. You will be enriched.

Restored!

2006-06-13T15:16:00.000-05:00

I am trusting God thought I needed a week away from the world and in my bed, because that's just where He put me last week. From Sunday evening until Friday I was down under with a nasty virus that completely knocked me out. Praise the Lord for His healing mercies. All those hours in bed last week gave me lots of time to think. For one, the LORD gave me a new compassion for those who are sick or in pain. I also began to think how easily I start thinking that I am in control of my own health by eating right, exercising, taking my vitamins, when really, all that time, God's the one who holds the strings.

And then I had to chuckle at how ironic is all was. My brother Matthew is on a mission trip in Ukraine pushing his immune system to the extreme with lots of activity and late nights of work, constantly exposed to sick people, and yet God miraculously has sustained him with robust health thus far. And here I was, in America, eating "safe" food and in "safe" conditions, laid flat on my back with pain from a nasty virus.

I've talked with so many people who mention one of their major hesitations for taking a mission trip is health concerns. They are afraid of sickness, poor sanitation, having a weak stomach for that particular culture's food, etc... So how should a Christian think Biblically about missions and health? How does one find the balance? I've asked the LORD a lot about this. I've also asked other missionaries about this. I'm still asking.

In one of my next few posts I'll put up a few ponderings that have crossed my mind or that I've gleaned from others on this topic, and I'd love to hear any feedback you might have as well.

Take Note

2006-06-12T13:15:00.000-05:00

I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds." Ps 57:9,10

What a spectacular purpose statement by King David. Psalms is overflowing with references to the mission mandate of our God for ALL people, ALL nations, ALL languages. Have you taken opportunity to mark them in your Bible? This month in my Bible reading I made it my goal to work my way through Psalms, focusing in on these references to God's missionary heart and His provision for those testifying of Him amidst hostile circumstances. I'm overcome with His promises. What a privilege to be owned and loved by such a God.

Tears of Purpose

2006-06-02T11:43:00.000-05:00

"When I quit crying for my people, send me home."

I hastily scribbled down this quote from a spontaneous testimony I heard last fall while attending a Chronological Bible Teaching seminar. I don't even remember the last name of the missionary now, it's somewhere in my notebook; Kerry and his wife work with a tribe in Mexico. He shared very passionately, and even with tears, about his joy and purpose to disciple the baby Christians in that particular tribe in Biblical truth, and see them be able to reproduce.

He didn't apologize for his tears. "When I quit crying for my people, send me home," he said. When they become more of a project than a people, when they become "something to do" instead of a God-glorifying purpose for living, send me home.

That's when I got all misty-eyed. That's the type of God centered passion and purposeful living I want permeating my life until my dying day.

So does it? Do I have a life purpose that brings me to tears? Do you? Although discipling the world is part of every Christian's purpose, maybe your particular ministry group is children, or government leaders, or unwed mothers. What matters is that whatever God has called you to, you give your whole heart to, as a faithful steward of that calling and one who will give account.

Kerry's remarkable testimony reminded me to steadfastly guard the particular purposes God has given me. If my love relationship with God wanes from busyness along the way, if I lose the "why" behind what I am doing, if I forget to be in effectual prayer about it, then I shutter to think that in essence I become nothing more than "sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, I Cor 13:1." I can't get that statement out of my mind. "When I quit crying for my people, send me home."

It's a prayer worth pondering.

Tuesday: Praying for our Missionaries

2006-05-24T13:13:00.000-05:00

Tuesday: Relationship with Other Missionaries!

Ability to submit to one another in love
Honesty and openness
Appreciate the strengths of others
Discernment for older missionaries mentoring young missionaries

So, now we have made a full circle. Seven days of specific prayer requests for those we support from home. I hope you've been making a list to keep for yourself. There are many other specific requests you could add under each of the categories, so pray in the Spirit as you go through this list.

Missionaries have frequently told me how much they appreciate it when we let them know how we are praying for them. So if you haven't done so recently, why not take a moment to send an email to a missionary friend and let them know they are in your prayers especially today.

To God be the Glory!

Monday: Praying for Our Missionaries

2006-05-24T13:08:00.000-05:00

Monday: Physical Needs

Health
Wisdom for national doctors they might be under the care of
Safety in travel, and for the family whenever the husband is away
Protection from those who would hinder/harm their ministry
Financial provision for current needs

Saturday and Sunday: Praying for our Missionaries

2006-05-24T13:03:00.000-05:00

Since it's a weekend, I'm putting Saturday and Sunday on one post.

Saturday: Relationship with Nationals

Ability to adapt and immerse in the culture
Cultural sesitivity
Fluency in the language
Open relationship with national workers
Relationships of mutual respect, love, and spiritual bond

Sunday: Emotional Needs

An assurance of the Father's love
A sense of Christ's presence
Time to smell the flowers
Reminder that they are loved, prayed for, and support by friends back home
Grace to walk in the truth of God's promises

Friday: Praying for our Missionaries

2006-05-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

Friday: Relationship with God

Consistant and profitable devotional life
Daily time in the Word and Prayer
Awareness of God's power
A hunger and thirst for righteousness

Thursday: Prayers for our Missionaries

2006-05-24T12:56:00.000-05:00

Today, focus on praying for the family life of the missionaries you know.

Thursday: Family Life

A vibrant marriage; oneness of spirit
Children
Parent/child relationships
Older parents in the homeland

Wednesday: Prayers for Our Missionaries

2006-05-24T12:38:00.000-05:00

A Daily Prayer List

Wednesday: Effective Ministry

Open doors for evangelism
Ability to communicate across cultural barriers
Good use of time
A soul harvest
Discipleship of mature believers

I found a little list like this prayer provoking for specific needs in life of my missionary friends. I'll be posting one for each day of the week, each focusing on a different aspect of life (emotional, family, physical, etc...) In my family, we have the list posted on our refrigerator, right next to pictures of missionaries we know and support, where we can be reminded to pray specifically. These prayers make a difference! Check in daily for this whole next week to get the complete list.

The Non-Essentials of Life

2006-05-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite parts of blogging here is sharing links to articles by missionaries who have a heart to pass on the lessons of their ministry to the next generation going to the field. These men and women are part of the "great cloud of witnesses" that surround us, compelling us to build on the foundations that have been laid and go further. So many have invested in my life, not even knowing it, just through the things they have written.

The article I'm linking to today, The Non-Essentials of Life, is by the late Mrs. Roberta Winter, a faithful missionary with her husband to the Mayan Indians, and later founders of Frontier Mission Fellowship, which spawned the US Center for World Missions. This is a lady I would have loved to have tea with for an afternoon and pepper her with questions. Her love for Jesus, for the lost, for total surrender, shines through her writing. This article was published in Mission Frontier magazine back in 1994. The 5-10 minutes it takes to read this article is well spent.

The Non-Essentials of Life is a whirlwind tour through significant milestones in the Winter's ministry that taught them 6 key principles of what things are "Essential" and what things are "Non-Essential" for living, both here, and on the mission field. She address questions that bothered me for years with clarity and balance. I learned so much from her gracious spirit. She puts down in writing principles I have seen lived out in the lives of many people with a missionary heart. Oh, that God would sharpen my vision for the "essentials" that I might run the race unhindered.

I hope you enjoy the article. Blessings in Christ...

We must Die

2006-05-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, "You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages." To that, Calvert replied, "We died before we came here."

I'm reminded that God delights in conducting His kingdom mission of spreading the Gospel, not through the strong, but through the yielded. (II Cor 4:7) My natural tendency is to, "work for God to the limit of [my] incompetency, [rather] than to the limit of God's omnipotencency," as missionary Hudson Taylor said.

When my friends and I plan a witnessing event I feel bold and impassioned with the Gospel. Then we arrive. I look at the menagerie of people milling around and I face a wave of mental excuses why I'm not qualified to share. "I'm not educated enough to know all the answers, I'm not outgoing enough, not humorous enough, and my knees are knocking. I need more training, practice, and time to prepare." Fear keeps me clutching tightly to self. How do we let go?

We must die. The Bible teaches we find victory over fears of inadequacy by looking to the cross and dying to self, dying to the praise of men, and surrendering our comforts. "That which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die" I Cor 15:36. When we die the Holy Spirit spills His new life and light in us and through us (John 12:24). Look at nature-even a flower must drop its silky petals and fling back everything in order to scatter seeds of new life.

Dying to self is not natural or glamorous. Sometimes it means going out when I would rather stay put or speaking the truth when it's more comfortable to be quiet. It may mean praying rather than playing, listening rather than talking, or putting my priorities aside in order to serve, and go. The apostle Paul said "I die daily, for some have not the knowledge of God." I Cor 15:31,33.

Doesn't it seem that dying to self is the essential qualification for following Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the world. Death precedes life. It is one of the most glorious kingdom miracles. I examine my own heart today, on this National Day of Prayer. Lord, is there some opportunity for me to die to self today? Oh, that we would run to the old rugged cross and learn from Jesus what it means to die to self, so others might live.

Apostolic Passion

2006-05-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

Here is an inspiring, practical "must-read" for anyone, particularly young adults, sensing a call into missions. Apostolic Passion is an incredible article by Floyd McClung (former International Director with Youth With a Mission). Part of the power of this article is that it is so succinct; every paragraph brims with power points. You have to read it slowly.

I've read it over and over, since first stumbling across it in my Perspectives mission course a few years ago and I mark it as a landmark read. Maybe it was just where I was in my journey, that is affected me so much. What is Apostolic Passion? Reading from my perspectives journal I came across this entry in March of2004, just after I had read the article for the first time.

"Apostolic passion is a hunger to see the glory of God praised from every people
so intensely that I am willing to sacrifice anything to have it. It is a "planning to go" mindset, but I must also be willing to stay. This passion is fed by four things: Abondonment, Focus, Prayer, and Mature Decision Making..."

The four points mentioned above, are addressed by Mr. McClung. Particularly, the illustration he shares of David Wilkerson and prayer is full color in my mind to this day.

I hope you take a few minutes to follow the above link and read Apostolic Passion and then come back to this blog and comment on your thoughts. What strikes you most? Which of the four areas of apostolic passion do you feel God calling you to grow in right now?

Revisiting VOM conference

2006-05-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

I just signed up today for the Voice of the Marytrs "Wear the Crown" mission conference. Just as a follow-up to my Feb post, the last day for discounted registration ($60) is May 3rd. If any of you are going, let me know! I'm riding up with a friend; this will be a first time for both of us to go, but we have heard nothing but enthusiastic affirmations from those who have attended.

Check it out: 2006 "Wear the Crown" Mission Conference.
When: June 23-25, 2006
Where: Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on the beautiful campus of Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Carpathian Mountain Outreach

2006-04-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

This week my focus has been helping my brother prepare for a two month mission trip to Ukraine, to be part of the Carpathian Mountain Outreach. He is leaving bright and early Monday morning and there are a thousand final details to cover before such a lengthy trip. I'm so excited for him. Matthew will be working with missionaries Joshua and Kelsie Steele. This young couple is an absolute inspiration to me of missionaries with a vision for discipleship, for the people of Ukraine, but also for mentoring other young people serious about missions.

The Carpathian Mountain Outreach is unique, in that it is only for young men with a focused interest in learning about and participating in mission evangelism. Team members will have a full week of Ukrainian language instruction before going out. During the trip they will minister through film, chalk talks with open air preaching, one-on-one witnessing, and literature distribution. Matthew is excited to be participating as the team Gospel Chalk Artist.

So many people and places need our prayer. The Carpathian Mountain Outreach will be one of those places in my heart this summer, that God would guide, enable, and raise up young men with a missionary heart. If you are interested in getting updates about the Carpathian Mountain Outreach, you can subscribe here. They will be documenting God at work throughout the summer.

Pray for Nepal

2006-04-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

Lots is going on politically in Nepal right now. Today in a speech, King Gyanendra announced that he would give up absolute power and relinquish authority back to the people.

Wow! This could be very significant for religious rights in Nepal. Let's pray that Nepalese Christians will set a good example of honoring the government during this turmoil. Pray God would use these political transitions to bring relief from persectution for Christians. And if not relief at this time, strength to stand strong.

Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth

2006-04-21T17:06:00.000-05:00

The Urbana Today website always carries fresh articles about the global mission movement, particularly geared in bite size pieces for young adults. They have a 2 part feature this week on the life of missionaries Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth, Canadian missionaries to China. Reading such a life testimony makes me cry out afresh that God would continue to raise up more such men and women who are passionately in love with Jesus Christ.

Purusing more about his life today I read that Mr. Goforth had a list of 7 goals for his daily life written on the fly-leaf of his Bible. His love for Jesus Christ was fervant and he didn't want anything to hinder that relationship; these goals certainly helped safe guard and continually grow His relationship with Christ.

Seek to give much -- expect nothing.
Put the very best construction on the actions of others.
Never let a day pass without at least a quarter of an hour spent in the study of the Bible.
Never omit daily morning and evening private prayer and devotion.
In all things seek to know God's Will and when known obey at any cost.
Seek to cultivate a quiet prayerful spirit.
Seek each day to do or say something to further Christianity among the heathen.

Such goals should have a place in all our lives, don't you think?

Looking unto Jesus,

Christie

Maps and Missions - The last in a Series

2006-04-13T17:02:00.000-05:00

“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

Putting up a map in a visible location reminds us to pray continually for the Lord of the Harvest to send out more laborers.

Even if for no other reason, putting up a map in a visible location remind us to pray CONTINUALLY for the Lord of the Harvest to send out MORE laborers. Incredibly, it is not just our Christian duty, but our privilege to cooperate with the LORD of the Universe in prayer to send out more laborers.

What type of laborers should we pray for? I’ve been trying to learn from some of my mentors about this, and here are a few ideas I've gleaned…

Men and women of a pure heart who can be clear vessels for service
Men and women of hunger and thirst for prayer and the Word
Those with a heart for discipleship and hospitality
Men and women that will lay aside the things that hinder and run with eternal focus
Long-term laborers
Whole families with a heart to serve together and role model Biblical relationships.
"Even so, here I am, send me"

You can find more excellent and specific ideas for praying for Harvest Workers here. I still have so much to learn about effectual and fervent praying. But I'm inspired and awed to keep learning, because the effectual and fervent intercessions of righteous men and women do avail much with God. He hears the intercession for more labors and delights to answer for His glory. That's why we must keep petitioning, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Let your map be a tool for asking the LORD to thrust forth laborers into the fields.

Maps and Missions - Part 5 of 7

2006-04-13T16:49:00.000-05:00

Why Maps?-Reason #5 of 7

Looking at maps can easily be turned into an enriching game for children to teach them about missions, geography, history, and government in God’s wild and wonderful world.

“Who can find Brazil first?”
“Who can find China. This country has many who still don't know Jesus?”
“Who can find the country of Sudan? It’s in Africa.”

A map is an ever ready game board.

As adults, our goal is to joyfully teach children about the world, and particularly about what is God is doing around the world, in such a way that gives them a hunger to learn more. Short and fast stints in front of the map stir natural curiosity.

Try it today with some children in your family or church and see what a simple resource it is for teaching children to have a heart for the world. Not because the map itself is anything spectacular, but because your own enthusiasm for the world spills over in your conversations around the map.

A Milepost or a Fork?

2006-04-11T17:54:00.000-05:00

Missionary Jim Elliot once said, “Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me.”

What a marvelous question to ask ourselves, and prayfully examine our heart with.

Maps and Missions #4

2006-04-11T17:45:00.000-05:00

Why Use Maps to Grow you Missionary Heart?-Reason #4

Maps make a great conversation starter for turning a conversation towards the Great Commission.

As a mission mobalizer, supporter, missionary-in-training, your and my responsibility is to help bring relevance to God at work around the world. We are part of the network of bringing the news home in such a way that compels people to make a choice to be involved.

Unfortunately, beyond the war headlines, most people don’t keep up with international news and geography. I think mostly, because it doesn’t seem to be relevant. At least that’s my temptation, and I have to work against it.

Maps became a spring-board resource that never wears out for sharing prayer requests and action points with those we come in contact with. They allow us to share this information in a way that is both memorable and practical, particularly because it is hands-on.

In order for maps to work as a conversation starter, howerever, they have to be accessible in the conversation centers of your home, such as a living room, dining room, and bedroom. They also need to be big enough to read and examine. If you have to use a magnifying glass to read, it probably will only rarely be looked at. I’ve also found that up-to-date world globes and attractive coffee table atlases are great resources too, allowing flexibility to pass around and carry with you.

There are some fabulous, yet inexpensive maps available online, but I’ll talk more about that in another post. You can also get quality world maps from your local bookstore, rolled carefully in a tube and ready for mounting.

Map It:
Try using a map as a conversation starter about world missions with a friend or family member this evening. Check out a local national headline and share some of what you find out with your family this evening. Point out where that news is happening on your world map. The more you do this, the more natural it will become. You will be blessed to keep at it as you see the new understanding and global interest that spreads from using this simple resource. I'd love to hear your feedback on maps, so let me know what you think.

Getting Organized?

2006-04-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a quality day timer that helps focus you on missions every day? Well I've come across one recently on the net, produced for the past 25 years in conjunction with Youth With a Mission. It's still not too late in the year to get organized and pick up this fabulous YWAM Personal Prayer Diary / Daily Planner .

The YWAM bookshop describes it as a:

"Practical planner / organizer with all the customary planning and tracking aids (weekly and monthly spreads, note sections, etc.)
Marvelous tool to inspire and inform your devotional life with a strong missions emphasis, containing a Bible reading plan, illustrated unreached peoples profiles, prayer points, maps, country profiles, and more."

Because we are a few months into the year already, YWAM is selling these at some great discounted prices, as low as $12. It's not that I'm trying to sound like a sales person, I just want to share mission resources as I come across them.

So, if you've been planning to get a daytime for awhile and still looking around for just the right one, you may want to consider this YWAM mission/prayer edition. May God use it to bring Him glory.

Bibles Unbound!

2006-04-05T15:36:00.000-05:00

Here is an opportunity for an outreach delivering Bibles to persecuted people, right from your own home in America. I think this it would be especially great for children to be involved in because it allows hands on participation. Bibles Unbound, sponsored by Voice of the Martyrs sends you the names and addresses, as well as Bibles and packaging, for you to personally send into restricted areas such as China, Columbia, and Egypt. Check out their web site for more details.

Maps as a Mission Resource - Part 3

2006-04-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

Why Maps?-Reason #3

Maps remind us that God has made a wonderful and intricate world for us to explore and take dominion of.

"And God saw that it was good." Gen 1:10

Isn't our universe an amazing display of God's creativity and power? Scientist and explorers will never come to the end of new discoveries and natural mysteries. From the depths of the sea, to the heights of snow capped mountains, God created beauty and order in a way that reflects His character. "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork." Ps 19:1

Sin has marred the original beauty and perfect creation, but it has not eradicated God's fingerprint. Every mountain, island, and ocean current reveals its Designer. "There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard," Ps 19:3.

The Psalms of David reveal the beautiful balance between enjoying God's creation, praising Him in it, and in desiring the nations to be reached with God's truths. We don't have to decide between the three. All three go togeter.

After all, in learning about the intricacies of the Design, don't we come to know the Designer more. Shouldn't Christians be the most curious scientists and explorers? Shouldn't all our explorations and curiosity for God's creation only compel us to be ever more vocal about sharing His glory among those who don't know how to explain the design all around them? Looking at a map can keeps that curiosity fresh. May it be for His glory.

Map It:
Explore your map for some new mountains or rivers you have never heard of. If you can, take a moment to look it up on the Internet and learn something about it. Praise God for the beauty and design He plants even in the most unexpected places. Notice in the Psalms (such as Ps 97:6, and Ps 98: 7-9) how King David, under Holy Spirit inspiration, combined the majesty of God's creation, with compelling prayers for the nations. Pray that God will use His creation to prepare many hearts to hear the Gospel, especially in those regions where He has not yet been named.

Giving that Makes a Difference

2006-04-04T17:30:00.000-05:00

"You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving." -- Amy Carmichael, missionary to India

Maps as a Mission Resource-Reason #2

2006-04-04T09:41:00.000-05:00

Maps keep the world before our eyes and remind us that the task of spreading the Gospel is far from finished.

Particularly, look at the 10/40 window, that vast expanse of population between the 10 and 40th parallel that contains the majority of the world’s still unreached people groups. It encompasses the most heavily populated countries in the world, including China, India and the Middle East. It contains over 70% of the world's people but only 8% of the missionary efforts.

Spending even 5 minutes looking at the countries in the 10/40 window is enough to stir my heart. The 10/40 window is not just mission’s terminology; it is made up of real places, real people, and souls precious to God.

It is way too easy to become complacent living an average Christian life in America. But when I look at my world map each night, hanging just above my bed, the Holy Spirit reminds me that the task ahead is still so big, life so short, and God’s glory so magnificent, that Christians must not compromise, give up, or loose heart before finishing the assignment.

Map It:
Take a moments with a world map to familiarize yourself with the 10/40 window is and what countries are located there. Here are some facinating facts about this region. Do you know any missionaries working over there? Pray for them today. Pray the Lord will send workers into His Harvest.

Updates on the Persecution Church

2006-03-30T17:03:00.000-06:00

I came across Persecution Blog today, updated by Voice of the Martyers. It is sort of like an online version of their monthly print magazine, which focuses on making the Church aware of persecuted brethren through regular updates and action reports.

Their monthly print magazine is available free upon request. This is another one of my favorite mission magazines. It is a fabulous, full color action pack that inspires me to live my faith boldly for Jesus Christ. It is full of stories of modern day heroes of faith (aka, "a great cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12:1) that endure true persecution for the Gospel.

If your not subscribed to it, it's takes just 2 minutes to get started by following this link. Do it today!

Pray for our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church today. Want to be specific? Petition for all those having birthday's today, that God would remind them of His tender mercies and His lovingkindnesses towards them, even in the midst of suffering. Sitting in a jail cell, or locked in a "re-education" camp somewhere in this world, or hiding in a jungle from fanatical persecutors, are brothers and sisters with a birthday today. A birthday is not too small a thing to talk to God about. Pray that he would lift hearts of those discouraged and forgotten and strengthen them with His grace. Sometimes it is God meeting us in the smallest of ways that makes such a big difference.

Why Maps for Missions? Reason #1

2006-03-30T16:34:00.000-06:00

1) Maps help "peg" world news into useful pieces of information that further equips me to mobilize, respond, and pray specifically.

They assist us in remembering the context of the Mission at hand, with all the economic, political, geo-physical, and relational implications. Riots in France have have spiritual implications. So does the assasination of a government leader. And a flooding in a Chinese mine. And a malaria pandemic in Africa. Christians impacted need prayers for wisdom. Non-believes need prayers that their hearts will be softened and their lives spared until they hear the good news of Jesus Christ. The church needs prayer to respond to specific challenges with boldness, determination, and love.

God is at work all over the world. Why limit our sight? Why miss out on enjoying and participating in God's master plan by focusing our attention on local news only?

You've probably experience the influence of maps yourself because of the war in Iraq. News reports with maps have transformed the way I think of missions in Iraq. I've always known that Iraq was a difficult country to share the Gospel in and that persecution was severe, but taking the time to look up events as they occur in war in Iraq has brought the people there closer to my heart. The war is so much more than physical, it is spiritual, and I am reminded of that as I trace my finger across my world map.

Weather, political concerns, famine, industry, education, etc... All these things affect propagationgation of the Gospel and the health and interests of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Taking time to map it, and trace your finger across the paper, takes information from the knowledge level, and brings it down to memorable level to act and pray on.

But why does it matter what is going on in India and Brazil and Venezuela? It seems to me that most fundamentally it is because we are commanded to care, to “weep with those who weep” and “rejoice with those who rejoice,” to “remember those in bonds,” and “bear ye one another’s burdens.”I have so far to grow in this area.

The important thing is that we are growing, and not just staying stagnant in our faith and actions living out the Great Commission.

Maps help us be specific in our praying. The more specific we are in praying, the more fervent and persistent we tend to be because we have opportunity to see very specific answers to prayer. The goal is not just to pray "for"missions, but pray in participation "with" the missionary movement. And if mapping helps me enter into this more freely, then by all means, let's map.

Maps and Missions

2006-03-30T16:22:00.000-06:00

It’s my dad’s fault world maps are one my favorite mission resources. To this day, we rarely eat dinner without a least one reference to the large world map we have framed and hanging on our dining room wall. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve learned more about physical and political geography around the dinner table than I ever did in a book.

When we hear about famine, war, a presidential tour, or spiritual revival taking place, dad always encourage to look it up on the map. When we get letters from missionaries, we look up their location. When we hear about unreached people groups still waiting for a missionary, we pinpoint where they are.

I’m sure there are many more than 7 reasons to put up a world map on your wall, but that’s at least a start to the tentative list I have planned to share. It may fluctuate. Each post this week I’m going to put up 1-2 of these reasons with a little explanation. There is such incredible potential for growing a missionary heart in world maps that I want to give it plenty of space on the blog this week and next.

On each of these “Maps and Missions” posts, I’ll also put up some exercises that will give you opportunity practice your map skills and learn more about what God is doing around the world.

Far and Away from Home

2006-03-23T19:06:00.000-06:00

In case you're wondering what has happened to all my posts this week, I'm out of town and away from my computer. I'm slipping this post in sitting at my friend's computer up in beautiful New Hampshire.

When I get back, I'm looking forward to sharing several topics on my heart. And I'm sure that spending time up here with my friend, Katey, will give me new ideas and inspiration too. I'm always blessed to spend time with mission-hearted friends, and Katey is one such friend.

It is so important to take the time to build relationships with others that challenge our walk and compel us to grow further. We all need a few friends like this in our life. It takes conscious effort to grow and nourish such friendships, but they are always worth the time.

Life is about relationships, after all. And relationships, not programs or crusades, are the essence of missions. People reaching people.

Wherever you are, I hope you have a mission-hearted friend. Give him or her a call today, and fan the flame in each other to see God's glory spread.

Interesting Fact

2006-03-17T15:03:00.000-06:00

India and China together have over 2.4 Billion people, or over a third of the world's population.

And every single one of them has a name and face...and a soul! Each one is just as precious in God's sight, and He looks on them with the same yearning for fellowship, as you and I.

I was thinking about that yesterday, as I was sitting in the airport watching hundreds of men and women scurry around with baggage between terminals. So many people. So many people still in darkness. We must continually pray that God keep our heart tender to think of people as precious souls.

Prayer for India

2006-03-15T14:43:00.000-06:00

God is at work around the world and what a blessing it is for us to hear of what He is doing! With today's rapid communication system it's not hard to keep up to date with what is going on and be able to respond and pray instantly. Mission Network News is a great resource for daily news of what God is doing around the world, both through joy and victory, as well as the hardship and struggle.

It's easy to check and see if your local Christian radio station carries MNN reports during their news hour. I always am blessed and provoked by the excellent journalism and detailed reports that MNN produces.

India is one country that has a close place to my heart and I'd thought I'd post this news update from MNN, just up today, about increasing persecution in that country.

Faithful believers continue sharing Christ's love despite increased persecution. Posted on March 15th, 2006India (MNN) --

The number of Christians facing harassment and persecution is growing every day. In fact the amount of persecution has increased especially in the last 30 days.Gospel for Asia's President KP Yohannan is confused by the number of problems their workers are facing, because many thought the change of government would give Christians more freedoms. "When the BJP government was in power, honestly, we didn't have this much persecution. It is since the new government, the Congress government, is now in power, that we have seen such an incredible increase in persecution everywhere. And I don't know why. Maybe the when BJP government was in power they were more sensitive to toward portraying minorities in the light of the international community. But it looks like with the Congress government, we seem to be experiencing an incredible escalation in persecution."

Yohannan believes the extremists fear losing power over the poor. And as many people find freedom in Christ, accusations of forced conversions abound. Yohannan says, much of the persecution is because, and they see that happening as many are being liberated by Christ. Yohannan says they're not telling them, "Hey, we'll give you food and clothes and shelter if you become Christians." No! It is a matter of truly demonstrating Christ's love.

As Christians faithfully share the love of Christ and suffer because of it, Yohannan urges believers everywhere to pray. And, "don't take these things as information and something to talk about. Rather, something that should break your heart for the brothers and sisters who are suffering."While many think of this as religious persecution, Yohannan doesn't believe it. "The problem is these are extremists who (are) like the Taliban, that are taking such hatred upon themselves toward Christians. And this is a nation that is free and democratic to share their faith, and I'm quite confused in the light of the "impartial" community, why this is now happening in this measure.

According to Yohannan, many of the upper caste Hindus don't want to see these poor people liberated and come to the place of freedom and liberty. "I personally do not believe these attacks have anything to do with religion, rather it has to do with power and hunger for control, just like we had in the United States in the days of slavery," says Yohannan.

While the radicals claim forced conversions are the reason so many of the poor are coming to Christ, Yohannan says it's love that's making a difference. "The truth of the matter is what Christians are doing, and missionaries are doing, or churches are doing, is telling people about Christ who came into the world because of love to save sinners and give hope and heal the brokenhearted."

Yohannan is asking believers to pray because he expects the violence to increase.

Mission Network News is a member of the Gospel Communications Network.Report problems to: mnn@gospelcom.net©2006 Mission Network News. All Rights Reserved.

Momentum Magazine

2006-03-14T15:06:00.000-06:00

I just came across a mention of a new mission magazine today that really caught my attention, so I checked it out online. Wow! I got excited. I haven't had a chance to sit down and read throughout the magazine yet, but just perusing it, as well as the mission and six fold goals it holds to, was remarkably similar to my heartbeat for this little blog. The magazine is available both in print and online at www.momentum-mag.org. Take a look!
~~~~~~
Momentum Magazine
Our Mission To help believers passionately, quickly, and effectively obey the Great Commission and reach the Unreached Peoples of our world.

We build six things in our readers:
Drive: passion to go to the least-reached
Energy: capacity to cross distances
Effort: to evangelize, disciple, transform;
Inspiration: motivating the unmotivated;
Power: discipline, accountability, focus;
Strength: to not sway from frontier mission.
~~~~~

Mission "Work"

2006-03-13T16:53:00.000-06:00

"I have seen many men work without praying, though I have never seen any good come out of it; but I have never seen a man pray without working." - James Hudson Taylor

This quote is a great reminder for me today--the "work" of missions begins on my knees. It has to be restated a thousand times to my thick head because by nature I find it so much easier to talk about praying, rather than be still and pray. Daily prayer for the Harvest has to be a conscious choice.

Isn't it essentially true that talking about the prayer needs of millions waiting, about the suffering of persecuted Christians, about the needs of many faithful missionaries, etc..., equates to sounding brass and clanging cymbals unless we actually offer up the sacrifice of our own lips in real, live, fervent prayer.

But effectual prayer, lived out with action, that is just like Jesus.

When my heart is cold and I don't feel like praying for my brothers and sisters in Christ, or for those who haven't even had a chance of knowing the Jesus that has redeemed me from death, I find it best to be forthright and admit it to God plainly.

"My heart is cold. I don't have the passion I should right now to plead for the lost. I'm selfish and wanting my own way. But Lord Jesus, open my mouth to speak your words, not my own, for they are empty. Replace my cold heart with yours even now."

And as often as I pray it, isn't it amazing...He hears and answers.

Not that it immediately becomes easy, or that my flesh doesn't struggle in prayer. But He renews my purpose for prayer, the pursuit of His greater glory among all mankind. He has delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from falling, I will call upon the Lord...

Prayer for the advancement of His Glory, the Great Commission of the Church, is discipline. Let us exhort one another daily to be faithful.

Global Vision

2006-03-09T09:24:00.000-06:00

"We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God."
-- John Stott

What does it take to have global vision? Practically, how do we become global Christians? This idea should be more than just a phrase tossed around in Christian circles. It is worthless unless it becomes imbued in the fabric of our lives.

I desperately want to have global vision for God's glory. I know I'm completely powerless to do it on my own-it comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling and directing me further into the heart of God. The closer I am to His heart, the greater my fervancy to shake off my limited vision and pursue His glory. I can't conjur up a missionary heart in my own strength. Without global vision being Spirit driven, it is hollow and becomes like those clanging cymbols talked about in I Cor 13.

That's the drive behind this blog...finding ways, little and big, to set our sails to recieve that Holy Spirit world vision and live as global Christians.

What way can I become a global Christian today?

Blessed to be a Blessing

2006-03-08T15:07:00.000-06:00

Psalm 67 is a Missionary Psalm, my favoirte missionary Psalm. God's heart for all people runs through every verse. Read it from that perspective and see if it doesn't stand stand out to you in a whole new light. This passage reveals the pure motivation that should be in our hearts when we ask God to bless us: that is, that God may be know and praises among more and more people.

God be merciful to us;
and bless us;
and cause His face to shine upon us; Selah

That Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations."
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even out own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall few Him.

VOM Mission Conference in OK

2006-03-07T13:43:00.000-06:00

I just came across this mission conference announcement on the Voice of the Maryters website. What a great opportunity to get informed, pray, get involved, catch a vision, and meet up with others. I've read amazing things about this conference in the past.

Check it out: 2006 "Wear the Crown" Mission Conference

When: June 23-25, 2006
Where: Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on the beautiful campus of Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

A Cure

2006-03-07T13:21:00.000-06:00

"If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn't it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death."
-- Dave Davidson

Biographies for the Missionary Heart

2006-03-02T13:28:00.000-06:00

Just on a side note, two of my very favorite faith building missionary stories are:

Evidence Not Seen, A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II by Darleen Deibler Rose
God’s Smuggler, by John and Elizabeth Sherrill.

What I love about these biographies is that they make you feel you are right there with the missionary, learning of God and watching Him do amazing things to show Himself strong. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning finishing Evidence Not Seen. I laughed and cried all through the book. My heart was touched through the special testimony of this book. God was glorified in my eyes through it.

On the Shoulder's of Giants- Part 3

2006-03-02T13:26:00.000-06:00

3. Heroes invite our participation in the Kingdom cause – Reading the journals, letters, and stories of persevering missionaries reveal practical ways we can be involved in God’s Kingdom work wherever we are. There is an unfinished task left to our generation. How will we cooperate with God in His ongoing mission?

A crucial part of the ministry we are all called to is intercession on behalf of our missionaries. As we study the life and faith of these missionary heroes, the more fervently we are able to co-labor in prayer with and for those on the field today.

Remember, we each have a unique race marked out just for us. God’s specific assignment for my life will not be the same as that of my heroes, nor will yours, yet the possibilities of our ministry are no less incredible than those who have gone before. These giants of the missionary movement remind us that God still desires to perform miracles for His Name sake through ordinary men and women ready to expect and attempt great things for God.

On the Shoulder's of Giants- Part 2

2006-02-28T16:41:00.000-06:00

2. Heroes cheer us on–When we are in the thick of a spiritual struggle or painful circumstance it is easy to lose sight of our end goal. God, in His mercy, doesn’t intend for us to walk through these valleys alone. He has surrounded us with grandstands of witnesses to cheer us on the way and remind us of His greater perspective. They too struggled with loneliness, grieved over sin, and cried from a broken heart. Yet in the end they bear this witness: He is worthy, He is faithful, He is Sovereign.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus… Hebrews 12:1,2a”

William Borden is one of those witnesses in my life. As heir to the multi-million dollar Borden Dairy company, he shocked the world by leaving fame and fortune behind that he might share Jesus with Muslims in China. During his years of ministry preparation at Yale and Princeton, his zeal for the lost and his fervent prayer ministry transformed both college campuses. Just months after his ordination in 1912 and well-publicized departure to China, 26 year old Borden contracted spinal meningitis and died. At the back of his Bible was written this statement: “No retreats, no reserves, no regrets.”

Though seen as "a waste" in the world's terms, both his life and his death continue to challenge me to hand over all those temporal toys and amusements that hinder total consecration. His role model shows me the beautiful, eternal fruit of dying to self that I might live unto Christ.

On the Shoulder's of Giants- Part 1

2006-02-27T14:48:00.000-06:00

Several years ago I wrote this breif article for Ambassador magazine on the great blessing of becoming a student of heroes of faith, particularly of faithful missionaries. It is not that missionaries are the only ones with great faith, it is just that their life frequently becomes a showcase for miraculous demonstration of God's power and reading about it challenges us to take God out of the box of our expectations and think big. Being mentored by heroes of faith, both past and present, men and women, is something close to my heart. We have to be intentional about it.

But I'm going to be redundant. I'll just let you read it for yourself. I'll be posting it in three parts, so stay tuned.

~~~~~~~~~
Part 1
On the Shoulder’s of Giants
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." Sir Isaac Newton

In every generation there are a few who dare to trust God in extreme measure. They are men and women who sit still long enough to hear God’s missionary heart and continue listening until they know how He would have them respond. They are ordinary people used by God in extraordinary ways to spread His glory among the nations.

I am blessed that my parents surrounded me with many such Biblical and historical heroes and heroines growing up. Missionary stories were always a favorite. My father would sit on the bed with all us kids around him and read fascinating accounts of supernatural provision, protection, and conversion. Sometimes at night my mom would turn on dramatized audio biographies of missionaries and I would fall asleep dreaming I was learning Chinese with Hudson Taylor or leading orphans across the mountains with Gladys Aylward. As a little girl, their stories strongly shaped my view of God.

Over the years my appreciation for the practical insight and spiritual determination of these missionaries of faith has grown. We have the awesome privilege of being mentored by Christianities great soul-winners! Here are three significant ways studying their lives enhances our own spiritual walk.

1. Heroes model faith –Scripture exhorts us to study faithful Believers in order to stretch and grow the borders of our own faith. “Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises Hebrews 6:12.” From the beginning, modeling a living, dynamic faith has been the primary method for transferring that same faith to the next generation.

Faith-full missionaries are characterized by their commitment to the infallible Word of God and intercessory prayer. It is the dayspring of their missionary vision. It is the secret of their availability to shake the gates of hell. In the small requests and the big needs, in frozen wastelands and muggy jungles, missionaries of faith have seen God’s promises put to extreme tests and have always found them infinitely strong and sweet. Their stories remind us that His grace is sufficient. His peace is beyond understanding. His Word is our richest treasure.

No Sacrifice Too Great

2006-02-16T16:45:00.000-06:00

Quotes by missionaries and about missions will be a regular feature on this blog. What I love most about them is that I am reminded that God desires to do great and mighty things through ordinary people who live with extra-ordinary faith. My own faith is stretched. I had a hard time picking where to begin with these, so I'm just diving right in.

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." -- C.T. Studd

C.T. Studd, missionary in China, India, and Africa, has an awesome testimony. You can read more about him, and the story behind this quote by clicking here.

What is Missionary Heart blog about?

2006-02-16T13:25:00.000-06:00

I don't like to set sail without a destination! So, for everyone coming along for the ride, this blog has a 4-fold destination.

1) To bring God glory!
2) To stir up fervent and specific prayer for unreached people, the persecuted church, and missionaries all over the world. We pray best when we can pray specifically.
3) To share gleanings of mission resources from agencies, organizations, churches, books, websites, missionaries, etc… that allow each of us to more clearly and more boldly follow God’s plan for us in living out a missionary heart.
4) To stir each of us out of our comfort zone. When we are regularly reminded of God’s majesty, His compassion for the lost, and His worth-ship, we gain faith to swallow our fears, petty selfishness, and small ambitions.

I need to be reminded continually of all of these things myself. I've found that especially in a world that is so hectic and me-focused, we need regular reminders to look upward and outward.

Next time, I’d like to mention more specifically the types of resources that I hope to be putting up. Thanks for waiting as this blog gets going.

A Blog Begins

2006-02-14T15:28:00.000-06:00

Missionary Heart blog been on my heart for almost a year and a half and I'm so excited to actually be typing this first post, even though it is a work in progress. By God's grace, I hope to create a place to where people of all ages can find resources, support, and inspiration that fans their understanding of and devotion to living out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. There are dozens and dozens of topics/ideas/comments/questions I can't wait to put down, but for the moment they are on hold while I figure out more of the details of getting this thing up and going.

This blog isn't about me, it's about knowing Jesus Christ and growing in passion and dedication to make Him known among the people of the world. He is worthy.