To our supporters and prayer warriors at Home:

   Did you know that your prayers means so much? Did you know that each month I receive a list of those that helped me to do what I do and to live where I live. When I receive this list, I want to cry. What a blessing to have so many backing me. What a humbling experience to know that so many are praying and want my ministries to move forward. so many are willing to give of their money to make this ministry work! Wow!

   Did you know that a simple hello on email means a lot? Did you know that when we send updates, it hurts that less than 1% of you even acknowledge that you read the update? Does it take a lot of time to reply and say you are praying or praising God for situations mentioned in the updates?

   Did you know that we cannot always remember your names because we meet hundreds of people on deputation and furlough?  We try to remember names and faces, but we often mix you up. When you write, please mention your church… or city. Sometimes we have 15 “First Baptist Churches” so the church name does not help us. But even if you do not clarify who you are, we still appreciate the minute you took to respond and the few moments you took to read our updates—We thank God for you!

   Did you know that some of the churches in the New Testament sent members to check on Paul and co.? Would you consider sending members to help or encourage your missionaries? Would you consider finding ways to encourage us by send us to retreats designed for refreshment, or places to get away and rest – “Sabbath” with the Lord? 

   We are humans, we make mistakes. We serve a gracious God who can and does strengthen and encourage us. He often uses you, our supporting churches, our fellow saints.  I cannot count the times when someone dropped a note to me, not knowing I was having a rough day, and said, “I had you on my heart today.”  Thank you God, Thank you my friend!

Visiting Churches

One of the jobs that we have as missionaries is to visit churches in our home countries. Furlough, Home Assignment, Deputation, Support Raising, Ministry Reporting, etc…

We are privileged to travel to many congregations and fellowship with them. We meet so many fellow members or the Body of Christ. We encourage local leaders and saints. We build up a great army of prayer warriors who back us up. We share with kids about being a missionary and ministry.  We eat with different people and encourage them to take that leap of faith toward ministry at home and abroad.

We recruit short and long term missionaries. We build interest in missions which have long-lasting effects.  Many of my fellow missionaries were first interested in missions because of someone visiting their church and sharing a meal with them. Others started the path toward full-time mission work because of short term mission trips they had taken. 

We see the good and bad in so many congregations. We get to see large and small churches, healthy and dying churches. We can encourage or discourage local leaders. We can promote missions or scare people away from them.

Recently I met with someone who had visited an unhealthy church. He was so judgmental and critical of the leadership there. It struck me in a painful way.  I hope that I never judge the local churches I visit. I hope that I never judge the people I meet.

I also remember a Sunday when the church I was visiting split. I stayed with a family who wasn’t going to church that day or any other day after that. I woke up and went to church. I greeted all involved and tried to encourage and not ask questions.  

We pop in briefly can never know all the circumstances. Even if we try to help fix an issue, we can not know the years of history that have lead to such a problem. We must be careful not to take sides and to pray for all involved. 

changes

I sense change is in the air,

the signs are all around me.

But change is not what I must fear,

although I dread it greatly.

Years ago I made a pledge

to go where He would send.

If that should me I leave this land

which I have grown to love so dear

or leave this region, home and friends

to live in a new place,

then I should heed my Saviour’s call

and pack up all my things.

Yet my heart breaks to think of it

as I have settled in this place

I’ve learned the language, the dress,

the culture, the attitudes and needs.

I’ve found a niche in which to serve

that fills a need so great.

Though I trust my God and His plan

it seems counterproductive.

So change is coming, but what it is

I do not yet comprehend.

Will others leave and new ones come

or will I too move on?

Give me peace, Lord.

Give me hope, and comfort in the unknown.

Let me trust Your plan and know it’s best

even when I don’t understand.