We have entered our final week of orientation at the International Learning Center-- and it is not without excitement. Since the world that we will enter is often hostile to the Gospel and dangerous in general, we will have three days of contingency training to prepare us. For this training, the IMB brings in the highest ranked non-military contingency trainers in the nation. They take their jobs very seriously knowing that many of our friends will come face to face with the realities of our dangerous world. We are apprehensive but thankful for the training.
Our Commissioning Service will be on April 2 at 2:00 p.m. We are amazed to be a part of this wonderful group of about 200 people (including children), most of whom are going to the hard places. We will travel and take care of final stateside details during April and leave for San Jose, Costa Rica for Spanish language school on April 28.
As you go to the Father, thanks for calling our names.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Just Over Two Weeks Left
Family Time is special! This weekend, Miriam and Mike came to visit. We had a great time together - eating in Historic Charlottesville and then visiting Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. It was such a beautiful day and the time together was great. Sunday was special too as we were able to celebrate their birthdays - Mike's was the 6th and Miriam's the 16th. They were able to worship with us in our MAC/SAM house church. (All us going to the Middle America & Carribean Region and South American Region worship together in a house church Tuesdays through Friday and on Sundays.)
These past two weeks have been overwhelming as the Spirit has moved upon us. Tom Elliff and Dr. Rankin have spoken on doctrines and spiritual warfare. Again we are reminded we must not try to go out in our own might but only empowered by the Holy Spirit and covered with the prayers of dear prayer warriors like you who hold us daily before the throne. God's hedge of protection is that which crowds us to Christ. Sometimes it is a hedge of physical protection; sometimes it is a hedge of spiritual protection, but it is ALWAYS security in Himself. Our definitions of words are being changed to His definitions and our understanding is being changed to conformity to His image alone. We are confident that the hedge keeps Satan from taking our life before God's time. God's Will will be accomplished to bring GLORY to His name. Whatever it takes, Lord.
Our time here is quickly coming to the end. This time has been God sent in our lives -- a time of drawing away to Himself alone, a time of being washed with his presence, a time of preparation for what lives ahead, a fresh wind blowing upon us.
As you pray for us, remember the thousands in Middle America who walk in darkness unaware of the love of God and His provision of His saving grace.
These past two weeks have been overwhelming as the Spirit has moved upon us. Tom Elliff and Dr. Rankin have spoken on doctrines and spiritual warfare. Again we are reminded we must not try to go out in our own might but only empowered by the Holy Spirit and covered with the prayers of dear prayer warriors like you who hold us daily before the throne. God's hedge of protection is that which crowds us to Christ. Sometimes it is a hedge of physical protection; sometimes it is a hedge of spiritual protection, but it is ALWAYS security in Himself. Our definitions of words are being changed to His definitions and our understanding is being changed to conformity to His image alone. We are confident that the hedge keeps Satan from taking our life before God's time. God's Will will be accomplished to bring GLORY to His name. Whatever it takes, Lord.
Our time here is quickly coming to the end. This time has been God sent in our lives -- a time of drawing away to Himself alone, a time of being washed with his presence, a time of preparation for what lives ahead, a fresh wind blowing upon us.
As you pray for us, remember the thousands in Middle America who walk in darkness unaware of the love of God and His provision of His saving grace.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
New realities produce new perspectives...
Each day we are exposed to new realities of life. As a result, we find our changing perspectives are redefining our vocabulary. Whereas before we could define safety as "freedom from pain," we can now say safety is "the assurance of our eternal relationship with Jesus." And as such, what better place of safety can we find ourselves?!
This week we learned about Chronological Bible Storying which is used especially among oral cultures. Our assignment is to share a Bible story to our small group. Easy - that is until we began to prepare. We thought we knew the story - but the story must be only the Bible story, no embellishments, just the Bible story and told the same way each time so the listener can in turn teach the story to others - exactly, accurately, the Bible, God's Word. After telling the story, we must ask good questions that review the story and bring application. It is an awesome responsibilty knowing that our story is their access to God's Word. Pray for us this week as we prepare to share our stories. Glynis will be storying Elisha and the Prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel - "Choose who is God, then follow Him." David will be storying the four lepers at the Samaritan army's camp - "We do not well. This is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace." Both are powerful stories and wonderful truths abound.
March 2 is my mother's 89th birthday. I am reminded of the godly heritage I have - a wonderful mother (and father) who loves the Lord and who has taught us by example and deed. Thank you Lord.
Thanks for bringing our names to the Father this week interceding for us and the peoples of Guatemala.
This week we learned about Chronological Bible Storying which is used especially among oral cultures. Our assignment is to share a Bible story to our small group. Easy - that is until we began to prepare. We thought we knew the story - but the story must be only the Bible story, no embellishments, just the Bible story and told the same way each time so the listener can in turn teach the story to others - exactly, accurately, the Bible, God's Word. After telling the story, we must ask good questions that review the story and bring application. It is an awesome responsibilty knowing that our story is their access to God's Word. Pray for us this week as we prepare to share our stories. Glynis will be storying Elisha and the Prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel - "Choose who is God, then follow Him." David will be storying the four lepers at the Samaritan army's camp - "We do not well. This is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace." Both are powerful stories and wonderful truths abound.
March 2 is my mother's 89th birthday. I am reminded of the godly heritage I have - a wonderful mother (and father) who loves the Lord and who has taught us by example and deed. Thank you Lord.
Thanks for bringing our names to the Father this week interceding for us and the peoples of Guatemala.
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