Success, Seeds, and Sowing

This last week, we were thrilled to be able to connect with friends who were in Mexico building a home and serving where we visited a year ago.  Because it was the same area, our request was to check on the family where we had built before.  It had been so exciting to play a small role in impacting their lives, so we were eager to hear an update.

The world measures success by results--the house, the bank account, the business, stability, etc.  We often like to see that as well (and can easily become discouraged if we don't see those same results).  God seems to have an entirely different perspective.  Remember, when God was choosing a king for Israel?  He reminded the prophet Samuel that while man looks at the outward appearance, He looks at the heart.  

We can look at tragic circumstances, addiction, imprisonment, poverty, etc as failures or devastation, but God sees them as incredible opportunities to let His light shine at very dark times.  In Mexico, the family we built the home for has faced some very tough circumstances, but does that make the trip from last year unsuccessful?  Not at all!  We have no idea of the impact of seeds that were sown.  

I wonder if God measures success more by obedience and willingness to trust Him rather than results?  If our success is based on results from our efforts, it comes back to us.  When God asks us to do something, aren't the results up to Him?  

I think of a farmer planting seeds.  Can he will them to grow?  Does he control the weather?  Can he determine the quantity or quality of harvest?  The farmer's responsibility is to prepare to soil, equip the machinery, watch the weather and work incredibly hard during that planting season, but after he's done all he can do, the results are ultimately out of his hands.  

How is it so different with us?  God may prompt us to help someone, step out in faith, offer an encouragement, etc.  This is part of planting seeds, we don't know the results, but God does and He will bring in the harvest in due season.

It's a TEAM Effort

"Letters of encouragement, prayer, financial support, meals, watching kids, pop bottles, caring for or adopting pets, house sitting, renting, cleaning, moving . . ." too many things to mention when I begin to count our blessings!  The journey to Rwanda has been filled with support and there is no way we could even begin to consider such a feat on our own.  Daily, our family is in awe by the support of those around us.  We are humbled by those who believe in us and overwhelmed by the task before us.  Thankfully, we are not embarking on this journey alone.

Each person who has encouraged, supported and prayed for us is part of this journey.  They have joined the team to Rwanda, even though they may never set foot in the continent of Africa.  As we go to Rwanda, we are representing not only our church, but each and every one who have supported us. It has been and will continue to be a team effort as we serve.  We bring along your love and support to the people we will be working with.  

Goodbyes are challenging, tears are starting, but anticipation of this adventure is building.  We seriously ask for your continued prayer support as we wrap up the final details, travel for 30+ hours, apply for missionary visas and adjust to a new world. 

 

Specifically:

--peace upon our family over the last days in Canada, especially Joel & Ethan

--completeness for the final business details

--strength for our family for the traveling (starting with being at Calgary International Airport at 3:00 am on Wednesday morning).

Thank you for your support and encouragement, we look forward to sharing this adventure with you!

Hiccups, Help & Hope

The 26+ hours of traveling are looking more welcome each day.  Moments to just sit and think (or rest) are getting more rare.  It is the final days of packing up the house.  Once we finished a showing yesterday, we knew we had to pack up aggressively (tomorrow is moving day).  When we found out the house was officially rented--an answer to prayer and a clear reminder God is in control--rooms began to be turned upside-down in prepping for Rwanda.  

As I surveyed the chaos yesterday and sought out a quiet spot to just rest for a moment, I was taken aback when I couldn't find one room undisturbed.  In a way, it was a picture of how my life seems to be.  In the process of surrender, it feels as though nearly every area of my heart has been shaken, rummaged through, sorted and decluttered.  It's been uncomfortable, challenging, but, in a strange sense, comforting.  Fears and insecurities are being brought to light and unloaded.  The thought patterns, habits and way of life I once held so dearly are being shaken and broken so that the new can be carved out.  What's reassuring is that this stage of transition won't last forever.  In our house, the boxes will soon be packed and moved and the luggage for Rwanda will be soon unpacked.  We will settle in and adjust to the new routine.  The state of transition will be over and we will be able to forward in this grand adventure God has laid before us.  

So what are the lessons of this transition we've learned so far?

1. There will be hiccups along the way.  Every time we've moved, there's been something that's come up as an obstacle.  Instead of giving up, God showed us the way through.  

2.  Don't try to do it on your own.  

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalms 121:1, 2 NLT)

God will be our strength and our Source, all we need to do is trust Him!

3.  If friends offer to help, take it!  There's nothing more humbling than having your friends step in to help when you feel so weak and tired.  It's been hard to accept help, but honestly, we've needed it.  This journey has been draining--physically, emotionally and spiritually, but as we allow friends to step in and help, they become part of the journey.  As believers, we are not meant to walk solo, but to be a team, working together.  We have really appreciated those who've come along-side to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

4. Be honest.  I've tried to rein in my emotions in order to be strong for my family, but the reality is I am feeling the grief of saying goodbye and the sobering reality of surrender just like everyone else.  Yes, we are excited about the move, but at the same time, it's HARD to pack up, say goodbye and leave everything familiar. 

5.  God truly can be trusted.  God knows our hopes and dreams.  He knows what we need and He will provide.  When God calls us to do something, He also makes a way.  Don't try to figure out how He's going to do it, just know He will.

No Weapon

It's midnight and I am curled up with my grandma's afghan, clearing my head before I go to sleep.  I woke up this morning in a panic, thinking I had only one day to finish everything--oh wait, there's another week!  So, ten days from now, will I be curled up on the couch, sorting out my thoughts and sipping decaf tea while hearing the chorus of frogs, toads and crickets serenade me each night?? It's hard to comprehend where we will be on the evening of the 16th...in the meantime, here I sit.

I am reminded that " no weapon formed against me shall prosper".  So, late payments, broken ornaments, stressed spouse and children, painful goodbyes, mounting paperwork and exhaustion will not be weapons to break our family . . .no matter how hard it is!  I can see how overwhelmed my family is and somehow God gives us strength for another task.  I see the weight of surrender and the intense stress of change in my husband's face and somehow God can give an encouraging word or bring along the right people at the right time.  I can even choose to NOT dig into the box of Christmas ornaments that fell from the rafters (to inspect the damage on the collectibles) because I can't change what's happened and if they sit for 2 years, they will still be just fine (deep breath, relax).  I know that when I sit down to tackle the paperwork in front of me, God will direct me clearly.  No weapon formedwill prosper  and only God can keep me in perfect peace.

The intensity of this week honestly doesn't surprise me.  We've seen God directing us through this journey, so why would we be shocked when the "heat" is turned up just before we leave?  It won't be cliches like " night is darkest just before the dawn" that walk our family through--we don't know what tomorrow holds.  What gives me the strength is knowing that no matter what tomorrow brings, God will give me the strength and wisdom I need.  How many times do we need to be reminded to not look at our situation with earthly eyes?  Oh to have heavenly vision and see what God sees!

There's a reminder in the Old Testament, where Elisha is with his servant.  They had been warning the king of Israel where the enemy was at, so the enemy decided to retaliate and attack Elisha.  The city was surrounded and Elisha's servant was terrified.  Elisha asked God to open his eyes and the servant saw the enemy surrounded by chariots of fire and a heavenly army prepared to defend. God prevailed and the enemy defeated.

We need to be reminded that we are not alone.  There are times when circumstances are dire, hopeless or terrifying, this is where we need to ask God to open our eyes so we can see that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.  God doesn't just lead us to our battles, He goes through them with us and fights along side us.  It is in His strength we have Victory!

Speed Bump Ahead

Life has been intense.  Looking back over the last year or two, our family's life had been on high speed with no sign of slowing down.  Just a couple of days ago, one if my teenagers asked me if I thought that God was giving us Rwanda as a speed bump?  A speed bump?  Didn't see that question coming!  I instantly thought of the speed bumps in Mexico.  They were present on the major higways, signs warned of them and if you didn't slow right down to cross them, you could get hurt.  These bumps are placed deliberately to get your attention to slow down in order to protect yourself and others around you.  

So, taking the question deeper, are speed bumps positive or negative?  My first instinct was to get defensive and question the very concept of a speed bump (and yes, I did question my teen on this).  A speed bump is not a roadblock, forcing you to change directions, instead, it is a warning to slow down--immediately. Slowing down for the sake of others and yourself is a benefit to you!  

So how can Rwanda be a speedbump?  First of all, it shifts our focus.  Instead of our family goals being divided, we are streamlined and focused on one common goal.  True, our job descriptions may very, but overall, we are on the same page, heading in the same direction, focused in thought and prayer and even walking a parallel journey.  This shift alone has enabled us to be less scattered and distracted.  We are discovering the joy in working and serving together.

Secondly, a focus on Rwanda includes giving up distractions.  The distractions can be "good (work, school, even too much involvement in church)-- but if they rob us of having the time to listen to God, connect and grow as an individual or as a family, maybe it's too much.  Busyness does not equal productivity or spirituality.  

Thirdly, Rwanda will give us an opportunity to let go of our North American distractions and learn to appreciate what is truly valuable in life.  For all that a developed nation has to offer, there are some beautiful traits that we can end up missing out on.  Quantity often replaces quality and rushing can squeeze out relationship.  The never-ending push to excel or reach the next level can trample dreams and crush hearts.  For our family, specifically, this will be a gift of two years to invest and grow as a family, while experiencing the joys, sorrows, challenges and miracles of an overseas mission.  

We leave with five children and return with two adults.  So, to have this speedbump forcing us to slow down will be an incredible opportunity and gift.  The time spent as a family will build connections, deepen relationships and allow our roots to stretch down deep as our family grows through this experience together.

So Close, so Real

It has been a while since I've had a night where sleep hasn't come easy. I am thankful for the rest I've had, especially the much-needed deep sleep without waking too often in the night.  It's funny how I find myself back to where I was with very young babies, wondering if I will ever sleep again . . .

My mind just cannot compute that it is just 12 days until we head to Calgary to fly to Africa.  Granted, we are not falling off the face of the earth, but Rwanda??? Wow, all I can say is its been quite a journey.  

So, an update on where we are at:  no, no renters yet.  When we first listed our house, I sensed we would have to say "no" to someone.  We did that today.  Thankfully, our teens and Kim and I were all sensing the same thing, so when the references did not come back positive, there was no hesitation.  I am relieved, but . . . still choosing to trust, even when my mind screams something different.  We are working hard at packing up the house.  When we finish deciding on what stays or goes, I will sift through our growing "Rwanda" pile and choose the essentials for the 10 crates, 2 normal and 2 oversize suitcases.  There will also be our 7 carry-on suitcases and 7 backpacks to fill.  We will also have our "wish list" suitcases to be brought with teams at later times.  With the house cleared out and furniture beginning to go, the move is real.  The kids, especially our second youngest, are feeling the strain.  Time is running out to squeeze in "one more visit".  Kim is in a bit of a daze.  His livelihood of the past 18 years has been willingly laid down.  Preparing for change is hard for anyone, but the enormity of what we are doing it is almost paralyzing.  As for me . . .I honestly don't know how to answer when people ask me how I am doing.  I know that the strength that is keeping me going forward is truly from God.  There's no way I could handle any of this on my own.  It's hard to see the sadness in my friend's eyes . . .and hard to hear of the plans for the rest of January onward--after we leave.  

Where do we go from here?  I was so encouraged by a book I read, "Love Has a Face" by Michele Perry (thanks, Lynn, for recommending it:).  What stood out to me was the difference between taking on responsibility and walking in response-ability.  I've been trained to be "good" and "responsible", and have taken on the weight of responsibility without fully understanding the repercussions.   Is God truly asking us to be "responsible" (bearing the weight on our own)?   If so, I would surely be crushed.  The author pointed out that perhaps we are called more to respond to God--His leading, directing and prompting--and step out with His "ability" in obedience.  What's the difference?  By waiting on God, we are surrendering our timing, our control, our very selves, to wait for God to direct us to be His hands and feet.  At the same time, we are no longer carrying the weight of the results or our view of perfection, but trusting in an Almighty God who sees the heart . . .and the end result!  

Taking it back to exactly where I sit tonight, I am to trust the God will show me what needs to be done, day by day and choose to respond in obedience.  Running ahead and taking it all on my shoulders won't benefit anything, neither would ignoring God's voice and staying in bed all day accomplish what needs to be done.  

Philippians 4:13. I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength. 

Renae's testimony from fundraiser (pt1)

It is a great honour to be able to share with you today about what God is doing both in my life and in the lives of my family.  Thank you especially to those who’ve worked hard to make this day happen and to you all for coming.  The outpouring of support and encouragement has been overwhelming. I’ve been a part of this church for 18 years and I think that as we look at moving to Rwanda, the most difficult part of this step of faith will be leaving this church family

If I could choose a favourite passage of scripture that best describes my life, it would be Jeremiah 29:11. 

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Looking back on the journey God has taken me thus far, I can see His hand on my life.

My mom was only 15 when she discovered that she was pregnant with me.  Despite offers from family to help raise me, she made the very difficult decision to give me up for adoption. 

One of my favourite stories growing up was hearing how my parents came to a shopping mall to pick me up . . . and how my dad almost drove into the ditch several times on my first car ride home.  I was welcomed in as the oldest granddaughter on my dad’s side and the youngest granddaughter on my mom’s side.  I got the best of both worlds.  God’s hand was on me as He placed me in a home that would teach me His ways. 

For as long as I could remember, I wanted to make a difference someway--somehow. I was always a bit shy, and found it much easier to be busy doing something to help bring a smile to someone else’s face.  I took great delight in being able to help my grandmothers—either my dad’s mom, who shared the same yard as me, or my mom’s mom, who lived nearby in Olds.  These precious ladies taught me so much!  Grandmas, don’t underestimate the how much influence you have on your grandchildren.  God will give you amazing moments to pour into those around you. 

I graduated early, at the age of 16 and when I couldn’t make up my mind of what I was to do with my life, I decided to go to Bible school. 

At FGBI, in Eston, Saskatchewan, I was reminded of how much I loved to work with children.  I majored in Christian Education and loved it.  There, my heart was drawn towards missions.  Plans were made to visit a children’s home my grandmother had supported in India.  While I had hoped to go in late fall, plans changed and I found myself preparing for a mission trip with only 10 days notice just as the school year was wrapping up. 

In the middle of the craziness of finals and prep for India, God spoke very clearly to me, “Would I be willing to lay down my life for Him in India?”.