A Missions-Minded Family? Yes, A Missions-Minded Family!

It's been a challenging week. Payments haven't been coming in for work done and we are feeling the pinch of not having a regular pay check. While bills are being paid, the concept of raising over $6000 for tickets to Africa for July is overwhelming . . .good thing this is a God-size problem that needs a God-intervention!

I am reminded to not take on what isn't mine to take on. If God is calling us to go to Africa, isn't He big enough to provide the way. I need to get past my own fears and insecurities and "what ifs" and CHOOSE to trust God.

We are in awe of the encouragement we've been surrounded with. People who saw potential in our family long before we dared to acknowledge it. The more we've pondering and prayed about missions, the more we are seeing that God has places within us a passion for missions as a family. It's not something that sprang up overnight, but has been slowly growing over the years. It's not something that is special or sets us apart, I guess it's just who we are.

I've been finally able to put my finger on a nagging dissatisfaction I've been feeling over the years. I am pretty easy going and content, so to feel an unrest is not comfortable . . . Unless it's something God is saying to do, then anything less than obedience is torture (I guess that people pleasing tendency extends to wanting to make sure I am quick to please God . . .hmm, I may have to ponder the implications more thoroughly . . .). I think the unrest is a way of God letting me know that He's got something more and despite me want remain comfortable, I can't deny the stirrings in our family.

What I find the most exciting is it's been my husband taking the lead in all of this. Kim is walking through the surrender on a different level than me, but it's still surrender, and the feelings and emotions we've had have been the same, even though he's been working out of town for much of it. The stirring for missions is quickly becoming reality and we are finding ourself talking more about "when we go" instead of "if we go". There's a peace and excitement for what is to come!

We don't know exactly what we will be doing in Rwanda and Kenya, but we do know that God has plans beyond what we can see. We don't know how the funds will come in, but we do know that God will supernaturally provide. We do know that we can trust God for today, tomorrow and beyond. We are not alone.

From 10 days to Africa??

How can I put into words all that has been in my heart? When I think of the possibility of Africa, part of me sees it as a dream--completely out of grasp, while another part of me wants to run and hide and forget the whole idea, because it's so completely beyond our comfort zone. However, beneath all these conflicting emotions has been a peace and understanding that God is totally in control.

I have to honest in saying that this isn't a random, out of the blue idea. We just didn't realize it at the time. In previous posts, I've said how pivotal India was in my life . . .it changed my perspective as an 18 year old and without realizing it, I just knew I would be involved in missions to some extent. Thankfully, I married someone who shares these passions.

When Kim and I taught in children's ministry, I remember writing a series called "Mission Air", where we took the kids around the world to experience missions. We didn't have dreams and ambitions of traveling far, just stirring up a passion for missions among those around us. It's funny how these things from years ago come back to memory . . .

The vision for missions was renewed when Kim and I visited Mexico while on our anniversary trip. 3 years later, we returned with our family and our world was shaken. This journey of faith went beyond just going down, building a home, helping out and having our perspectives shifted. On a much deeper level, the lessons continued when we returned.

A year ago, I felt God telling me that there would be a shift in our life and we would be carving a new path. The routine no longer was satisfying and an undeniable uneasiness that change was coming stayed with me. Mexico taught me so much about peace, safety and surrender. In the midst of different living conditions, I could see the dedication and love in the faces of the Canadian and American missionaries who chose to serve in another country. The sacrifice wasn't easy, but seeing their passion for the people that God brought into their lives touched me.

At home, watching my oldest sick in the hospital I was reminded of the need to surrender my children (their health, their future, their very lives) to God . . . and trust that He will take care of them.

Now, as we consider the possibility over going overseas for 2 years, the surrender is being pushed to a whole new level. Whatever comes of this trip in July, I know that God knows our hopes and our dreams and has plans that go far beyond anything we can ever imagine.

Who ever knew that 10 days in Mexico could lead to a trip to Africa??

Oh yes, remember the "Pop Bottle Story"? Well, I think we are back to collecting pop bottles for July . . .

And the Adventure Continues. . .

Little did we know how our life wold be shaken upside down after a brief little meeting. Our intent was to meet with our pastor and tell him how missions impacted our family and offer to try to bring more mission awareness to our church. We were given a couple things to work on and life returned to normal, or so I thought . . .

It all started with an amazing conference that ended Feb 2. Kim felt strongly to go set up chairs that afternoon. I was battling a cold and had a couple sick kids, so I was more inclined to stay at home. Kim followed his heart and was at the church at the same time our pastor was. In their brief encounter, our world was shaken--a lot! Our pastor asked us to consider going overseas, first as part of a mission team, and then to perhaps consider going as a family for longer term . . . Surrender! This was not something we could wrap our minds around. . .but we could not escape God's nudge to probe this deeper.

Thankfully, it's been a step by step process on this journey. We've talked to many people who know us, our hearts, our passions, and our family dynamics. What shocked me is how many have seen us as a missions-minded family for many years . . .hmm, we just want to be where God wants us, it's not about the adventure of going overseas, but just being where God has you.

Take this last week, for instance: we hosted our 5th Japanese exchange student. In the past, we've had good connections, and some that were not so easy. Our purpose to host isn't about it being easy for us, but instead being able to share our lives with someone from another country, help them feel welcome and get to know and understand their culture more. This time, there was something different about our student. She had a gentleness about her, but there was something more. She loved church on Sunday, and connected incredibly with Abigail, our oldest. Tuesday, she joined our teens for a Master's Commission (discipleship training for a group of teens involved in children's ministry at our church). When the teens were home, my daughter felt the need to share a bit of what we believe with Naoka. To our amazement, she asked Christ into her heart that night! What an incredible reminder that God uses us wherever we are at!

Back to our adventure . . .we submitted a résumé and prayed. Our family had reached a place that if this was what God had, He would have to show us. After meeting with the director of missions with our church organization, we've been encouraged to go to Africa this summer and check out two areas to see if either of these would be a "fit" for our family.

So . . .Kim and I will be visiting Kenya and Rwanda in the beginning of July for 2 weeks! From there, we are trusting God will show us clearly if we are to return with our whole family.

We appreciate your prayers as we trust God for:
Clarity--that we would know His will
Wisdom--in how to stay balanced and focused right now
Provision-- for the flights and for Kim's work (and perhaps the right apprentice)

I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a brand new adventure!

When God says No

It seemed so perfect, everyone said we were made for the job, but in the end, God had other plans. Initially, it was very painful, but as the years passed by, we realized that God was in control. He had plans for us, even though we had our ideas about what we should be doing. By not getting the position we wanted, we were spared so much pain and God was able to set our family on a course that has been literally life-changing! Looking back, I am so glad that God moved the way He did.

Proverbs 19:21
You can make many plans, but the Lord ’s purpose will prevail. (NLT)

How many times have we seen a situation or prayed for something earnestly, only to have God move in a completely different way? How often do we look back and praise God that those prayers weren't answered the way we initially wanted?

Other times, the reason isn't so clear and we wrestle with disappointment. So, how do you move forward after prayer and believing for so long?

I think the best answer for this dilemma is found in the gospels when Jesus is wrestling with the gravity of what He is about to face on the cross.

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42 NLT)

He surrendered Himself completely to do what His Father required of Him.

Our situations, hopes, dreams and prayers certainly don't carry the same repercussions as those of Jesus, but they still need to be surrendered to God and we then need to make the choice to truly trust Him with our future.

Speaking from experience, there is nothing more painful then laying down all your own dreams, desires and hopes and choosing to be okay with whatever the outcome. For me, this is the by core of surrender and letting God do His will. It's a daily (or even hourly) struggle of surrender, but it ultimately brings so much freedom. We say we want to do God's will, but are we really willing to let go of our control in order for His will to be done?

Oh so easy to say, but oh so hard to do!

Choose Your Own Adventure

When I was a kid, there were these books called "Choose Your Own Adventure". As you read, you would come to a point where you got to decide what would happen next. Most often, the choice would result in some tragic event, such as getting eaten by a monster or locked in a closet forever. The point of the book was for you to be an active participant in the adventure and not just "go along for the ride". It was interesting to see where your choices could lead you.

Oh the power of choice! Just recently, our world was shaken as we felt the impact of a person's choice.

Proverbs 18:21. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)

The choice was life or death, and tragically,this dear friend chose death! The ripple impact of this choice will continue for quite some time. While I cannot fully comprehend the depth of despair that brought about this choice, I can see how one choice, seemingly small, can impact the next choices. In most cases, one bad choice doesn't set you on a course of destruction, but allowing fear, doubt, and feelings of insignificance to creep in can impact how you see life and influence what you speak and ultimately how you choose.

So then, the question comes up, is God bigger? Of course, He can and will provide another option when it feels like we are drowning, but it comes back to the power of choice. Choose life!

While tragedy is one extreme of choice, there is a polar opposite--stepping fully into what God has for you and choosing to let Him direct you. Unlike the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books that were setting you up for failure, God has adventures for our own good.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us "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." (NIV)

God has us in mind when He places decisions, dreams and passions in our lives. Sometimes He asks us to lay down what we think is best in order to give us what He knows is best, but it's for our benefit, not our detriment. However, it still boils down to our choice. . .

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.(Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV)

How many times do we take weight of these decisions upon ourselves and feel the weight of the future on our shoulders as we wrestle with what to do. Yes, there is power in our choice, but I don't believe that God desires for us to be stressed or weighted down. Instead, there is wisdom in seeking counsel and trusting that God will truly direct our steps. Does that mean we will never make a mistake? No! Does that we could miss all that God has? Not necessarily. I do believe that if we earnestly seek God, He will show us what He has in store and what our next step should be. This goes beyond our strength, our comprehension, our ideals and perhaps even our comfort zone.

I love what Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."(NLT)

So what do we know?
1. God has given us the power of choice, good or bad
2. God has plans for us, for our good
3. We can trust that God will direct our steps
4. However, we need to be willing to take that first step . . .

Step By Step

It is said that life is a journey, and every journey begins with a step. Some steps are confident, sure and full of promise, while others can be tentative, cautious or even unwilling. It's interesting, when I think of taking steps, I can't help but think of the parable of the talents. Two servants took what was given to them and moved forward, while one took what was given to him and buried it (or froze). This has me thinking about how often we can seemingly hit a brick wall.

So what is it that can make you clam up, freeze, or shut down? Often, it can be a traumatic event that brings to you a screeching stop. How do you move on after a death, divorce, injury or other life-changing event? What a challenge! There is no easy solution, except to slowly (and often painfully) put one step in front of the other. I've come to understand how deeply a tragedy can impact your life and all you want to do is curl up under a blanket and block out the rest of life. While grieving or dealing with the situation is vital, a part of healing is beginning to step again.

What about the infamous "rat race" or "getting stuck in a rut"? It's easy, comfortable, and predictable, but not necessarily what we are to always do with our life. Carving out a new path is hard, especially if it's not just for you, but for your family as well. It was just over a year ago, that I felt God was asking our family to carve out a new path. Well I acknowledged it, I didn't know exactly what that would look like. Our trip to Mexico certainly shifted our thinking (which is a good start), but where the path goes from here, I don't honesty know . . .

Which brings up another aspect of stepping forward. We often don't see the whole path, but only a small glimpse of what is next to come. This can be very unnerving for planners like me! I think often of Peter, disciple of Christ. When Jesus came walking on the water, Peter put out a challenge, asking if it were really Him, to ask him to come. Can you imagine what Peter felt when Jesus said, "Come"? Peter didn't know if the water would hold him, he didn't know what would happen in the storm, but he did step out. Even when the waves overwhelmed him, Jesus was right there. Wow! What if we are too scared to take the first step and miss the miracle? I don't want security and comfort to keep me from having the courage to step out when God calls me.


I am reminded that our Christian walk was never designed to be easy, but God has promised to always be with us! Let's just keep stepping forward and trust that God will direct our path.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5 & 6

I Choose Patience

Have you ever had your words come back and really bite you? Well, welcome to my week! Over the past weeks, I've been able to (hopefully) speak encouragement, remind others of how God has a plan, and be confident that we can rest in Jesus and trust Him for everything, from healing, to provision or clarity. Over this past week, I have been stretched in every way. Words that I have spoken or written have come straight back to me to apply myself.

The Bible is clear that we are to be hearers and doers of the Word, not just doers. For me, I can't just share my convictions, I need to follow them myself.

For example, I know God is our Healer. He has healed me physically and touched my heart and brought healing to my emotions. So, this past week, I have experienced the need for physical healing. Do I believe God can? Absolutely! Do I acknowledge the need to trust Him? Totally. Am I completely healed? Not yet, but it's a process that is taking place in my body, but the, it's an area of trust that's being strengthened in me.

Decisions and God's future plans have also been considered this week. . .Jeremiah 29:11 has echoed through my heart several times a day. God does have a plan for me and my family, it's not to harm me, but there's hope and a future. I just need to trust. . .and rest.

Fear has been another big one this week. Standing up for my convictions at the risk of people being displeased (HUGE for me, as I can't stand anyone being displeased with me). Can I step out and not be crushed (I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength).

Perhaps my biggest giant this week has been trust. Can I truly trust God with my innermost hopes, dreams and fears. Can I trust that He will show me His best without me second-guessing myself? Can I have peace in knowing that He will truly be there for me?

As I've walked through this past week, I've realized that while I know the answer to each of these questions (deep down, even though I may not want to admit it), I need to CHOOSE.

I need to choose to trust God for my healing, even though my symptoms are still present. I need to choose to accept that God has plans for me and not worry about tomorrow (tomorrow has enough worries of it's own, and does worry accomplish anything?). I need to be confident that when God lays something on my heart, I need to share it (prayerfully and in love) and choose to leave the end result in God's hands. I need to choose to trust God no matter what--that includes my family, my future, my dreams. I don't want sleepless nights filled with worry, I don't want headaches from stress. I choose to wait on God today. I choose patience.