So my day Monday pretty well sucked. It's about a year since I had a day that went as brutally wrong as yesterday did. Sad to say, today hasn't proved much better...however I found this song that I really like, so I'm posting it. Hopefully it will work.
So, I'm off for now. I have appointments to get to....
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Urgent Prayer Request from India!
The following is an email I received from Malcom and Phyllis Blowes, English Missionaries to India.
They are a part of a ministry called Good News India. Please lift these people up in your prayers. For more information please contact me.
We have never seen anything like this. We knew that Orissa was the most resistant and hostile State in India as far as the Gospel is concerned. And we brushed off the continuous threats and harassment we faced as we went about His work. But none of our staff imagined that they would see this kind of carnage... And it seems to be totally under the radar of the Western Media ....
They are a part of a ministry called Good News India. Please lift these people up in your prayers. For more information please contact me.
We have never seen anything like this. We knew that Orissa was the most resistant and hostile State in India as far as the Gospel is concerned. And we brushed off the continuous threats and harassment we faced as we went about His work. But none of our staff imagined that they would see this kind of carnage... And it seems to be totally under the radar of the Western Media ....
Let me explain.... A militant Hindu priest and 4 of his attendants, who were zealously going around the villages of Orissa and 'reconverting' people back to Hinduism, were gunned down by unknown assailants in Central Orissa last weekend. Immediately the Christians were blamed. The cry rose up...'Kill the Christians!' And the horror began.... In the past 4 days, we have first hand witness to hundreds of churches being blown up or burned and many, many dozens of Christian tribals have been slaughtered. For no other reason than they bear the name of Christ.
Night and day I have been in touch with our Good News India Directors spread across 14 Dream Centers in Orissa... they are right in the middle of all this chaos.In Tihidi, just after the police came to offer protection, a group of 70 blood-thirsty militants came to kill our staff and destroy the home. They were not allowed to get in, but they did a lot of damage to our Dream Center by throwing rocks and bricks and smashing our gate, etc. They have promised to come back and 'finish the job.' Our kids and staff are locked inside and have stayed that way with doors and windows shut for the past 3 days. It has been a time of desperately calling on the Lord in prayer.
More police have come to offer protection. In Kalahandi, the police and some local sympathizers got to our dream center and gave our staff and kids about 3 minutes notice to vacate. No one had time to even grab a change of clothes or any personal belonging. As they fled, the blood thirsty mob came to kill everyone in the building. We would have had a mass funeral there, but for His grace. In Phulbani, the mob came looking for Christian homes and missions. The local Hindu people, our neighbors turned them away by saying that there were no Christians in this area. So they left. We had favor. The same thing happened in Balasore.
All our dream centers are under lock down with the kids and staff huddled inside and police outside. The fanatics are circling outside waiting for a chance to kill. Others were not so fortunate. In a nearby Catholic orphanage, the mob allowed the kids to leave and locked up a Priest and a computer teacher in house and burned them to death. Many believers have been killed and hacked into pieces and left on the road.... even women and children. At another orphanage run by another organization, when this began, the Director and his wife jumped on their motorbike and simply fled, leaving all the children and staff behind. Every one of our GNI directors that I have spoken to said: 'We stay with our kids.... we live together or die together, but we will never abandon what God has called us to do.' More than 5000 Christian families have had their homes burned or destroyed. They have fled into the jungles and are living in great fear waiting for the authorities to bring about peace. But so far, no peace is foreseen. This will continue for another 10 days.... supposedly the 14 day mourning period for the slain Hindu priest. Many more Christians will die and their houses destroyed.. Many more churches will be smashed down. The Federal government is trying to restore order and perhaps things will calm down. We ask for your prayers. Only the Hand of God can calm this storm. None of us know the meaning of persecution. But now our kids and staff know what that means. So many of our kids coming from Hindu backgrounds are confused and totally bewildered at what is happening around them. So many of their guardians have fled into the jungles and are unable to come and get them during these trying times.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Re Post - A Reminder
I’ve been thinking recently…well, not exactly “recently”…for a while, about what my motivation for being here is. Why do I do this? Sometimes I need to be reminded…. especially when things get rough…as they have been.
So I’m writing this out…not necessarily for you, though if it encourages you…great, but more so that I’ll remember why I’m here in the first place.
Paul speaking of Moses in Hebrews 11:27 said, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is unseen.” Paul goes on in the same chapter to state “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.
Who by faith
Conquered kingdoms,
Performed acts of righteousness,
Obtained promises,
Shut the mouths of lions,
Quenched the power of fire,
Escaped the edge of the sword,
From weakness were made strong,
Became mighty in war,
Put foreign armies to flight.
Paul further states that these were “Men of whom the world was not worthy.”
“Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily enables us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith….”
Hebrews 11 & 12
As a goal oriented perfectionist, it’s taken me a very long time to realize that this life we live is not necessarily about what we gain or accomplish or have but what we do with what we’ve been given. So “accomplishment” as the world would deem it, really amounts to very little.
In Mark 8:36 Jesus said “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
In 1st Corinthians we read that at the end of all things, after our physical bodies have failed: when all wisdom and knowledge and might cease to be, the only things that will remain is love. Love that is perfect, completely unselfish, love that is not resentful or fretful. This love keeps no record of wrongs done to it and does not seek revenge. This love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices when right and truth prevail. This love bears up under and endures unfailingly throughout any and all difficulties, trials and hardships. This love never fails or fades out or becomes obsolete.
Throughout the New Testament we are command as Christians to walk in this love. That is to say we are commanded to respond and react to each other and to those around us in this attitude. This is what Paul is referring to when you he says “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
When you strip all of the drive for success away, when all the nicely polished awards fade and your name is forgotten….you will be remembered for the person you were, not what you accomplished.
Jesus didn’t leave behind massive trust funds to aid Jerusalem’s widows and orphans. Traveling down Jerusalem’s dusty roads you won’t find schools, libraries or hospitals named in His honor. You’ll find a hill that marks his death and a grave that – for Christians- mark is life. I find it interesting that in reality the real symbols of Christianity speak of death and dying….yet we all acknowledge that though He died, He rose, victorious. How often do I consider dying to myself as a victorious act? More often than not…I tend to shy away from things that would require me to set my own will and desires aside. How contrary this is to the example we are given in Christ…..who endured the cross, the shame, the ridicule, the separation….he gave all he had and then commanded us to “go into all the world” and do the same.
His life impacted those around him, who in turn impacted their world. He wasn’t interested in merely making a physical contribution to “society” but in impacting the lives of those around Him with the Father’s love for all eternity. In this way, He perfectly carried out the will of his Father….by doing only what He saw His Father doing. He stayed in step with the character of His divine righteousness while serving admit a fallen world. This is why he prayed that his disciples would follow in his footsteps by abiding in Him…keeping in step with His established standard of service rooted in holy love. This is also why Paul encouraged believers to be found upright in the midst of crooked generation.
Certainly no small order. But one we are enabled to successfully carry out due to the empowering of the Holy Spirit…..it has nothing to do with how “great” we are. It’s totally dependant upon how surrendered we are.
The saying so popular….that it doesn’t matter what you have to offer, but it matters that you be available.
The question I found myself asking recently wasn’t “ how am I doing?” but “am I available?” Some would answer the question for me…. obviously being overseas should attest to that fact. However something I have noticed personally is that while I may be available in some areas…. I’m not always quite so willing to serve in others.
It’s not an easy thing to wash your brother’s feet…let alone the feet of those who treat you with nothing but contempt. To respond in love and compassion to one who has betrayed you.
So…am I really available? Available to do the hard things, the dirty things? Am I available to do the tasks no one else wants to do? Am I really available to do what I see my Father doing….feed the hungry, clothe the poor, help the orphan and the widow….lay down my rights, forgo my own comfort for that of another? Am I available to be counted among the least of this world so that it may be, one day, said of me that I was faithful to “do what I saw my Father doing”?
For that is required in order to be counted as one of whom the world was not worthy. Not because of anything I did or could do, but because I chose to love others in the same manner in which Christ loved me.
John the Baptist said it best, I must decrease and He must increase!
So I’m writing this out…not necessarily for you, though if it encourages you…great, but more so that I’ll remember why I’m here in the first place.
Paul speaking of Moses in Hebrews 11:27 said, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is unseen.” Paul goes on in the same chapter to state “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.
Who by faith
Conquered kingdoms,
Performed acts of righteousness,
Obtained promises,
Shut the mouths of lions,
Quenched the power of fire,
Escaped the edge of the sword,
From weakness were made strong,
Became mighty in war,
Put foreign armies to flight.
Paul further states that these were “Men of whom the world was not worthy.”
“Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily enables us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith….”
Hebrews 11 & 12
As a goal oriented perfectionist, it’s taken me a very long time to realize that this life we live is not necessarily about what we gain or accomplish or have but what we do with what we’ve been given. So “accomplishment” as the world would deem it, really amounts to very little.
In Mark 8:36 Jesus said “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
In 1st Corinthians we read that at the end of all things, after our physical bodies have failed: when all wisdom and knowledge and might cease to be, the only things that will remain is love. Love that is perfect, completely unselfish, love that is not resentful or fretful. This love keeps no record of wrongs done to it and does not seek revenge. This love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices when right and truth prevail. This love bears up under and endures unfailingly throughout any and all difficulties, trials and hardships. This love never fails or fades out or becomes obsolete.
Throughout the New Testament we are command as Christians to walk in this love. That is to say we are commanded to respond and react to each other and to those around us in this attitude. This is what Paul is referring to when you he says “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
When you strip all of the drive for success away, when all the nicely polished awards fade and your name is forgotten….you will be remembered for the person you were, not what you accomplished.
Jesus didn’t leave behind massive trust funds to aid Jerusalem’s widows and orphans. Traveling down Jerusalem’s dusty roads you won’t find schools, libraries or hospitals named in His honor. You’ll find a hill that marks his death and a grave that – for Christians- mark is life. I find it interesting that in reality the real symbols of Christianity speak of death and dying….yet we all acknowledge that though He died, He rose, victorious. How often do I consider dying to myself as a victorious act? More often than not…I tend to shy away from things that would require me to set my own will and desires aside. How contrary this is to the example we are given in Christ…..who endured the cross, the shame, the ridicule, the separation….he gave all he had and then commanded us to “go into all the world” and do the same.
His life impacted those around him, who in turn impacted their world. He wasn’t interested in merely making a physical contribution to “society” but in impacting the lives of those around Him with the Father’s love for all eternity. In this way, He perfectly carried out the will of his Father….by doing only what He saw His Father doing. He stayed in step with the character of His divine righteousness while serving admit a fallen world. This is why he prayed that his disciples would follow in his footsteps by abiding in Him…keeping in step with His established standard of service rooted in holy love. This is also why Paul encouraged believers to be found upright in the midst of crooked generation.
Certainly no small order. But one we are enabled to successfully carry out due to the empowering of the Holy Spirit…..it has nothing to do with how “great” we are. It’s totally dependant upon how surrendered we are.
The saying so popular….that it doesn’t matter what you have to offer, but it matters that you be available.
The question I found myself asking recently wasn’t “ how am I doing?” but “am I available?” Some would answer the question for me…. obviously being overseas should attest to that fact. However something I have noticed personally is that while I may be available in some areas…. I’m not always quite so willing to serve in others.
It’s not an easy thing to wash your brother’s feet…let alone the feet of those who treat you with nothing but contempt. To respond in love and compassion to one who has betrayed you.
So…am I really available? Available to do the hard things, the dirty things? Am I available to do the tasks no one else wants to do? Am I really available to do what I see my Father doing….feed the hungry, clothe the poor, help the orphan and the widow….lay down my rights, forgo my own comfort for that of another? Am I available to be counted among the least of this world so that it may be, one day, said of me that I was faithful to “do what I saw my Father doing”?
For that is required in order to be counted as one of whom the world was not worthy. Not because of anything I did or could do, but because I chose to love others in the same manner in which Christ loved me.
John the Baptist said it best, I must decrease and He must increase!
The Dark Side of the Moon
It's been said that when Astronauts cross behind the moon, they lose all communication until they "resurface" on the other side.
That's about how I feel! I pretty well dropped off the face of the earth there at the end of November. Thankfully I have resurfaced! Yes folks, I am still alive and quite happy to report...I'm doing pretty good!
Most of you knew how difficult the decision to resign from Teen Missions was and the last two months I have really struggled with that decision. However after many days of praying, thinking and talking....I have made peace with it, so to speak. I know God's plans don't always make sense. Somehow though, knowing that doesn't always help me accept them!
The upswing of course is that I'm more rested than I have been in a very, very long time. I don't think I realized how worn out I really was until I finally found the joy of a good nights sleep. It's interesting how not being chronically sleep deprived can improve mental function!
As much as I miss life and ministry in Africa, I am learning to enjoy and serve right where I'm at. The transition has been anything but easy and I am greatly indebted to those closest to me who patiently endured and kept talking me down out of the crazy tree.
So, now that I'm rested, on my way to being recharged and ready to roll....what's next?
Well....I don't exactly know...just yet. I am considering and praying about long term work overseas and there are several different agencies that I am looking at. Though my desire is of course to do what I know....work overseas....I feel a keen desire to ensure the next steps I take are the ones God leads me to. Not ones I take just for the sake of doing something....anything to have a plan!
In the mean time, while I'm waiting on God's clear leading....I am focused on a couple things.
My first priority is to "rebuild". Rebuild my personal life, rebuild relationships with friends, family and supporters and rebuild my health.
My second priority in keeping with the first is to "renew". Renew my walk with God, my service in my local community and renew my partnership in my local church.
My third priority is to "prepare". Prepare for future service through education and discipleship.
How am I working these three things out? Well, currently I am helping my parents with their business. The business has grown by leaps and bounds and they really needed some good administrative establishment...not to mention some IT help. Which is where I've come in. I have the opportunity to rebuild my relationship here at home by helping out in an area I certainly have a lot of skill in.
I have been working on phone calls, letters and emails to friends and supporters who were a bit neglected during my last couple months in South Africa. If you haven't heard from me yet....I'm getting there!!!
I am also serving in my church's missions board. This is a role I am loving! At the moment I am helping to plan and organize our missions conference. I am hoping this will lead to opportunities to help and encourage missionaries in various stages of their service....going to the field, on the field or coming home from the field.
I am also looking at the potential of helping my church administratively.
So that covers "rebuild and renew".
On to prepare....
At the moment I am re-certifying as an Emergency Medical Technician. It's a whole lot more work than I was initially prepared for but, eight weeks in I am really starting to enjoy it. It is really good to have my skills refreshed and my knowledge beefed up. Although they aren't covering some of the things I faced daily....the principals and techniques are in many cases the same. It's also giving me a chance to catch up on the new standards here in the US.
Come this spring I am going to be making some final decisions on graduate school. I have thought about this often and continue to seek guidance. I have an opportunity to earn a masters degree in pastoral counseling. Essentially the same as a counseling degree however pastoral counseling has an emphasis on counseling from a pastoral perspective. This would prove incredibly helpful as a missionary or in some other full time ministry. So I would appreciate your prayers concerning this.
I am also wanting to look into taking single classes that would address areas I feel I could use some professional development in. Classes I'm looking at would be business accounting and finance, grant writing, non-profit organizational leadership and a couple additional health related classes.
Also under all of that is a continued need and desire to rebuild, renew and prepare spiritually. Being able to sit in a pew and soak things up has certainly helped in this process!
Lessons Learned
Whew. Too many to count! God has brought around several different people and various other things that have given me some valuable insight. Not only correcting past mistakes but also teaching me what I can do differently, and what I should continue to do, in the future.
I have certainly learned a lot about myself and about how to deal with the demands of leadership and ministry as a single woman overseas. I think the biggest lesson I've learned is that it really is okay for me to say I need a break! So I'm learning how I can balance things better in the future to ensure I don't burn myself out.
Though I feel pretty secure in saying it will be a year before I begin to make plans to return to missions full time, should the Lord continue to lead in that direction. I have also learned enough by now to know that my plans and His often differ! As a result I have begun the preliminary process with a missions board. This initial process is actually the result of interest I had in a short term position (short term being under two years). All short term positions can lead to long term positions and specifically the one I'm interested in has huge amounts of potential for long term work. As I mentioned I am wanting to be careful and not rush things too quickly or assume too much. So at the moment, this is just a very early investigation. We'll see where God leads!
I have also had a couple teaching possibilities come up. In response I have sent in several resumes and will wait to see what develops there. My education and experience is very specific as a result it might not be broad enough to be a good fit, but it is a possibility nevertheless.
At the end of the day, regardless of what actually happens and what turns out to have been speculation on my parent, I am confident and excited about the future God has in store.
I am learning the importance of patience and trust as I actively wait on Him. I am also learning the joy of slowing down and taking time for things that really are important and learning to identify things that aren't worthwhile.
So, that's where I'm at! Sorry it's taken me awhile to update you all. Please note that I am working on a newsletter!!!
Until Next Time!
Andrea
That's about how I feel! I pretty well dropped off the face of the earth there at the end of November. Thankfully I have resurfaced! Yes folks, I am still alive and quite happy to report...I'm doing pretty good!
Most of you knew how difficult the decision to resign from Teen Missions was and the last two months I have really struggled with that decision. However after many days of praying, thinking and talking....I have made peace with it, so to speak. I know God's plans don't always make sense. Somehow though, knowing that doesn't always help me accept them!
The upswing of course is that I'm more rested than I have been in a very, very long time. I don't think I realized how worn out I really was until I finally found the joy of a good nights sleep. It's interesting how not being chronically sleep deprived can improve mental function!
As much as I miss life and ministry in Africa, I am learning to enjoy and serve right where I'm at. The transition has been anything but easy and I am greatly indebted to those closest to me who patiently endured and kept talking me down out of the crazy tree.
So, now that I'm rested, on my way to being recharged and ready to roll....what's next?
Well....I don't exactly know...just yet. I am considering and praying about long term work overseas and there are several different agencies that I am looking at. Though my desire is of course to do what I know....work overseas....I feel a keen desire to ensure the next steps I take are the ones God leads me to. Not ones I take just for the sake of doing something....anything to have a plan!
In the mean time, while I'm waiting on God's clear leading....I am focused on a couple things.
My first priority is to "rebuild". Rebuild my personal life, rebuild relationships with friends, family and supporters and rebuild my health.
My second priority in keeping with the first is to "renew". Renew my walk with God, my service in my local community and renew my partnership in my local church.
My third priority is to "prepare". Prepare for future service through education and discipleship.
How am I working these three things out? Well, currently I am helping my parents with their business. The business has grown by leaps and bounds and they really needed some good administrative establishment...not to mention some IT help. Which is where I've come in. I have the opportunity to rebuild my relationship here at home by helping out in an area I certainly have a lot of skill in.
I have been working on phone calls, letters and emails to friends and supporters who were a bit neglected during my last couple months in South Africa. If you haven't heard from me yet....I'm getting there!!!
I am also serving in my church's missions board. This is a role I am loving! At the moment I am helping to plan and organize our missions conference. I am hoping this will lead to opportunities to help and encourage missionaries in various stages of their service....going to the field, on the field or coming home from the field.
I am also looking at the potential of helping my church administratively.
So that covers "rebuild and renew".
On to prepare....
At the moment I am re-certifying as an Emergency Medical Technician. It's a whole lot more work than I was initially prepared for but, eight weeks in I am really starting to enjoy it. It is really good to have my skills refreshed and my knowledge beefed up. Although they aren't covering some of the things I faced daily....the principals and techniques are in many cases the same. It's also giving me a chance to catch up on the new standards here in the US.
Come this spring I am going to be making some final decisions on graduate school. I have thought about this often and continue to seek guidance. I have an opportunity to earn a masters degree in pastoral counseling. Essentially the same as a counseling degree however pastoral counseling has an emphasis on counseling from a pastoral perspective. This would prove incredibly helpful as a missionary or in some other full time ministry. So I would appreciate your prayers concerning this.
I am also wanting to look into taking single classes that would address areas I feel I could use some professional development in. Classes I'm looking at would be business accounting and finance, grant writing, non-profit organizational leadership and a couple additional health related classes.
Also under all of that is a continued need and desire to rebuild, renew and prepare spiritually. Being able to sit in a pew and soak things up has certainly helped in this process!
Lessons Learned
Whew. Too many to count! God has brought around several different people and various other things that have given me some valuable insight. Not only correcting past mistakes but also teaching me what I can do differently, and what I should continue to do, in the future.
I have certainly learned a lot about myself and about how to deal with the demands of leadership and ministry as a single woman overseas. I think the biggest lesson I've learned is that it really is okay for me to say I need a break! So I'm learning how I can balance things better in the future to ensure I don't burn myself out.
Though I feel pretty secure in saying it will be a year before I begin to make plans to return to missions full time, should the Lord continue to lead in that direction. I have also learned enough by now to know that my plans and His often differ! As a result I have begun the preliminary process with a missions board. This initial process is actually the result of interest I had in a short term position (short term being under two years). All short term positions can lead to long term positions and specifically the one I'm interested in has huge amounts of potential for long term work. As I mentioned I am wanting to be careful and not rush things too quickly or assume too much. So at the moment, this is just a very early investigation. We'll see where God leads!
I have also had a couple teaching possibilities come up. In response I have sent in several resumes and will wait to see what develops there. My education and experience is very specific as a result it might not be broad enough to be a good fit, but it is a possibility nevertheless.
At the end of the day, regardless of what actually happens and what turns out to have been speculation on my parent, I am confident and excited about the future God has in store.
I am learning the importance of patience and trust as I actively wait on Him. I am also learning the joy of slowing down and taking time for things that really are important and learning to identify things that aren't worthwhile.
So, that's where I'm at! Sorry it's taken me awhile to update you all. Please note that I am working on a newsletter!!!
Until Next Time!
Andrea
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Time is Flying!
Well, it's hard to believe the end of November is nearly here! The past three months sure have flown by. I will begin my return to South Africa Nov. 29th. I'll arrive on the 30th after a direct flight from IDA. This will be the first time I've flown directly, so I'm sure how thrilled I am about being on the same plane for 14hrs....but there could be worse things :-)
Tonight I'm going to a get together put on by my brother's in-laws. As much as I'd just rather stay home...it's an attempt at getting to know my new sister in law, and her family. The rest of the week will be busy as I still have doctors appointments, packing, last minute meetings and organizing to do. Not to mention work things to finish up in time for Boot Camp.
Before I fly out, I'm hoping to get my newsletter published here as well as a few pictures.
Until then,
Tonight I'm going to a get together put on by my brother's in-laws. As much as I'd just rather stay home...it's an attempt at getting to know my new sister in law, and her family. The rest of the week will be busy as I still have doctors appointments, packing, last minute meetings and organizing to do. Not to mention work things to finish up in time for Boot Camp.
Before I fly out, I'm hoping to get my newsletter published here as well as a few pictures.
Until then,
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Pictures from Hartbeesport ...My new favorite spot!
As long ago promised....pictures from my little trip to Hartbeesport Dam at the beginning of the year. Quite a view eh?
South is by and large one of the most diverse...and beautiful countries I've worked in.
It's been a long week and I'd appreciate your prayers for us here as the pressure increases and decisions need to be made.
I'm missing ya'll....and praying for you too!
Until next time!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
March 2007
(L-R me, Anna-RSA intern,Janelle FL intern)Well, it’s been quite awhile since I last wrote….though the silence has been lengthy it is by no means an indication of how frequently I think of and pray for you.
Things have been quite busy in my little corner of the world; and I found it difficult to keep up with things like letter writing in the midst of all the “action”. Though I know you kind of got left out of the loop your prayers were effective as, over the last several months we have seen some incredible blessings.
(registration day)
This past December-January we held the 2006-2007 South Africa Boot Camp. For the first time we had an eight team Boot Camp and had 169 team members and leaders. This being my second boot camp here I wasn’t quite as green as last year but I still have a lot to learn! The addition two teams this year also created more responsibility. We were rather…anxious to see how our recruitment efforts would “pay off” as registration day began on Dec. 9th. Evangelism isn’t all about numbers but from an administrative side you need a certain number of people per team….that number was not only reached but surpassed…by exactly nine! We were all so excited to see such a huge answer to many many prayers…thank you for praying with us!
We were full to capacity and certainly felt the strain in some areas….such as having to run this year without an adequate water supply. The adventures with the river pump continued and two months after the pump first broke down we still remained without water. It was a frustrating ordeal to say the very least. Yet even in this, God provided through a local farmer who allowed us to drive to his property and fill up one of our smaller JoJo tanks (a water storage tank) each morning. It was a blessing that we had the JoJo tank as hauling the minimum amount of water needed (5,000ltrs) would have been a challenge with out it.
Before we knew it Commissioning Day arrived and Project Time was upon us. Stewart Bailey and I took turns driving the teams out to their various project sites. The Ag/Ev team was by far the most remote. Getting them there was quite the ordeal. I still have not totally adapted to the way directions are given here…I was told to take the road that went up the mountain….road? What road? There was no road! “The road” was this little semi- cleared footpath through a dried up riverbed. Trees, fence posts and cattle corrals on the left and a huge crater-like crack in the earth large enough to swallow tires on the right…going straight up the x mountain…it was….well, let’s just say I was glad my parents weren’t there! Coming down was a whole lot more fun. (In The Picture: The staff and students on BMW Graduation Day)
The first came from the Clown team located in a large village called Shoshanguve. They endured quite a bit of hostility. Every night this lady and some of her friends would chuck large stones and anything else they could find and would yell and curse the team as they tried to have evening devotions. They eventually moved this inside the church building but still the villagers would throw rocks at the tin building and curse…making quite the racket. Finally the head leader for the team and the pastor went to talk to the lady and ask her to leave them alone. It turned out that the lady was involved in witchcraft. While she didn’t accept Christ she did listen whilst the pastor shared the Gospel with her and she left the team alone after that.
(In the Picture: 2006-2007 BC Picture)
Debrief came and went in sort of a hazy blur. At some point during the two and half week field time I picked up typhoid. As a result…Debrief wasn’t very much fun as I battled being quite ill. Typhoid isn’t much more fun than malaria…I’d just as soon not have a repeat of either! Thankfully the staff members did a good job of stepping in for me and helped hold things together. We had 16 team members bridge the gap this year committing their lives to full time Christian service.
Lessons Learned
Throughout all the busyness of Boot Camp and the preparations leading up to it I kept returning to II Corinthians 4 in devotions. It’s a passage that’s taken on particular meaning over the last several months.
“For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves (merely) as your sevants for Jesus’ sake. For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as (to beam forth) the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God (as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ). However, we possess this previous treasure) the divine Light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.” II Cor. 4:5-7
To share a few goals for the next several months with you….
Opportunities to “do more” are coming up and the next couple years will be very exciting ones as we see the Lord lead us into new avenues of ministry through the AIDS Orphans and Street Children program. We have also begun training with Child Evangelism Fellowship and are excited about having these new skills to use as a part of the out reaches the BMW students do each term.
I will be returning to the
I’m so excited about the
I’ll be in the
Email andrea4him@gmail.com
Andrea Barbour
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Trying to catch up....
Well, it's been quite a while since I updated last. The 2006/2007 Boot Camp began 04 Dec. with leaders arriving and we were off and running. I'll post pictures soon.....
It was a long haul and I'm still battling with a case of typhoid I can't seem to shake.....and trying to put all the bits back together so we're ready to roll when the BMW school opens on the 21st. So I'm not taking a break...yet. I am hoping, if I can get everything done that I need to, to take a couple days off and go to the Hartbeesport Dam about a click to the west... from the base here in Pretoria. I've actually never been there but I hear it's a nice location. So we'll see.
Thanks for all your prayers for us during the last month.....we needed every one of them! It was the best BC I've had thus far with a completely full eight teams. The place was packed. The kids and leaders did well...not too many "serious" incidents....chased one kid through Boot Camp who'd tried to make off with part of the camp's lunch hidden in the team igloo he went to fill (Long story)...kid was finally caught, lunch was "rescued" and we moved on. Now that it's over I can say....that was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time.....it made for a really interesting day.
In total we saw over 1,000 decisions for Christ in the last month and all the teams did really well on their various projects so we Praise the Lord for all he did in and through us over the last several weeks. It was rough at times, obviously, but it was amazing to stand back and see Him work.
Anyway this is all I've got time for now but I'll post again soon and hopefully add pictures.
Thanks again for your prayers!
It was a long haul and I'm still battling with a case of typhoid I can't seem to shake.....and trying to put all the bits back together so we're ready to roll when the BMW school opens on the 21st. So I'm not taking a break...yet. I am hoping, if I can get everything done that I need to, to take a couple days off and go to the Hartbeesport Dam about a click to the west... from the base here in Pretoria. I've actually never been there but I hear it's a nice location. So we'll see.
Thanks for all your prayers for us during the last month.....we needed every one of them! It was the best BC I've had thus far with a completely full eight teams. The place was packed. The kids and leaders did well...not too many "serious" incidents....chased one kid through Boot Camp who'd tried to make off with part of the camp's lunch hidden in the team igloo he went to fill (Long story)...kid was finally caught, lunch was "rescued" and we moved on. Now that it's over I can say....that was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time.....it made for a really interesting day.
In total we saw over 1,000 decisions for Christ in the last month and all the teams did really well on their various projects so we Praise the Lord for all he did in and through us over the last several weeks. It was rough at times, obviously, but it was amazing to stand back and see Him work.
Anyway this is all I've got time for now but I'll post again soon and hopefully add pictures.
Thanks again for your prayers!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Maubane Outreach
The community water point in Maubane, the location of our recent outreach.
During this week we painted houses and built pit toilets and held evangelistic meetings in the evening.
During the course of the week we saw over 100 decisions for Christ and others were healed from various illnesses.
Enduring 104F degree heat , strong winds and long days (5am until 11pm) and sleeping in tents wasn't easy but the students did so well! They kept pushing and we ended on a really strong note.
Thank you for your prayers for us during this time for health, safety and fruitfulness!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
A Reminder........
I’ve been thinking recently…well, not exactly “recently”…for a while, about what my motivation for being here is. Why do I do this? Sometimes I need to be reminded…. especially when things get rough…as they have been.
So I’m writing this out…not necessarily for you, though if it encourages you…great, but more so that I’ll remember why I’m here in the first place.
Paul speaking of Moses in Hebrews 11:27 said, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is unseen.” Paul goes on in the same chapter to state “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.
Who by faith
Conquered kingdoms,
Performed acts of righteousness,
Obtained promises,
Shut the mouths of lions,
Quenched the power of fire,
Escaped the edge of the sword,
From weakness were made strong,
Became mighty in war,
Put foreign armies to flight.
Paul further states that these were “Men of whom the world was not worthy.”
“Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily enables us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith….”
Hebrews 11 & 12
As a goal oriented perfectionist, it’s taken me a very long time to realize that this life we live is not necessarily about what we gain or accomplish or have but what we do with what we’ve been given. So “accomplishment” as the world would deem it, really amounts to very little.
In Mark 8:36 Jesus said “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
In 1st Corinthians we read that at the end of all things, after our physical bodies have failed: when all wisdom and knowledge and might cease to be, the only things that will remain is love. Love that is perfect, completely unselfish, love that is not resentful or fretful. This love keeps no record of wrongs done to it and does not seek revenge. This love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices when right and truth prevail. This love bears up under and endures unfailingly throughout any and all difficulties, trials and hardships. This love never fails or fades out or becomes obsolete.
Throughout the New Testament we are command as Christians to walk in this love. That is to say we are commanded to respond and react to each other and to those around us in this attitude. This is what Paul is referring to when you he says “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
When you strip all of the drive for success away, when all the nicely polished awards fade and your name is forgotten….you will be remembered for the person you were, not what you accomplished.
Jesus didn’t leave behind massive trust funds to aid Jerusalem’s widows and orphans. Traveling down Jerusalem’s dusty roads you won’t find schools, libraries or hospitals named in His honor. You’ll find a hill that marks his death and a grave that – for Christians- mark is life. I find it interesting that in reality the real symbols of Christianity speak of death and dying….yet we all acknowledge that though He died, He rose, victorious. How often do I consider dying to myself as a victorious act? More often than not…I tend to shy away from things that would require me to set my own will and desires aside. How contrary this is to the example we are given in Christ…..who endured the cross, the shame, the ridicule, the separation….he gave all he had and then commanded us to “go into all the world” and do the same.
His life impacted those around him, who in turn impacted their world. He wasn’t interested in merely making a physical contribution to “society” but in impacting the lives of those around Him with the Father’s love for all eternity. In this way, He perfectly carried out the will of his Father….by doing only what He saw His Father doing. He stayed in step with the character of His divine righteousness while serving admit a fallen world. This is why he prayed that his disciples would follow in his footsteps by abiding in Him…keeping in step with His established standard of service rooted in holy love. This is also why Paul encouraged believers to be found upright in the midst of crooked generation.
Certainly no small order. But one we are enabled to successfully carry out due to the empowering of the Holy Spirit…..it has nothing to do with how “great” we are. It’s totally dependant upon how surrendered we are.
The saying so popular….that it doesn’t matter what you have to offer, but it matters that you be available.
The question I found myself asking recently wasn’t “ how am I doing?” but “am I available?” Some would answer the question for me…. obviously being overseas should attest to that fact. However something I have noticed personally is that while I may be available in some areas…. I’m not always quite so willing to serve in others.
It’s not an easy thing to wash your brother’s feet…let alone the feet of those who treat you with nothing but contempt. To respond in love and compassion to one who has betrayed you.
So…am I really available? Available to do the hard things, the dirty things? Am I available to do the tasks no one else wants to do? Am I really available to do what I see my Father doing….feed the hungry, clothe the poor, help the orphan and the widow….lay down my rights, forgo my own comfort for that of another? Am I available to be counted among the least of this world so that it may be, one day, said of me that I was faithful to “do what I saw my Father doing”?
For that is required in order to be counted as one of whom the world was not worthy. Not because of anything I did or could do, but because I chose to love others in the same manner in which Christ loved me.
John the Baptist said it best, I must decrease and He must increase!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Welcome
Since this is my "first official" post, I figured I should explain the purpose for this blog.
It is my intention to use this medium to communicate more effectively with my friends, family and supporters around the globe.
As such, this will be a place where I'll update you on life in general...the funny and the serious and share with you the things the Lord continues to do.
As always, feel free to contact me via email or post comments.
It is my intention to use this medium to communicate more effectively with my friends, family and supporters around the globe.
As such, this will be a place where I'll update you on life in general...the funny and the serious and share with you the things the Lord continues to do.
As always, feel free to contact me via email or post comments.
“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.” – Lao Tzu
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