This is the Cost

Didn't Jesus say "take up my cross and follow me"? If so what is the cost? There is always a cost to following Him, but the joy of knowing Him out weigh the tough stuff. Right?

Well the same is true for mi*sionaries, but they deal with a unique set of costs. For a wonderful article about this click here the author pours out her heart about the cost of leaving all we know to GO to the unreached. Don't worry it's a story with a happy ending...it's all worth it!

If you know a mis*ionairy serving anywhere in the world. Show them some love today, sometimes it's a lonely, hard road to travel...but it's worth it!

Perfect place

The Lord has been reminding me often lately that I am just the role He created me for at this time in my life. Often I feel overwhelmed at the amount of people I am supposed to help (over 150), but the past 2 days I have been watching short videos from some of our workers overseas and I remember why I do this! What a gift and a privilege to be a part of our Father's work in this way! I wish I could post all the videos on this blog or on Facebook but for the safety or our workers I won't.

Just after coming to Jesus, God put the needs of the world before my face and they broke my heart (thanks to my wonderful home fellowship EV Free Fullerton). I knew I had to do something to make a difference and get this good news to people who have never heard it. To this day when I watch a video or see a slide show with pictures of the unreached I have to fight back tears. If you know me...I'm not a crier. My hubby often teases me that I cry about the needs of the world, yet at our wedding when he surprised me by singing a beautiful heartfelt song straight from the heart not one tear fell. I often joking think if someone cut me open I think I would bleed mi$$ions. The caring for, financial support, sending out, encouraging, blessings, praying for, loving, being an advocate for mi$$ionaries is my heartbeat. Having experienced life overseas myself I know it's a lonely, hard, frustrating and even depressing at times lifestyle to choose. And yet I wouldn't change my 6 years overseas for anything in the world. They made me who I am and gave me a DEEP love for the people of the M. E. as well a desire to do all I can to help mi$$ionaries thrive not just survive as I sometimes did.

In case you haven't heard the term 'unreached peoples' they are defined as a group which contains less than 2% Evangelical Christian. Did you know the alarming fact that out of $100 given to Christian work only 1 penny goes to the unreached?!?!? It blows my mind! We need to focus more on sending people to the unreached. There are many hungry to know the One True God, to know grace, forgiveness and true Love but just can't. One of our workers in an very unreached part of Asia wrote this today, "'When we die and God judges us, our good deeds can never outweigh our bad. I wake up in the morning ready to lie. How can I be saved?' Pray for my friend to see that faith in Jesus alone can save us from our great disobedience towards God." Do you want to begin giving to people focused on unreached peoples let me know and I can connect you with a mi$$ionary who may be under supported. Has there been a certain country on your heart, but you don't know what to do with that? You could start giving to a worker so that they can stay and really invest in the lives of people who need to hear this GREAT news!

A big picture look at the needs in the world today

People group stats: approximately 16,000 people groups in the world and 6,600 UPGs (unreached people groups).
• Language statistics (from the Wycliffe “Ethnologue”):
o 6,900 languages in the world.
o 2,252 needing Bible translation.
o Other languages have either the whole Bible, Bible portions, the NT, or may not need a translation because scripture is available in the majority language.
o Tops languages spoke as “mother tongue” – (stats from Operation World)
1st – Mandarin 1.2 billion
2nd – Spanish 329 million
3rd – English 328 million
4th – Arabic 221 million
5th and 6th – Hindi and Bengali


There is still a tremendous need. Please pray that the Lord of the harvest continues to send out workers into his harvest field!

Another Miracle

For those of you you received my last email update you heard the wonderful story of God's provision. Today I have another amazing story! Katie, who I wrote about several months ago here has an AMAZING story about how God not only healed her but also provided in unbelievable ways.

Katie was diagnosed with TTP which landed her 32 days in the hospital and received over 250 bags of blood all with NO insurance. That's right NONE! She was planning to move overseas in July of last year so she quite her job in May leaving her with no medical coverage. During the first days of her stay in the hospital she was flooded with fears and frustrations knowing there was nothing she could do herself. In the midst of these emotions she had a flood of peace and an inaudible voice asked, "Do you trust me?"

She knew then that God was going to do something amazing, but none of us ever imagined what. Three weeks after being discharged, she got a call from the Froedtert Hospial Charity informing her that she had recieved a grant that covered 100% of ALL medical bills for a 6 month period- probably about $400,000.00. She also qualified for a program in which the pharmaceutical company reimburses the hospital for the costof the Bio-Med treatment which was $40,000 for the 4 treatments she required.

Needless to say, she stands amazed at the way God provided above and beyond what she ever would have thought to ask. Her joy abounds! It abounded before all of this happened, but had deepened even more. She hopes to be on her way to the field sometime this summer depending on her financial support and teach the children of some of our workers in North Africa. Please pray that here health remains stable! And praise the Lord for his goodness!

Blessings

Reflecting on my blessings today:

1. A loving and forgiving God
2. A wonderful husband
3. A family who loves me 
4. A job I love 
5. A house to live in
6. A car that is beyond what I could ever want
7. People that God puts in my life to inspire, bless, and challenge me
8. Outlets to express my creativity
9. A huge list of answered prayers over my life time
10. The ability to see God at work in my life and in others
11. The ability to give to and share with others the blessings I have been given
12. Opportunities to use my gifts 
13. The hope that my Father gives me

 and much much more to be thankful for. I hope you have a blessed day!

The Arab World

Living in the Arab World for several years has made it's mark on me. Whether by the people I know still there both Arab and many other nationalities, the memories I have or the deep love God formed in my heart I will never be the same. I have some friends in Tunisia who waited the situation out in their homes and are finally out and about again, but now the issues have spread through the region in which I love so much. Please pray that God will be glorified through this. There is so much that is unknown, especially in the case of Tunisa. What will happen now that the government is totally out? Will the average person be 'safe'? Will there be new even worse powers that take over? In all this we must pray, Lord have your way in Tunisa: be Glorified, bring people to yourself, strengthen the believers there and give them great boldness to share the hope of Jesus in this unstable time. Please pray this with me!

You can look on BBC to find how this is beginning to effect the entire region. The link is a video about Jordan and how they are view this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/9373045.stm

God's Sovereignty and Patience

God's Sovereignty and Patience by Gregory D. one of my appointees who heads to the mission field in January.

"As we get closer to our departure for Albania I look back and reflect on what my life has been like these past few years. I have been in transition between two chapters in my own life. Transitioning between a successful secular career and full-time Christian service. You see, three years ago my family and I decided to become missionaries. Contrary to popular belief, when you become a missionary you don’t just get up and go. I’ve had to look for a missions organization, ease out of my career, close down my business, go back to seminary, raise financial support, go through training, sell things, give things away, and pray… a lot of praying. All of this has required patience. And, I am not a patient person by nature. And as my family can attest to, I’m always the one saying, “Let’s go, hurry up!"



But, over the past few years God has been teaching me, among many things; patience. And, now as I reflect back and see where we've been and where we are now going I see why God has been teaching me this virtue. Two reasons in particular stand out:



First, everything is in God's timing, not mine. No matter how much we may be in God's will, we are NOT in control. Three years ago, I knew precisely where we were going to serve, when we were going to leave, and with what missions organization we were going with. Needless to say, none of this transpired the way I had envisioned it. Isaiah 55:8 resonates with me more than ever before in my life: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD."



Secondly, being a missionary requires patience, particularly with people. The people with whom we will be serving amongst are a syncretistic people group. Syncretistic people are those who believe in or adhere to a combination of more than one religious belief system. The Roma are pluralistic in their religious beliefs. Patience is required when ministering to them because they may look you in the face and say, “Yes, we believe in Jesus Christ!” and then go down to the local mosque and pray to Allah of the Koran. Needless to say, many a missionary has come off the missionary field as a result of this.



I can't say it's been an easy period of transition for me. Many times I have become anxious. I am so very eager to go and serve and waiting simply grates on my nerves at times. To be brutally honest, I have lost many nights sleep, taken anti-anxiety medication, become bitter at times, and lashed out at my family a time or two. But, I am very grateful for a family that God has blessed me with who understands me and puts up with me even through the times that Daddy just doesn't seem himself. God is breaking through my selfish stubborness and molding me into the disciple that He wants me to be. Not for my own selfish gain, but for the people with whom we will become a living testimony to.



Most of all, I am grateful for a God who is indeed in control of every facet of my life. Many a times He has had to gently steer me back onto His path as I veered onto a path that I thought was greater than His. Who knows what would have happened if we would have gone down that path. The mere thought of it makes me shudder.



In the end, I am left with the same reminder of God's sovereignty that Paul reminds the church at Philippi: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose." (Philippians 2:13) Not MY purpose, but HIS purpose. And that's the purpose I always want to remain in."

prayer videos

New prayer videos for the world:

http://www.operationworld.org/prayer-videos

Prayer

I am blessed to work at a place that values prayer. Last week when was our quarterly morning of prayer and someone was given 5 minutes to pray for the world. He printed up each country name with 4 countries on each page and passed them out and asked us to pray for 1 minute for each of these countries. We did it! That time reminded me that my most important 'work' that I have done overseas and here is prayer! It's prayer that will break down walls, open hearts, strengthen believers. Will you join with me and choose a country to pray for today?

90%

One of the highlights of my job is when someone calls or emails and says "I'm/we're at 90%"! What a joy to have the responsibility of walking these faithful doers of His Word to the nations. Just this morning a couple that has been raising supporters since they attended our orientation June of 2007 called to say we are 88.4%  of their needed monthly support and then asked what do we do when we get to 90% so that we can buy our plane tickets (our policy). I shared with her that I need a list of her monthly supports just so we know they are covered and I had to recheck to make sure they had all their paperwork in (medical clearance, copies of passports, etc.).

Just a year ago, I think all of us felt like giving up, they only had about 30% after pursuing this dream for 2 years. Then just a few months ago they got REALLY serious and sold their house, had less hours at work, she quit her job but is working a temp job for more flexibility, and lived on less each month. The countless hours of connecting with churches and individuals payed off and this family of four are heading over in October Lord willing. Man I love my job!

Ramadan Basics

 In all my years living in the Muslim world I never missed an opportunity to break the Ramadan fast with a friends family if I was invited. I felt honored to share such a special time with such special people. This is my second Ramadan back in the states and I thought I would take a minute to share a bit about what Ramadan really is.

What does the Word Ramadan mean? Ramadan (rah‐muh‐dahn, ninth month) is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The literal meaning of the Arabic word is scorching heat.

Dates of Ramadan: Since the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates for Ramadan vary from year to year. The observance of fasting coincides with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Usually, an imam (ee‐mahm, Muslim holy man) declares the official start of Ramadan. The period of Ramadan continues until the next new moon, about 29‐30 days.

Religious Significance: According to the Qur ‘an (kohr‐ahn, Muslim holy book), the month of Ramadan has special significance – it is the time when Allah began to reveal his instructions for mankind to his prophet, Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars, or essential parts, of Islam. Muslims consider fasting an expression of their faith, a form of worship, and a way to please their god, Allah.Writings in the Hadith (hah‐deeth, a record of sayings or actions attributed to the prophet Muhammad) give more weight to good deeds performed during the monthof Ramadan and even say that if one fasts with a sincere heart, his sins will be forgiven. The Night of Power falls towards the end of the month of Ramadan. Muslims believe this is a special night when Allah pays special attention to their requests and many prayer fervently on this night. Often they are open to dreams and visions as they seek Allah’s guidance and revelation.

Social Significance: Fasting allows Muslims to gain an appreciation for what the poor and hungry in their community experience. Muslims are encouraged to donate to and serve the needy during Ramadan and believe that Allah will reward them for doing so. As Muslims across the world participate together in the month‐long observance of fasting, they demonstrate their unity.

Fasting: During Ramadan, Muslims begin fasting on the morning following the sighting of the new crescent moon. Muslims fast every day from the time it begins to get light until sunset. Typically, families get up before daylight and share a meal together. During the daytime, Muslims work or go to school as usual. They must refrain from eating or drinking – even water. In addition, they pray, read or listen to passages from the Qur ‘an, and attend services at the mosque. At sunset, Muslims are permitted to eat again. Often, friends and families gather in the evening to enjoy huge feasts.

Sweet Reunion

On Friday Glenn was a trooper and drove up to Gainsville with me. I was so excited to see these wonderful people again! In the summer of 2007 they came through the Florida Cultural Exchange to help us at our English Center. What a breath of fresh air they were for me! I was tired and even a bit burnt out.

They they showed up and brought joy and life back. They jumped in and tried to learn the language and culture and their enthusiasm rubbed off on those of us who lived there year round. Plus, they were just plain fun!

Thanks guys for meeting up and for being a part of my life. I love you all!

Invest

Doing what I do as a coach to people heading around the world to reach the unreached I hear the word give all the time. As I read prayer letter after prayer letter, there is always something mentioning how to give. Just today I got a letter from one of the people I am coaching which used the word INVEST. She wrote; "Will you consider investing in the work being done in ****** and the vision God has giving me to go and be part of the work?"

I love that! When we give towards kingdom work, whether to the church, the poor, ministries or missions we are always investing in important things. I personally find it a privilege to invest in His work and see God bless me as I allow Him to use me in such a way.

What are you investing in?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Mr. Handsome

Check out this link of the testimony of a guy who lives in South East Asia. Two of my former appointees (trainees) are working with him to start a fellowship there. Pray for them as they encounter sickness and hardships and as they wait for more workers to join them. I have one more appointee in the support raising process hoping to join them. They are my heroes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYU_Irc5IM0

Please pray for Mr. Handsome as he trusts the Lord for his health. He makes it seem small, but he does have some serious health issues. Pray with us for his complete healing. What a testimony that would be to his whole village. 

Why?

Do you ever ask God why? I know He is sovereign and of course He knows what He is doing, but the suffering of some is hard for me to understand.

A few weeks ago Maureen came through our companies second training in order to serve overseas in the Middle East. The journey for her has been long and rough. Just after attending our candidate orientation in August 07 she was diagnosed with cancer but didn't have insurance and because of this she has lost everything her house, her retirement, etc. Still, Maureen is steadfast in her desire to serve the Lord in an unreached place and give her life for His service. She is currently in a course to learn how to teach English and then once funds are there hopes to head to a VERY unreached country.

Katie is another amazing single gal who was recently diagnosed with TTP https://health.google.com/health/ref/Thrombotic+thrombocytopenic+purpura She was set to head to North Africa sometime this month, but God had other plans. Katie was in the hospital for about a month getting frequent plasma transfusions. Katie is still hoping to go overseas at some point if they can find a good hematologist in NA.

Here is a little quote from Katie, "Someone asked me a few days ago if I was discouraged by the numbers dropping…it was a strange thing to answer. I am not discouraged or frustrated…it is more a confused feeling because it is both sweet and hard. I realized that THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO TO HELP OR FIX MYSELF! I told my mom I would eat black beans (nasty!!) 3Xs a day for the rest of my life, if it would help! Anything to HELP, and yet, God doesn’t need our help, that’s the point! So, yeah…that is the newest lesson I am learning."

Maureen and Katie have absolutely NO money and so I want to put the idea of giving to them out there. Please ask me if you are interested in either giving a personal gift or one through our company (for tax purposes). Please also pray for these lovely ladies and ask God to be their Jehovah Jirah! He will provide and lead them along step by step.

Friends Around the world!

This photo is of my last Thanksgiving overseas. I had a bunch of Americans and 2 others over. We had a blast even though the power went out! My friend Carrie was one of them. A few years ago she moved to a neighboring country and was in the states for a visit. I got her to come up to our area to share what she has been doing and I was so blessed. I was blessed not only to see her (it seems like you bond quicker when you are overseas-we were only together for 9 months), but also to hear her stories of what our Father is doing where she lives.

What an encouragement to have her here! I love that even though I am on this side of the ocean I can still be in touch with what is happening around the world, through people like Carrie. If you read this lift Carrie up for protection and to always feel our Daddy's care for her. Thanks!

Overwhelmed

I just did some math and came up with the number of people under us in our department and realized why I'm stressed!


My co-worker has 136 people (with someone helping to cover 39 of them)
I have 168 people

Total of: 304 people hoping to head out to the world

Walk for the World..round 2 complete!

Glenn, Deanna, me and many others had a great time walking and praying for the world. So far the Williams have raised $770 for the PI and we praise God that it will be doubled with a matching grant. Thanks to all who gave.

Blessings!

Walk for the Word...Round 2 this Saturday!

Copy this link to watch a short video about walk for the world...

http://vimeo.com/2922737

Email me if you would like to sponsor Glenn and me. Thanks!