Where is the Joy?

This weekend I was in Wal-mart, and talk about a crazy place! People were everywhere, lines were long and patience was running thin. As I waited to check out, I observed a lady chewing out the cashier, not trusting the total he said she owed. The lady behind me in line was sighing over the long wait, and the lady behind her was complaining about the others who were complaining. I have heard comments from people who have not put up decorations or shopped for presents yet. “I guess I am a ‘Scrooge’ this year” they have said.

Where is the joy? Is Christmas just about Santa Clause, presents, holiday traditions, carols and family time? There is nothing wrong with those things, but they sure don’t seem to be making people very happy.

Perhaps we need to take a lesson from Mary.

Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendents forever, even as he said to our fathers”.

Mary had learned of a pretty major change in her life! She was going to have a baby, and not just any baby. She had every right to give into fear or worry or anger, and yet she praised God. She rejoiced in who God is, His character and the ways He had worked in the past.

Perhaps as you prepare for Christmas your life doesn’t seem real rosy. There might be any number of reasons why- related to the holiday or not. Our joy is not found in a season or holiday, but rather in trusting the Mighty One who has done great things for us. Instead of focusing on the stresses or struggles, let’s commit together to focus on what we can praise God for and celebrate His goodness. 

What is a Person of Peace?

Every organization or sub-culture has their own vocabulary. The church, and specifically the missions community, is no exception! UPG, CPM, PoP; when I first came to Plano to work in the office it took me awhile to understand the lingo.

One of the big concepts in the work of my organization (and also the work that I will be doing in Cambodia) is the Person of Peace. Here’s the background:

Luke 10:5-7 When you enter a house, first say: “Peace to this house”. If a man (or person) of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Jesus had sent the seventy-two workers to the places he was about to go, and he gave specific instructions about how to proclaim the Kingdom. The person of peace in each town was someone who opened up his home to the workers, received their blessing and attention, and listened to what the workers had to say.

One trend in Christianity today is the idea that we have to win someone’s trust in order to share the Gospel with them. This goes against the old idea of “cold call evangelism”, just knocking on a door to share. As I look at Luke 10, I see a different picture from both of these. The workers enter the town and first speak peace. They are proclaiming a message to see if people are interested. We can do this today too. By opening the discussion early on to spiritual things, in a way that is natural and not pushy, we allow people to know we are followers of Jesus and invite them into further discussion. Instead of waiting a long time, perhaps losing the chance to share, the topic is on the table early on. I heard of a story of a worker who was in a closed country for two years. He worked hard to build relationships and win trust, but did not share the Gospel because he didn’t feel he was to a place that he could. Finally after two years he knew he was about to leave to go home, and he shared with a friend about Christ. The person had no idea this man was even a follower of Jesus and he asked, “If this message is so important to you, why did you wait so long to share?”

Christ has given us an incredible message. We should look for people who will respond and engage in discussion as we share and hopefully they will become followers of Him as well.

Here are a few ideas from an overseas worker for how to find a Person of Peace. These can be applied here in the US too!

1.      Get to know neighbors, networks, clubs, etc.  To find People of Peace, you need to spend lots of time where the people are.

2.      Go to places where spiritual people hang out--mosques, graves, religious schools, banyan trees, shaman's homes, etc. to meet people who are spiritually seeking. 

3.      Figure out ways to "be a blessing"--like community health, teaching, sharing, inviting, etc.--not necessarily "spiritual things" but helping with felt needs, being a good neighbor, etc.  Then PoP's can show themselves.  We should provide some sort of connection though to our relationship with Jesus.

4.      Take prayer trips (near or far) to pray for resistant areas through prayer walking and use the "Can I pray for you?" tool as people ask what you're doing or as you see notable needs.

5.      Go out persistently trying to find PoPs.

6.      Get into a real coaching/accountability group where you do the all these together or are accountable to each other for doing them.  This is a huge key to fruitfulness!

7.      Simply and courageously ask the question:  "Instead of us talking about our opinions, how about we study together the Holy Books that God has given us"? (or variation thereof) This is often the missing step!

8.      Follow up contacts from Radio, TV, internet and other mass media ministry. In many places there are many contacts from these ministries but no one is willing to follow them up!

9.      Host an English club where the texts are Bible stories.  This won't work in many areas, but in others it can be done effectively.

10.  Start a Discovery Group (House Fellowship) with your team and/or national partners then challenge each member of the group to find a group to do the same with. If they can't find non-Christians, do Discovery Groups with Christians as a way of making disciples and challenge them to do the same thing with people they know.

Lessons from the Manger

I was thinking yesterday after our Sunday morning service about the great sacrifice required by Joseph and Mary. On Joseph’s side, the woman he was supposed to marry was found to be pregnant. I would imagine her story that an angel came and told her that it was the Holy Spirit that had conceived the child sounded pretty far-fetched to him! He risked his own public humiliation and had every right to have Mary stoned or to divorce her publicly, bringing shame to her. And then there’s Mary. I was trying to put myself in her shoes, to imagine a visit from an angel who starts out his message with “Do not fear”. Today it is not uncommon, although still looked down upon in some circles, for a baby to be born out of wedlock. Then it was a huge cultural offense. I cannot imagine the shame that Mary could have dealt with and the fears that could have overtaken her.

Yet, I am amazed at the response of both Joseph and Mary. After Mary heard the message from the angel, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Joseph had to be convinced in a dream to take Mary as his wife and be the father to the child, but when he woke from his dream, Matthew 1:24 says that Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him. At first, I thought, “What a huge calling! Could I have done that?” Although Joseph and Mary were chosen of the Lord for this task, they were just ordinary people. What mattered was that they did what the Lord commanded. They obeyed. That is pretty simple, isn’t it? And isn’t that was we are called to do as well?

Jesus said in Luke 11:28, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it”. We have been given many instructions in God’s Word that we are to follow. We are to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow the calling that He places on our heart. It might be something that seems impossible, scary or makes no sense from a worldly perspective. Or, it might be something simple like making a phone call or reaching out to a neighbor. We are to walk in joyful obedience and do what the Lord commands, just like Joseph and Mary did. 

Fundraising as an Introvert

In my organization, each missionary must find ministry partners to join in the work with their prayers and financial support. Fundraising involves sharing the vision that God has given, asking for financial support and meeting with churches, mission committees and individuals, while also networking to find new avenues for partners.

I am an introvert. I get recharged by having time alone. I listen more than talk, have a small but deep circle of friends, and would often rather read a book than go to a party. I love people, but they exhaust me after awhile and I need time to be refreshed before going at it again.

As an introvert, fundraising is not my cup of tea. In fact, I have dreaded this part of ministry for a long time. The very thought of meeting upon meeting, the BIG ASK, tires me out. But, here are a few things I have learned in this journey of fundraising as an introvert.

• Ultimately God is Jehovah Jireh, the God who WILL provide. I must look to Him as the giver of all gifts.
• Fundraising is NOT about how outgoing I am, or how good I am at it.
• People will give a little bit because they know me, but they will sacrifice for the vision.
• I need to set reasonable goals for myself, knowing my strengths and weaknesses. These goals may be different than someone who is more extroverted and that is okay.
• Try not to schedule too many appointments and speaking engagements close together. Allow for time alone to rest and be refreshed.
• Understand what is expected as much as possible before going in. Will I be speaking for 15 minutes or 40? The only one to share or part of a group of other missionaries that will also be sharing?
• Prepare adequately. Write out an outline, with the important points that you want to make.
• Have something you can leave with people that can keep them thinking.
• Even if all of the “fundraising experts” say letters and emails are not as effective, it is okay to use them. Use these tools to communicate clearly and concisely.
•  Follow up with people sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it is!

Mostly in this journey I have learned to press closer to Jesus, to trust His timing and provision. He is the One who created me just as I am, and He will give me the confidence to move forward as He calls and leads.

Proverbs 3:26 For the Lord will be your confidence.

With A Grateful Heart

I love Thanksgiving! It is a time to enjoy special time with family and reflect on God's goodness. I have been thinking back over this year, and I am amazed at all that has happened! I see God's hand and His plan that is unfolding and bigger than I could have imagined. Here are a few of the highlights for me from this last year:

- Taking a class from Kent and Erika- squeezing an amazing amount of information and digging into God's Word into two weeks! God deepened my conviction for those who haven't had a chance to hear about Jesus and also stirred my heart to increase my prayers for Cambodia and the unreached. Out of this came a very special weekly time of prayer with my now-teammate Kristin.

- Finishing three years of study at Dallas Baptist University and celebrating with friends and family. It has been a privilege to get to further my education and learn from great professors and fellow students.

- Lovely visits from friends, exploring Dallas together and making memories

- Getting to go home to Nebraska for two cousins' weddings, and spending some really special time with family.

- Seeing prayers answered as my sister went to Cambodia and watching her journey begin to the nations

- A deepening love for the Khmer people, seeing God provide in amazing ways as I prepare to go, and confirmation that this the way and I am to walk in it, even as I battle fears or doubts. God continues to use His Word, songs and stories to confirm this direction.

The way is not always easy, but God's grace is so amazing!

Psalm 89:8 O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

The Cost of Following Jesus

Luke 9:57-62 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go”. Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head”. He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father”. Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God”. Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God”.

I have always struggled with these verses. As I look to the not-so-distant future when I will get on a plane for Asia, in many ways I dread the goodbyes, the tears, the culture shock, learning a language that I can’t quite get my mind around. I dread getting in a moto accident, getting sick, being hot all the time, and having to constantly, every day push out of my comfort zone. I fear failing as a missionary.

But, my hand must be to the plow because the fields are ready to be harvested and there are souls that MUST hear about Jesus. I fear sacrifice and yet this is what is required. Joy will replace the fear, peace will replace the dread because I am choosing to obey and choosing to serve. 

A Story

A mother and her little girl came to the US and with excitement headed to the wonder of America- Wal-mart. They were in search of one very special item- a Barbie flashlight for the little girl. They combed the shelves and found what they had been searching for. Without wasting any time, they put the flashlight together and put in the batteries so the little girl could begin to play with the flashlight right away. The mother and daughter went through the checkout line, as the little girl tried turning the flashlight on and off, on and off. As the mother was paying, she heard the little girl utter a great big sigh. Pulling on her mother’s coat she said, “There’s too much light in here. Can’t we go somewhere where there is darkness?”

Aren’t we that way as Christians? We spend a lot of time with other “lights”. We send our resources to the places where there are lots of lights already shining. Who will take their light to the dark places, the places where there is no one to speak of Jesus?

Response

My organization is facing some major changes with a new health insurance policy and for many on the field it will be a big stretch financially. This has caused a great deal of anxiety and we have been taking time to be family together and support one another in prayer.

One of my co-workers brought us to Nehemiah and I have been dwelling on his story as I've been praying. One of the things that stuck out to me first is that when Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed and that the survivors of the exile were experiencing great trouble, he mourned. It broke his heart. Then he spent days fasting and praying. He didn't just sit in his sadness but he took it to the Lord. God's heart is broken too when He sees us hurting, so I think when we bring this before the Lord it draws us closer to Him. Nehemiah didn't remain in mourning but when he saw the opportunity that the Lord presented to share with the king, he took it. Again, he prayed earnestly on the spot for the right words to say in response to the King.

Often I look at all of the huge issues in the world and I am overwhelmed. My first reaction in the face of crisis is fear, worry and doubt. I do not turn immediately to fervent prayer. Too often I don't notice the brokenness around me, or at least not enough to actually do anything about it. Nehemiah felt the pain, he took it to the Lord and sought God's direction. He focused on God and His love and mercy and His great promises. Nehemiah kept his focus in the right direction and he was able to accomplish the task the Lord gave him.

No Fear in Death

Philippians 1:20-24 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 

Last week one of my co-workers on the field passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It was a shock to the organization, and at first I struggled with fear. Death has always scared me a bit- more those close to me dying than my own- and the realities of the field set in. I was reading through Philippians and I was reminded that as believers, we are really in a win-win situation! As Paul said, if we die we get to behold God’s glory in person. I don’t think I can even grasp that yet! If we wake up to live another day, it means we have another chance to be God’s hands and feet here on earth. How do people survive without the hope of heaven and the hope that keeps us going day to day? 

God’s glory is our ultimate goal and purpose. Glory, according to the little dictionary in the back of my Bible, means “great honor, praise and thanksgiving offered in worship; splendor and majestic beauty”. There are many places in the world where God’s splendor and majesty are not known, and where no one gives Him the praise and honor He is due. Focusing on that, and the fact that we get to truly behold God’s glory when we get to heaven, takes away the fear of death. There will be pain and sorrow here on earth as we lose people we love, but if they know Jesus than they go to be in His presence and take in all that glory. We have no reason to fear! 

Photo by Beth Hilkemann

The Master's Call

The Master's Call

a hymn written by Oswald J. Smith, 1935

Have you heard the Master's call? Will you go, forsaking all?

Millions still in sin and shame, ne're have heard the Savior's name. 

Some may give and some may pray, but for you He calls today. 

Will you answer, "Here am I", or must Jesus pass you by? 

Have you heard their bitter cry? Can you bear to see them die? 

Thousands who in darkest night, never yet have seen the Light? 

Soon 'twill be too late to go, and your love for Jesus show. 

Oh then, quickly speed away, tary not another day. 

What if you refuse to go? Someone then will never know,

Of the Savior kind and true, and the blame will rest on you. 

Will you then, forsaking all, gladly heed the Master's call? 

Answer quickly, "Lord send me, to the lands beyond the sea".