I intended to post again today about the mission trip, but that's not the case.
Another member of the team shared something they learned on this trip. Our intentions and plans are not always God's will, and I shouldn't get angry or upset or impatient when His will doesn't fit my plans or timing. His way is always more perfect and will always end up with a better outcome for me and for His kingdom.
Yesterday, Aimee's grandma passed away. While we're glad that it happened after we returned, it's still hard when someone close leaves for a little while. It's hard to lose a source of wisdom and comfort. It was a year ago today that my grandpa passed away from cancer. It is still hard not to be able to talk to him or work with him in his wood-shop.
Grandparents are a source of wisdom and strength. They are comfort and peace. They are laughter and joy. We will miss fishing trips with Vienna Sausages and Chicken in a Biskit crackers. We will miss gumbo. We will miss talking and warm memories. We will miss welcome arms and homes.
I only hope that when I am a father and grandfather that I point to Christ and His comfort, peace, joy, wisdom, and love.
Romans 8:28 - We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
God Changes Perspectives
Well, if you didn't know by now, we did make it home safely. We tried to bring home the weather from France, but it only cooperated a little ways to Houston with the rain. The temperatures didn't follow us. The blast of hot, humid air as we stepped off the plane in Tulsa was mind-boggling, overwhelming... You pick the word. It was HOT and stifling!
For our first meal back in the states, Aimee and I enjoyed a baked potato with BBQ turkey in the Houston airport. Nothing says, "Welcome Home", like a big pile of BBQ on a potato! Then, we had Maria's Mexican when we landed in Tulsa. Real food, home! We then got back to our house where the A/C was cranking like mad to bring the house back down to a 'liveable' temperature (still warmer than Paris), and we got to greet our sweet puppy and cat. We missed our pets!
Sorry that I've not posted again since we left, but it's been crazy getting stuff unpacked, going back to work, answering 300 emails (I'm still behind!), and shopping for groceries. As I said in an earlier post, I hope to post what we learned from the great Teacher.
Aimee and I sat down in a cafe drinking espresso and hot chocolate while we waited to board our boat for the dinner cruise on our last night in Paris. We discussed the trip, what we liked, what we didn't, and answered a question that Randy asked me a few days earlier... "How has this trip changed your perspective?" Randy really meant my eternal perspective or how the trip changed how I view God's kingdom and purposes. So, Aimee listened while I wrote and talked about how my view was altered. I have 10 items to share that I hope will help me to continue this growth.
I won't get to write about all of them today, but I'll get a start. I'd like to have them done by this weekend to be able to share with those who helped us go.
There is a passage in Philippians chapter 2 (1-5) which sums up several of these items for me.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
I want to have this mind and love! I'll post more of my experiences tomorrow. I know Aimee has her own list, so I'll let her post. Keep coming back to hear more, ask questions, and keep us accountable for these things.
Post-Trip Prayer:
Pray that the gospel would continue to bear fruit & His Kingdom grow.
Colossians 1:3-6 -
For our first meal back in the states, Aimee and I enjoyed a baked potato with BBQ turkey in the Houston airport. Nothing says, "Welcome Home", like a big pile of BBQ on a potato! Then, we had Maria's Mexican when we landed in Tulsa. Real food, home! We then got back to our house where the A/C was cranking like mad to bring the house back down to a 'liveable' temperature (still warmer than Paris), and we got to greet our sweet puppy and cat. We missed our pets!
Sorry that I've not posted again since we left, but it's been crazy getting stuff unpacked, going back to work, answering 300 emails (I'm still behind!), and shopping for groceries. As I said in an earlier post, I hope to post what we learned from the great Teacher.
Aimee and I sat down in a cafe drinking espresso and hot chocolate while we waited to board our boat for the dinner cruise on our last night in Paris. We discussed the trip, what we liked, what we didn't, and answered a question that Randy asked me a few days earlier... "How has this trip changed your perspective?" Randy really meant my eternal perspective or how the trip changed how I view God's kingdom and purposes. So, Aimee listened while I wrote and talked about how my view was altered. I have 10 items to share that I hope will help me to continue this growth.
I won't get to write about all of them today, but I'll get a start. I'd like to have them done by this weekend to be able to share with those who helped us go.
- Mission trips aren't just about expanding God's kingdom to/in other places, though that is the primary goal. It is also for letting it grow in me! I can go to other places and preach and share the Gospel, but if I don't allow myself to grow in Christ on the trip and bring that attitude back home then the trip wasn't a complete success. I can't be on mission with God and stay as I am. I must become more like Jesus. And, if I am changed, then I come home with a new attitude and outlook that God can use to change here as well as there.
- God can work despite me. God can/will accomplish His will and purpose. It felt sometimes like I was trying my hardest to get in the way or do things how I wanted to do them, but God still moved, sent His Spirit, and showed Himself faithful. I just need to get out of the way sometimes or see what He's doing and help.
- The body of Christ is REAL! We have brothers and sisters everywhere. I met many of them on this trip, Au, Pearl, Snow, Teddy, Anna, Annie, etc. These people are giving, sharing, praying, helping, serving, and using their talents as hands, feet, hearts, knees, and elbows in the body. I knew about this concept intellectually; we've studied it in Sunday School numerous times. I've heard it preached countless times, but until I saw it working it didn't come to life. We were with people of three languages (English, French, and Chinese), but we were all able to work together in our own areas. Each person contributed to do more for Him than we could have done on our own. And, the part about each hurting if the other is? That's real too. When something went wrong, or someone was hurt, we each felt it, prayed together, cried together.
There is a passage in Philippians chapter 2 (1-5) which sums up several of these items for me.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
I want to have this mind and love! I'll post more of my experiences tomorrow. I know Aimee has her own list, so I'll let her post. Keep coming back to hear more, ask questions, and keep us accountable for these things.
Post-Trip Prayer:
Pray that the gospel would continue to bear fruit & His Kingdom grow.
Colossians 1:3-6 -
Monday, July 18, 2011
At The Airport
We are at CDG airport waiting to leave. Pray for safe flights and connections. God has been so good to us!
We aren't ready to return to the heat though. It will be a shock after one day where it got to 78. A lady here said that was a very hot day for July!
We aren't ready to return to the heat though. It will be a shock after one day where it got to 78. A lady here said that was a very hot day for July!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Last Time This Time
Today we had our last meeting (this trip!) with the little church from Paris with the big, loving, caring, reaching heart. We had a fun morning of singing, taking pictures, handing out certificates, and praying with our brothers and sisters in Paris. As much as we went to encourage these wonderful people, we reaped a blessing of encouragement and strength two-fold or more.
We finished the day out with a final sight-seeing trip to Versailles. Not even rain and cold wind could dampen my joy. Yes, it made it harder to walk, and we got wet transferring from the train to the subway car. But, that was just for a little while.
I pray that we made a difference for eternity this week. I pray that God will continue to send His Spirit among the believers here. They, in many ways, are already past us in living as the church Jesus wants us all to be.
Most of the team is headed back to Oklahoma tomorrow. We will hopefully be leaving behind encouragement to keep running the race and encouragement to push outside the current boundaries. I hope we left behind a portion of God's Spirit and love. I know that we are leaving this trip spent of our energy.
Aimee and I are staying a couple extra days to take in some other sights and enjoy each other, but it will probably contain a lot of rest. I praise God for giving us strength this week. Even through the last day people were up on time and ready to help. I thank God for pouring out an extra measure of patience on us this week. It would have been easy to let the little things begin to rip little tears in the group as the fatigue set it, but we still laughed together and sang even to the last moment.
I thank God for new friends and brothers and sisters. I thank God that He has done more to change my perception of His kingdom this week than I was prepared for. It's going to take a while to process all He's spoken in my heart this week, but I'm ready to obey it. Please, keep asking me about the trip, and keep me accountable to the things I tell you.
Ready to come home changed forever.
Pray that He will receive the glory His sacrifice deserves.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith
We finished the day out with a final sight-seeing trip to Versailles. Not even rain and cold wind could dampen my joy. Yes, it made it harder to walk, and we got wet transferring from the train to the subway car. But, that was just for a little while.
I pray that we made a difference for eternity this week. I pray that God will continue to send His Spirit among the believers here. They, in many ways, are already past us in living as the church Jesus wants us all to be.
Most of the team is headed back to Oklahoma tomorrow. We will hopefully be leaving behind encouragement to keep running the race and encouragement to push outside the current boundaries. I hope we left behind a portion of God's Spirit and love. I know that we are leaving this trip spent of our energy.
Aimee and I are staying a couple extra days to take in some other sights and enjoy each other, but it will probably contain a lot of rest. I praise God for giving us strength this week. Even through the last day people were up on time and ready to help. I thank God for pouring out an extra measure of patience on us this week. It would have been easy to let the little things begin to rip little tears in the group as the fatigue set it, but we still laughed together and sang even to the last moment.
I thank God for new friends and brothers and sisters. I thank God that He has done more to change my perception of His kingdom this week than I was prepared for. It's going to take a while to process all He's spoken in my heart this week, but I'm ready to obey it. Please, keep asking me about the trip, and keep me accountable to the things I tell you.
Ready to come home changed forever.
Pray that He will receive the glory His sacrifice deserves.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith
Friday, July 15, 2011
Final Night
Last night was a crazy night to try and blog about the day. We had a fantastic day of helping with the kids with crafts from Zacheus to stories about the prodigal son and Jesus' birth. We were able to see Notre Dame then go to the Eiffel Tower where we watched the fireworks. We split off from the rest of the group. Nobody really had a great time because the crowds were crazy and pushing. But, it was an experience to be able to say we saw Bastille Day fireworks in Paris.
Our friend Will left early in the morning without trusting Christ. I am praying that he will continue to have chances and people in his life to help him do that. I was able to get his email, so we will continue to chat when we can.
Today was another long but fun day. Roger told about Jesus' death and resurrection, Bryan got into one of his big balloons (though we busted the first and then almost couldn't get the blower to work), we did lots more crafts, and made paper airplanes with the kids in the park. I need to brush up on my airplane folding skills before having kids. Haha!
Then we ate dinner before the church came for the final service. Randy then shared a lesson about how we can know the Bible is true followed by a presentation of the gospel. Be praying for any who might have asked Jesus to be their Lord. We know of at least 4 there who were not believers! This was also our last night to hear the adults worship. I'm going to miss their heart and passion for bringing praise to the King!!
I'll be posting more even when we return to tell how this trip has changed and blessed me. People talk about going on mission trips to encourage others, win souls, and see Jesus lifted up. All those were there for this trip, but the changes in those who go is just as significant and amazing!
Be praying tomorrow for our wrap-up service for the kids and travel for most of the group on Sunday.
Two days of prayer.
15th - pray that at the church may be encouraged and new believers established.
Ephesians 3:16-19 - That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
16th - praise God for victory in all things through Christ.
Romans 8:35-39 - Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
"For Your sake we are being put to death all day long ;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Still excited to be on mission with God! Praying it continues at home.
Our friend Will left early in the morning without trusting Christ. I am praying that he will continue to have chances and people in his life to help him do that. I was able to get his email, so we will continue to chat when we can.
Today was another long but fun day. Roger told about Jesus' death and resurrection, Bryan got into one of his big balloons (though we busted the first and then almost couldn't get the blower to work), we did lots more crafts, and made paper airplanes with the kids in the park. I need to brush up on my airplane folding skills before having kids. Haha!
Then we ate dinner before the church came for the final service. Randy then shared a lesson about how we can know the Bible is true followed by a presentation of the gospel. Be praying for any who might have asked Jesus to be their Lord. We know of at least 4 there who were not believers! This was also our last night to hear the adults worship. I'm going to miss their heart and passion for bringing praise to the King!!
I'll be posting more even when we return to tell how this trip has changed and blessed me. People talk about going on mission trips to encourage others, win souls, and see Jesus lifted up. All those were there for this trip, but the changes in those who go is just as significant and amazing!
Be praying tomorrow for our wrap-up service for the kids and travel for most of the group on Sunday.
Two days of prayer.
15th - pray that at the church may be encouraged and new believers established.
Ephesians 3:16-19 - That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
16th - praise God for victory in all things through Christ.
Romans 8:35-39 - Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
"For Your sake we are being put to death all day long ;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Still excited to be on mission with God! Praying it continues at home.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There's just something about that name!
I know that I can't top the day that Aimee had. Our Lord is wonderful and faithful! Please continue to pray for Will. I had a chance to talk with him again today. He is so ready to accept Christ. Just pray that God will put a hedge of protection around him until tomorrow (both a physical one and a spiritual one).
I had so much fun today, and God is doing amazing things! This is going to be a short blog post because it's late again. Aimee posted the best part of the day even though we went to the Louvre, played with kids, made salvation bracelets, saw fireworks, talked about Daniel and the lions den, and talked about Zaccheus. It was just a full day of seeing God work despite us.
In Love With My Savior!!
I had so much fun today, and God is doing amazing things! This is going to be a short blog post because it's late again. Aimee posted the best part of the day even though we went to the Louvre, played with kids, made salvation bracelets, saw fireworks, talked about Daniel and the lions den, and talked about Zaccheus. It was just a full day of seeing God work despite us.
In Love With My Savior!!
An Incredible Day!
What an awesome day!! There are not enough words to describe how incredible I am feeling, so I know that God is rejoicing even more! When we got to the church today, there was only one mother that stayed behind for Bible Study. We weren't quite sure what to do, but went ahead to the apartment in hopes that more mothers would show up later. When we got there, I had the chance to introduce myself and also get to know this mother. Little did I know that today I would have the wonderful experience of leading her to Christ! She had a lot of questions about what it means to be a follower of Christ and also why Jesus came to the earth. God was definitely at work! I have absolutely no idea what came out of my mouth, but that's always when I know that God is speaking, not me.
I'm so encouraged by her and am so humbled that God chose me to teach her about Him. I am nothing without Him, but He used me. Wow! This is proof that when I step out of the way and let God take control of each situation, God shows His mighty hand. To God be the glory and all praise goes to Him!!! Thank you again for all your prayers. :-)
Please be in prayer now for her as she continues to grow in a deeper relationship with Christ, and also for a church home and small group to attend. She does not live very close to the church we've been working with; she just wanted to bring her children to VBS.
I am looking forward to the next 3 days as we all continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's NOTHING my God cannot do!!
In His name!
-Aimee
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Day 4... God Is Working!
Today began with our usual breakfast meeting and sharing of all that God has been doing through us and in us on this trip. Ro shared from a book she's reading about how God asks that we just be still in Him at the start of each day. He knows what will happen every moment of our day. Even though it may not be as we planned it, spending time with Him at the beginning will help us to rely on His strength throughout the day.
We had another set of musicians on the subway today. I'm looking forward to what tomorrow holds. Maybe I should have brought my trombone along and raised some money for the church? ...
We went to the church to find the people their making salad for lunch and having brought lots of fruit (peaches, nectarines, apples, and pears). The lunch meal was already shaping up to be one of the best yet! Can you see yet that we are with brothers and sisters?
We sang more songs when we started VBS today, and Brian shared from Luke 2:52 about how Jesus grew and how each child should follow His example.
Brian then taught Pastor Au how to juggle before teaching a story about Moses.
Aimee and I are learning so much from Brian about teaching kids the Word of God! Thanks, Brian, for your heart, your love of kids, and your love for our Savior.
Randy then told the story of how God helped David defeat Goliath and the entire Philistine army. Will, our translator also gets into the story.
The kids are very artistic as they draw the story. There recall after the story, a review, and a drama is fantastic!
Now, to lunch! We were served spring rolls, noodles, and chicken wings! You should have seen David plow through the chicken wings and me through the spring rolls! Then we added to the meal with a peach and pear. So good!
After lunch, we went back to the park where the kids played hard.
Brian taught the story of Jonah uses balloons, and Aimee then helped the kids review the story.
After the day's work, we left to go to see the Sacre-Coure, a cathedral up high on a hill near Paris. Our ladies battled the steps and won!
After we had dinner at a fantastic little restaurant near the bottom of the hill. Everyone agreed that every dish was great! Our waiter told us that he recommended everything on the menu. He wasn't kidding... it was all good! So good, several of us tried escargot, because your writer had to order them! Yum!!
Randy and Brian went separately to minister at the Hill Church tonight to help them begin to understand how to continue on the road to becoming disciples. I will talk to them in the morning about how the Lord is working there after our visit last night and theirs tonight.
I would like to backtrack to a conversation that I was able to have with one of our translators after lunch. Will is studying in a university here in Paris and was asked to come help translate by a lady in the church. This young man has no religious background or education and is hearing these Bible stories for the first time. Brian and I were both able to share Jesus and our testimonies with Him as we talked. Please be praying for this young man that God would speak to him, that he would listen, and that we would speak only by the Spirit. He is hearing new concepts and ideas that are changing his world view. Pray that He would follow Christ. My heart is SO full that I would have the opportunity to share my faith one on one!!
Mighty, awesome, powerful, wonderful! Our God, King, Savior, Lord!!
We had another set of musicians on the subway today. I'm looking forward to what tomorrow holds. Maybe I should have brought my trombone along and raised some money for the church? ...
We went to the church to find the people their making salad for lunch and having brought lots of fruit (peaches, nectarines, apples, and pears). The lunch meal was already shaping up to be one of the best yet! Can you see yet that we are with brothers and sisters?
We sang more songs when we started VBS today, and Brian shared from Luke 2:52 about how Jesus grew and how each child should follow His example.
Brian then taught Pastor Au how to juggle before teaching a story about Moses.
Aimee and I are learning so much from Brian about teaching kids the Word of God! Thanks, Brian, for your heart, your love of kids, and your love for our Savior.
Randy then told the story of how God helped David defeat Goliath and the entire Philistine army. Will, our translator also gets into the story.
The kids are very artistic as they draw the story. There recall after the story, a review, and a drama is fantastic!
Now, to lunch! We were served spring rolls, noodles, and chicken wings! You should have seen David plow through the chicken wings and me through the spring rolls! Then we added to the meal with a peach and pear. So good!
After lunch, we went back to the park where the kids played hard.
They learned new games.
Brian taught the story of Jonah uses balloons, and Aimee then helped the kids review the story.
After the day's work, we left to go to see the Sacre-Coure, a cathedral up high on a hill near Paris. Our ladies battled the steps and won!
After we had dinner at a fantastic little restaurant near the bottom of the hill. Everyone agreed that every dish was great! Our waiter told us that he recommended everything on the menu. He wasn't kidding... it was all good! So good, several of us tried escargot, because your writer had to order them! Yum!!
Randy and Brian went separately to minister at the Hill Church tonight to help them begin to understand how to continue on the road to becoming disciples. I will talk to them in the morning about how the Lord is working there after our visit last night and theirs tonight.
I would like to backtrack to a conversation that I was able to have with one of our translators after lunch. Will is studying in a university here in Paris and was asked to come help translate by a lady in the church. This young man has no religious background or education and is hearing these Bible stories for the first time. Brian and I were both able to share Jesus and our testimonies with Him as we talked. Please be praying for this young man that God would speak to him, that he would listen, and that we would speak only by the Spirit. He is hearing new concepts and ideas that are changing his world view. Pray that He would follow Christ. My heart is SO full that I would have the opportunity to share my faith one on one!!
Mighty, awesome, powerful, wonderful! Our God, King, Savior, Lord!!
My God is SO BIG!!
Hello everyone!! It's Aimee! =) This is the first night we have returned to our hotel that I haven't crashed in the bed. It has been an amazing, wonderful, and tiring journey so far and I have loved every minute of it!!! Thank you so much for all of your prayers and encouragement.
This week has taught me many things. On day one, God showed me how hospitable Pastor Au and his sweet wife Pearl are and how grateful they were to have us here. On day two, God showed me that He is so much bigger than me, and He has a perfect plan for each and every person that walks through the church doors. On day three, God showed me that I need to step down out of the way and watch Him work. On day four, God showed me that language barriers do not even come close to getting in His way!!!
I know that He will continue to do great things through the rest of our stories that we share, the crafts we help the children make, making balloon animals, going for trips to the park, and through fellowship with our brothers and sisters. But the best thing of all is that we will know and recognize all these faces again when we get to heaven!
Going into day five, I am going to step out of the way, humble myself, stop worrying about what they think of me, and focus on what God has called me to do. They do not care if we speak the same language, or what we look like... the only thing that they need is love, encouragement, prayer, and discipleship. To Him be the glory!!!
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me and know me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there are any hurtful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 149:1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
I look forward to the next four days, and I know God will continue to show His mighty hand as I give Him the glory for what He will do!
In Him,
Aimee
Monday, July 11, 2011
Prayer for Tuesday
Pray that we will give ourselves fully to God’s work. These days are long, but our God gives us strength to serve Him!
1 Cor. 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
There will be more VBS at Paris Chinese Baptist Church and an evening discipleship led by Randy at the 'Hill Church'.
1 Cor. 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
There will be more VBS at Paris Chinese Baptist Church and an evening discipleship led by Randy at the 'Hill Church'.
Our God is Awesome!!
Thank you for reading these updates, for lifting us up in prayer, and for helping us to follow God's call to GO!
Today was another long day, but a productive and rewarding one. It started with breakfast, which has been great! Then we sat down to here a devotion by David. He shared from Amos 4 where it says that God is powerful and wonderful, but He still wants a relationship with each of us. How amazing to have a God who spoke start into being use His voice to speak His thoughts to us?!
While we went back to the church to begin VBS, Roger left to start helping with construction. While we were riding on the subway today we were treated to a flute player. Yesterday it was an accordian.
When we got to the church there were already more kids than we thought would be there. Doesn't God always do things bigger and better than we ask or imagine?! We ended up with over 30 kids on the first day, of which half were un-churched! Pray that God speaks to their hearts so they and their families will become a part of our heavenly family.
Brian read the book "Puppies for Sale" and explained how Jesus loved each child very much and they were all important and had worth to God.
The kids learned the song, "My God is so Big!"
David told the story of Noah and the ark to begin the day. Many of the kids had never heard the story, but they did remember it when we acted out the skit with them.
After crafts we took the kids to a local park to let them run. Pastor Au even played in a game of Duck-Duck-Goose.
We've made so many friends and met some amazing brothers and sisters!
Aimee, Brian, and I then went to another house church after dinner to share the Disciple's Cross with them. Once again, the singing was true worship. I am thanking God for every opportunity to share how to be a disciple of Christ.
These people are showing love to their brothers and sisters in Christ far beyond what we do. They bring us food at every opportunity. They fix special meals for us. One brother from the Paris church spent the whole afternoon making spring rolls for us tomorrow, then will be making traditional Chinese eggs for us later in the week. He said that he feels so much love from us that he had to show us how he loves God by cooking us special things. WOW! I thank God that He shows His love through me, because it's not us but Him! Then, Pastor Au and Pearl (his wife) treated Aimee, Brian, and me to Pho soup!! I have been craving it since seeing signs near the church and they took us there before the house church. Brian and I even had the Phnom Penh version that had pig kidney and fish cake in it. Yum! And finally, at the house church in the evening they had watermelon and grapes for us, then one of their members drove us home so we wouldn't have to ride the subway. We were over 30 minutes away! When's the last time you went out of your way to make something special for a brother/sister in Christ? When's the last time you drove them to make them more comfortable even if out of your way?
God just keeps working and blessing and showing Himself faithful!!
Today was another long day, but a productive and rewarding one. It started with breakfast, which has been great! Then we sat down to here a devotion by David. He shared from Amos 4 where it says that God is powerful and wonderful, but He still wants a relationship with each of us. How amazing to have a God who spoke start into being use His voice to speak His thoughts to us?!
While we went back to the church to begin VBS, Roger left to start helping with construction. While we were riding on the subway today we were treated to a flute player. Yesterday it was an accordian.
When we got to the church there were already more kids than we thought would be there. Doesn't God always do things bigger and better than we ask or imagine?! We ended up with over 30 kids on the first day, of which half were un-churched! Pray that God speaks to their hearts so they and their families will become a part of our heavenly family.
Brian read the book "Puppies for Sale" and explained how Jesus loved each child very much and they were all important and had worth to God.
The kids learned the song, "My God is so Big!"
David told the story of Noah and the ark to begin the day. Many of the kids had never heard the story, but they did remember it when we acted out the skit with them.
After crafts we took the kids to a local park to let them run. Pastor Au even played in a game of Duck-Duck-Goose.
Aimee, Brian, and I then went to another house church after dinner to share the Disciple's Cross with them. Once again, the singing was true worship. I am thanking God for every opportunity to share how to be a disciple of Christ.
These people are showing love to their brothers and sisters in Christ far beyond what we do. They bring us food at every opportunity. They fix special meals for us. One brother from the Paris church spent the whole afternoon making spring rolls for us tomorrow, then will be making traditional Chinese eggs for us later in the week. He said that he feels so much love from us that he had to show us how he loves God by cooking us special things. WOW! I thank God that He shows His love through me, because it's not us but Him! Then, Pastor Au and Pearl (his wife) treated Aimee, Brian, and me to Pho soup!! I have been craving it since seeing signs near the church and they took us there before the house church. Brian and I even had the Phnom Penh version that had pig kidney and fish cake in it. Yum! And finally, at the house church in the evening they had watermelon and grapes for us, then one of their members drove us home so we wouldn't have to ride the subway. We were over 30 minutes away! When's the last time you went out of your way to make something special for a brother/sister in Christ? When's the last time you drove them to make them more comfortable even if out of your way?
God just keeps working and blessing and showing Himself faithful!!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday Morning Service and Eiffel Tower
It's late for us! Or early however you look at it. I'm starting this post at a quarter to 1am, but my heart is full! I wanted to share the day with you!! God is SO GOOD!
Today was Kylee's birthday. She turned 25 on this mission trip. What a way to celebrate a birthday working in the white fields of God's harvest! We were eating breakfast in our hotel and sang Happy Birthday to her. A little later the hostess brought us some chocolate covered cookies to help celebrate. Thank you!
Well, then we headed out to the church for Sunday morning worship with the Paris Chinese Baptist Church. Of course, Aimee, Brian, and Kylee spent the morning in the kids room telling stories, making balloon animals, and doing the great things they do with kids.
The Chinese sang,
listened intently to Randy preach from God's word about how to grow up in Christ,
then let us partake of the Lord's Supper with them. We are SO blessed to be here! I never would have thought I would have the opportunity to take communion with other people... It just makes you want to be around for the REAL Last Supper when Christ drinks with us again in His Kingdom!
Let me tell you about worship at this little church. You think you worship? Do you sing everything word with your whole heart? These people did.
They might not be the world's top opera singers or the next American Idol, but they made joyful noise that brought tears to my eyes and, above all, pleased our Lord. Remember next time you are in a service who you are singing to and where he's brought you from.
After the service we were fed lunch by these most hospitable people. We were handed large plates of rice that we then piled with noodles, vegetables, liver, pork, and a really good dried fish stuff. I want to find that fish stuff in Tulsa! Hannah wasn't taking enough food so a lady took her plate and piled more rice and noodles on for her. Haha!!
After dinner I had the distinct privilege of sharing with these sweet people my testimony of how I began my relationship with Christ. Then I shared the Disciple's Cross with stories at each discipline shared by Brian, Ro, Randy, and myself. God took my nervousness and turned it into passion.
He spoke through me where I forgot parts. I can't remember each moment, but I felt Him by my side at each story. Thank you, Jesus, for the unbelievable honor of being your child and getting to share with these people how you want them to grow!
Of course, we finished a little quicker than we'd planned, so there was a surprise! We were all asked to come up and share who we were and why we'd come on this trip. Each either shared their testimony or about how God worked through us and brought us here to Paris. The ministry is already growing!
Please pray for tomorrow. Please pray that lots of kids will show up, that ladies will be there for the Bible study, and that we would be ready to work wherever God asks. Tomorrow will be a busy one with some leading VBS, others leading a ladies Bible study, others leading more adult discipleship, and also some going to helpwith construction.
Of course, we got to see a little of Paris tonight.
We went all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Paris might be the City of Lights, but they need THE LIGHT to shine through us all!!
----------------------------
Today's Prayer Calendar Item:
As we seek to reveal Jesus and the kingdom of heaven, pray God's Spirit will powerfully work.
Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
In His service!!
Today was Kylee's birthday. She turned 25 on this mission trip. What a way to celebrate a birthday working in the white fields of God's harvest! We were eating breakfast in our hotel and sang Happy Birthday to her. A little later the hostess brought us some chocolate covered cookies to help celebrate. Thank you!
Well, then we headed out to the church for Sunday morning worship with the Paris Chinese Baptist Church. Of course, Aimee, Brian, and Kylee spent the morning in the kids room telling stories, making balloon animals, and doing the great things they do with kids.
The Chinese sang,
listened intently to Randy preach from God's word about how to grow up in Christ,
then let us partake of the Lord's Supper with them. We are SO blessed to be here! I never would have thought I would have the opportunity to take communion with other people... It just makes you want to be around for the REAL Last Supper when Christ drinks with us again in His Kingdom!
Let me tell you about worship at this little church. You think you worship? Do you sing everything word with your whole heart? These people did.
They might not be the world's top opera singers or the next American Idol, but they made joyful noise that brought tears to my eyes and, above all, pleased our Lord. Remember next time you are in a service who you are singing to and where he's brought you from.
After the service we were fed lunch by these most hospitable people. We were handed large plates of rice that we then piled with noodles, vegetables, liver, pork, and a really good dried fish stuff. I want to find that fish stuff in Tulsa! Hannah wasn't taking enough food so a lady took her plate and piled more rice and noodles on for her. Haha!!
After dinner I had the distinct privilege of sharing with these sweet people my testimony of how I began my relationship with Christ. Then I shared the Disciple's Cross with stories at each discipline shared by Brian, Ro, Randy, and myself. God took my nervousness and turned it into passion.
He spoke through me where I forgot parts. I can't remember each moment, but I felt Him by my side at each story. Thank you, Jesus, for the unbelievable honor of being your child and getting to share with these people how you want them to grow!
Of course, we finished a little quicker than we'd planned, so there was a surprise! We were all asked to come up and share who we were and why we'd come on this trip. Each either shared their testimony or about how God worked through us and brought us here to Paris. The ministry is already growing!
Please pray for tomorrow. Please pray that lots of kids will show up, that ladies will be there for the Bible study, and that we would be ready to work wherever God asks. Tomorrow will be a busy one with some leading VBS, others leading a ladies Bible study, others leading more adult discipleship, and also some going to helpwith construction.
Of course, we got to see a little of Paris tonight.
We went all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Remember as you look at these pictures to pray for Paris and France and Europe. These are beautiful places, but lost.
Paris might be the City of Lights, but they need THE LIGHT to shine through us all!!
----------------------------
Today's Prayer Calendar Item:
As we seek to reveal Jesus and the kingdom of heaven, pray God's Spirit will powerfully work.
Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
In His service!!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Prayer for Sunday
We are headed this morning for Sunday worship and discipleship in the afternoon. Pray that we would hide ourselves behind Christ and reflect Him. Pray for me (Chris) specifically because it appears I will be sharing everything I learned for this trip in one shot: my testimony, the Disciple's Cross, and 3 small Bible stories with the Cross. I need His wisdom and recall.
2 Corinthians 4:5-7: For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness ofthe power will be of God and not from ourselves;
I hope you all have a blessed morning in your churches. Know that we are praying for you while we are away.
2 Corinthians 4:5-7: For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness ofthe power will be of God and not from ourselves;
Love you all!!
Arrival and First Service
We have arrived in France and have returned from our first service with the Paris Chinese Baptist Church.
Today has been a crazy long day! We've only had a few hours sleep since we left Tulsa because of all the flights and being 7 hours ahead. But, we're in our room now resting and getting ready to sleep for tomorrow where we will attend this church's worship service then begin adult discipleship.
Please be praying for me tomorrow as I will be presenting the Disciple's Cross, my testimony, and a couple stories.
But, you came for updates on today! We got to our hotel, checked in (though that was not a smooth process), got our metro passes, and took a nap.
Then we rode the metro about 45 minutes to the church where we tied a TON of balloon animals, swords, flowers, and hats for kids along the street.
There were SO many kids and people asking for balloons as we handed out invitations to VBS and candy. We're praying many of them show up on Monday!
Then, we were fed dinner by the church. There were dumplings that are better than any restaurant in Tulsa and a coconut custard... There were other things, but you know those are two of my favorites. Then, we began the opening service. God is good!! We surprised the church by singing Amazing Grace in Mandarin Chinese, then they sang along with us. I can just imagine what it will be like in heaven to hear thousands of languages singing praises at the same time to our Creator. It was incredible!!
Then, Amanda, Aimee, and myself helped to teach them a new song (for them) called Hosanna. Randy, David, and Roger then told stories of the creation and Jesus' betrayal, trial, death, and resurrection.
WOW! Fantastic job on some long stories. We can only pray that the message of God's redemption of us was cast on fertile soil.
Here is today's prayer and verse:
Today has been a crazy long day! We've only had a few hours sleep since we left Tulsa because of all the flights and being 7 hours ahead. But, we're in our room now resting and getting ready to sleep for tomorrow where we will attend this church's worship service then begin adult discipleship.
Please be praying for me tomorrow as I will be presenting the Disciple's Cross, my testimony, and a couple stories.
But, you came for updates on today! We got to our hotel, checked in (though that was not a smooth process), got our metro passes, and took a nap.
There were SO many kids and people asking for balloons as we handed out invitations to VBS and candy. We're praying many of them show up on Monday!
Then, we were fed dinner by the church. There were dumplings that are better than any restaurant in Tulsa and a coconut custard... There were other things, but you know those are two of my favorites. Then, we began the opening service. God is good!! We surprised the church by singing Amazing Grace in Mandarin Chinese, then they sang along with us. I can just imagine what it will be like in heaven to hear thousands of languages singing praises at the same time to our Creator. It was incredible!!
Then, Amanda, Aimee, and myself helped to teach them a new song (for them) called Hosanna. Randy, David, and Roger then told stories of the creation and Jesus' betrayal, trial, death, and resurrection.
WOW! Fantastic job on some long stories. We can only pray that the message of God's redemption of us was cast on fertile soil.
Here is today's prayer and verse:
2 Corinthians 4:1-4
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Pray that we yield to God’s Spirit and clearly tell the Bible stories for His glory.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Travel Day!!
We're boarding planes today to leave for France. Pray for safe travels, connecting flights, rest on the journey (7 hour time loss), and peace.
Today's Prayer Calendar Item: Psalm 46:10
Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Ask God that we will abide in Him – so that He will be exalted among the nations.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Preparation Day
About 24 hours from now we will be gather at the airport to check into our flights and take the next phase of the amazing journey. We've been working hard at preparing our hearts and minds to do His will.
Today's prayer calendar item is from Ephesians 6:19-20
And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
I'm nervous to be on the way and see what's going to happen. Have I studied my stories enough? Is every item packed that we need? What's the language barrier going to be like? (We're going to Chinese-speaking people in a French-speaking city.) Is my heart purified and my spirit emptied for His purpose?
There are a lot of questions and concerns, but I know He is able. The thing I'm am holding onto in the whole whirlwind of emotion and action is Paul's benediction in Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
I'm praying that He will work through this fragile vessel of clay for His glory and His purpose. I can't do it, but He can.
Today's prayer calendar item is from Ephesians 6:19-20
Pray that God would grant us boldness - and that He will do more than we can imagine.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Two More Days!
Well, we're down to two more days before the trip. The last packing is being done, we're reviewing our stories again and again, we're praying and seeking His Spirit to fill us.
I'm anxious to be there! It's hard to focus at work knowing that we'll be on another continent in less than 58 hours serving and finally seeing what we've been working so hard at for months. I am excited to be about the business God has in store for us!
From our prayer calendar for today: Ask God to grant us minds in tune with His purposes — unselfish, humble hearts
Phil 2:1-5 — Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
I'm anxious to be there! It's hard to focus at work knowing that we'll be on another continent in less than 58 hours serving and finally seeing what we've been working so hard at for months. I am excited to be about the business God has in store for us!
From our prayer calendar for today: Ask God to grant us minds in tune with His purposes — unselfish, humble hearts
Phil 2:1-5 — Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
What does God ask?
We have only three days left in Broken Arrow before leaving for France! The process of getting last things packed and ready, reviewing stories, taking care of pets, etc. is underway! Please pray for rest and sanity before we leave. It will be a busy week before we are on the plane to France via Houston Friday morning.
What do we hope to accomplish? What things has God put on our hearts to accomplish through Him with this trip?
Simply put by our leader and missions pastor, "Our mission is to win the church’s trust and to be an encouragement them. Our prayer is that we teach and encourage the church membership, demonstrate the effectiveness of outside assistance, and earn the right to return in the years following."
This is a big task and one that will hopefully continue for years. So, today you can begin to pray. I've sent many of you the prayer calendar, but here is today's Scripture reading and prayer request.
Request: Thank God for giving us the privilege of being His hands and feet in France.
Passage: Matt 28:18-20
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
What do we hope to accomplish? What things has God put on our hearts to accomplish through Him with this trip?
Simply put by our leader and missions pastor, "Our mission is to win the church’s trust and to be an encouragement them. Our prayer is that we teach and encourage the church membership, demonstrate the effectiveness of outside assistance, and earn the right to return in the years following."
This is a big task and one that will hopefully continue for years. So, today you can begin to pray. I've sent many of you the prayer calendar, but here is today's Scripture reading and prayer request.
Request: Thank God for giving us the privilege of being His hands and feet in France.
Passage: Matt 28:18-20
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Thursday, June 30, 2011
How?
That's the big question! How are we going to accomplish all the tasks we believe God has set before us? Well, the answer is with His power and Spirit.
Aimee has already answered part of the question by explaining Bible-storying. It's a really neat way to teach someone Bible truths and for them to remember. The people you tell the story to actually glean so much truth because the Spirit speaks to them just as much as to us.
Also, we are doing VBS activities, women's Bible studies, and adult discipleship. (On the VBS thing... Aimee and I have been practicing balloon animals and swords!! So much fun!!) I'd like you to pray for me though as I am going to be leading the intro into each Bible story for the adults by using the Discple's Cross. Aimee and I had the privilege to go through MasterLife 1 and 2 earlier this year, and our trip leader, Randy, decided I needed to be the one to present the Discple's Cross on our trip. What an honor! I'm excited to share each part of it, but it's a lot of material to memorize and share. Pray that the Spirit uses the truths and tools that I share to help these Christians grow into effective disciples.
Here's a preview of the end. We have several things to be His disciples, among which:
Aimee has already answered part of the question by explaining Bible-storying. It's a really neat way to teach someone Bible truths and for them to remember. The people you tell the story to actually glean so much truth because the Spirit speaks to them just as much as to us.
Also, we are doing VBS activities, women's Bible studies, and adult discipleship. (On the VBS thing... Aimee and I have been practicing balloon animals and swords!! So much fun!!) I'd like you to pray for me though as I am going to be leading the intro into each Bible story for the adults by using the Discple's Cross. Aimee and I had the privilege to go through MasterLife 1 and 2 earlier this year, and our trip leader, Randy, decided I needed to be the one to present the Discple's Cross on our trip. What an honor! I'm excited to share each part of it, but it's a lot of material to memorize and share. Pray that the Spirit uses the truths and tools that I share to help these Christians grow into effective disciples.
Here's a preview of the end. We have several things to be His disciples, among which:
- LORD who asks for our all each and every day
- RELATIONSHIPS with God and others
- COMMITMENTS to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him
- RESOURCES in His Word, prayer, fellowship, and witnessing
- MINISTRIES of Teaching/Preaching, Worship/Intercession, Nurture, Evangelism, and Service
- DISCIPLINES to have time with the Master, live in the Word, pray in faith, fellowship with believers, witness to the world, and minister to others
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Who are we ministering to?
You've heard from Aimee today some of how we are ministering to the Han in Paris. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to story with them. I will expound on the things I am learning in preparation a little later.
Who are we ministering to? That's the next question I'll try to answer.
The Han Chinese people living in Paris is the quick answer. We are ministering to a church in Chinatown Paris. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ who need encouragement and have asked for us to come over and help them begin to minister to their neighbors.
Let me add some items from our mission notes:
- This is essentially a brand new church plant that is small in numbers, with limited response from the community. The church (Paris Baptist Chinese Church) has ~25 attendees on a given Sunday. Most are long-term members, but there are 6-7 who have been believers less than two years.
- The VBS week attendance runs 15-25.
- Several Chinese pastors have come and gone, discouraged by the lack of response. Pastor Au and Pearl are now there and need our prayers and encouragement.
In short, we are going to help them reach their own culture, one we don't understand and can't reach without their help.
Please be in prayer for Pastor Au and wife Pearl that they would continue to be strengthened in their work by the Holy Spirit. Pray that we are ready and able to encourage and equip the saints there.
To be called faithful!
My Take
Hi! Aimee here. :) Now that Chris has explained where and why we are going, I thought I'd drop in and talk about things that are personally going on with me.
As I have been preparing for this trip, I was introduced to "Bible Storying." The idea is that you take different stories in the Bible, memorize them, and then go and tell them to a group of children and/or adults. One of the stories I am memorizing is Jonah. Okay, let me just say, this is not an easy task. Going into it I thought, "I can tell the story of Jonah, I've heard it a million times!" Well, just because I've been in church and heard this story since I was in diapers does not mean I can tell it correctly. There is so much more to the book of Jonah than I thought! He was a very selfish, reluctant, easily angered man. He ran from God and didn't GO where he was asked to go; he tried to hide from God; then when God punished him by allowing some sailors to throw him overboard and then living in a fish for three days and nights, he finally did what he was told; then when God showed compassion and did not destroy Nineveh Jonah pouted and told God he would rather die!
As I have continued studying, memorizing, reading and re-reading this story, I began evaluating my own heart. How many times has God asked me to GO and I just didn't listen? How many opportunities have I missed out on because I was trying to "hide" from God? Now, I have never lived in the belly of a large fish (thank goodness!), but God doesn't let me get away with ignoring Him. It has been several years since I've gone on a mission trip, and now is the time God is telling me to GO! (I've also had to work on my getting easily angered problem too...). God is caring, compassionate, and abundant in loving-kindness!! I'm so grateful for his unconditional love and forgiveness.
This trip is not about me, how well I can tell a story, or how others view me. This trip is all about God, for His glory, and for the lives of the people God will place in my path. I am purely an instrument...just a sinful body that God is going to use to further His kingdom.
So, how can you pray for me? Pray that I will fully rely on God to use me and that I will continue to listen to Him when He wants me to GO!
In His Name!!
Aimee :)
As I have been preparing for this trip, I was introduced to "Bible Storying." The idea is that you take different stories in the Bible, memorize them, and then go and tell them to a group of children and/or adults. One of the stories I am memorizing is Jonah. Okay, let me just say, this is not an easy task. Going into it I thought, "I can tell the story of Jonah, I've heard it a million times!" Well, just because I've been in church and heard this story since I was in diapers does not mean I can tell it correctly. There is so much more to the book of Jonah than I thought! He was a very selfish, reluctant, easily angered man. He ran from God and didn't GO where he was asked to go; he tried to hide from God; then when God punished him by allowing some sailors to throw him overboard and then living in a fish for three days and nights, he finally did what he was told; then when God showed compassion and did not destroy Nineveh Jonah pouted and told God he would rather die!
As I have continued studying, memorizing, reading and re-reading this story, I began evaluating my own heart. How many times has God asked me to GO and I just didn't listen? How many opportunities have I missed out on because I was trying to "hide" from God? Now, I have never lived in the belly of a large fish (thank goodness!), but God doesn't let me get away with ignoring Him. It has been several years since I've gone on a mission trip, and now is the time God is telling me to GO! (I've also had to work on my getting easily angered problem too...). God is caring, compassionate, and abundant in loving-kindness!! I'm so grateful for his unconditional love and forgiveness.
This trip is not about me, how well I can tell a story, or how others view me. This trip is all about God, for His glory, and for the lives of the people God will place in my path. I am purely an instrument...just a sinful body that God is going to use to further His kingdom.
So, how can you pray for me? Pray that I will fully rely on God to use me and that I will continue to listen to Him when He wants me to GO!
In His Name!!
Aimee :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Why are we going?
I promised to try and post each day about the trip and answer some of the questions we had leading up to this adventure with our amazing Creator. It's a lot later in the evening that I had intended, but that happens when you're busy preparing stories for the trip.
Yesterday, I said I would try and answer the question of why Aimee and I chose the Paris trip over others. First, Aimee and I had already prayed and felt God's leading that we needed to be on mission with Him, not just locally, but globally. This didn't mean just using our financial and prayer assets. It meant using our hands and feet to GO. The verse we picked on our wedding day was Psalm 90:17.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
God began to show us that if we wanted to ask for His favor, then the work of our hands should be to help expand His Kingdom. We will lift up His name! What better way to ask the Lord to establish the work of our hands than to be about His business?
Second, we did have the opportunities to join with groups traveling to Venezuela, Netherlands, Mexico, and others this year, but Aimee and I new that we needed a trip that spoke to each of our talents and gifts. Paris fit the bill. Aimee is an incredible teacher of kids: the Paris trip is going to have a VBS-style focus. I am much more comfortable teaching adults, and lately I've been studying discipleship: the Paris trip is going to have an adult discipleship focus.
Third, we wanted to help start a new ministry, be on the first line of offense for the Kingdom in a new place. As I talked about yesterday, this trip engages a people group that needs Jesus and encourages existing believers. I'll talk more about what we hope to accomplish with this mission.
And finally, God has confirmed this trip in our hearts and others who have prayed with us and for us. Not only have people given generously and sacrificially to help, but God has continually shown Aimee and myself His will through passages of scripture we've read and heard from our pastor.
Thanks for coming by. Please keep praying for safety for each member of our team leading up to and through the trip. Pray for God to continue preparing the soil for the seed and fruit He's producing in each of us.
Hopefully we'll hear from Aimee tomorrow about her heart and what's going through her mind about this journey.
In His name!
How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ Romans 10:14-15
Yesterday, I said I would try and answer the question of why Aimee and I chose the Paris trip over others. First, Aimee and I had already prayed and felt God's leading that we needed to be on mission with Him, not just locally, but globally. This didn't mean just using our financial and prayer assets. It meant using our hands and feet to GO. The verse we picked on our wedding day was Psalm 90:17.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
God began to show us that if we wanted to ask for His favor, then the work of our hands should be to help expand His Kingdom. We will lift up His name! What better way to ask the Lord to establish the work of our hands than to be about His business?
Second, we did have the opportunities to join with groups traveling to Venezuela, Netherlands, Mexico, and others this year, but Aimee and I new that we needed a trip that spoke to each of our talents and gifts. Paris fit the bill. Aimee is an incredible teacher of kids: the Paris trip is going to have a VBS-style focus. I am much more comfortable teaching adults, and lately I've been studying discipleship: the Paris trip is going to have an adult discipleship focus.
Third, we wanted to help start a new ministry, be on the first line of offense for the Kingdom in a new place. As I talked about yesterday, this trip engages a people group that needs Jesus and encourages existing believers. I'll talk more about what we hope to accomplish with this mission.
And finally, God has confirmed this trip in our hearts and others who have prayed with us and for us. Not only have people given generously and sacrificially to help, but God has continually shown Aimee and myself His will through passages of scripture we've read and heard from our pastor.
Thanks for coming by. Please keep praying for safety for each member of our team leading up to and through the trip. Pray for God to continue preparing the soil for the seed and fruit He's producing in each of us.
Hopefully we'll hear from Aimee tomorrow about her heart and what's going through her mind about this journey.
In His name!
How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ Romans 10:14-15
Monday, June 27, 2011
Why Paris? Why the Han?
Thanks for coming by to read about our mission trip this summer. Aimee and I will both be posting things that are on our hearts and minds before, during, and after this amazing opportunity.
I'll try to post something every day before the trip explaining why we are going, who we are ministering to, how we are ministering, and what we hope to accomplish with God while we are in Paris.
So, I'll start with the first item in my list today... WHY PARIS? WHY THE HAN CHINESE?
The Han Chinese are the largest unreached people group in the world. An unreached people group is a group of people that share culture and language but have less than 2% Evangelical Christians. Tom Elliff (as the new president of the International Mission Board for the Southern Baptists) cast a vision on the final convention day for Southern Baptists to reach the unengaged people of the world. It begins with a call of commitment for each of these 3,800 groups to be adopted by a church within the next year. Our church (First Baptist in Broken Arrow) had already begun the adoption process of two new groups last year. FBCBA has had tremendous success with the Tanti people in India and felt it was time to reach out to more. The two groups that the church is now adopting after prayer and consideration are the Han Chinese in Paris, France and the Armenian refugees in the Netherlands.
Now that you understand 'why the Han' I can begin to explain 'why Paris'. First, it is very difficult to reach out and minister in China because of the government and the sheer daunting task of a billion people. Paris is a lot easier to get to for an American without medical training or a business. Second, there are around 250,000 Han in Paris that are unreached and unengaged. That means that there are less than 5000 Evangelical Christians (we believe there are far fewer than that). Paris is a mission field among these people, and Christ told us to GO! Third, the pastor of the church we will be primarily working through in Paris is asking for our help. They have never asked for help from anyone outside the Chinese, much less Americans.
And a final broad stroke to this trip is that we hope to minister to, encourage, and disciple the believers in Paris so that they will return home to share in China, that they will win and disciple souls in Paris, and that those in turn will do the same when/if they return to China. They will have many more tools to begin that work in places we cannot go.
Next time I'll answer why Aimee and I chose this mission and call over so many others our church offers. My heart and mind is so full of things right now to post and talk about. I'll try and limit it each day so I don't overwhelm anyone coming in for the first time.
More Information:
Article about SBC Service and Committment for Unreached/Unengaged
Information about the Unreached and Unengaged
God is good!! We are so blessed to be called his children and be on mission with Him!
I'll try to post something every day before the trip explaining why we are going, who we are ministering to, how we are ministering, and what we hope to accomplish with God while we are in Paris.
So, I'll start with the first item in my list today... WHY PARIS? WHY THE HAN CHINESE?
The Han Chinese are the largest unreached people group in the world. An unreached people group is a group of people that share culture and language but have less than 2% Evangelical Christians. Tom Elliff (as the new president of the International Mission Board for the Southern Baptists) cast a vision on the final convention day for Southern Baptists to reach the unengaged people of the world. It begins with a call of commitment for each of these 3,800 groups to be adopted by a church within the next year. Our church (First Baptist in Broken Arrow) had already begun the adoption process of two new groups last year. FBCBA has had tremendous success with the Tanti people in India and felt it was time to reach out to more. The two groups that the church is now adopting after prayer and consideration are the Han Chinese in Paris, France and the Armenian refugees in the Netherlands.
Now that you understand 'why the Han' I can begin to explain 'why Paris'. First, it is very difficult to reach out and minister in China because of the government and the sheer daunting task of a billion people. Paris is a lot easier to get to for an American without medical training or a business. Second, there are around 250,000 Han in Paris that are unreached and unengaged. That means that there are less than 5000 Evangelical Christians (we believe there are far fewer than that). Paris is a mission field among these people, and Christ told us to GO! Third, the pastor of the church we will be primarily working through in Paris is asking for our help. They have never asked for help from anyone outside the Chinese, much less Americans.
And a final broad stroke to this trip is that we hope to minister to, encourage, and disciple the believers in Paris so that they will return home to share in China, that they will win and disciple souls in Paris, and that those in turn will do the same when/if they return to China. They will have many more tools to begin that work in places we cannot go.
Next time I'll answer why Aimee and I chose this mission and call over so many others our church offers. My heart and mind is so full of things right now to post and talk about. I'll try and limit it each day so I don't overwhelm anyone coming in for the first time.
More Information:
Article about SBC Service and Committment for Unreached/Unengaged
Information about the Unreached and Unengaged
God is good!! We are so blessed to be called his children and be on mission with Him!
Beginning the Blog
Here is a first post to get going. I'll write more tonight about what this trip is and why we're on this mission.
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