Crucified with Christ

New Life Because of the Resurrection of Jesus

2012-01-12T19:03:00.004-05:00

Some thoughts from 1 Corinthians 15:1-19-

People believe that Jesus’ death is the reason we have eternal life. That death was the death we should have died because of our sinfulness. However, it's his resurrection that gives us the eternal life we have been promised. Paul is reminding the Corinthian church about this message he had preached- one that they all believed in, and that if they do not hold firmly to it, their faith is all for nothing. Putting faith in Christ and His resurrection is not something to be taken lightly. If the Holy Spirit lives within you, then you really believe that Jesus was and is the redeemer for our sin. This is not something you can take back, and if you think it can be taken back or taken away, then you never had it in the first place. That is why Paul says to hold firmly to it, or els you have not really believed.

Paul gives all the further proof that they and we should need to continue in our faith- that according to all we put our faith in, the Holy Scriptures, Jesus carried out what was written. He then goes on to tell the testimony of those who had seen him after death to give further proof of a resurrection, and through that resurrection of Jesus, we receive new life. Paul also gives a little of his testimony before he followed Christ, and how undeserving he was of God's favor. But, since receiving new life, he worked all that much harder to prove he deserved God's gift.

Those who do not believe in any resurrection and keep Jesus on the cross as a martyr are not preaching a full Gospel message, and if Jesus is really just a dead person and not raised to life, then we are worse off than anyone else- we still live in our sin thinking we are forgiven. Praise God that Jesus came to put an end to spiritual death through His death and resurrection. From that resurrection, we get new life and full connection to God.

So, Jesus raised to new life or not? You cannot believe half the Gospel- that Jesus took our punishment physically but was not raised to life after death. The resurrection is what gives us proof that we have been forgiven through that death. Anyone can give their life to take punishment for someone else. God proved that He has forgiven us through Jesus’ death by raising him from death, and now we have the ability to be raised from spiritual death.

What About The 10 Commandments?

2012-01-10T18:41:00.002-05:00

10 simple/basic rules to follow from Exodus 20:1-17:

Do not worship any gods other than God. Speaks for itself, the number one and most important of all the commandments. Some people ask or wonder if God is conceited by always talking about Himself. Why not? Isn’t He God? If He elevated anything or anyone over Himself, God would be breaking His own first commandment.
Don’t make and worship any images of anything created by God, but love God and obey Him. Idol worship is huge all over Asia. Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism all have idol worship where people bow down to statues of images over bowing before the Creator of those images. We also make images in our hearts- anything we put before God is showing that we love that thing over God, and He tells us to love Him with all of our hearts by obeying Him.
Do not misuse God’s name. Using God’s name as a curse word. How easy we do it when we are angry. Even further- don’t use God’s name to profit. So many people over the history of the world have used God’s name to make money, go to war, kill, etc. That is misuse of God’s name, and He says He will punish those who do so.
Remember the Sabbath Day. There is a lot of controversy is over this commandment. Work for 6 days, but on the 7th day do no work and rest. God gave us at least one day of rest in the week- a day that we should take and dedicate to God. Many people think it has to be Sunday, which is for church gatherings to dedicate and worship God. Actually, Sunday is the first day of the week, so the seventh day is Saturday (I am not a 7th Day Adventist). Sunday is a day when most people around the world take off from work, so it was the day that was set to worship God and gather in church, and has remained the traditional day to set aside for church gatherings. God only wants us to take a day of rest for our health. God did not need rest- he never needs rest, but He set up a day of rest for us, and with that we should remember our God in our hearts. It doesn’t matter what day, just that one of those 7 days should be set aside for rest and to replenish our spirits by resting in God.
Respect your father and mother. Give them the honor that they deserve, but do not honor them over God, and if they break God’s commands and reject Him, still respect them, but follow God in every way. “What if they tell me to not follow God? Do I still respect them and honor them?” God takes precedence over this. We follow His commandment to love Him and no one or thing above Him. There may come a time when we shake the dust off our feet if this relationship interferes with our relationship with God- we honor God first and most, but through that love of God we also love our parents.
Do not murder. We make the argument that we are good people because we have not murdered anyone. That’s good, but Jesus takes this commandment further. He says that if we have anger in our hearts toward another person- if we hate them, then we commit murder in our hearts. God is concerned not only by our physical obedience, but our spiritual obedience, and that comes from our heart.
Do not commit adultery. Be faithful to your spouse in marriage. Perhaps easy enough, but Jesus takes this one further also. He says when we look at another woman and wanter her or lust after her, we have already committed the act of adultery in our hearts.
Do not steal. This means anything. If we don’t rob banks, we think we’re okay. But, if we steal anything, even something very small, which means taking something without paying for it, we are guilty of breaking this commandment. Some controversy has come up from this commandment also. What if someone is starving, and they have to steal to eat? Stealing is bad, and it is in the heart that we conceive the plot to steal. If we confess to follow God, we put our trust in Him to provide EVERYTHING we need, and He will provide. When we steal, we jump over what God plans to bless us with- we go behind His back or around His plan. Wait on the Lord, and He will give you what you need.
Don’t tell lies. Be truthful always. When we lie, it does no good. Satan is the father of all lies, and when we start to lie, we wind up in ruins. We can lie to men, but when that lie is told, God knows it and we cannot hide from Him. Annanais and Sapphira learned this rule in Acts 5. We will know it when we face judgment, that God knows all our secrets that we try to hide from men, and those will be judged by God.
Don’t want your neighbor’s stuff. Be happy with what you have. If you wallow in pity over not having what someone else has, you will be really unhappy, and you are showing that you are not trusting in God. If you lust after the things that someone else has, you will begin to have evil thoughts, jealousy, anger and greed.

The 10 Commandments are not just a guideline, they are commands given to us by the One True God of the universe. We are to keep them in our hearts so that when difficult temptations come, we can remember God’s commands and obey them, which is a way that we show Him our love.

Total Forgiveness- Because of Jesus

2012-01-09T18:31:00.002-05:00

In Philippians 2:3-11, Paul goes into more detail about who Jesus is, and how we should imitate him and why. The “Golden Rule” of treat others as you want to be treated is good, but Paul takes it a step further- treat others as better than yourself, and by doing this you follow Jesus’ example. This is the unconditional love that God gave us through Jesus, and that we are unable to love anyone or consider others better than ourselves without feeling and accepting the unconditional love of God.

Jesus was around at the beginning- the human likeness of God, and everything was made through him and for his glory. Paul says, however, that he gave up his high position and in humility became like one of us. He was born like us, he died a horrible and painful death even though he didn’t have to, and because of this Jesus has been given a name that is above all other names.

And at the name of Jesus, EVERY person will bow down both in heaven, on earth and under the earth. That means everyone, even those who are doomed to eternal punishment. This does not mean that those under eternal punishment will then get a pardon, but at the judgment, they will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Those that have rejected Jesus on this earth while alive will realize too late that they should have bowed during their life. So every person who has ever lived will bow to Jesus one day and openly confess that Jesus is Lord.

Those that have not confessed Jesus is Lord have one chance to get right with God, and it is while they are here on earth and they still have a voice to confess with. In a conversation with Wut (pronounced Woot) one of my Buddhist Thai friends, who has been asking many questions about Jesus and God, I explained about the Judgment and why we need Jesus. I tried to explain that while we are here on earth, we must accept the punishment that Jesus took for us, and confess that Jesus is Lord to be connected with God and live in eternity in heaven. He asked if it was okay to ask forgiveness and accept Jesus at the Judgment. Tough question to answer, but I told him no- we are to confess Jesus is Lord before we face judgment in order to be eternally forgiven. He asked if he could just ask forgiveness on his death bed. That question was answered with a question of “Do you know when you are going to die?” We could be taken any time, and if we have not confessed before we sit before God in judgment, we will remain eternally separated from God.

God has made it easy for us- confess our sins and believe that Christ was raised from the dead because he died for us. We've been given the gift of our sins being paid for in total forgiveness. We can remember what we were, but we celebrate who we are because of Christ and his sacrifice to glorify God and bring us back into connection and community with the Father.

Again, Who Is Jesus?

2012-01-03T20:02:00.001-05:00

In Philippians 2:3-11, Paul goes into more detail about who Jesus is, and how we should imitate him and why. The “Golden Rule” of treat others as you want to be treated is good, but Paul takes it a giant step further- treat others as better than yourself, and by doing this you follow Jesus’ example. This is the unconditional love that God gave us through Jesus, and that we are unable to love anyone or consider others better than ourselves without feeling and accepting the unconditional love of God.

Who Is Jesus & Why Do We Need Him?

2011-12-29T19:54:00.004-05:00

If there is any question or doubt about who Jesus is, Paul writes about it in Colossians 1:13-23 and gives us clear teaching on the supremacy of Christ.

God has brought us into His kingdom through the redemption of our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus, who, as Paul says is the exact image of the invisible God. Jesus looks exactly like God. Not only does Jesus look like God, He is in every way exactly like God. Jesus is not just another God separate from the Father, but the image of the invisible God. All things were created by Jesus and for Jesus, which means Jesus existed in the beginning, but came to earth at the specific time to carry out the plan of redemption for mankind. Everything is held together by Christ, who is said to be the head of the body, which is the church. He leads the church, and we make up the parts of the church body. No one but Jesus leads the church, and therefore no one is said to be the head of the body except for Jesus.

The passage says in verse 18 that Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead. This statement is confusing to many, because wasn't Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11) as was a young boy at a funeral (Luke 7), and a young girl (Matthew 9)? Why does it say here that Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead if those others were said to be raised first? The others who were raised still died physically. They were brought back to life, but not to eternal living status. Jesus, when he was raised from the dead, is still living today, and through that resurrection we also have eternal life. Anyone can take punishment for someone else. What Jesus did was to take punishment for all mankind, and to make it legitimate, God raised Jesus to solidify that the punishment was enough. It is the proof that everyone’s sins were paid for through the punishment Jesus took on the cross. We could not have eternal life without the death and resurrection of Christ.

Paul also says that God made peace with us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The only way we have peace in ourselves is through our peace with God, so Jesus came to live on earth and die to bring us into peace with God. We may look for peace in many things, but God is the only one who can give everlasting peace. “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” -John 14:27(CEV).

Because of this peace through Jesus, God allows us to stand in His presence without blame and free from accusation of sin. Jesus paid the penalty that we deserve. For this love that God showed us, Paul tells us to remain firm in our faith. The gospel is still our best hope for an eternal connection to God.

Tough words to follow sometimes, but very true. If Jesus is who every follower of Christ says he is, we can point here in Colossians for the concrete description of who Jesus is and why we need him. Jesus is the mediator between us and God (1Timothy 2:5). Just like someone who mediates between two enemies and brings peace, Jesus mediates between us and God to bring us into God’s peace. Jesus also says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. Without me, no one can go to the Father.” (John 14:6) It's pretty clear that Jesus is the only way to connect with God, that by accepting Jesus' sacrifice for us, we can be connected to God and have God’s peace and forgiveness, which give us access to Him, and He therefore sends us the Holy Spirit to help us follow Him. God loves us, and came to us in the person of Jesus so that we could live in community with God again.

Fellowship of Believers- Acts 2:37-47

2011-12-28T19:41:00.001-05:00

Church is not just a place to come on Sunday, listen to and sing music, listen to a message by the pastor, greet friends and leave. Church is not even a place or building the way we think of it. It is the act of the proclaimed followers of Christ and how they live their lives together.

The first Christian church in Acts 2 took off very quickly. Peter preached the gospel to many seekers, and they all asked “What shall we do?” Here is where Peter gives the best advice. Rather than tell them to come together in a building and listen and learn more, he tells them plainly to repent/turn back to God and be baptized in Jesus’ name to be forgiven of sins, and 3000 people joined God’s Kingdom that day, not just a local church. Their response was immediate. It is not said that they were instructed to come together regularly to eat, pray, worship, share all they have with each other, etc. They did this naturally from change Jesus did within them all. A genuine love from God helped them spiritually want to come together and share their lives in fellowship and community with each other. This is the natural progression of new believers when the Holy Spirit works within them, and those around are doing the same showing an example of their changed lives.

The picture of this first church is a picture of health, and due to that health the Lord added more believers daily. Jesus gets glory when His church functions in a healthy way, because when it does, people who are seeking God, even if they don’t know they are seeking God will be attracted to that health, thereby being attracted to all God has to offer.

Sin and the Fall- Genesis 3

2011-12-27T20:33:00.002-05:00

In Genesis 2, God had given Adam instructions while he lived in Eden- that he was to take care of everything in the garden and that he could eat anything, except the fruit from the tree of knowledge which would let him know the difference between right and wrong. It was Adam’s responsibility to to communicate that to his wife, Eve. Adam was set as the spiritual leader of his family. Eve was tempted by the devil to take and eat from that tree. The father of lies, told her the lie that she would not die if she ate it, but that God had lied to Adam by saying they would not die, but God was afraid they would become like Him. Eve took it, and it wasn’t only her fault because she gave some to Adam, who was right there with her. He should have been strong enough to tell her not to take it and be the leader of the family God set him up to be. Unfortunately, he did not, and spiritual death that God told them about for their rebellion happened- they were spiritually separated from God.

God still loves his creation, but had to punish the sin. If He had let the sin go unpunished, God would be un-just. Satan was an angel who was cast out of heaven for the sin of pride and wanting to be like God- the actual first sin, so his sin was punished. Satan demands that God continue to punish sin, since he was punished himself. That is why sin is punished in the world today- God must continue to give punishment for sin, or else He will be judged un-just.

It is sad that God’s creation was cast out of communion with God, but if this had not been done, Adam and Eve would have continued to live in their sin with no way to be reconciled to God. Their offspring would have been condemned to live in their sin without hope of being re-connected with God. God not only cursed the man and woman, that their lives would be full of hardship- the woman with labor pains while she gives birth and the man would struggle to harvest enough food to eat. The curse he put on Satan was the worst of all, and God says basically that Satan had won this battle, and you have inflicted a wound, but one day, through Eve’s offspring will come a savior to strike a fatal blow to him. God already set up a reconciliation between He and His creation- through the human birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus many generations in the future.

Praise God that although we are in sin, and separated from our Heavenly Father, He has made a way for us to be reconnected with Him. He gave us unconditional love through the sacrifice of Jesus because He didn’t wait for us to stop sinning, but while we still sin, Jesus took the punishment we deserve (Romans 5:8). And also, since sin came into the world through the act of one man, it is fitting that all sinners be made right by the act of one man's obedience (Romans 5:12-21). God is good, all the time.

Creation- Genesis 1-2

2011-12-26T19:07:00.002-05:00

Reading through Genesis and how God created the Earth, I am reminded of how God put things in order when He created things. He didn’t just put all things on the Earth in one swipe of His hand, which He could have done. He created the Earth and prepared a perfect place for us to live. Many people argue about evolution. I believe in evolution, but I believe it was put in place by the Creator. God created things in a specific order, and placed everything to grow, mature and evolve. The creation of the Earth is a great mystery, but one where all the things God created should be marveled at. The sky, the stars, the natural world around us- He created it all so that we would know there is a creator and we would glorify Him for that creation. People grieve God when they worship created things over the creator.

In India, people worship the sun, rocks, trees and other created things. The one thing we observed while living in India was that Hindus worshiped the Ganges River. It is regarded as most Holy by Hindus. In most of Asia, people worship created things over the Creator- God. It would be the same thing as an artist who paints a masterpiece, but then people marvel and elevate the masterpiece over the artist, actually even forgetting the artist all together. The work of art did not create itself- it was created by someone. Same with the earth- it did not create itself, it was created. And if you believe it was created, you have to believe that an all powerful being created it. We can marvel at the things created by God, but when we elevate them over God and give those things our worship, we give credit to the created things over the creator.

Out of all the living things God put on the earth, His most special creation was people. He made us to think and to grow and to rule over the all the living things on the earth. He put us in charge of the place he prepared for us to live. We are the only one of His creations that God made in His image- that’s pretty special. Think about how God ordered our bodies, and how all things within work together to keep us alive. It is hard for me to think that I am an accident, and that all my parts together were thrown together and came together by chance. God created our bodies as living temples to Him. He created men and women to compliment each other. When He created Adam, God saw that He had no helper like all the other animals, so He created Eve. Isn't it nteresting that God took a rib from Adam’s side, not his head or his leg or foot, but out of his side. It symbolized the equality between men and women. He created man first, and set up that men should be leaders within the household, but men and women were created to live together as compliments- a perfect fit for each other as equals.

After God created man and woman, he blessed them and told them to go out and go to work- rule the earth and multiply. Notice that God blesses them first. It is an example that we should never go anywhere without God’s blessings. If we go out on our own, we will survive, but not thrive the way God intended.

God also set up a day of rest- the example for us that we should rest from work for at least one day of the week. Why not? God made our bodies to need rest, and when God rested, He set up that day, at least one in the week, for us to rest our bodies from work, and rejuvenate. Praise God for at least one day of rest! Then God gave Adam some instructions- not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God basically told Adam not to rebel against Him, and if he did, he would suffer spiritual death and separation from God.

I love to read about the creation of the earth and give God glory for all He created. It’s the reason it was all created- even us. To glorify God.

Christmas Party at LifePoint Bangkok- Matthew Style

2011-12-23T20:06:00.011-05:00

When the Apostle Matthew came to know and commit to following Jesus, he threw a large party at his house and invited Jesus to attend. He also invited all his friends and colleagues so that they could meet Jesus and have the chance to follow Him. He invited people he had influence over- people he had relationships with, and he wanted to share his new found faith in God with those relationships.

Last night, LifePoint Bangkok took the opportunity to throw a Christmas party. Recently we rented a new space in a neighborhood that God led us to. It is now a center for our work here- we started meeting for church on Sundays, and host different events to invite the people we have been investing in. Christmas gave us the opportunity to do that, and finally host our own Matthew party.

Of our team, there were 14 of us- 19 people we all have relationships with showed- Praise God! We had some great food and fellowship between us. Nobody seemed to feel left out or out of place. We had kids Christmas shows playing in the background, and also played White Elephant (Dirty Santa) gift exchange game. After the game, the party seemed to be winding down, but nobody left. People stayed late into the night enjoying more fellowship and conversation.

Our first big LifePoint Bangkok event seemed to have been a success, but not just from the pictures. We can tell it was successful because of the comments we got from all who left. The Thai people who do not celebrate Christmas got a first hand look at how we celebrate Christmas in America, and they were thrilled to be part of it. Many gave us heart-filled thanks for including them in the party, and they all said they loved it. It was a blast.

Praise God providing an opportunity for us to take a huge step in our relationships this night. Continue to pray for those we are investing in for God's glory.

The Holy Spirit's Purpose

2011-12-21T19:44:00.002-05:00

John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus in the desert, and he begins to teach and speak of what the Holy Spirit is. The story is in Matthew 3:1-17.

Talking about the Holy Spirit is a difficult thing to do, and it can be easily mis-interpreted, misunderstood and miscommunicated. Especially in a culture that believes that spirits, good and bad, control what happens in a person’s life. It’s also hard to explain the Holy Spirit in a culture that has a casual belief in Jesus- to them it just sounds weird to talk about it. Then, there is the issue of people who believe in more than one God, and they are confused about Christians who talk about God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. This makes people, like Hindus, think that we as Christians believe there are 3 different gods. Here is how I can best explain it the way I understand it: There is God’s essence, or His being which we call the Father. There is His human image, who came to earth to live among us in the person of Jesus. And, God has a Spirit, but God’s Spirit is something that we can carry within us. That is what John means when he says we will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Being baptized in water is an outward symbol of us turning away from our sins and following Jesus- an outward expression of the change that happens on the inside. When we decide to follow Jesus, God’s Spirit comes into us, and we are immersed in it and the it lives within us (2 Timothy 1:14). As John was baptizing in the desert, the religious leaders came out to see what he was doing, and thought that by just being there and going through the motions, they could show that they were part of this new God movement and get some salvation also. John calls them out for their hypocrisy; that by going through the motions, you cannot just call yourself a person who follows God. You must also follow through in your heart. God is the only one who knows our heart besides us. We can fool other people, but we cannot fool God. He gives us His Spirit when we decide to really follow Him, as John says- we are baptized with the Holy Spirit. The very instant we confess and believe (Romans 10:9), we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13), and it is what helps us do what we must do to follow God and testify and proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Acts 1:8, Jesus says that when we receive the Holy Spirit, we will have power, and have the ability to be His witnesses wherever we go, even to the ends of the earth.

Here are some examples of how the Holy Spirit within us helps us: The Spirit teaches us what to say (Luke 12:12); His Spirit speaks for us (Mark 13:11); The Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ teachings and helps us live according to it (John 14:26); Our joy comes from the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21); it fills us with hope (Romans 15:13); The Spirit helps us pray (Jude 1:20). God’s Spirit is very important to us as believers- it’s not to be ignored or feared, but to be welcomed, released and depended upon so we as followers of Jesus can do what we have been called by God to do. We don’t do it alone- God’s Spirit helps us (John 14:16).

I struggle with talking about the Holy Spirit, and communicating clearly some of the things in the Bible about him. My main scripture study is about John the Baptist and him preaching on the Holy Spirit, but I have included many other Bible verses that explain more about the Holy Spirit and what his purpose is. Please comment and add any scripture verses as you see fit that I have probably missed that can help explain better. Thanks for reading, and God bless!

Worship- Jesus & The Woman At The Well

2011-12-20T18:47:00.003-05:00

Today, I read through one of my favorite stories (John 4:3-42). It is inspiring for all of us, no matter our situation to worship God.

So many things in this story about Jesus and His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. My focus today, however is worship. Jesus’ conversation with her gets spiritual pretty quickly, and the woman, realizing Jesus as a man of God, asks about the differences between Jewish and Samaritan worship of God. Jews felt that true worship was in Jerusalem, while Samaritans believed they needed to worship the way their fathers did- in Samaria. Jesus immediately corrects her and states that the place to worship God does not matter, but that true worship is in the spirit. People who follow God must worship in Spirit and in truth, and that is not based on location. If location were an issue, everyone outside of Jerusalem would be worshiping God the wrong way. This is also the case when we say that one type of church denomination worships God wrong because of their singing, church building, day of worship, etc. There is no time constraints, no geographical boundaries, no perfect 4 walled structure, no specific church program needed to worship God in the correct way. Jesus says we must worship in Spirit and truth. Worship is showing our love to God, and we can show our love for God in everything we do, no matter where we are. Our lives are made to please God, and when we please God by showing our love for Him; with our worship. We show ourselves as followers of God to others as worshiping in Spirit and truth, not in rules and regulations according to religion and tradition. Worship God right where you are! The Samaritan woman did- she showed her love for God, not worrying about her reputation, by sharing her new found faith in Christ with all her townspeople. Many Samaritans believed in Jesus at that time because of the woman’s testimony. Can you show God that you love Him by sharing your testimony about how God loves you today? Everyday?

Praising God

2011-12-19T18:57:00.002-05:00

Luke 17:11-19, the story is about how we should give God our worship and thank him for all that we have.

So far, our pattern of following Jesus is to abide in Christ, read and meditate on His Word and to communicate with God through prayer. In addition, we must also live in a spirit of worship. Worship is not just singing in church, it is the way we show our love to God. As Jesus met the 10 lepers, they asked for healing, but Jesus didn’t heal them on the spot. He commanded them to go show themselves to the priests, as was the custom for people with leprosy to be inspected by the priests so they could be accepted back into society. Their healing took place on the way to the priests. With their excitement, they all went back to their lives excited to pick up their lives where they left off- all except one, who realized he needed to show love back to God for his healing. Jesus commended him, even though he was a foreigner, and then asked where the others were. We need to take this example and give praise to God in all circumstances, especially when we receive great things from Jesus. The reason we should live in a constant state of worship is because we have already received the greatest gift of all- our salvation.

Prayer

2011-12-16T19:10:00.001-05:00

Here is one area of my life that I seem to overlook, but God wants to hear from us, and Jesus gives us a great model of prayer in Luke 11:1-13 & Luke 18:1-8.

In following with the pattern of previous studies, we follow Christ by reading His word and meditating on it. We also have direct communication with the Father through prayer. In Luke, Jesus is asked to show us how to pray. He gives a structure of praise, thanksgiving, forgiveness and asking. He then goes on to say how much God would give us if we simply ask consistently. Later in Luke, he tells of the story of an unrighteous judge who relents and gives justice to a woman because she consistently begs him for help. His point is that even the unrighteous give what is needed due to persistence. Jesus shows us to pray with consistency, and not lose heart. How many times to we pray about something we need, but it is in quick passing- “Hey God, could you do me a favor?” We talk so much in our prayers, and our prayers are all about us, not God. We need to first give praise to Him- He’s our king! Let YOUR will be done God, not mine. It’s not about me. Second, we should thank Him for all we have already- that kind of puts things into perspective, and even the thing we are preparing to ask God about might not even seem that important comparatively. Third, we need to ask forgiveness for anything that might be hindering us in our conversation with God, and we must remind ourselves that since we are forgiven, we must also forgive those who have sinned against us. Deliver us from evil- ask for protection against temptations. After this part of the conversation, feel free to ask what you want. Jesus says: “You have not because you ask not.” Our earthly fathers give us good things and not bad things, and they are human and sinful. How much more will a gracious, heavenly father give us if we ask? But asking according to His will is the key. Once we put our prayer into perspective, we must ask according to what will please and glorify Him. It's not an option, it’s part of following Jesus.

Meditating on God's Word

2011-12-15T18:19:00.001-05:00

Short thoughts on Psalm 119:1-16.

David gives us the example and the challenge to keep our ways pure by knowing the word. As stated above, we can do nothing apart from the vine, and part of that vine is The Word of God. Keep God’s statutes, and meditate or think long and hard about God’s laws and words. Blessed are those who keep his testimonies and who seek Him with their whole heart. Don’t miss this- receive God’s blessings not just by luck, but by reading and keeping His word and following the ways of those words. I was asked by one of my Thai friends if it is hard to follow all of the things in the Bible. I told him honestly that it is impossible to follow all of it, but we try. And the only way to try our best is to know what it says is by reading it, and praying and talking with God. God sets his laws up not for us to follow them all, because He knows it is impossible to do that. He set up His laws so that we can see how far separated from God we are, and nothing we do can bring us closer. God is the one who brings us closer with His word and His spirit. The work is already done, and what remains is grace. How do we know these things if we do not read, think hard on (meditate), delight in and follow His word? How do we know how to follow Jesus unless we study His Word?

The Vine and the Branches/Abiding in Christ

2011-12-14T19:00:00.001-05:00

More thoughts from my daily time in the Word- John 15:1-11

Staying connected to the vine- Jesus and His word. When we decide to follow Jesus and be fishers of men, we must stay connected to Him. If we are apart from Jesus and His word, we can do nothing, for then we are trusting in ourselves and not God. Reading the Word and talking/praying to God daily are two ways we stay connected to the vine. When we are connected to the vine (GOD) we begin to bear fruit that God wants us to bear, and in this way we show everyone that we are Jesus’ disciples. We cannot do this by ourselves, even though we might have great knowledge of scripture and God’s law. Simple knowledge is not enough, we must listen to God and his Spirit which guides us in the ways we must go. I will bear no fruit apart from the vine. When I do not bear fruit, I am not able to show that I am a disciple of Christ. Servants do not know their master’s business. We are friends of God, and we are all about our Father’s business, and He has revealed that business to us- it's no secret! He has left it to us to carry out, and our main task is to glorify God over all things. We cannot glorify Him if we do not know His business. We do not know His business unless we trust in His spirit to guide us in carrying it out.

Fishers of Men/Following Christ

2011-12-13T18:49:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to share some thoughts on my study of Luke 5:1-11 from the other day:

As Jesus went through the countryside preaching God's Word, he came to the sea of Galilee and saw that the crowds were getting large. He didn't retreat at this time nor did he send them away. Jesus simply used what was around him- the fishermen’s boat. Contrary to what we think about this situation, his target audience was not the huge crowd, but the fishermen. He wanted to see how he was received, so he asked to use their boat to speak to the crowd from. He then rewarded them with a huge catch of fish, and revealed to them his true nature and asked them to follow him fully. Sometimes, even when we are speaking to the large crowd, our target audience is the ones with whom we have direct influence and contact with. It is many times the ones we are developing into leaders, and those we will equip for bigger purposes, in this case Peter, James and John. Your initial audience may be large, but you will have a greater impact on those few who are closest to you in relationship.

Going to School

2011-12-01T19:20:00.000-05:00

A student started going to school at the age of 5. Kindergarten. He was worried he had to know all that there was to know about school before he went, but his mom told him, "School is for learning. As you go, you learn, so don't worry about knowing everything first." With confidence, he went. Every day. He rarely missed a day. He was a perfect attender.

As he grew and moved into higher grades, he realized that the teacher was telling him to do things he really didn't want to do. Follow the rules, read the textbook. It wasn't fun for him, and he didn't like following all the rules, which made him not like the teacher, but he did his best to follow them because he liked to be in school. And the books were hard to read. He didn't understand them, so he didn't try. He hoped he could learn what he needed from his friends. He wasn't doing well in class.

He continued on in his school career. He made lots of friends and had a lot of fun, but continued to just show up to school with perfect attendance, making sure he followed the written rules of the school, and even volunteering for different jobs around the school. He still didn't read much of the textbooks or follow the teachers' instructions. He moved on into High School somehow, and had much social success, but still didn't listen and follow the teacher's instructions. He looked forward to the day when he would graduate and move on in his life.

When graduation came, he became excited. He felt like he had been the perfect student. Everyone liked him, and he was very popular among the other students. On the day of graduation, all of his friends received their diplomas and were ready to move on. However, he did not receive one, because he didn't graduate due to his poor grades. He went before the school faculty to find out why he could not graduate and receive a diploma like all his friends.

He argued, "I have rarely missed a day. I show up all the time to school. I dress nicely. I have lots of friends who love me. Why can't I graduate also?"

You showed up, but you did not grow. You were here, but you did not read or study. You sat in the chairs and looked like the perfect student, but you did not listen to the teachers lessons. Just showing up to school is not enough. You must also listen to the teacher, read the textbook and do what they tell you. That is how you can graduate.

How often does this story play out in churches all across America, and even the world? Christians think they can show up to church, have perfect attendance, make lots of friends and have good fellowship, volunteer in the church- but never open the bible (textbook) and apply it; never pray to God (the teacher) and listen and do what He says. Church is not there to go and check the box, and in the end think that we can have salvation. Jesus says on that day, he will tell those people, "I never knew you."

Does the fault for that go with the people, or the church? The church's responsibility is to educate and equip the people within the church, much like a school's responsibility is to educate and equip young people for their future. The church has to be truthful, and not just tell people to come in and be comfortable, and live your best life now.

Don't get me wrong- the local church is important, and it's important for followers of Christ to attend, receive teaching, have fellowship, give, pray. But the main thing they are to do is grow in Christ, in order to grow God's kingdom through listening and obeying. The church is not just there for us, it's there to glorify God.

Persons of Peace & Relationship Building

2011-11-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

8 months here in Bangkok so far. We've been really working hard to figure out how God is going to use us here, and in our minds, we thought we would be much further along by now. We're being taught patience. Our goal as a team is to build relationships that are kingdom building- finding persons of peace, whether that is with non-believers or with other local Christians, it is what we have been focusing on to build up the church. Until now, we have made a few friends, but many people in this mega-city are spread out around it, which makes it difficult to get together for any kind of social event or even a dinner. Not only are they spread out, but the schedules- Thai people seem to be free on one day of the week- Sunday. Many work 6 days, starting with an early morning commute, an 8 hour day and another 1-3 hour commute back home which brings them home around 7-8 PM every night. To tell the truth, I haven't been able to see many positives in trying to connect with anyone. And then, there's the language barrier. Since we don't know enough Thai, our search for relationships is narrowed to English speakers.

When I finish teaching my classes at the BSC, I go home via the SkyTrain (BTS). While I am fine with teaching, much of my energy is spent and I am ready to be home when I'm done, so I don't engage many people in conversation during this commute. People who commute on the SkyTrain also are not very communicative, putting on headphones and dis-engaging from everyone around them. Sometimes, my students travel the same direction as I do on the SkyTrain and I wind up talking to them during my entire ride. Needless to say, that drains me even more, but I have to think how I can show them Christ even when I am tired. One of my students, Mee and his wife Palm rode the SkyTrain with me this past Thursday, and we talked some. He then was ready to exit to go get his car which was parked in a parking garage nearby, and he asked if he could take me to my house. I rarely turn down a ride, and since he lives in our area, it was not inconvenient for them to do so. We had a good conversation on the way home. I asked if there were any really good Thai restaurants in our area, and I told him that we should get together and have dinner at one of those places together so they could show us how to order food in Thai, as well as what to order. He also asked if I was Catholic, and I said I am protestant, or Baptist. He said that he had no idea of either. Perhaps one day he'll have more questions. Pray for this relationship, that God directs me to build it to share His love with this couple.

Today, my daughter and I started out to the place that our team does ministry at a community center in a poor neighborhood every Saturday. We usually take 2 different buses, then motorcycle taxis as well as plenty of walking to get there- it's about an hour trip. One of our neighbors, Joe, whom we had not met yet, drove up and asked if he could give us a lift to the bus stop. Once he asked where we were going, he said that he was going that way also and he would take us the whole way there. As we were talking, he asked what I did for a living. I said that I taught English and the Bible at the Baptist Student Center, and he said, "You're Baptist? A Christian? I'm also a Christian!" Right in our neighborhood. He attends a church on the other side of town, far away from where he lives, but he doesn't know of any closer churches since he moved to this area, so he just keeps going. I asked if he was part of a small group, and he said yes, but he also has to travel far to attend it. I told him that I would like to start a small group in our town-home complex, and that perhaps we could do it together.

Praise God we have been put right in the place that God wants us to be. I pray that he continues to use us for His glory, and not our comfort. Pray for the relationships with Mee, his wife Palm and Joe, that we can build on them in order to build His kingdom. Also, pray for God to bring us more persons of peace.

Spiritual Conversation

2011-11-15T18:33:00.003-05:00

During one of my English classes this week, I was sitting with one student. His name is Wut (pronounced Woot). He was the only one of 6 my students who had showed up in the marriage class that I volunteered to teach at the Baptist Student Center (BSC). Instead of canceling and going home early, he wanted to talk. This is encouraging because we always tell our Thai students that they need practice by speaking to native English speakers. I was surprised how quickly the conversation turned spiritual.

Wut asked many questions about why I believe in Jesus, and why I follow him, pray, read the Bible, things about heaven and hell. I want so much to be able to give him the correct answers, but I cannot. I sat back and let the Holy Spirit guide my speech to help Wut understand the answers I gave.

Wut is a Buddhist, but has been hearing much talk about God, Jesus, the Bible, church, etc. recently. I can see the turmoil within his soul as I communicate answers to his questions. I asked Wut, "What happens when we die?" He gave me the same answer most Buddhists will give, that you come back as a new person and live and die and come back again. I told him that in the Bible, it says that man is destined to die once, and then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27) and that even our secret sins will be judged by God (Romans 2:16). I asked him if he understood God's judgment, to which he said "that is when God sends you to heaven or hell.", as he pointed up and down.

He then asked some questions that many people ask:

"If I realize, when I am sent to hell, that I have made a mistake, can I change my mind?" Tough question. God's final judgment on us is just and eternal. Once we face it, it is too late at that point. While we are on earth is the time to make that choice to follow God, and accept that Jesus the punishment we deserve. He took our place one time for all.

"Can I be good my whole life, but not accept Jesus and still go to heaven?" The Bible says that no one is good. We don't do good even if we want to, because we don't know how. God and the Bible tell us how to be good, and that without Christ and the acceptance of his sacrifice for our sins, we will not be allowed in heaven.

"If I stay in sin all my life, then when I am old I decide to turn to God and follow Jesus, can I still go to heaven?" Of course, as long as you have accepted that Jesus took your punishment, and your heart has believed that fact, you can. But caution: how can a person know he is going to last until old age? What happens if you decide to wait, and you die before you make your final decision? Judgment comes too soon, and you will suffer for it.

"Is it hard to follow all that is in the Bible?" Yes, and my nature is to not want to follow it because it is hard. But I trust and have faith that it teaches me to live right, and even though I try to do all it says, I sometimes do not. However, God still loves me, no matter what, even when I fail.

"Do you pray all the time?" As much as I need to. The more I pray and talk with God, the more I can understand what He wants me to do, and how I can answer questions about Him. And, I can pray wherever and whenever I want. I don't need to be in a church or any other building in order to pray. "Do you have to get on your knees to pray?" I can, because it is a posture of humbleness and respect to God. But more than physical humbleness, God wants us to come to Him with a humble heart. Bow your heart to God, not just your body.

There were so many questions Wut had, and every one was answered by the Holy Spirit. I pray that God's Spirit is speaking to Wut right now, and that he is thinking much about all these answers he has received. He is open, and curious. I hope he has more questions, and that all of us who are sharing Christ with him can help him understand the need he has for his Savior.

Wut says that he had been given a Thai & English Bible, so I gave him some passages to read on his own, in his own language so he could understand. I gave him the Romans Road passages, in answer to his questions about being good enough without Christ to be accepted by God. Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:13 and 10:9, as well as the passages on God's judgment, Romans 2:16 and Hebrews 9:27.

I want very much to have Wut join the Kingdom of the Living, True God. If he comes to know Christ and follow him, it won't be because of what I have done, but what the Spirit does through me. My only job is to be faithful, obedient and ready to give an answer to those who ask about what I believe and who I follow. Pray for Wut, as well as the people of Thailand that they can see Jesus through us.

Should We Stay, or Should We Go?

2011-11-09T19:05:00.002-05:00

For the past month, Bangkok, Thailand has been on high alert due to flood waters flowing to the gulf of Thailand from the north. For the last 3 months, torrential rains have caused the flooding to be catastrophic to people in outlying areas of the Capitol city of the country. With the main channels for that water running all through the main parts of the city, people have been warned about flood waters for a month straight. Food stocks are low, as people have been buying as much dry goods and drinking water as possible to stock up in case they get trapped in their homes or if stores close their doors due to flood waters or lack of distribution. Sand bags line the streets, as well as business fronts and residential homes, some as high as 6 feet! Many businesses are building 3 foot high temporary concrete walls in front of their buildings to keep water from damaging their assets. Many people have fled for sure dry ground outside the city in hopes of avoiding the flood waters and the problems they could face. Over 400 deaths have occurred from the floods: drowning, electrocution, sickness from contaminated water and other issues are the cause. The story is grim. Millions are out of their homes because they are half way or full of water to the roof. There is nowhere for the water to go but to escape to the ocean through the capitol city.

That is where we live.

We have been asked the question by our local Thai friends and acquaintances: "Will you leave Thailand to go to the U.S. to be safe from the flood?" I look at them and say "Why? Thailand is my home now. I will face the danger with my Thai neighbors and friends. I want to be able to help where I am needed." Jesus was asked, "Teacher, what is the greatest commandment?" He said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The Great Commandment speech can be found in Matt 22, Mark 12 and Luke 10. In Luke chapter 10, someone asks Jesus "Who is my neighbor?" We have been sent by God to Thailand to glorify Jesus in everything we do. How can we do that if we run away at the first sign of danger? How can we show that we are Jesus' disciples if we pick up and leave at the first sign of trouble? How are we being a neighbor to the Thai people if we only hang around while things are good? I do not fault anyone for leaving during troubled times. In many instances in the Bible, God called people away from troubled areas when needed. If we were to hear directly that we need to evacuate, we would. We will be wise and not foolish in our decision. Until then, we will stay and face the danger with our neighbors in Bangkok. I hope to be able to help the flood victims with whatever they need. I hope that if I become a flood victim, that my Thai neighbors will be willing to help me and my family. That is being a true neighbor.

We as followers of Christ need to show that we are not all talk. When I explained to one of my English students, who was worried about us getting caught in the flood, why I am staying, they said "Thank you." It was a very heartfelt thank you. That someone would actually stay and face the danger, help where needed, and be a true neighbor. I don't have all the answers, but I do know that we were called here to reflect Christ, and shine His light in the darkness. One Thai Christian leader said, "If all the Christians leave, who will be left to show God's love to the people who need it, especially in this time?"

We'll stay. We'll be neighbors. We'll show who we are, rather than talk about who we are. I follow Jesus. He stays with me no matter what, so I stay where he wants me, until he tells me to leave, no matter what.

Back in the Blog World

2011-11-07T23:16:00.002-05:00

April was my last blog entry. I have really been terrible about keeping this updated. Much has happened and is happening here in Bangkok. It's really time for me to do more updates about our time here as a family and a team as we try to glorify and grow God's Kingdom. We want to glorify Jesus here as well as online. Are you with me? More frequent updates coming! Thanks for following!

Team Bangkok Plans

2011-04-14T21:50:00.002-04:00

Recently, we have met with a pastor and small groups/church planting leader from a local Thai church here in Bangkok to plan for future partnership opportunities to reach the Thai people for Christ. Much of it involves teaching English at camps and places where this church already has a presence. Many of the team as well as myself have already been teaching English at the local Baptist Student Center, which is run jointly by Thai believers and the IMB. The opportunities we have to be involved further have come from our pastor sharing the vision God has given us as a church to reach the Thai people, but not ourselves- we need to partner with locals to equip others for the task.

Teaching English is not my strong point, and it is not what I had pictured myself doing here when we felt called to Thailand, but I follow Paul's example in

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 when he said- "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." I can be all things that I need to be to build relationships that will lead to sharing the Good News that I have to share, and this not for myself, but to glorify Christ. My own thinking and understanding wants to jump right in and start with what I know best- teaching and equipping others with church planting tools and watching the Holy Spirit take hold and start an explosive church planting movement that will build God's kingdom here on earth. But, I wait on the opportunity for this- God is not on my clock, I am on His, and He will use me when it is His time and purpose to do so.

So, this is a time of being patient and waiting. This also is not one of my strong points. It is tough for me, but I wait on the Lord to use me where He will, to bring Him glory, not me.

Wedding Plans

2011-04-06T07:16:00.004-04:00

So, as we settle in to life in Thailand, we are privileged to be part of a great team here. And now, that team has grown by one more. Taam, her nickname for us as it is easier to pronounce than her given Thai name, and Seth Hood, the son of our home church Pastor, Pat Hood were married today in a really interesting setting and wedding ceremony. Seth and Taam met soon after Team Bangkok arrived in Thailand and began building relationships with the local Thai people of Bangkok, and from the start it seemed obvious that God had chosen them to be together and glorify Him as a couple. Taam is the only follower of Christ in her family, the rest are all Buddhist. Pat married them in a local church in Chiangmai, which is where we are now, about an hour and a half flight north of Bangkok. Pat did a great job describing how Jesus talks about marriage and how to love each other as husband and wife as Christ loved the church and laid down His life for her. About 40 or 50 Thais heard the Gospel- possibly for the first time and hopefully in a way they had never heard it before. It was a really special moment when Seth and Taam served each other for the first time through the Lord's Supper. Pat and Amy were proud parents as they welcomed a daughter into their family, and Seth and Taam became one flesh to serve and glorify God together the rest of their lives. I was and am proud to be part of this team, even more today as we grew to one more. I can't wait to see how God uses this couple to reach others to glorify himself.

Adjusting to Life in Bangkok

2011-03-09T18:56:00.006-05:00

Sorry, the preceding blog, my call to Christ, has been interrupted by our move to Thailand. We've been here for a week and a half and wow, have we been running!

We arrived to the welcome of our team at the airport late last Monday night. They helped us with all of our suitcases, which arrived with no problem. We were able to check into a guest house where we'll stay until we find something more stable- 4 people living in a one room guest house is really not too fun, the walls tend to close in on you fast. However, we are really happy to be here where God has called us.

The kids are enrolled in an international school, which is a huge blessing for us as they are able to have much more of a schedule and both my wife and I are able to be involved in ministry together. And, the administrators gave the kids scholarships to attend, so that means we only have to pay $1000 per year per child, rather than $12,000 for Kev and 16,000 for Leigha. We do have to pay for transportation too, but it is worth every penny in this large city! God is good and provides all the time.

I started teaching English, as much of my team has, at a local student center on a voluntary basis. They are providing me with a work visa so that I can stay along with my family for one year without leaving the country. I teach 3 nights per week, and it is really fun- the Thai students, mostly college age, really like to laugh and have fun, and are enthusiastic to learn English. I am hoping to build relationships through the classes I teach and share the truth of Jesus to any who are interested.

Some observations I have made since moving to Bangkok:

It is a city full of sin- several "red light" districts, which have many bars full of young scantily clad Thai girls offering themselves to white tourists, are what Bangkok is known for. Since I am an American man, many times I am looked upon as one who would frequent these establishments. Many men, aged 45-60 go to these bars for companionship and other things. When I look at them, I feel disgusted, but also sad for the men as well as the women- what an empty life they are both leading, not only emotionally and physically but spiritually empty.
Walking in the early morning after dropping the kids off at the bus stop, the night life is just winding down, the night markets are cleaning up and some of the local businesses are just opening. Many Buddhist monks are walking around at this early time and the local Thais offer them food in return for blessings. They bow in prayer to the monks- another very sad and empty attempt at finding peace.
Observing people in general, everybody wears some kind of good luck charm or amulet around their neck, on their wrist or on their fingers, or even all of the above! The more good luck charms the better. They post them over the door posts of their businesses and homes and fill their dwellings with idols of Buddha and even Hindu gods to receive good fortune and karma.
Riding the mass transit system- everyone on the subway or elevated train system completely disconnects from any type of relationship or friendly conversation while riding to and from wherever they are going. They are all reading texts, watching videos on the train or listening to music. There is nothing relational about using the mass transit around here- no way to connect to anyone due to the intentionality of disconnecting from reality to avoid relationships.

Again, all these things are just observations after being here for one week. Add to that an incredibly large population- 14 million in the city alone, 65 million in Thailand, the task ahead seems impossible. But, praise God we have a relationship with Jesus that fills all these needs for us, and we pray that we can reflect Jesus and His love for the people of Thailand so that they can know that the things they are doing to find peace, love, acceptance are only found in Jesus.

Reconnection- Part 1- My Call to Christ

2011-02-14T21:24:00.008-05:00

This may be a long post, so it is best to put this into a couple different posts. This is a build up to my recent reconnection to family that God has really orchestrated from the beginning. But, in order to get to the point of the story currently, I have to share my journey to how I met Christ and became one of His followers:

I was the first grandchild in my family on both sides, and from many memories and pictures I could tell I was spoiled rotten! My family was all in Michigan, and the first 6 years of my life I grew up as any child did - wearing some very interesting plaid clothing and Oxford saddle shoes. My parents were divorced around the time I was 6, and when that happened, my mom got re-married and moved out to California, where I followed soon after they were settled. The plan was that I would come visit my dad and grandparents for a couple months of every summer. I became a world traveler at a very young age, because they put me on a plane by myself to Michigan, and it became some of the most fun times I remember. I visited my dad for about 3 weeks at a time, however, I never saw him because of his job. He was a high school football coach, teacher, and driver instructor which kept him very busy, and there was only a few times that we really ever spent time together as father and son. He got remarried eventually and had another son, my brother, when I was about 12 years old. I was so happy to have a brother, and when I finally got to see him, we hit it off immediately. I remember having some fun times with him even with the age difference. The last time I really remember him was when he was about 3 years old, but the time we had was really fun- I taught him how to skip rocks in a pond, and we did it for hours and we would laugh. When I went to leave, he said that next time I come we should throw rocks together and laugh. I never saw him again.

My mom and step-dad got a divorce when I was about 13. My step-dad, incredibly, stayed involved in my life, even though we were not blood related, he and his parents and siblings treated me like I was their own. I really felt love, but there was still something missing- I still hadn't had that father-son connection with my biological dad. I really started to feel the hurt through my teenage years, and couldn't understand the lack of affection and attention from my dad.

When I was 16, my real dad was involved in a messy divorce from his current wife. The mess divided our families from each other- my dad's side and his wife and her family's side. Because of the circumstances, my brother's mom was protecting him from us, a fact that I understood from a certain perspective, but it still hurt. I desired a relationship with my brother, but was not able to have one with him due to the things that occurred. I desired a relationship with my real dad, but was unable to. I felt lost. Through my teenage years I began to try to fill my emptiness and hurt with alcohol, pornography and inappropriate relationships that really started to taint and ruin my image of women. I had a great family around me- my mom did an incredible job raising me as a single mom, and my uncles and aunts were always there for me- I felt more like a brother to the family rather than a nephew- rarely, if ever, did I call them "uncle" or "aunt"- I always called them directly by their names. Still, my thoughts were of how I could fill the emptiness in my heart- partying, drug experiments, sports- anything that would gain me acceptance. I needed to feel accepted, the kind of acceptance that a son gets from his father.

Enter the most beautiful woman in the world. Christmas of 1989, I met the woman God chose for me and we fell in love immediately- neither one of us were believers nor had we been brought up in any kind of church. We knew we were for each other, and that we would get married. Then, Jesus showed up! This is where it gets good, and due to the length of this first post, I will end part 1 here. (cliffhangers are cool!)

So Ready!

2011-02-09T16:59:00.005-05:00

Have you ever been geared up so much for something, but then it seems to stay so far off you seem to lose some steam? For the last month, I have been sort of going through the motions and waiting on getting to our next place of service. I've been doing other things, but it still feels like a holding pattern, and filler to tide us over until we are placed in Bangkok. It's been a long wait, but lately, God has been faithful to recharge my batteries.

We have been communicating with our teammates in Bangkok, who are preparing for our arrival to plug us into what they have been faithful to do these last 7 months on the field. This has gotten us even more excited to join them. I have also been able to plug in, and talk structure and strategy, with our home church here, and receive more insight on my role and expectations when I hit the ground in just a few weeks.

Last night, I was able to talk to my former team mate in South Asia, who has just returned to the field after a year in the U.S. We talked about some of the things we went through while on the field, but even more than that, he has been able to visit with some of the church planters that we trained together, and follow up with them - the news is really exciting! They have continued to grow and train other church planter networks and have seen growth into the 3rd generation! In addition to that, he told me that last year, while we were gone, the church planters we had trained had recorded almost 3000 baptisms, and that was only half of the number of new believers for the year! The leaders there have really come to own the training we gave them, and have really advanced the Gospel and God's Kingdom like it never has been in this area.

We continue to marvel at the great things God has been doing, and I believe it was our leaving and getting out of the way of the work and the dependency upon us to lead and teach that has really opened up the doors for God to make the growth happen in that place. We can do all the seed sowing and watering, but God gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6).

This has really got me excited for what God is going to do in Bangkok and outward into Thailand. God is good, and he refreshes us as if we are trees planted along the stream. We hope to be used similarly in Thailand as we were in South Asia, and we pray that a solid church planting movement is started and we can just sit back and watch it go, until there is no place left to work! (Romans 15:23)

Newest Update

2011-01-18T11:10:00.002-05:00

We've been off the field and home for over one year, and it has been a challenging and rewarding time for us. During our time home, we have been privileged to have many folks join our team and give to support us financially. God loves to provide, but He also loves to provide through His faithful servants to fulfill His goal and purpose of growing His kingdom on earth. We have been truly blessed by the generosity of people that believe in us and the call that God has placed on our lives. Having said that, we have gained enough financial support to be able to join our team that is already on the ground in Bangkok, Thailand. We have purchased our plane tickets and will be on the ground in Thailand February 28 of this year. Our team, all sent from our home church, has been working hard since July 2010 when they first arrived, and God has really opened up doors and provided many contacts for the team to advance God's kingdom in that place. Team Bangkok has been working closely with a local Thai leader, who has told our leadership that he has been praying 10 years for someone to partner with to expand God's kingdom among the Thai people- his countrymen. After hearing the vision that we have as a team, he has stated that his prayers have been answered. God is blessing our obedience as a team provided the contacts for us to work with among the Thai people to glorify Him.

We have felt unsettled during this year, even though God has provided us time to visit our families and friends before we go overseas again. But, we know that this is not our home- our home is where God has called us, and we are excited to be able to have a date set for our going. So now, we get to pack our things up and get ready to settle again. We count it as all joy, however to be able to be the hands and feet of our Lord and Saviour wherever He calls us.

Stateside Ministry Opportunities

2010-10-18T11:14:00.003-04:00

Lately our travel around the country stopped, but the busyness of our lives just keeps going. We are moving along in our progress to join our team, and I have to be honest here- as proud of the team as I am and the things they are doing, we have been feeling left out and a little jealous that we are not there sharing in the sowing and building the relationships. Don't get me wrong, I know that God's timing is perfect, and we will get there in His time, not ours. But, we are feeling the way we are feeling because we are not in Bangkok yet.

However, we have been blessed to re-connect with many of our friends while we have been here in the U.S. We are making so many more connections with friends we just had simple acquaintances with before we left 3 years ago. Some of our friends from those BSA (Before South Asia) days have moved on in their lives. Others have matured in the fact that they understand what we are doing and want to be more involved in what we are doing but do not know how. The main thing is that we pull ourselves off the pedestal that people place us on (and sometimes place ourselves on) for being missionaries overseas and show them that we are normal, real people. We like to have fun and laugh, watch movies and tv shows, be frustrated with our sports teams (Michigan football is in rebuilding process, and I am okay with that), and just hang out with friends and show that it doesn't take perfect people to make an impact for Christ- it is Christ who works His perfection through our weakness to gain glory for Himself, and we rest in that and simply try to be ourselves.

With some frequent flyer miles I was able to fly to Sedona, AZ to visit my dad. It has been a long time since we have been able to just hang out and have father-son time. (I wrote about him in this earlier blogpost- Remembrance.) I was proud to go hiking, talk about and watch sports together and take a golf lesson, to which I completely forgot about when we got to the course!

Another huge re-connection happened with my half-brother. My mother and real father (not the one I visited in AZ) divorced when I was young, and my real father re-married and had a son. When I would visit my dad, I got to know him, but only when he was 3. My father then got divorced, and I lost contact with his ex-wife and my brother. For many years I tried to find him, but never could. Every now and then I would search the internet to find him but ran into dead ends and would not try again for long periods of time, and then would run into more dead ends. Just recently, I found his mom on Facebook, and was able to send her a message, not knowing if I would even get a response. Well, 26 years after I had seen him last, we were able to connect through email, and then by phone. We spent 2 hours talking about our lives up to this point and sharing hardships and similarities we shared. Our lives sort of mirrored each other as far as our relationships. We sent pictures back and forth of each other and were amazed at how much we actually do look related. This is all new territory for us, and we will meet personally soon. We live about 10 hours away, and have agreed to meet half-way somewhere. I really can't wait to meet him finally.

So, God has really held us here for some good connections- I shudder to think that if we had been in Thailand already, I would not have the opportunity to meet personally with my brother. So I am thankful for a God whose timing is perfect in every way.

Recently, I have also begun to teach discipleship to a group of college age students who are living in a low-income housing project that our church has been involved with over the years. There are many internationals living in this housing area, and the students are engaging them through an after-school program with the children and building relationships with the families they are living around. The teaching I am giving them is the same that was taught to me and the same I taught to church planters in South Asia. Their attitude, even though they are busy with college and part-time jobs is amazing. I thought they would be too tired to listen and learn this stuff, but they are so eager and hungry for this that it just blows me away. 3 guys and 3 girls sit and listen to me teach and challenge them to be all they can be for Christ. One of the guys came forward, and though he has been a follower of Christ for some years and it has changed his life, he realized he had not been baptized. He said that if he was going to make disciples and baptize, he ought to be baptized. This came from sound biblical teaching (not from me) but from God's word. Sunday, we went, as the group, to a lake area and he took baptism in front of the body of believers he knows will hold him accountable before God. It was an awesome step of obedience and maturity in this young man, and God was glorified by what he did. I look forward to the things he and the rest of the group will do for God among the people they are trying to reach. It was also an incredible picture of the body being the body outside the walls of the regular local church.

We are busy, and though we want to be where we are supposed to be now, God is showing us that geographic location does not matter- we can make an impact for God's glory where we are.

Listening

2010-09-06T08:41:00.003-04:00

I have been kind of bad at listening to God lately. We have been so busy as a family-traveling to visit friends and family, going to missions conferences, speaking at churches. It all seems the right thing to do, but my relationship with the Father has not been a very good connection through all of this. It affects me when I do not connect with Him. I feel a real sense of being lost.

Yesterday, we sat in our home church and took the Lord's Supper together. When it came time to examine myself before taking the bread and drinking the cup, I had an interesting time of listening and hearing a conversation that Jesus had with the Father on the cross. Now, I did not hear this audibly, but in my mind, the words came and comforted me, as the comforter always does.

As Jesus was hanging on cross, here was the conversation:

"Father, here is my child Steve. I'm here representing him today. I know he has done many bad things in his life, and he has even turned away from you to pursue those things. Father I know he deserves punishment for the things he has done. But I am ready to take that punishment for him, so he doesn't have to. I am ready to take your full wrath upon myself for him because I love Steve and I want him to do great things for My Name. One day, even though he doesn't think he is ready or qualified, I will send him to people half way around the world to tell of me and what I have done for him today. I will do a great work through Steve for the sake of My name. So Father, I ask you to accept this sacrifice for Steve's punishment today, that he may be a blessing to people who have never had the chance to hear of me. Thank you for your grace upon Steve, and I promise he will be all that he is created to be, and that is My representative; My ambassador; My witness to the ends of the earth."

Now, I am not saying that is the exact conversation Jesus had with the Father 2000 years ago. I am not the only one who Jesus died for that day. However, any one of us could insert our names into this conversation and it would be essentially true. That is the power of God's grace and the truth of the Gospel. It's not just an escape from the coming judgment of God, but a blessing of new life in order to be a blessing to others.

The Soils

2010-07-06T10:41:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday, our executive pastor at LifePoint Church preached a message on Luke 8:1-18. It is the parable of the sower, in which Jesus tells about the seed of the Gospel-

Some seed that falls upon those who first receive it, but it is taken away by Satan.

Some seed is received with joy, but since there is no root because it falls upon the hard hearted, or the rocky soil it withers away.

Another is where the seed of the Gospel falls among the thorns and was choked out- the worries of the world choke God's word out of them and they go back to the way they were.

Then, the Gospel that falls upon the good soil, or the prepared soil that is soft and allows the seed to grow yields a crop. That crop produces 100 times more than what was sown- it produces fruit that lasts and then regenerates more seed for more crop and more harvest.

But this does not just happen automatically- all the soils have trouble with the seed. Even the good soil, as Jesus says in verse 15 "receive the word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop." Even though some are good soil, they still must persevere through trouble- through life in order to produce fruit.

The sower has the responsibility to sow seed broadly. Sowers of the Gospel cannot worry about whether or not the soil is good or bad. It is not up to the sower to make the seed grow. He can water it, fertilize it but it is God that makes the growth happen.

Blessed to Be a Blessing

2010-06-07T22:30:00.002-04:00

We have had an incredible transition from Atlanta back to Tennessee. We are blessed to have a house provided by local folks who own a second home specifically to house missionaries on stateside assignment. The ministry they are involved with is Shepherd's Rest Ministries, Inc.

Last week, I was blessed by being ordained by my home church's ordination council. On the heels of 5 months of intensive missionary/dicipleship training in Atlanta through Global Frontier Missions, and the power and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, the answers to tough theological and doctrinal questions seemed to come naturally, even being asked by much of the church staff and older and wiser leaders within the church. I feel really honored to be ordained by my home church.

Sunday, we and the rest of Team Bangkok were commissioned in front of our entire church body, LifePoint Church Smyrna, in all 3 services. Again, we are humbled by being sent out by our body, and the pastor telling the body of Christ that we are their missionaries- we are to be representatives of LifePoint Church to the nations for Christ. We have been set apart, much like Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13, and the Holy Spirit will empower us to do God's will among the nations of those Jesus died and rose again to provide salvation for. Today, our team leaders boarded a plane and headed to Bangkok- the rest of the team will follow in the next month, with us bringing up the rear. It was a treat to be with our team for the last time on American soil together, but we know that our home and our task is elsewhere, and we will come together later this year as a team to carry out that task.

We are extremely blessed to be a blessing to those who need to hear the Gospel. We do not take that lightly- we have a responsibility not to waste the blessing we have been given.

Our team going to Bangkok is 16 physically, but spiritually we are much bigger, and we have a big God on our side. If God is for us, who can stand against us?

Church Planting Updates

2010-05-17T17:12:00.008-04:00

Just got an update from "D", one of the church planters that we trained in South Asia.

From his and another partner's work, 8 new believers were baptized in February, 22 more in another place in March. In other places he is working, 50 more new believers are are taking baptism this month, possibly as this blog goes out. Praise the Lord!! "D" is also helping the churches he has planted become self supporting by making washing detergents, planting crops and starting chicken and fish farms to sell for food. He is also busy training other church planting groups in the same methods as we taught. One group in another district of his state has planted 65 new churches in the last 6 months. By this, the Glory of God will cover South Asia as the waters cover the seas, starting with this place!

This is the kind of growth we hope to see among God's people in Thailand. The above work took many years of toiling, and did not happen overnight, and we cannot take credit for it, but all credit and glory go to God. We were simply fortunate enough that God used us to be His vessels for the training these brothers received.

As we go to Thailand, we are hopeful and are believing on faith that God will use us in a similar way. Please continue to pray for South Asia and God's Kingdom to continue to grow there. Also, pray for the way to be prepared for us to join and assist what God is doing in the "Land of Smiles".

The Nations Have Come to Us!

2010-05-10T21:46:00.011-04:00

Since coming to training in the Atlanta area, I have been blessed to meet many peoples from different countries- in fact, in the last five months I have probably met more internationals from more countries than I have met in my whole life. Below are the countries they are from represented also by their national flags.

Uzbekistan- A couple of us have shared the Gospel with Slava (his easier to pronounce name) who is Jewish and the maintenance worker at our apartments. Another couple who lives in our complex is also from here. We have spent some time with them, and their daughter has literally been playing with the kids of one of the team families and ours.

Uruguay- Met some kids playing a soccer-type game in the park the other day from here.

Thailand- The young guy at the Thai Food restaurant is from here. He will be back in Bangkok this summer and we are looking forward to seeing him there when we get there later this year.

Somalia- We shared the Gospel with a man named Abdi. He is a refugee and has not seen his son in 8 years. Separated by division among Muslims over 9/11. He told us when he saw the planes crash into the towers, he said to everyone around, "This is of the devil." He has been persecuted and separated from wife and child since, and has recently come to America.

Pakistan- Brief encounter with a man from here.

Nepal- Attended a worship that was full of people from Nepal.

Myanmar (Burma)- Many refugees have been sent to this area, and I have been working with a local missionary who is living in their apartment complex and developing relationships with them for Kingdom purposes. Have not been able to share the Gospel much with them due to language difficulties. However, most of them are learning English and doing very well at it. They have been ousted from their native land by the government/mafia to make way for drug trafficking in and out of neighboring countries.

Mexico- Pretty big area for Mexican Nationals all over the U.S., but a lot of Mexican businesses and churches all over this area.

Kosovo- Was blessed to hear the testimony of a Muslim background Believer from Kosovo at church one Sunday. Powerful stuff.

Iraq- Had a conversation with Akram- a young man whose entire family are refugees because of their Christianity. I asked him why his family had to come to America, and he said- "It is very dangerous to be Christian in Iraq." Maybe he'll be a future evangelist for his people one day! Many Kurdish people have come here also.

Iran- Met one family from Iran. They run a local business in the area.

India- Met many Indian nationals here. One Christian family, a local pastor and had a talk with one of the volunteers at the local Hindu temple just around the corner- one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India.

Honduras- Some of the kids that come to Kidz Club at our building are from here.

Ethiopia- Briefly met some folks from here.

Dominican Republic- My son and I went on an adventure looking for a cheap haircut. We found a local Dominican barber shop. Tough conversation, but great haircuts!

Colombia- Couple of kids in our complex from here also.

China- One of the ladies at the checkout counter in the local international farmers market grocery store is from here.

Burundi- The neighbors of one of the families we have been sharing Christ with are from Burundi. They are Christian which is one of the reasons they are here.

Brazil- One of the local leaders being raised up in Sao Palo was able to come and visit us in Atlanta. He has a great testimony and is a great speaker. He was given a tour of the local Hindu temple, and as some of the monks were feeding the statues, he was sad because they were wasting his favorite meal- rice and beans- on dead statues.

Bhutan- Most of the refugees from Bhutan are ethnically Nepali. Generations ago, they migrated from Nepal to Bhutan. The monarchy there had sent them out, so they tried to return to their native land of Nepal. However, the Nepali government did not recognize them as Nepali, and the Indian government did not want refugees, so Nepal kept them in refugee camps until a nation would take them. Most are Hindu, some Buddhist, and some Christian. We have adopted one family through World Relief Organization who helps them and other refugees get placed and integrate into American Society. God has opened some doors for us to share Christ with some of them, and with the local church leadership, hopefully they can be discipled into small churches that will reach out to their refugee community and grow the Kingdom here in this area.

Afghanistan- Many Afghani refugees have come to America in the past 10 years since 9/11.

There are many other nationalities that have settled here that we have not met yet, and since our time is running down here, we may not get to meet. We see signs in Korean, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Laotian- especially signs on local churches. Amazing that we are plopped right down in the middle of the nations here outside of Atlanta.

How much do you know of your hometown? You may be living nearby an international refugee area. Most likely, there are organizations around you like World Relief Organization, and Friends of Refugees who work hard to place people that have been abandoned by the only country they know. All they want to do is adapt and integrate into the local society. Sadly, many will never make any American friends, because we are not aware or are too wrapped up in our busy lives to welcome those people who have been rejected. Think about it though- a refugee is someone who has been persecuted and removed from their homeland because of their ethnicity, religious beliefs, language, political views or simply their government wants them off the land. Refugees usually do not get any respect by their host country. Can you think of any refugees you might know? I can think of one-

There were many children born around the time Jesus was born and were persecuted by Herod. All boys under the age of two years were put to death because of the fear that Jesus would overthrow Herod's kingdom and restore it to the Jews. His family fled to Egypt, and that is where he grew up until Herod's death. Jesus and his family were refugees.

Update From Atlanta and Mission Training

2010-05-01T11:15:00.003-04:00

One month left until our time in Atlanta is finished. We have been studying hard and preparing as a team for Bangkok later this year. Even with the experience I have gained in South Asia, I have picked up even more tools and knowledge for application in Thailand.

In addition to class time and reading 2 books per week, I have had a lot of fun going into the local refugee community outside of Atlanta in Clarkston, GA. This is the most diverse international place I have seen or even heard of in all of America. There are refugees from many places that are placed right here. People from Sudan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar and many others are relocated right here through World Relief- a refugee relief organization that helps people acclimate into the U.S. These refugees are different from immigrants- immigrants have come to this country of their own free will. Refugees have been removed from their country because of their ethnicity, their religious beliefs or simply because they occupy land that the government wants to use. They spend time in refugee camps, sometimes 15-20 YEARS before going to a country that will accept them. We have met some young people 18-25 that were born in the refugee camps and have no concept of their own home country. Many of the children were born in the camps. Can you imagine? Not being able to call anyplace home, and then being placed in America where you do not know the language, you have no money and are totally dependent upon others to survive. The Bhutanese are ethnically Nepali people who migrated generations ago into Bhutan, but since they are not really Bhutanese, the government sent them out of the country. They tried to settle in India, but were sent away. They tried to settle in their native country of Nepal, but were not recognized as Nepali, so were put into refugee camps that are not too far removed from prison accommodations. This is a holding place where they live and apply to live in other countries, but are forced to remain (they cannot go outside the walls of the camp) and survive in these refugee camps until they are accepted by another country. Most likely, that country is a European country or the USA- either way, they move into a culture completely opposite of their own.

Through World Relief, my family and I have adopted a Bhutanese family, and spend one day per week in their home being friends to them by just hanging out with them. Others on our team have also adopted refugee families, and have been spending time with them, even picking them up to go to the hospital for doctor visits. One visit we were able to meet the entire family that has been slowly relocated here from Nepal, and were served dinner. When we left, one of the men of the family said- "you are part of our family." Sadly, we will leave them soon, but hopefully the impact of our love and friendship toward them will be felt for some time. Another sad fact about many other refugee families is that they never have any significant relationships with any American families. We are privileged to have the opportunity to spend time with these families and show the love of Christ, even being able to share our faith with them.

In one of the apartment complexes, the majority of people that live there are refugee families from many different countries. I met a missionary that is living and working among them, and have been spending a lot time with him visiting families that he has developed relationships. We have had many opportunities to share the Gospel, and have found several houses of peace within the complex. We were talking with a Nepali man who spoke very good English (he learned while in the refugee camp for 20 years). The conversation never lagged, he initiated dialog during our conversation, which eventually turned to spiritual topics. He is Hindu, but does not believe many of the Hindu traditional beliefs, like reincarnation- he believes we live once and then die, but from there go to the good place or bad place. We asked him who decides where we go, and how. He said the more good we do, we go to the good place (heaven) but if we do bad, then we go to hell (This is a very common belief among people from South Asia). We then shared the Gospel, to which he is open to hearing more because he said that it was good teaching. Another day, we sat outside and shared the Gospel with a group of Nepali women and an older Nepali man who helped us explain it, since he was a Christian. We were sitting with another family we had built a relationship with, and asking questions about Hindu beliefs. The wife then handed us a Jehovah Witness tract they had received, written in the Nepali language. Fortunately, they did not understand what it was, but unfortunately, understood it as Christian. The opportunity presented itself for us to share the REAL Gospel, and with a Nepali Bible, we explained salvation through Christ in the Book of Romans, with the Romans Road passages (verses 3:10-12, 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10, and 10:13). We stopped at each passage and explained, and had them read and re-read them and tell us what they thought. They have not accepted yet, but they have a better understanding of Jesus, that will hopefully lead to their becoming a follower of Christ.

It has been a great time here in Atlanta, not only gaining a lot of knowledge, but to be able to apply many of the principles right away and plug into the local community. Keep praying for these refugee families that we have all encountered- that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives & the knowledge that they have been given to change their lives. And pray about befriending a refugee family in your city. There are many. Make a difference in their lives.

Why is Good Friday Good?

2010-04-02T20:10:00.007-04:00

It was Good Friday 2008. Our Hindu neighbor, who we were visiting, asked me the question. We had shared that we follow Christ, and she had a knowledge of Catholicism from the Catholic school she attended as a young girl.

"This is the day of Jesus' resurrection, that is why it is Good Friday, right?", she asked.

I said, "Good Friday is when Jesus was crucified and died on the cross."

"How is that good?" she asked.

I really didn't expect that question, from anybody let alone a Hindu woman in South Asia. What came next was from the Holy Spirit, not me.

"This is the day that Jesus died to take the punishment for the sins of the people of the whole world. What is more good than that?"

She smiled and seemed to agree, though we don't know if she has accepted Jesus as her only Lord. We gave her a Bible in her language, which she put in her puja room, along with her other gods. They jokingly would say that they follow Jesus and many other gods, though I was never able to confront that statement- that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to God but through Jesus. (John 14:6) Not Krishna, not Ganesh, not Shiva, not Hanuman- no one comes to God but through Jesus.

An amazing display of how much love God has for us- Jesus, God's one and only Son enduring torture and agonizing death to take our punishment on the cross. Taking punishment for my sins, your sins, sins of all Americans, Africans, Mexicans, Europeans, Russians, Indians, Japanese, Chinese- the sins of the whole WORLD. How do we know this? What kind of proof do we have? Anyone can take punishment for someone else. People sacrifice animals for sins all the time. Even human sacrifices have been and are made to please gods and atone for sins. But, the way we know that Jesus' sacrifice was THE sacrifice for the whole world, once and for all- God raised Jesus three days later. There has never been another sacrifice that has been brought back from the dead. Only Jesus- and there is testimony to the fact that he has risen, there is a book written about it (the Bible) where witnesses talked with him, ate with him and even touched him after he was killed and rose again. Jesus, the one and only atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. With that sacrifice, we can escape the coming judgement of God, because of the love of God.

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take the sins of many people." Hebrews 9:27-28.

"This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ," Romans 2:16

"He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."

Romans 4:25

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

The sins of the whole world were paid for through the suffering and death of Jesus, on what we call Good Friday. On the cross- the wonderful cross.

Not Exactly Our Plan, But A Good One!

2010-03-19T13:27:00.006-04:00

So, God called us to go to South Asia, to make His name known among a population of over a billion people- of which less than 1% claim to know the name of Christ, and an even smaller percentage of those claim to be evangelical Christian.

So, unless we went, those people will not be reached with the Gospel, right? The task and the burden is upon myself and my family- it is OUR responsibility to stay in this place, where God called us, until the task is finished, right?

How selfish and arrogant to think of ourselves as THAT important in the task God is doing in South Asia. It does not disqualify us and excuse us from going, however, but if we think we are leading God into those places, we are sadly mistaken, and we can easily be a failure.

We traveled to South Asia, pretty much knowing nothing other than God wanting us in a specific place for His glory. After learning a tremendous amount from our team members and the national brothers there, we felt like this was the place for us- until God called us away in the distant future of His perfect timing. The problem with that thinking is, God's timing is not perfect when we try to control it and put limits on it.

We loved our place of service even before we got there, and grew to love it even more as we stayed, but God had other plans. Our home church was putting a team together to go to Thailand with the task of multiplying disciples, leaders and churches. They asked us if we would consider joining the team and brining our 2 years of experience in church planting to it. WHAT? What about where we are? The ministry is going well. We are seeing a lot of fruit. Many volunteer teams have come through here and brought the vision back home to the U.S. AND, why would we give up being completely taken care of financially through the IMB to go an raise our own financial support to go somewhere else? It did not make any sense to me, and we struggled with the decision of what to do.

So, we prayed about it. We found that we were not sent to South Asia with the IMB just to reach the lost and equip church planters how to focus their ministry and reach the lost themselves. Those are important, but just as important was the valuable time we spent growing in the Lord, and learning how to live overseas, and what further purpose and plan He had for us in His master plan of reaching the unreached. God was equipping us for another purpose and another place of service for Him through our time in South Asia, and the more we prayed, the more we felt that it was time to step out of our new comfort zone we had made and get uncomfortable again in order to glorify God.

So, we said yes and left South Asia. We are now with a team of 11 adults and 5 children (2 of them ours) that are preparing to go to Bangkok, Thailand this year. We are growing as a team by attending a 5 month missionary training school in Atlanta, GA- Global Frontier Missions. By this summer, mostly all of the team will have moved to Bangkok. Since we have had a later start in raising our ministry partners, we will be joining the team later this year. We are excited to be heading out on our 2nd missionary journey as a family, knowing that what God wants is better than what we want. Jesus prayed, in Matthew 26:39 "Father, not my will, but yours be done." Father, no matter where your will takes us, not our will but yours be done.

I'll share more about our times here in Atlanta in future, and SOONER posts.

New Updates- Yes, from America!

2010-01-26T17:47:00.005-05:00

What a journey it has been. We have come home, just a quick 2 year stay in South Asia with the IMB, and it has come to an end already. We enjoyed our time, saw much fruit, even saw successful church planting through what God had equipped us to equip others with. It did not come from us, but God channeled it through us to those who could be most effective. We feel extremely blessed to have been in the place God put us that people would reach out to Him.

There was sadness in finishing and saying goodbye, committing the church planters to the grace of God's word and the work that He called them to. There was sadness in leaving a place that became our home so easily. There was sadness in saying goodbye to so many close friends- neighbors, church planters, business owners- all of them cried when saying goodbye, which made it harder. We were covered by God's grace in coming home, no travel problems- only a long journey. We came home and were greeted by friends we had left behind 2 years ago, and rejoiced as they were able to help us with all 12 of our suitcases!

No rest, however as we returned in time for the Christmas season, and after about a week of jet-lag, trying to find things we needed for daily survival, and driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly giving my in-laws a heart attack, we shopped for gifts for each other and for the kids- the first real mall shopping we had done, talk about reverse culture shock! My son accepted Christ in July, and we shared our joy with our home church as I baptized him- what an incredible joy!

After Christmas, we packed and headed down to our next journey- a Missionary Training School in the Atlanta, Georgia area. We are currently living in a local community with a team from our home church preparing to go and live in Thailand. Our vision and purpose is to multiply disciples, leaders and churches to spread God's glory in that place. During our time in Atlanta, we are preparing ourselves by team building, training, community ministry and fund raising (we are no longer with the IMB but are being sent our through our home church).

The plan, is to be in the Atlanta area for 5 months of training through Global Frontier Missions, and then, if our funding commitments come in we will be able to join the team which will move to Thailand in July of this year. If funding is not complete by July, we will stay back and raise support for however long it takes and join the team later. We are way excited to be part of what God is doing and what He will do through our team.

Thanks for checking in- more blog posts will come, so stay tuned!

Church Planter Updates

2009-10-27T12:32:00.004-04:00

Seriously, two months since my last post. We have seen some great things happening with our church planters here, so I thought I really needed to post the updates. *I'll use initials to indicate them.

PW* is leader of one large city church. There is 12 people from his church that have a hospital and prison prayer ministry. On one visit, the group met a man at a hospital who inquired of them. He was interested when they said they follow Jesus, and he invited the group with PW* to his village to share good news. 60 people showed up to hear the good news, and all were very happy hearing it. 17 people took baptism from the group, including the man that brought them to the village. PW* began sharing the things he is learning in our group and he went out and shared Jesus in 8 different places- each one is now getting discipleship and meeting for church.

RK* went to a new village and has been sharing with the people. Now, between 40-50 people are meeting for prayer and listening to bible teaching. He has been getting calls from surrounding areas for him to come and teach and pray in their village. In his home church, he has been teaching the things we are learning in our group. For years, the local church has had outside pastors come in and give baptism to new believers. Last month, because of RK's teaching, the pastor of the church gave baptism to 7 people. Now for the first time, they have taken authority to do things on their own.

CS* visited 7 new places searching for men of peace. He has found 3 places open to hearing the Gospel. A husband and wife took baptism and have been taught how to share their story to others in their village. 12 other people have accepted Christ and are ready for baptism. In his main church, there are 6 people who are coming regularly but are also doing Hindu rituals due to pressure from their families and neighbors. Pray for wisdom to handle this situation.

BG* has been doing ministry for years. He has started 6 churches locally in the last 5 months and is still going. He is also helping a friend of his with church planting. He shared the Gospel with one of his friends and his wife, and they accepted Christ. They are now meeting in their house for church. They haven't been taught about baptism yet, but BG said that is next. One of his churches came to him and asked if they should be giving money to the Lord. He said yes, but that they should appoint a treasurer from among them and then decide what to do with the money as a church.

SK* met one man of peace, he accepted Christ and took baptism. SK is meeting in his house and is discipling him regularly.

DS* is pastor of a church here in the city, as well as one of the leaders of the mission organization we're partnering with. He has had trouble with the believers showing much interest in coming regularly to church. DS has been helping with translation during our training meetings, and knows our training very well. He has started to implement things that we are teaching to make the churches healthy. He gave authority to one member to be treasurer of the offering, and when the church decided what to do with the money, they would have the treasurer do what the church decided. He encouraged the church to appoint a deacon to help organize worship. Another was appointed to organize fellowship. Now the believers are excited to be part of the fellowship, and have taken ownership of the church. They no longer depend on DS to do everything, but he has given authority to the church to function on its own if needed. Before, when he left town, the church would not meet. Now, when he is absent, the church meets on its own. This is what we want to see happen. Churches that are self sufficient and not dependent upon one person or organization to keep it going. The church is also ministering to their local community. A lady was badly injured by electric shock, and could not function for many days. The church reached out to help her during this time until she could get well. The local non-believers noticed the church reaching out in love to help this lady, and they are curious as to why they are taking such good care of her. They have been given a great opportunity to be the Light of Jesus to their community, and the members of the church are excited to do something together to help their local community.

Things have also been happening with some CPs from our last group. 3 of them are training other groups of CPs in different districts in addition to leading churches and other church planters of their own. There is much talk around the state that this method is the most practical and effective method to reach and multiply God's kingdom here. Please continue to pray for the faithful men and women who are impacting this place for Jesus.

Healthy Church

2009-08-13T08:43:00.006-04:00

The main thing we teach our CP's is about God's purpose and goal and how we can reach them. God's purpose comes from Habakkuk 2:14- "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." God's goal is seen in two places in Revelation- 5:9-"And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. " and 7:9- "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." So, in church planting, our purpose and goal needs to be the same as that of God. If they are different or they do not line up with God's, our plans will fail.
We teach them that the key to reaching God's ultimate goal is through healthy church. However, many church planters do not know what healthy church is, so we have to teach them and show them what healthy church is from the Bible.

1 Goal and Purpose- God's Glory- The church has to have the same purpose as God- that his glory cover the earth; and same goal- that every person come to salvation. If the church's purpose and goal is not in line with God's, there is no health and the rest does not matter.
2 Authorities- God's word and the Holy Spirit. This does not excuse us from other authorities as believers. In fact, we are directed by God's word to submit to authority, so we are not free from following the law. The Holy Spirit is given by God, and we know that the Holy Spirit will not do anything against God, so the church must be led by God to be healthy.
3 Offices- Pastor, Deacon and Treasurer. We know from scripture- Ephesians 4:11-12- "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" The term used here is pastor, and is also seen in some translations as "shepherds." It means to give care to the believers in the church and to teach/equip them for works of service. The job of pastor is one who equips the body of believers. If 80% of the work in the church is done by 20% of the people, and much more done by the pastor, whose fault is it? It is the pastor's fault for not equipping God's people for works of service. He is to equip those to be apostles (missionaries), prophets, evangelists and even other pastors. Paul gives the qualifications for pastors in 1Timothy 3:1-7. Deacon is the second office that is needed in the healthy church. We see this modeled in Acts 6. The Apostles told the church to appoint deacons to take care of the needs of the believers. The deacons are the servants of the church, and are to take that responsibility. The qualifications for deacon are given by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. The third is a treasurer who takes care of the money taken in church as tithes and offerings. This keeps the pastor from accusation of dishonesty with the money. Also, his job is already busy enough equipping the believers; he really has no time to deal with the money. The same goes for deacons; they are busy serving the church. The church planter doesn't need to handle the money because he is probably working around other places and also might be seen as untrustworthy after handling the money. The treasurer, however, should be one who is trustworthy, but is given responsibility to hold the money. He is not the one who decides what to do with the money but only the one who holds it and gives it out at the decision of the church. We do not have any scripture references regarding the qualifications of a treasurer, but we know they are needed and we can assume that the qualifications are similar to that of deacons. Actually, we can follow Jesus' example of this. Jesus was accused of many things- being a drunkard, associating with sinners, breaking the Sabbath, being demon possessed, and even blasphemy. However, He was never accused of mishandling money. Why? He had a treasurer, though maybe not the best choice for the job in Judas! The treasurer's job is to protect church leadership from accusation. If any one of these three offices are not present, the church cannot be healthy.
4 Marks of Maturity/Self Sufficiency- Self-Governing, Self-Supporting, Self-Reproducing and Self-Correcting. By Self Governing we mean that a healthy church can make decisions for itself without any outside influence, such as the church planter or missionary. Who was it that chose the first deacons in Acts 6:1-7? The church! The apostles instructed the church to appoint them, but there was no debate when the decision was made. The apostles trusted the leading of the Holy Spirit in the church to choose the right men and they left the decision to the church. They empowered them to govern themselves and it went well for them in the future when the church was scattered by persecution. A church dependent upon the apostles may have been destroyed by this troubled time. A Self Supporting church must have ownership of its function. It means that the ministry and outreach the church performs is fueled by its own resources. Acts 2:44-45, the believers had everything in common and gave to anyone as they had need. Acts 4:34-36, there was no needy person among them. People sold land and the money was distributed to any who had need. Other scripture regarding self-supporting is in Acts 11:29, 2 Cor. 9:10-15, and Philip. 4:14-19. If funds continually come from the outside, the church cannot be self-sufficient and becomes dependent upon others to provide. Also, the church never have to be taught about giving because of the support they receive. Until the church practices disciplined giving, dependence will keep the church from becoming healthy which limits the spread of the Gospel. Self-Reproducing means that the church is able to send apostles from its own body and plant other churches. The healthy church will take responsibility to evangelize its field and reproduce other churches. Paul talks about this in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; that they became a model to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and that their faith in God has become known everywhere. The church is called to be an example and multiply, and only by multiplication will the kingdom of God grow quickly. Healthy churches reproduce new believers and new churches. The last is self-correcting. A healthy church has a firm grip on scripture as its guide, and a proper use of scripture shows that health. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," Scripture must be the source of teaching and training and can be trusted for rebuking and correcting as well. Again, we can say that the two authorities of the healthy church are scripture and the Holy Spirit. Just like an infant is dependent in the early part of its life, so is the developing church. However, when the child is helped to grow correctly, it grows into a self dependent and self sufficient adult. If the early church is developed correctly and is encouraged and taught to be dependent upon itself, it can grow into a self-sufficient healthy body. On the other hand, an adult who is still dependent upon its parents to feed it and make decisions for it is silly. In the same way, an older church that is dependent upon a church planter for teaching and decision making or outside funds for support is just as silly.
5 Functions of Healthy Church- Worship, Fellowship, Evangelism, Discipleship and Ministry/Service. We get these functions from two passages of scripture- In the Great Commandment, Matthew 22:37-39- "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " From this we get three of the functions. Worship is the expression of love toward God. Anything that the church does as an expression of love toward God is worship. That could be singing, giving, praying and acts of obedience to His word. Fellowship is loving the body of Christ. Believers have two kinds of neighbors- lost people and believers. Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is fellowship, and any act of love toward our spiritual family is fellowship- praying for one another, giving to those brothers/sisters who have needs, and carrying each others burdens are all acts of fellowship. Ministry- we are also to love our lost neighbors. Showing the love of Christ through our actions and attitudes is ministry. In order for the church to be healthy, it needs to consider these acts of love as a strategic aspect of its function. In other words- serving the sick and the needy but not sharing the Gospel with them while doing this is not the function of a healthy church. God wants to draw people to Himself through our actions, but those actions need to lead to an opportunity to share Christ with the lost. Serving people's earthly needs is important, but their eternal needs must also be addressed. The last two functions are found in the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20- " Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Evangelism means to go and make disciples; share the Gospel with those who have not heard. It may also be called missions. According to Acts 1:8, this can be done locally and at great distances. For a healthy church, doing evangelism/missions should be a part of everyday life. Discipleship means to teach others to obey everything Jesus has commanded. A healthy church is actively focused on moving believers forward in their relationship with Christ. The church must plan to provide tools and accountability. The five functions of a healthy church can be seen in the 1st church in Acts 2:41-47. If you look at the passage of what this church was doing, you can find the five functions happening. All 5 functions of the church should be happening for the church to be healthy. If any one of them are missing, then the church is unable to be the key to reaching God's purpose and goal.

These are the things that compose a healthy church. The basic functions are all there for church health, and all backed by scripture and examples given by God. There are some things the church should do that are not mentioned here like baptizing new believers, taking the Lord's Supper and giving. However, if the basic functions of the church are addressed, then these other functions are realized through the leading of the two authorities- God's word and the Holy Spirit. Through these, the church will see them as necessary functions as well and will do them in submission to those authorities.

I realize this has been a long post, but I felt since we have been really stressing to our church planters the need for them to plant healthy churches, that I needed to share this. Test your own church in these and see if they are happening. I'm proud to be part of a church that is doing all the above mentioned things to grow God's kingdom not only locally but globally. I am also proud to be witness to national brothers here in South Asia who are catching this vision and working within the plan of God- that they see the key to realizing God's purpose and goal fulfilled in this place is through healthy church.

Excitement

2009-08-07T09:30:00.004-04:00

The way we do our training here, we do combined 2 day group teaching and iron-on-iron time together. This past meeting was really first with the new group. We will usually give them some action items to do before we all come together for the next training a month later. They all come back and report on how they did and how their ministry is going. In between these trainings, I have the priviledge of going to visit them in their places of work. This week I was able to visit two of our new 16 for the first time.

Yesterday, I met with A. and his family. He was eager to tell me about things since our group meeting. He is very excited about the way his ministry is going since he started learning new things. He has been doing church planting for some time, and he knows all the right terminology for church planting, but he has had no clear focus or direction for the things he has learned in the past. I was really happy to hear how he had been affected by our training, and now had a clear focus for what he is doing. We taught the group about Luke 10:1-11, in finding the man of peace in a new place. First, to pray for God to give you a new place to go, and then go to that place. The man of peace is there, God has placed him in the place he is sending you to proclaim Jesus. Well, A. has since been waking up at night feeling that God is speaking to him about new places, and he has been planning to go to these places so he can share the gospel and start new churches in them. He is really excited about having direction in his ministry. Many others have seen a difference in him; even the main leader of this group who is helping me and has put this group together has noticed the change in his attitude and how excited he is to move forward in church planting.

This is great news, and I cannot wait, as I said before to see what these brothers are going to do with more teaching. Stay tuned!

More Growth

2009-08-01T22:45:00.002-04:00

I just received a call from D, one of the church planters in our last group. He told me that since our final meeting a month ago, the men he has been trianing have found 4 new men of peace and have started churches in those places. Also, just the other day he had a meeting with the church planters he has been training, and they have told him their goals for the next 4-5 months: between all of them they plan to see 100 churches planted! I am confident that a CPM has started with these brothers and that this place will soon be transformed for God's glory!

I'm Back!

2009-07-30T04:58:00.007-04:00

I have to really apologize to any who check on this blog for not posting any updates or anything since May. On the other hand, thank you to those who have been checking in. Whether blog, facebook, or newsletter, I have tried to keep all of those who are praying for us and the work here informed about what God is doing. We have traveled and had much happen here during these last 2 months. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time of service here, and we have seen much fruit. Here are some updates on what has been going on:

The time with the group of 14 we have been teaching has come to an end. For the last year, we trained and equipped 14 church planters in best practices of CPM. We helped them focus their ministry on best things rather than a lot of good things. Some of the group moved slowly, while we saw several of the group catch on to the concepts, and their ministries are growing quickly. Rajesh, who was skeptical that this new teaching would actually work, was simply going to come to the meetings and hear the teaching, but continue to do what he had been doing. As time webt on, he became convicted, and felt God asking him why he was not willing to put the teachings into practice. At this point, he realized he should be doing the things we were teaching about. He decided to go find the man of peace, according to the entry strategy we had taught from Luke 10:1-11. He prayed for God to show him the place he was to start a new church, and when that place was revealed he went. As he went, he prayed to meet the person of peace that God had placed there. A man approached him and asked him why he was there. Rajesh responded that he was a follower of Christ, and he was there to share some good news. The man said to him that some time back he had received a tract talking about Jesus, and asked Rajesh if he could explain this. They went to his home, where the gospel was shared and the man accepted Christ, he and entire family! A church has started there, and people are coming to know Christ through the efforts of finding this man of peace. Rajesh has found 7 new places since February, and all are meeting for church. A couple of these new churches have already sent members out to new places and started their own churches, so we have seen growth to the 3rd generation through Rajesh's obedience! Others in the group had existing churches they have been trying to get to healthy status so that they could multiply and plant other churches. Some of those churches are responsible for sending out members of their own body and sharing Christ in a new village also. As we held our group of 14 accountable to applying the teaching to their ministry, they were also holding the leadership under them accountable to also doing the things they were taught. They were challenged to go into a new place and find a man of peace. They were also given the task of teaching all their believers how to share the gospel with others, and hold them accountable to actually share. We are proud of this group and the way they have taken the teaching and applied it to their ministry. We know that through these brothers that this place will begin to transform and that God's glory would cover this place like to waters cover the sea. So, as Paul did in Acts 20:32-38, we committed our brothers to God and the word of his grace, we prayed over them and wept together as we said goodbye, knowing fully that we had finished the task of equipping these apostles.

As we finished with this group, I have been able to take a new group of church planters, who already have existing churches, and have had multitudes of training in church planting. However, now having heard of the growth of the group we were training, one leader has brought together 16 church planters who are wanting to focus their ministry on best practices. I met with them back in June, and told them a little of what they could expect out of intense training like this. It has been modeled to me by my supervisor, and now I am equipped to do the same with a new group. I committed to teaching them the best practices of church planting, as it comes from God's word, and they committed to learn and apply these things to their ministry. We came together at the end of July in our second meeting. I asked them what is different about this training and what their expectations were of this time together. One brother said that the teaching he had heard in the initial meeting made more sense than any he had heard before. Another took what little teaching we gave and found 10 new believers, baptized them and has formed them into a church, and he has 12 more new believers ready for baptism! I am excited to see what he and the others will do with full teaching. The first 2 day meeting just ended, and they have been given tasks to do in the time between now and our next meeting and then come back and report. I will also go and visit with them in their places of ministry, to observe and encourage them in the things they are doing. Pray for this new group, that they will apply the things we are learning together so their ministry can grow and that through these brothers, like the last group, this place will be covered with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

We also said goodbye to our team members who lived in the city with us. Their 3 year term came to an end in mid-July. They will be in the U.S. for one year until their oldest is sent to college, and then return to South Asia to continue the work. We shed tears and prayed over each other as they headed back home.

Finally, as you may have read in my last post, we had originally extended our 2-year term all the way until the summer of 2010, and I had been taking seminary courses in order to apply for career IMB status. We talked with our church leadership early in the year, and they told us that they were putting together a team of families and college students and planned to send them to Bangkok, Thailand to start a missionary training school. They asked us if we would pray and consider being on the team as the ones who would focus on the church planting part of the school. The team's task is to start an international church, set up a training school that would train missionaries from anywhere in the world. We would focus them on Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim, and the training school would be a springboard for them to actually go and live in South Asia as missionaries. We would be equipping international missionaries to live overseas while training them overseas. We would also be training and equipping believers in Bangkok the principles of church planting. The students of the team would enroll in an international university and start a student ministry. We were definitely intrigued by the opportunity that our home church was offering. However, we would not be financially supported like we have been with the IMB. We would be raising our own support back home in order to live overseas. This is a huge step for us and a little out of our comfort zone! We prayed about the decision for a month. We knew we needed to make a decision fast, because the team was being assembled and will be going through their own training together starting in January 2010. We talked and we began to feel a peace about the decision. Our home church, the church God brought us to and the leadership we have been following for the last 10 years - leadership we are confident is led by God and His Word, needed our decision. We have decided to shorten our extension here in South Asia, and go home in December after I finish training the current group. We will catch up with our team in January and train together for 5 months in Atlanta. In June, the rest of the team will be sent off to Thailand, and we will go back home to TN raise support for living overseas - something our team members are doing now. We are excited about this new opportunity, and are blessed to be part of a healthy church who is setting apart and sending directly from its own body. We are confident in God's provision for our lives, and that we must simply say yes to whatever God has planned for us - because he has plans to prosper us and give us a hope and a future.

So, now I'll take a breath. We look forward to what God holds for our future. We will work hard these last 5 months before going home, so that we can say, like Paul, we have not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God during our work here.

More updates to follow - stay tuned...

Crazy

2009-05-14T00:54:00.002-04:00

That's what my wife thought when I felt something about going on my first mission trip half way around the world to South Asia. I had never been on a mission trip and for some reason God wanted me to go on my first one ever so far away and to a culture completely opposite of mine. I was asked to get out of my comfort zone, no matter how scared or afraid or unqualified I felt. I had a choice to make- stay in my comfort zone and ignore God's call or submit and go. Little did I know, that trip would change my life forever. I felt that God was calling me to greater things- to move my family overseas and be completely submitted, for the first time, to God's will, not mine.
It made no sense whatsoever to move my family from our comfortable home, schools, friends, jobs into the very heart of darkness and lostness of the world. It made no sense because of thinking from a worldly point of view.
God's word is full of things that make no sense from our point of view. It made no sense for Noah to build a boat for a flood when no rain had fallen on the earth yet. It made no sense for Abraham to pick up and move to a land that he had not seen yet. It was crazy for Gideon, the least of his tribe who was the least of all tribes to take just 300 men to deliver Israel from the oppression of Midian- who had over 100,000 men in their army. How could God choose David, the smallest of all his brothers to be king of Israel? God used Paul, someone who murdered Christians to be one of the models for church planting today. There are so many other examples of
The reason for all this? Did the people get glory for this? No, but for their faith in what God was going to do through them, they receive honor, and we can learn from their example. But God did it so that they could not boast in themselves, but give the glory for the outcome to Him.
So, what about us? We should be open to what God has in store for us, and trust that He will bring us through, no matter how scared or unqualified we think we are. Since 2005, when I heard the call to come to this place, I have had my hands open to God has for us- I can't possibly close them now.
So we keep our hands open to what God has for us. In the mean time, we continue on here with one more year of ministry to go.

Decisions

2009-05-07T23:30:00.001-04:00

We have been in the middle of major elections during the last half of April and the first couple weeks of May, which has limited our travel for field time with our 14. Elections here is a very tense time. At some polling places, violence can break out. Most places, on the day of election, people of 3 or more who gather together on the street are dispersed by the authorities for fear that they may be starting a rally and planning to steal ballots or force people to vote for a particular party. In some other places, vehicles are commandeered for election purposes- and this is legal. Most times, if you get the vehicle back, it is stripped of all valuable parts. So, we have been staying safely in homes for the past 4 weeks. Now the elections are over, though the counting of the ballots is going on now.
We are in the middle of transition for us. 2 months left until we head to Thailand for our visa run/vacation/seminary class. We will be gone for almost 4 weeks, and when we come back our team members who have been here with us since we arrived will be going state-side, which will leave us here for the last year of our term by ourselves. Our team members have been such a huge help while we have been here, and have provided so much valuable experience for us here in our first term. The upcoming year will be difficult, but we know God's grace if sufficient for us. Our supervisor has mentored and modeled for me how to do things for an upcoming final year of ministry. I will take on another group of church planters from another ministry and do the same thing with them as we have done the past year. I am excited and nervous for this, but again, God will give me wisdom, as he has during this past year of ministry. I will also continue to take courses through Southern Seminary to gain enough education for career service with the IMB, and also for any other ministry that comes up that the Lord calls us for.
We are open to what God has in store for us, wherever that may be. So this upcoming year is a decision making year also. In August of 2010, we will go state-side and we will have successfully completed a 3 year ISC term with the IMB. We will have the opportunity to apply for career service, given that I have enough seminary hours to to be considered. With the economy, however, we have heard that the IMB may be cutting down on hiring for now. It has not been officially stated, but it makes sense, so we must weigh that into our decisions for the future. We know that God has called us and prepared us for this time, and He wants nothing but our best to finish what He started here. God has all things worked out, so we should not worry or be anxious. It is a great thing to be surrendered to His will, but He gave us a mind to prepare and work within His will, not be robots.
So I say this to just ask you who still read this to pray for our upcoming year of ministry. For us to stay within God's will for our lives- not our will but His be done. Pray for peace for the decisions we will be thinking of in even the next 6 months while still finishing our work strong. I promise to keep you posted.

Still Here

2009-04-29T10:51:00.001-04:00

I am still here, but have had some major writers block, internet access block, all kinds of things keeping me from fulfilling my promise to keep posting regularly. Stay tuned, I will be back!!

Holi, Holi....HOLY!!!

2009-03-16T02:28:00.014-04:00

We were again blessed to have a team from our home church visit us here. This is the 3rd visit since we have been here, and some have been several times before. Normally, however, we try to discourage teams from coming during major festivals, simply because it is difficult to travel, and find people who are open to hearing the Gospel in the middle of all the visiting and cooking food, etc. Our church had two college students who wanted to come, but they could only come during their spring break, which just happened to fall on the festival of Holi.

Holi, in South Asia is the festival of colors, to celebrate the coming of the warm weather. Everyone travels back to their home place celebrate with their relatives, so much is closed down during this time. The first day, people celebrate on the eve of Holi by burning giant fires around the city. Many people get drunk and sometimes it is a dangerous time to be out and about. The next day, people celebrate in the morning by putting colored dye into water and have giant water fights with each other.

All the members of the team played, and got colored nicely by the neighborhood kids- which made us all feel like kids again!

Run Away!!

They waited for us to come out, then shot. We were sitting ducks!

Defend ourselves we tried, but there were just too many of them, and they were determined!

After the color ran out, we headed for safe ground inside the house of our host.

We watched as the boys downstairs threw each other into the mud puddles, threw mud on each other as well as passers-by, then progressed to throwing dirt and ash on each other.

That evening, after washing as much of the color off as we could, we went to visit some neighbors, and low and behold, we were greated with more colors- dry this time though. We had some appointments to see some specific people and perhaps share the Gospel, but we got re-directed to a large gathering of men from the community who were meeting and they asked us to come over and visit. As we sat, the men came with hands full of colored powder which they proceeded to smear on our faces and hair.

This was a fun time, and though we weren't able to share the Gospel exactly like we expected to, we were able to pray for a household that day, and the team came away from this trip with a different perspective on life in South Asia.

We were, however, able to spend time in a house near-by that was really friendly- a perfect house of peace situation, which is what we teach our 14 (Luke 10:1-11). We sat, ate and drank what was put in front of us, which was ALOT! They were very friendly and open. The daughter of the house did mehindi on all the ladies hands.

After all the relational time we spent, we were totally comfortable sharing the Gospel. They were completely receptive, and when we asked if they wanted to accept the salvation of Jesus, they said yes. Praise the Lord! Husband, wife and son all prayed for forgiveness and accepted that Jesus died to take the punishment for their sins, and they committed to follow Jesus only. A house of peace that God can use to grow His kingdom on earth in that village. Pray for this family, as the local church planters continue to follow up with them in discipleship in order to harvest the local area and form into a healthy church. If the team just came out to share with that one family and give them the chance to accept salvation, the trip was a success.

In South Asia, we need to be careful not to knowingly participate in the worship of any other gods. A scripture that came to my mind was when Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share in its blessings." The "throwing of colors" is not a type of worship for the locals so the team that came had a great opportunity to be part of the local celebration, and be one of the locals and do what they do for the sake of Christ.

It wasn't a typical trip, but we may never know how many lives were affected for the sake of the Gospel- but God knows. He was glorified, and during Holi, the team was able to put a little Holy into it!

Notes From the Field

2009-03-05T19:07:00.004-05:00

So thank you to those who gave suggestions about the blog. I will be tweaking some things here and there, so stay tuned... Oh yeah, and no more double posts- sorry, not so used to moble-blogging yet!
In February, we had a team from one of our prayer partner churches come and visit, a second visit actually, this time with almost all who had not been out of the country even. They stepped out of their comfort zone and came half-way around the world to know how better to partner with what God is doing in this place. We visited a few of the nationals we are working with, and were able to pray for and encourage them together. We also went to some village areas to share the gospel. In this place, when there are white faces, especially from America, quite the crowd gathers around as we walk. It can be likened to Jesus having a large crowd follow Him when He was on earth. We then are able to easily share some cultural things with them, and in turn share Christ openly. We have found that relational time always opens the door to sharing spiritual things. The team was also able to share stories of Jesus with school children, and lead them in singing worship songs. One lady, who leads worship time for young children in their church, had the kids doing "air guitar" during one of the songs, and even the translator was doing it. It was really a lot of fun, and this team brought more joy to these kids over an hour than they probably have ever felt in their lives. The smiles on their faces could probably be seen from space! The team was moved emotionally and spiritually, and went back home with a changed world view. One of the couples had felt called by God to just come on this trip. They couldn't explain it, but they have been feeling that things in their life have not been right, and that God was calling them to greater things. My wife and I were thrilled to be able to encourage them during the trip, and answer many questions about our call and life on the mission field. They are in the process of surrendering to God's will and have started an application with the IMB. I would tell them to maybe slow down a little bit, but the look in both of their eyes confirmed to me that they are willing to do what God is calling them to do. The process had been ongoing for some time, and the trip here confirmed it for them.

This week, I was out in the east part of our state, a trip that takes a 10 hour overnight train, to visit some of our 14 Church Planters. These guys are doing such great work, and I am so proud to be part of what God is doing in this place. One of the guys, Nathan*, is a former Buddhist who now follows Christ in spite of being cut off completely from his family because of his faith. His mother and father have wanted no contact with their oldest son. Nathan has gone to visit them, but he has heard his own mother say "I have no son." That is heart breaking to hear. Recently, however, his mother had an accident in which she broke her leg. He went home to help and support during that time, to which his mother welcomed him, finally after about 4 years. We had been praying that God would soften his family's heart to at least let him back into contact with them. Also, recently, an uncle of his family died, and his father asked Nathan to come and participate in the worship during the 39 days of mourning. During this time, Buddhists shave their body hair, and do many other things to offer sacrifice and offerings on behalf of the deceased relative. Nathan responded to his father "I cannot do this. Jesus is my Lord, and I cannot participate in this worship." Yesterday, I read Psalm 15, and the last part of verse 4 speaks of Nathan's faith- "(He who) keeps his oath even when it hurts," This is one of God's answer to David's question of who may dwell in the Lord's sanctuary and live on God's holy hill. Many followers of Christ right here are making decisions every day that go against their parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors and even society. Can we as Americans even compare with this type of faith? We shy away from sharing our faith because we might be laughed at or mocked or cast out of the "in" crowd. I'm definitely not pointing fingers- that plank is in my eye as well. I'm so encouraged by the strength and faith of the people here- those that have counted the cost of being a disciple- and it's a huge cost, Much bigger than I could ever have imagined and they still choose to follow. It is inspiring, and it keeps me going in the committment to further God's work in this place. God is getting glory here, but that glory will be shown much bigger one day. This is only the beginning.

Suggestions

2009-03-03T08:07:00.001-05:00

My blog needs a little help. I see by the amount of comments I've been receiving that maybe my readers may have dropped off, through no fault of my own. I started this blog 2 years ago with a bang, sometimes writing several times a week. Lately, I have only been good enough to write at least once a month (bad SAM!). I now notice that this post iis my 100th, and to celebrate this little milestone, I wanted to ask my few readers for some blog suggestions. Give me some feedback! Should I change the look? Post more?(obviously!) Any help would be welcome! For a little change, instead of waiting to get home to post, I am actually out in a village now posting from my mobile. Technology sure has come a long way! Look forward to hearing from you!

Suggestions

2009-03-03T08:07:00.000-05:00

Change Your World View

2009-02-28T10:55:00.005-05:00

This past week, we had our monthly meeting of the 14 we are training- a time of sharing and teaching. This meeting was probably the most meat-filled, solid life practical teaching we have had together since we have been meeting these last 6 months.

The first day, we always come together for relational time where the guys share their successes in church planting and ministry. We have seen some good growth from these guys- the kind of growth that has started from a good seed.

The second day, we taught on observing the Lord's Supper, and surprisingly many of them had some good questions- we were able to clear up their questions and confusions surrounding this sacred time that a body of believers does together. First, we asked the question of what does the Lord's Supper mean to us as believers. Then, we looked at what the Bible says about it. We all came away with a much deeper meaning of what the Lord's Supper is, and we remembered the Lord through Lord's Supper together. With this, they should be able to teach their churches the meaning of it and model it for them, so it does not lose its meaning.

We also taught on Tithing- reasons for giving, how much to give, how to give, etc. Again, many questions were raised, and we looked at scripture together to find the answers. Many times, it is easy to try to give our answers to these questions, but we forget that our authority in our lives is God and God's Word. It has been a critical time for us to instill this into these men of the importance of scripture and how it MUST guide their lives and ministry.

The last day, we brought up something we have noticed lately when spending time in the field with our guys. Our translator, who is one of the guys we are training, asked me a question about water and oil, and how many believers in this part of the world bring these things for the pastor or church leader to pray over and take them home and use them. He asked if I knew of anything in the Bible that taught on these subjects. I could only think of the passage in James 5 where it talks about the sick brother who should call the elders to pray over them, annoint them with oil in the name of the Lord for healing. I visited one of our guys soon after this, and to my surprise, while we were praying in a house, our church planter brought in a cup of water. After we prayed for the house, no one drank it and the church planter then handed the cup of water to the house owner and said something to him in the local language. It happened at another house soon after, to which I asked our translator about it. We decided to bring it up during our next meeting, because most likely there were others who were practicing this in their ministry. So, we brought it up. To our amazement, 90% said yes to the question about whether it is right to pray over water or oil for healing purposes. This led us to a discussion about worshiping or putting our faith in created things other than the creator. That when we do this, we are making the name of Jesus meaningless- we are taking the name of the Lord in vain. It is idolotry, and idolotry is a sin. The object does not have the power. God has the power to heal. The discussion opened up, and after an hour of back and forth discussion, all changed their yes's to no's- some more enthusiastically than others, but I think God's Word made its point. It is amazing what the Bible can teach us if we just open it up, read it and study it.

Like I said, this was a great time (probably one of our best) of teaching and learning together. And, even though we are teaching, we are learning right along with these guys. My team-mate and I looked at each other during many of these discussions and said-"This would never be an issue in the U.S." It is a different world we are viewing here. So much of the Bible is living itself out right in front of us here in South Asia- more so than I would ever have imagined it.

God's love and grace is enough to cover it all.

2nd Generation

2009-02-08T21:45:00.004-05:00

One of our main goals here is to equip nationals to plant churches that plant churches, so that we can have an out of our control/in God's control CPM. We have taken 14 and have been training them to be master trainer/church planters. One of the 14 has taken this to heart. I wrote not too long ago that he was skeptical about our method at first, of finding the man of peace in the village (from Luke 10:1-11). He went out on his own and used the Luke 10 method to see if it would work. To his amazement, God showed him 7 new villages with persons of peace. Since then, he has been on fire to continue and progress with these churches and get them to a healthy state so that they too can send out leaders to new places and find men of peace. He has also taken our training and taught 10 of his own existing church planters the methods we are teaching from the Bible. He challenged all of them to go to new villages that God leads them to and find men of peace. One has found 4 new places with 4 men of peace, all of them have accepted Christ and are now beginning to meet for church in their house. So, with just over 7 months of intensive training with our CP's, one has taken the challenge and ran with it. Even though, so far, only one out of 14 is really taking off, one is all that God needs to work with to bring glory to Himself and increase His kingdom on earth. Now the task is, as I said, to get these places to be healthy, solid churches that can one day send out leaders to new villages to build the kingdom. It is exciting what God is doing in this place.

They Get It

2009-02-01T14:13:00.002-05:00

We have privilege of being overseas and working for the Lord. Nothing is more gratifying than having your hands open to what our Lord and Savior has called us to do. On top of that, we are blessed to have not one, but two churches directly involved in our ministry here. One, our home church who has sent us, has not only committed to pray for us, but has been to visit us twice since we have been here, and will come two more times this year. Another church; a relatively young church plant, has committed to praying for us, but has also come out of their comfort zone and brought a 2nd team to engage the lost here with us. Let me just say that "They get it." They get that it takes not only prayer but hands on committment to the cause of Christ.

Thank you LifePoint Smyrna and Ridgeview Community Church. It is you, who are being the hands and feet of Jesus in an extremely dark place spiritually, that are looking outward to the lost world rather than looking inward. It is you who are making an impact for the Gospel in a place that needs it so badly. You are the witnesses for Jesus to the ends of the earth.

More Workers for the Harvest

2009-01-08T22:34:00.003-05:00

A quick update on some things. My family and I had a great time in Thailand. We were able to eat some good western food, which is a break for us. The kids were able to spend time with their friends, and visit some cool places like the zoo, and a place called Tiger Kingdom, where you are able to sit with, and pet LIVE tigers! The family had a great time, while Dad took a seminary class offered overseas by Southern Seminary. It was my first college-type class in 15 years, but things went well. It was a good time of discussion and learning about mission strategy. We have arrived home to resume work, which a trip I had planned to visit some of our 14 was cancelled due to bad weather. All seems to be going well back home however, and we have been rested up for the next six months of work.

I received a phone call from one of our 14 who has not let the cold nasty weather stop him from doing God's work. He wanted to rejoice with me and said he and one of his CP's had found 4 new persons of peace in new villages. Praise the Lord! More workers for the harvest!

We have some friends from our home church who are going through the IMB to Africa. They are in the process of selling their house so they can go to orientation this summer. Praise the Lord, more workers for the harvest! Check out their blog Geonosis and follow their journey to the field. This makes the 3rd family, including us, that our church has sent to the mission field in the last year and a half. More are in line to go, and it makes us proud to be encouragement to those who are being called out. We are also proud to be part of a church body that is committed to reaching the lost of the world- to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (Luke 10:2) Continue to pray that more workers are sent to the harvest fields, because the harvest IS plentiful.

Greatful, Thankful, and Humble

2008-12-30T22:33:00.004-05:00

We are in Thailand on a visa run during the holidays, and I am studying different articles on missions for a Seminary class I am taking while we are here. I just wanted to share what God just laid on my heart while reading an article by Tracy K. Jones.

I am greatful for the Southern Baptist Church that is our family back home, from whom we have come overseas to do God's work. I love the staff, and I feel they are led by the two authorities in any Christ-follower's life- God and His word.

I am thankful for the IMB, through whom we have come to do God's work overseas. I believe the leadership to be fully led by Godly men who are also led by God and His word.

But, I am humble to think that a mere simple man can be used by God, who has called us out. We will not do the work, but through us He will do His work.

God calls, the church sends, the agency facilitates. At the front of all this, it is God who calls us. He calls all of us in His time, when He has equipped us in His own way for the task.

Is God calling you? How will you know if you aren't talking to Him? How will you know unless someone explains it to you, like your church staff? Ask God, ask Godly leadership.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Every 2.5 seconds, someone dies in South Asia, 99% of those do not know the salvation that has been offered to them. How can they ask for salvation if they don't believe? How will they believe unless they hear? How can they hear unless someone tells them? How can someone tell them unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15)

God is calling. He has been calling since He gave us the great commission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18-20). That we will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

It's not too late. After 16 years of professing that I was a Christ follower, He called my family and I to "pick up and move to the land I will show you." Many times, I wish I had heard that call earlier in my life, but God knew He had to do some pruning in my life. In 2005, it was time. I submitted. In His time. It wasn't too late for me, it's not too late for you. He may call you specifically one day. Just be ready to go where He asks you, with hands and a heart open to His will.

Notes From The Field

2008-12-05T22:53:00.002-05:00

I have just returned from four days on the field, and I had an encouraging time visiting 3 of our 14 this past week. We went with Paul*, whom I had visited with a couple of months back. He was excited to find people in a new place interested in the Gospel. Paul has been going back there often, and has 2 men of peace in this village of fishermen. One of them was always drinking alcohol and getting drunk. He would argue with his wife and children. He had been listening to the Gospel from Paul*, but hadn't accepted. One day, one of their children was sick, but he had no money to take him to the doctor. He remembered that he could pray to Jesus for help, and the next day, someone gave him money to see the doctor- the exact amount needed! From then he has been believing more. One night, his wife had terrible stomach pain. It was 1 o'clock, so no doctors were available at that time. He prayed to Jesus to heal her. Immediately, she felt better! Since seeing God's power, he has repented and believed. He no longer drinks and he feels peace in his heart. He has been a witness of how God can change lives. Many others have seen the change in him, and it is only a matter of time before this village begins to accept Jesus. Church meetings take place every week in their house, and Paul* is teaching him the things we teach Paul*. Praise the Lord!
I visited with another of our 14, Matthew*. Recently, he had 2 young men come to know Jesus. They went and shared with one of their friends, and he accepted Christ. I taught all three about assurance of salvation in the Bible, and also about baptism, as they have not taken it yet. They have been believers now for 1 month, and their friend for 1 week. One of Matthew's* church planters that he has been teaching, has had 5 people in a village he has been sharing in come to him wanting to know more about Jesus. On Saturday, December 6, he and Matthew* are going to share the gospel with them. We are praying that they receive it and become fishers of men!
I also received word from my team member about another of our 14, who I was not visiting this week. James*, who has a network of CP's and a mission organization, has been very forward about pushing his guys to do the things we are teaching. He himself committed in his plan to visit 6 new villages. However, running a network and organization, he has been very busy and unable to visit any new villages. James* called and he had taken Thomas*, another of our 14 who lives near him, with him to a new village. He said that he was excited to have found a person of peace and that they accepted Christ as their savior!
Slowly and little by little, our 14 are catching the vision. Once we get more of them to consistently do what we are teaching, and coming back to report to the entire group to rejoice, the whole group will begin to move forward even quicker.
Pray for our 14, that they continue to put into practice the things we are learning together, and that they remember that planting churches is not enough- they need to plant churches that plant churches. That is how over 1 billion souls have a chance to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus!
*Names of 14 changed to Apostle names for security.

Latest Ministry Update

2008-11-25T20:45:00.003-05:00

After much traveling, and some stomach issues that have knocked me down for some time, I am back. November has been a busy month for me. I traveled out to the east of our state to visit 5 of our 14. It is a 10 hour train ride, which was 5 hours late due to mechanical problems. This interrupted my schedule somewhat, but I was still able to visit all of our guys in the 4 days I spent there. We rented a taxi to take us around. We took a 2 hour drive to one place where one of the 14, James* runs a school for pre-K through 1st. He then took us 45km away, about 3 hours more, down some of the worst roads you could imagine, and here I was with a bad stomach. I made it fine, and we were able to spend some time in the village of another of our 14, Philip* and his son Thomas*. We found that Philip had found 3 places with men of peace. From Luke 10:1-11, we taught all of our 14 to pray and let God lead them to the village where He wants them to find the man of peace. So, Philip got on his bicycle, peddled 20 km to the first village, 15 more km to the next, and 10 more km to the next. He has been doing this for the last 3 months every week, traveling to each of these places to start churches in these places. That is dedication. I want to challenge those of you who think it is too far away to develop a relationship with your neighbors that live right next door. Just think of Philip, who travels 6-7 hours by bike to plant churches. This is one sold out follower of Christ! We finished with Philip and Thomas by praying with them, and for them and their families.
We then came back to where James' school was, and spent time praying with him and his family for his ministry. He has been able to speak to one Muslim man in his city, and the man has been very receptive to hear what James has to say about the Gospel. The relationship is developing. We also met with Titus*. He is a young man, who has been faithful to go to new places to share the Gospel and search out the man of peace, but has been unsuccessful due to his age. Many people will sit and listen to him, but are not accepting. In this place, if you are young, many older people will not put stock into what you say. James has said that he will go with Titus and help him have some credibility among the people.
The next day, we met with Andrew*, who runs a large church in another city. He has 10 CP's that he is teaching all the things we are learning together, and he is also teaching and challenging his 35 church members to go into their neighborhoods and share the Gospel and start new things in their villages. Many of them have had success with the things we have been teaching and slowly they will become church planters as well. Nathaniel*, one of our other guys I was able to meet with, has 2 different churches in different areas. He has selected 4 from one and 8 from another and has been giving them the training and teaching we have been giving him. They are receptive, and things are going slow, but once they start to happen, God will begin to move quickly that no one will be able to control it.
We have heard so much good progress from our 14, as we have all come together this week to meet as we do every month. Please continue to pray for our ministry and our 14, that they will continue to be faithful to put the things we are learning into practice. I am encouraged by their dedication and faithfulness to carry out these things we are learning together.

*For security, original names have been changed to Apostle names.

Give Us Some Biblical Feedback!!!

2008-11-05T07:35:00.005-05:00

We live in a place where festivals are plenty. These festivals honor false gods and idols. We have been invited to attend some of these religious ceremonies, and we kindly arrive as guests, but do not participate in the worhsip or ritual. Still, we are invited to most of them by our neighbors. This week, the Hindu festival called Chhath (pronounced chut) is taking place. This is a sun worship holiday, with the main rituals taking place this morning and evening. The women of the home fast from food and water for 2 days, and many parties are put on with guests showing up and food being cooked and given to the guests. The worship of the sun takes place at sunrise and sunset the chosen day. People buy food, like fruit, cookies and other things and offer them as sacrifice to the sun. The food is then eaten as the ladies break their fast, and the leftovers are offered to the neighbors - which is where we come in. Our good friends in our building brought us some food and actually said that this is the sacrifice food from today. We know that this is just food, and if they just gave us food, we would accept it and eat it. The Bible is clear in stating that you should eat what is put in front of you. But, when the unbeliever gives us food and they say this food has been sacrificed to an idol, then we should politely decline it. Not for our conscience, but for the unbeliever's, because when we witness to these people, they will wonder why we took part in food sacrificed to their idol when we proclaim to follow Jesus only. It is bad for our witness.

I have read this passage in 1 Corinthians 10 many times, but this is the first time I was confronted with it. My first thought was not to be rude. We accepted the food with thanks, but we have not eaten, and will not. The couple left, and then we looked at the passage in scripture again. We discussed and came to the conclusion that we should tell them that we did not eat their gift, though we are thankful for them thinking of us and bringing us food. We must also explain why. They know that we are followers of Christ, but they do not know why we do some things, and refrain from others. This will be an opportunity to witness and share our faith. Another reason we did not eat the food is because the girl who comes and cooks and cleans for us everyday is a believer, and we do not want to be a stumbling block to her walk, as it also says at the end of 1 Cor 10.

Anyways, let me know what you would do/would have done in this situation. Anything different? Give me some feedback.

One Year On The Field!!

2008-10-29T22:18:00.003-04:00

It is really hard to believe it has been a year already! It still seems like we just arrived, though most of our time here has been a blurr. It feels like it took us about 4 to 6 months to really get our feet under us here, but in reality, this year anniversary has really brought about more comfort on our part. Comfort with our neighbors, local businessmen, hosting teams from our home churches- I feel more in control of things in the past couple months than I have the entire time I have been here. I have never felt the urge to go home, or asked the question "What were we thinking coming to this place?" Honestly, I have never felt better about being someplace than I do here. As tough as it is living here, I would not want to do anything else. It really is freeing when you totally submit to God's will and go where He tells you to go. Add to that the fact that we are just regular followers of Christ- not Bible college or Seminary trained ordained ministers. God chose us right out of our ordinary life to come and be part of a transformation right here in South Asia. That is a testimony to anyone who feels called, you do not have to be ordained or fully biblically educated to work for Him on the field. I am just finishing reading through the entire Old Testament for the first time. By the end of the year, I will have read through the entire bible. How's that for ordinary? God calls us to His will to glorify Him in many ways. I love the story about Gideon in Judges 6-8. God called Gideon to save Israel against an army whose camels numbered as many as were grains of sand on the sea shore. Gideon wondered why God was wanting to use him, as his tribe was the least of all tribes, and Gideon the least of his tribe. And even though Gideon tested God several times, God used Gideon and only 300 men to defeat an army of hundreds of thousands. God has given us many examples of how he uses the ordinary and overlooked to bring glory to himself. My family and I are living examples of this.

Over the past year, we have had joys- celebrating new life with national brothers and seeing the peace of Jesus come over them and their lives change has been awesome! Traveling to spend time with national brothers and sisters in their homes and receiving their gracious hospitality has been humbling to me. Having teams from our churches in the US come and spend time with us in the field is great. This is part of the mobilization we are here for. Showing how much fun it is to those who come, that they can be part of God's work here also. The full suitcases of American goodies they bring with them is like Christmas time for us also!
We have also experienced sadness here. My grandfather passed unexpectedly 6 months into our term. My wife's best friend, who battled cancer for a year with courage I could never imagine having, found out the cancer had come back. My daughter has had a tough time not seeing her friends and being homeschooled takes its toll. My son has no one his age to play with, so he does his best at getting attention where he can. Seeing people daily go to temples filled with false gods and idols is still devastating, and really hits home the fact that this place needs Jesus.

How can they know the One True God if they do not believe? How can they believe if they don't hear? How can they hear unless someone tells them? How can someone tell them if they are not sent? (Rom 10:14-15) God has equipped us- all of us who follow Him, to preach the Gospel. Not only has He equipped us, He has commanded us to go, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. (Matt 28:18-20) And you know why we should take comfort and do what Jesus commands? Because he is with us to the very end of the age. He even says He will go before us! How comforting is that? God has given promise after promise to us that He will provide for us. All we have to do is believe, and submit.

Will you submit? Submit to going? And by going I mean even to your neighbor, your kids' football or soccer coach? Teachers? Parents? What about those people who are from another country living in the US? Maybe God is calling you to be hosts to them. We have been so blessed to have people take care of us here in South Asia, and they are not followers of Christ. Is there anyone you can think of who needs your hospitality? You don't have to move half way across the world to minister to people from another country or culture. They may be right there. God has put them there for you to be a neighbor to. As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility, each of us, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Will you go?

What's the Difference?

2008-10-08T21:39:00.005-04:00

Here are some more images of idol worship around our city this week. This is very different from the every day worship at the temples. People crowd around these temporary temples to give honor to and get blessings from a statue. In Acts, Paul was deeply distressed at the idol worship he witnessed. But he did realize one thing- that the people were spiritual and were searching for ways to connect with God. They even went so far as to put a statue up to the "unkown god". It distresses us to see all the idol worship around us. We kind of get numb to it, since it is so heavily surrounding us. I even toy with the idea not to post about this, since it would be giving some publicity to this type of worship. However, when I was in America, I was fully unaware of how much idol worship there was here, so I talk myself into publishing these things because it brings awareness to those who pray for us and the people here. The people are trying to connect with God. They don't know any other way of doing it. They've done it this way for centuries. Some people have even told me that they do it because no one has ever told them anything different.

On Average, $15,000 US dollars are spent on each temporary temple during Durga Puja.
On one 5 mile drive from our house, we counted 13 of these huge temples.

Each one of these temples will be dismantled next week and cast into the river.

But, I need to ask the question- what is the difference between this and what we in America do with what we have grown up knowing? Our tradition tells us to celebrate at Christmas and Easter, the birth of Christ and the death and resurrection of Christ. Yet, most times, other things replace the one true God in our hearts. It may be money, house, career, alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, sports (fill in the blank here). I would say, that many of these things if not all are not spiritual in nature. Are we seeking God when we chase after these things? It is not an idol we can worship, but we chase after these things with a passion- a passion we should have for the one who has given himself as a sacrifice for us and our eternal souls. He has given us given us the opportunity to accept eternal salvation, but we throw that aside for things that will fade away in days, months or years. Americans reject what they know for things that will not last. People here do not know about Christ, so they are not really rejecting Him. But, they are trying to connect with what they think is god the only way they know how.

Can you imagine what kind of passion the people of South Asia would have when they learn the truth of the One True God? That Jesus died and took punishment for the judgement that awaits every person? What kind of passion would we as Americans have if we focused ourselves on the one who has given himself for us and saved us for all eternity?

Festival Time

2008-10-06T22:37:00.005-04:00

It may be football time in the U.S., but here it is festival time. We have had a few Hindu festivals to different idols the last few months, but those were just a warm-up. This week is Durga Puja, a festival that celebrates the victory of Durga over evil. In addition to the thousands of temples along the streets, there is now hundreds more temporary temples erected with huge elaborate idols garnished with flowers, gold, silver and cloth. These temples line the streets- you can't go more than 500 feet without seeing one. People line up all day, every day, night and day to give offerings and get blessings. This will go on all week with music, food, dancing, incense, and in some places animal sacrifice. Many people are doing these things because they have done it this way for centuries- others do it to find peace and to connect with God, though they are trying to connect with Him in the wrong way.

Pray this week that the people would find no peace in their lives through this worship, and that they would strive to find the one peace in their heart that is already written on it. Pray that Jesus would find His way into the hearts and minds of the people here, and that one day they will know the true way to celebrate and worship the one and only God. They were made by the creator of the universe, just as you and I have been made, and as the Gospel was for us, so it is for them.

Meeting of the 14

2008-09-26T01:11:00.003-04:00

We have been teaching our 14 CPs about having a goal, or end vision for their ministry. We know that God's purpose is that His glory would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Hab 2:14. God's goal, or end vision is in Revelation 5:9 and 7:9- for every nation, tribe, people and language to receive and worship Him at the throne in heaven. They voiced their goals for certain people groups and languages they are already working with. We have taught them that they must have a plan- steps working toward the completion of their end vision. For, example, if we have even a simple goal of buying vegetables, we have specific steps we have to accomplish in order to get to that goal. First you must get dressed, put your shoes on, get your money, then go out the door, walk to the rickshaw, take a ride to the market, arrive at the market, and then accomplish your goal of buying what you need. Each step must take place in order to get to your goal efficiently. Putting on your clothes in the rickshaw is possible, but not practical. Walking around your house 2, 5, 10 times before getting in the rickshaw is possible, but wastes time. In the same way, we must put together steps in our ministry toward accomplishing our goal. The first step we are teaching them is how to find where your minsitry should start. We should have an entry plan for the first of 5 parts (Entry, Gospel, Discipleship, Church Formation, and Leadership Multiplication) of our CPM master plan. There are many ways of doing a certain thing, and while all those things are possible, doing many of them is not always practical, and we can easiliy lose our focus. Each step in a CPM must be thought out, and then each step must also be done well in order for the CPM to grow and grow quickly. Choosing one thing and doing is well is much better than trying to do many things and doing them just OK. Their entry strategy we have been teaching them to use, comes from Luke 10:1-11. We call it our HOP (House of Peace) strategy for Entry. Pray and go- let God lead you to the place he wants you to be. Jesus told them not to take extra things (bag or sandals) because we need to rely totally on Him to provide for us, and to allow someone in the place God is leading you to be able to show mercy on you. For blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy. Jesus also said, don't greet anyone on the road. When God has revealed to you the place you should go and bring the Good News, you should go directly to that place. Don't stop. Would a farmer who has precious seed to be planted in the field he has prepared stop on the way to that field? He has a task, and he knows how important and urgent it is that seed needs to be sown, and in that specific field. Once in the village, prayerwalk, and let God lead you to the person of peace. As we learn in Acts 17:26-27, God has determinied the times set for them and the places they should live, and that they should seek God. They are ready for the Good News. Or, they have a need that can be met through prayer, so that the power of God can be revealed to them, and then the salvation can be shared with them. But most important, get into the house. Let the person of peace invite you in and display his mercy upon you. Eat and drink what is put in front of you. Begin to develop the relationship, and then share the Gospel. Stay in the house! Once the Gospel is shared, and they decide to accept the salvation Jesus has offered to all people, stay with them. This is where discipleship starts, as well as church formation and leadership multiplication. From the very beginning, they are modeling how to reach others with the gospel.

This week, my team member and I were able to bring our 14 disciples/CPs in to our city, as we have scheduled every month for the next year. We have visited all of them over the past month in their homes, and given them action items to complete. The meeting is an iron on iron session, where we come together for more teaching as well as sharing praises and prayers about what is going on. Many of the brothers in this meeting were excited to share what has been happening in their ministry since the last meeting. Many of them have toiled many years in ministry and have struggled to see fruit. Since sharing with them the Luke 10:1-11 strategy, they have put it into practice already. Some have prayed for family members of people, and God has shown great healing in order to open doors for them. Others have simply prayed for God to lead them to a POP, and have been invited into the house and shared the Gospel. The 14 are so excited to see something working so quickly, it is going to be incredible to be visiting them in the next month to see what kind of impact God is making through these obedient 14 men.

Many of them have developed a master plan, and they have very specific strategies in each of their 5 parts in order to move toward their goal. They are thrilled to put these things we are learning together into practice, and see fruit like they have never seen it before in their ministry. Next is discipleship and church formation. I will cover this in more detail in future posts, as well as how it is happening among the 14.

Draw the Net

2008-09-18T00:52:00.002-04:00

Last week, I was visiting with 'Paul', one of our 14 CPs. 'Paul' has toiled in his area many years. He has built a church on the side of his house and has 10 members. He also disciples 2 CPs in his area. His strategy has been to go door to door and sing praise songs and do bible drama skits as a means of sharing the gospel. He also preaches over radio broadcast and megaphone from his rooftop. Over the many years, he has seen little fruit, and he has been discouraged. Biblically, he is a sound believer, and his foundations in the Lord are solid. He has a real burden to reach the lost people of his area, but has not been able to see a movement of Christ among them yet. A couple of weeks ago, we held our monthly meeting of our 14 in our city. My partner taught Luke 10:1-11, that we should pray for God to lead us to the right place, then go and pray as you go that God will lead you to the person of peace He has already put in that place (Acts 17:26-27). This is the entry strategy phase of what we are teaching our 14. 'Paul', as soon as he came back to his area, put this strategy into action. God led him to a village and he began to share with a group of 35 people, all interested in the Gospel. He was so excited to see some results so quickly, that he is really sold out to do this everywhere he goes now. He said that no missionary has ever been to this village, and no one here has ever heard of Jesus before now.

This village of fishermen, have been listening to bible stories for the last few weeks, and always asks for 'Paul' and his son to come back, even trying to keep them overnight to keep preaching. No one has accepted yet, but the visits continue twice a week. I asked if they shared the salvation of Christ and asked if anyone wanted to receive it. He and his son, who has been going with him, said they did not want to ask yet for fear of getting run off. I used the analogy of a fisherman who had a large catch of fish in his net. Should he just let the net stay in the water for fear of losing the catch, or should he draw his net and pull in the ones in the net, even though a few get away? They answered, the fisherman should draw his net. I told them, in the same way we can share the Gospel with people, but if we do not ask them if they want to accept the salvation, they will not know what to do. I told them that they must do this in this village, because these people dod not know what to do with this new knowledge you have reavealed to them. God has led you to this place, and has given you an opportunity to give the Gospel, and draw the net by asking the question "Do you want to receive the salvation Jesus has offered to all people?" Some of these 35 people are ready, and that the question has to be asked, even if only one accepts. That would be your person of peace that God has led you to. Do not worry about all the others, the seeds of the Gospel have been planted in them, and they will respond when ready. 'Paul' and his son understood this, and did commit to drawing the net to find the people among this group who will become followers of Christ, and who they will begin to stay with and disciple. Praise God for giving this opportunity for 'Paul' to see fruit in this way. Pray for 'Paul' and his ministry, that this will be an encouraging springboard for him, and also for him to share in upcoming meetings with the other 14 his successes.

I was also able to share my testimony with one of their relatives. They have share with this young man many times, and he has shown interest, but never has been asked the question of accepting and following Jesus. God gave me the right words to say, and after hearing the Gospel, he accepted Christ. I was so excited, not just because of a new family member in the body of Christ, but that 'Paul' and his son were able to see how we draw the net. I explained later, that if I had just stopped at the Gospel without asking the question, this young man would still not know what he needed to do. God gave opportunity for 'Paul' to see this in action, so that he can go and do it. Over the next month, he will be going to new areas that God leads him, and putting the Luke 10:1-11 strategy (HOP- House Of Peace) to work, as well as taking his 2 CPs with him to model it for them to also do. God's word is so good. How do we ever stray from what is written in it, and try to do our own thing?

Science

2008-09-10T23:31:00.002-04:00

I love science. I love science fiction. I am a huge Trekkie. This stuff about the Large Hadron Collider sure has come upon me quickly. I never knew they have been building this huge thing in the Swiss alps for the last 25 years. It seems pretty cool, and could probably advance science in our generation with the things they discover. Very interesting, except for the fact that there are many other scientists that believe this will bring about the end of the world. We know, as followers of Christ, Jesus said, "And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
(Matthew 24:14). I think, unfortunately we are far from the end. There are hundreds of thousands of UUPG's, people groups who have not heard and are not even engaged with the Gospel by anyone. So, the end is far away, and only God knows the exact time it will come. However, we rejoice as the body of Christ that we have our names registered in Heaven. And we must strive to reach those who have not heard the Good News of salvation.

Anyways, preaching aside, I wonder what it is about us boys? What is the fascination we have with taking things apart, breaking them apart to see how they work or how they can be fixed or what parts are inside? I had this fascination when I was a boy, and still have it to some degree. I would take apart my electronic racing cars, Stretch ArmStong, etc just to see what was inside those things to make them work. I never figured it out, but I had a bunch of toys that didn't work anymore because of my curiosity. My son has inherited this curiosity. He has a bunch of toys that are taken apart and do not work any more. Power Ranger figures have no arms or legs, cars have the wheels off, things like that. That makes me think of these scientists in the Alps with this contraption ready to possibly blow the top off the Swiss Alps by smashing sub-atomic particles to see what will happen, and if the Big Bang Theory is really relevant. I believe in the Big Bang Theory. I really do. I believe that God said "Let there be light, and there was light. And it was good." If that's not enough of a Big Bang Theory, lets just believe we were created by an accidental smashing of particles. That seems pretty believable! I would rather believe we were created by a loving Heavenly Father than to believe we are an accident.

Field Time!

2008-09-07T11:30:00.005-04:00

No, I'm not talking about football- but I am looking forward to listening to some over the Internet. There is only so much cricket a good old American sports fanatic can take!

Anyways, I just returned from the field spending time with 'Mark' (pseudonym) one of our 14 CP's. Normally, we are to spend time with them 1 on 1 when we come to them, but he had brought 8 of his CP's that he is training to for me to teach some things to them. I really had planned on meeting with 'Mark' only, and had nothing prepared. So, I winged it. I asked them questions. I needed to know what kind of training they have had, where their ministry is, how many churches they oversee, are the leaders they are discipling also discipling others to become leaders- basically interviewing them to measure maturity and get a feel for their theology. The first issue that came up which seems to come up a lot here among believers- what is a disciple? So I ask the question to the group- is there a difference between disciple and believer? All said yes. They told me that they believe a true committed follower of Jesus and His teachings is a disciple. A believer is one who only believes but does not follow. So, we looked in the bible at the requirements to be a believer. I ask them to read Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." All agreed that to be a believer is to do these things. When you confess that Jesus is Lord, what are you committing to do? You are committing to following Jesus only. When you commit to follow a lord, what does that make you? His disciple. AH-HA! They solved the problem themselves, by looking at God's Word. I think I saw light bulbs blink on, I'm not exactly sure. I could tell they all understood though. I restated that we should always look at the Bible for answers to our questions and not rely on another man's word if it is not Biblically based. This passage of scripture does not give levels of becoming a disciple, and does not recommend a good theologically sound bible college before you truly become a disciple of Christ- you confess and believe, and it is by grace you are saved, not works or knowledge.

Another question I asked them was if they were performing baptisms. They said yes. I asked if their CP's they were training were performing these things too. Most said no, that they themselves were doing the baptisms, Lord's Supper, etc. I asked them why, and they said that some were not ready, that maturity was not there yet from some of them, and they were waiting. I told them it was OK if their CPs personally were not ready to do these things yet, but the CPs should be told by their leaders (them) that they (the CPs) have the authority to do these things. We then read 1 Peter 2:9- "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." In most religions, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Catholic, I asked them who were the people who perform the rituals and ceremonies? Priests was the answer. I then asked, "in this passage, what does it say that all believers/followers of Christ are?" Priests came the answer. So, who can do the ceremonies like baptism, Lord's supper, etc.? All believers. Again, we looked at scripture together to get our answer, and they found the solution themselves. I told them that they were doing good work, but growth would never really take off the way they want it to unless they allow their leaders to take responsibilities. They need to let them loose to do the things God has given them the authority to do. I will be most interested in our next meeting to find how much they have moved forward in these two areas.

There is much potential in this small group, and all have had many trainings, but we stressed to them that we need to focus on one thing and do it well rather than try many different things and do them so-so. We shared end visions together, and I told them that if we are to reach the end visions they wanted, they needed to focus their strategy and stick to one thing. 'Mark' is obviously our point man in this group, and I stressed to him how important it was to model for these guys and teach them the things we will be teaching him over the next year.

There are some other things that happened in our meeting- one young man just happened to be brought in by 'Mark' as he met him on the street and rented him a room. He is 18, not a believer, and we got to talking about his future. God really hit a home run on this one, because the young man started by saying he knew all religions and respected them, but they were not for him. I began to share the Gospel with him, using the method we use and teach, in front of all we were meeting with that evening. After sharing, he accepted Christ, and is now a new creation! Not only that, but every one of these CP's got to see how to we share the Gospel- the way we teach it. That could not have gone better. Praise the Lord!

Before leaving, we gave 'Mark' some action items to complete before we meet again in one month. Pray for 'Mark' over the next few weeks as he is putting the strategy we are teaching into action- a strategy that is new to him. We studied Luke 10:1-10, by praying and going to find the person/house of peace God has put into place already, according to Acts 17:26-27. He will do this to some of the places he has been as well as one new place. He is also going to take a couple of his guys with him to model it and have them do the same while he watches. This is called our HOP House Of Peace strategy (more details on this later).

I told 'Mark' that we were not doing this to shame him or tell him he is doing anything wrong, but we simply want to help him and equip him to be able to see progress to his end vision for his district. He understood completely. Pray for his continued obedience and that he can really pour into the 10 CP's he is working with to all become great builders of the Kingdom. God's endvision- "For the earth will be covered by the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14.

BPI- A Must for CPM Training

2008-09-01T10:05:00.002-04:00

Well I and the family have been doing our best to survive the rains, floods, start of homeschooling BOTH kids- one in 6th and one starting Kindergarten. Tough enough on its own, but in a foriegn country, I have to admit, is a monumental task. My wife has done a great job juggling the 2 kids schooling, and my daughter has really toughed it up by being self starting- mostly. She is doing well, and getting used to doing things on her own, and then my wife checks all her work and helps her understand what she just finished. I have been home preparing for upcoming trainings, so have been able to help with some of the schooling.

We went to another city for BPI- Best Practice Institute, training Strategy Coordinators in CPM work. It was an 8 day course that our company puts on and any GCC, national CPM partner and company personnell can attend. Company personnel are required to take the course. For someone who has trouble organizing thoughts and plans of action, this gave me real tools to use in the upcoming work we are going to be doing the next year. It also gave me much clearer vision to do what God is calling us to do here, and with the daunting task of reaching 90 million strategically through our focus people group, I have a much better understanding about how CPM should work through the biblical model given by God. I am way fired up to really pour these best practices into our 14 CP's in the coming year, and as the bible says in Mark 4:26-29, God will cause the growth of the CPM whether we sleep or get up. That gives us an enormous responsibility to have faith and trust that God will bless the sowing that we do. It is an exciting time, and the BPI was just what I needed at this time. Once training starts, I and my partner will be splitting and going separate ways to meet with our CP's to train and equip them to train others to also become trainers of others (2 Timothy 2:2). I cannot wait to give updates on progress. Anyone who still reads this blog, I apologize for the lack of updates lately. Just not much going on, but when it does, you will have much to read. I promise to keep updates frequent. All I need is a promise that you would pray for us, and the task we are trying to accomplish for God.

Much Needed Break- Now, The Task Begins

2008-08-04T00:05:00.004-04:00

Well, while the rain has finally stopped long enough for things to dry out here, and for the road crews to repair all the giant craters that opened up from the water, we have still been in a holding pattern for a bit. My wife and our supervisor's wife went to another city to take a week of intensive language training. It has been good for her, since she has not had much language training that she has been able to learn from since being here. She has been able to learn much, and will feel more comfortable communicating when ministry begins for me.

As far as ministry is concerned, we begin training our 14 CP's this week. We will be travelling together for the first couple times as a team, to get a feel for what needs to be done and how we will be interacting with these men. Most best laid plans here change within the hour. You have to be very fluid and flexible when it comes to following a plan most times, as we have found out while living here. So, in September, we will split into different directions to cover the state better and to spend an equal amount of time with each. We will be modeling, watching, assisting, and eventually leaving this area to them by August '09. It is a pretty rigorous schedule, but definitely needed because of our limited time here. We are excited, we are nervous, but we are asking our Heavenly Father for wisdom to be able to teach these men correctly, biblically and thoroughly so that the keys of the Kingdom can be handed to them on our departure. It will be up to them to carry out the practices we show them during the next year. Pray for these 14 men around our state, that have committed to seeing their people reached for Christ.

I will continue to update as the training goes on. Thanks for your prayers for this area.

Jesus Bring the Rain - OK, That's Enough!

2008-07-20T03:50:00.004-04:00

Well, its monsoon season where we are, and the rain is hitting us, and hard. Every day we have rain, which turns our streets into a South Asian Venice. Here are some images of shop owners and others trying to get around in the flooded streets of our city.

Needless to say, things get very difficult for everyone here, and it will be this way for another month at least. That is when the snow melt hits, and then flooding gets worse. Those that live in village areas are hit the worst.
Pray for the people here that will be affected by the flooding. Many will no doubt be taken from their homes by the rising water. Pray that we as followers of Christ will be able to minister to as many people as we can- that this may bring us more opportunity to show Jesus to the people who need to know Him.

Back From Vacation

2008-07-15T14:12:00.005-04:00

My family and I just returned to our city after a 21 day leave. We attended our regional AGM which was 10 days. It was good to reunite with many people from our orientation in August 2007, and to be spiritually filled through corporate worship of our Lord and Savior. Thanks to First Baptist Orlando, who came half-way around the world to put on VBS for our kids, hang out with us at meal times and provide worship for us, something that all of us needed very much. You really don't realize how spiritually dry you can get doing ministry in a foriegn country, until you come into worship that is familiar led by a worship team and pastor that really ministers to you the right way. A HUGE THANK YOU to FBC Orlando and your willingness to come that far to give us what we all needed- a much needed spiritual lift.

After that, my family and I took a 9 day vacation at a resort hotel. The kids loved the ocean, the pool, the elephant ride, the snorkeling. And, here was our view-
"The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies show that his hands created them."
(Psalms 19:1) Don't they show it?
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3)
Isn't it full?

God really did create some beautiful things, and we try to always praise Him for what He has created, for He has created all things.

We really enjoyed the break, and the fun stuff we were able to do. We have returned refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for the ministry that will start with the discipleship training of our now 15 CP's that are going to start a change in this place for the Lord.

"Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. " Habakkuk 1:5

More Volunteers

2008-06-10T00:20:00.004-04:00

Yes, again we are blessed to have a team come visit us here. This time, a team of 3 college students who signed up for the SA101 (South Asia 101) branch of our region. It gives college students an opportunity to visit our region and work with the particular units that request them. They raise their own funds for travel and orientation as well as meals and hotel stays. They stay with us for 8 weeks and help with that unit's strategy. The three that have come to us - 1 male and 2 females - have shown themselves to be very mature and outgoing for their age. It is remarkable to see young men and women broken for the lost of the world, and not only that, but being obedient to do something about it.

They came in and spent 4 days with us in our town as we taught them about our strategy and how they were going to fit in with it. We then drove them 3 hours away to a place where we have seen much fruit in the last few years, so that they could share the Gospel with those that still have not heard, build relationships with those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and also begin to give them some bible teaching. We have CP's in this area that will help them with translation and to bring them to the people they need to encounter. We worked with them in this area for about 3 days, modeling how we are sharing and what we are teaching to new believers. They were set up in a hotel, given their last minute instructions, and we left to come back home. We were nervous about leaving them there, but we know that they are being led by the Spirit. They'll come back in a few days to meet with their team leaders, and de-brief their first short term on their own. They will then go back for 20 straight days to continue what they started, maybe even with a fresh set of eyes. We are only 3 hours away, and if any issues come up, we can always go there. Both of our families, however, leave the country for our Annual General Meeting/visa run at the end of the month, right in the middle of their stay. We have planned to send our driver with our car there to take them about, and our driver is very protective, as well as our CP's they will be working with. We know that they will be safe, with God's protection as well as our national partners taking care of them while we are gone, but there is a sense that since we are not going to be near, we may worry a little bit.

However, we are very proud of how these young adults have handled everything so far. While we were with them, we visited the home of some new believers. The guys sat outside the house talking, with our translator, while the women went in to spend time with the women - of whom none speak any English, nor do the girls speak the local language. We spent about an hour and a half comparing American culture with their culture. It was a lot of fun and interesting for both sides. As we left the home, the girls began weeping. We knew they felt frustrated because they couldn't talk to the women, but one of the girls told us the real reason she felt so bad. She said that she wanted so badly to be able to share the Gospel, but she realizes that she cannot because of the language barrier. On the other hand, she is able to speak to anyone and everyone in America, anytime she wants. But she doesn't share her faith enough. She felt very convicted. Wow. For a college student to feel this broken that she is not sharing enough really encourages me. It shows that not only do we have 3 very mature young people here to help us, but America is getting back 3 spiritually charged young followers of Christ after they are done. I am excited for what God will use them for here, but equally excited about what God is going to use them for in America after this experience.

Recent Stuff

2008-05-29T00:21:00.006-04:00

We've been in a holding pattern with ministry recently, which has been nice. After our meeting with the ones we will be training for CP work here, we have been able to relax and spend time as a family. I had planned to do some follow-up CP training with some brothers, but train tickets were difficult to secure, and my interpreter's father had an accident and he was not available to travel with me. It is not wise for Americans to travel the trains alone here, and my wife was not keen on me going on the train by myself. The next day there was a report of 5 people who had some tea laced with a drug. After they passed out, they were robbed by the people who drugged their drinks, and are in the hospital recovering, one of them died. So, I am rescheduling my training for a time when I have someone to travel with me. I know that God protects me as I travel, but I also know that I must be smart about my decisions. Anyways, it was good to be home for an extended period.

Though there is not much going on as far as official ministry, we did attend our first Hindu wedding. Our neighbors, who we have built a good relationship with, invited us to their son's wedding. My wife was excited, as many women get about weddings, to dress up fancy and see all the other fancy outfits. The event was a 3 day process. The first part was an evening get together in our apartment complex where the two families come together and give their official blessing to the marriage. The attendees sat around a circle, where in the middle there were many gifts set on a blanket. The groom and the bride's older brother sat in the middle of the crowd while the 4 Hindu priests told them what to do for the ceremony. This basically gave full agreement from the entire crowd that the wedding could take place. Then we ate a huge meal. The next event was the wedding, and it actually took place 2 nights later, and we got dressed up again and went to a reception hall. The bride and groom came in, all the while people are snapping pictures and walking around, yelling. Very chaotic! They each put a garland around each other's neck to symbolize the beginning of the ceremony. More pictures, more chaos, and then everyone went out to the terrace for dinner, a huge buffet of food that was incredible. Many people asked us how we like being here, is this your first Hindu wedding, how do you find the heat, etc. As we thought this was pretty much all that the ceremony was, one of the family came to us and said-"You are staying for the ceremony, right?" We thought it was over, but we were informed that when the priest was ready, he would begin it, which could be hours from then. We noticed some of our neighbors heading out after eating, which we thought was rude not to stay, but my wife began feeling ill, so we saw our escape. We were told that mostly only family stayed for the entire ceremony, but we were allowed to witness also. We graciously bowed out and came home (fortunately because my wife had a fever of 102.9). The next day, I saw the father of the groom and I asked him when the wedding ended. He said they came home about 5AM! I felt bad for my wife being sick, but thank the Lord that we had an excuse to leave and did not have to stay the entire time. The third event was the reception, two days later, where again, we ate a lot of food while people greeted the new couple, brought gifts, gave blessings and took pictures. It was a very interesting event to be part of, and we are blessed that our neighbors thought to include us in this special time. The groom is from here, but he has been living in America for his job the past 10 months, and he will move back there with his new bride (who has never been out of the country) on July 2. Pray for this couple as they not only are going to experience life together, but they will do it in a totally different culture than they are used to, more so for the bride. Marriage is tough enough, but they are really going to have it tough from the start. We watched a movie called "The Namesake."
It is a great movie about a man from South Asia who works in America, gets married back home and takes his new bride to America to start life. This made us think of this new couple and the challenges they will face in America. We will continue our relationship with our neighbors while we are here. Pray for us as we seek a good time to share more of the Gospel with them.

There are also many other political things happening here in the region. Nepal's political environment has changed from a Monarchy to a Republic. Pray for peace in the region and also for the units that are there for their continued safety during this time. Some of this political unrest from Maoists is spilling into neighboring countries. Also, there is much unrest in parts of India, as the Gujars are planning road closures around the capital. Sometimes this can become violent. There was also a recent terrorist bombing in Jaipur, India that killed 60+ and injured many more. Another terrorist bombing happened in Sri Lanka, killng some and injuring others. Pray for peace for the many people of the South Asia region, that they will hear the truth of the Gospel and come to know the peace that lies in Jesus. People cry out every day for God to save them, heal them, give them peace. However, they do not cry out to the One True God who can do all these things. Pray for the name of Jesus to be proclaimed among this nation and region.

Update- The First Meeting of the 14

2008-05-19T01:01:00.003-04:00

14 men were at our first meeting, most of whom we know from the last year of training. My team member has been doing training all over our state to fish for obedient men and/or women to take on the task of reaching the lost peoples of the state and ultimately this country. As Jesus began His ministry, basically, His first year he spent speaking to the multitudes. In His second year, Jesus chose 12 to come and be with Him, where He also sent them out for training. The final year of Jesus' ministry was devoted completely to the 12 he chose. He poured Himself into these 12, knowing that He was leaving them soon, and that they needed to be ready to take over for Jesus after His death, resurrection and ascention.

In the same way, our strategy here has been very similar. For the first year and a half, we have held meetings with many believers to come and see. We then held training sessions in different districts of our state. This was not only to help people understand better the path they chose to follow, but also to fish for obedient men and women who would ultimately become a small group that we could train in our final year on this field. This would then free us up for God to use us elsewhere, and give final responsibility to the national believers to reach their brothers, sisters, parents, friends and everyone in their state.

The 14 assembled this weekend, where we basically told them who we are, what company we work for and how we can help them. We will be going to where they are, once a month, one at a time. We committed to having integrity in all things, providing them the best training in CPM from our company, equip them for the task ahead and ultimately leave them next summer, like Jesus left the 12. They committed to using the best practices of CPM, to being accountable to each other, to working with thier own hands to be self supportive and not coveting anyone else's money, and many other things. We had a covenant drawn up where both my team member and I signed as well as each of the men. 13 of the 14 have signed. The last needed time to think to commit to what we have proposed.

This is a great start. We know that God has chosen this place at this time to begin to reach people and turn them to follow Him. We have the vision that this place, which is the lowest of the low in our region, is going to be used by God in a mighty way. If this place begins to change for the better, many people will begin to wonder what is going on, and slowly they will begin to realize that God is working here and will want what this place has. We are witness to a beginning of a great change right here.

Pray for the14, that they will believe in the things we are doing and follow them. Pray for us, as we go to them that we go with wisdom given from God, and that we remain teachable by them as well. We know that tough times are coming for the entire group, including us. We have counted the cost together, and the eternal reward greatly outweighs the troubles we will all face in the coming year. But we have the promise from our Heavenly Father- "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ~Matthew 28:20(b)

First Meeting of The 12

2008-05-15T13:32:00.002-04:00

We actually will be meeting with between 12 and 15 obedient followers of Christ. We will be spending Friday and Saturday with these CP's from all over our state to map out the next year of ministry together. My team member and I along with this evangelistic force will go over a covenant and then commit to to co-labor together to have the Gospel, as well as teachings of Jesus reach an enormous population. Just as Jesus chose to pour into just a small group of disciples for the last year or so of His ministry, so we have also found an obedient group of men and women to lead out for God and reach this place for Him. Pray for these two days coming up this weekend, that we speak with wisdom and are able to explain, with God's Word, the task that is ahead of us. I will update after the weekend on how the meeting goes.

Bad Water or Bad Manners?

2008-05-15T03:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, my team member, our driver, our translator and two CP's went to a village for a short visit to help with their water problem. The only source of water this poor farming village has is an open well that is probably 50 to 100 years old. This is a common problem in the villages here. The water is OK for washing, but it is also their source of drinking water, which is not OK. Many more wealthy villages have hand pumps for each home. Last year, a church team came through and did some surveying of villages that they could help with their water problem. They donated money and told us to handle putting the hand pump in for this village. This helps them, and also opens a door for the local CP to visit frequently and share the Gospel with the people.

We wanted to meet the village leader, but he was not there. As we waited, we were all offered some home-made lemonade to cool off. 1st warning- One of the ladies comes in with a well bucket full of water. She then goes and begins to mix fresh lemons and sugar with the water for us to drink. (little voice is saying "caution") 2ND WARNING- She brings out a couple glasses for us, and we are to drink and give back so it can be refilled for the next person. The glasses were not clear, probably to hide the fact that the water was not all that clear. (little voice getting louder - "politely refuse it if offered") They offered, which I politely refused. One refusal is not enough here. You must say no 3 times for them to leave you be. I looked at our driver, who calmly gulped the water down. (little voice is saying "he's from here, you're not. Just say NO"). The little voice lost. I couldn't turn it down. I gulped it down, (Lord I'll put it down if you keep it down -or IN) as did the wife of my team member and the CP's and our translator. (little voice says "I warned ya! You're on your own dude!")

Then we walked out to take a look at where would be a good place to put the hand pump in the village. As we walked, we saw the open well they used. We looked down inside. A nice film covered the water. WARNING 3- My team member leans over to me (who, by the way has learned listen to his little voice and did not partake) and says "Dude, you probably didn't want to see that is what you drank." I'm a little nervous now. 4th AND FINAL WARNING- Our translator walks up beside me, looks in the well and says to me in a shocked/concerned voice, "We drank this water?" UH-OH. Out came a nervous laugh. After we got in the car, we prayed that none of us would get sick. Well, live and learn. Pray with us that we don't get too sick!

This whole journey is an adventure. If you can't have fun on an adventure, it gets boring or you get bitter.

Lord I'll Put It Down If You Keep It Down!

2008-05-07T23:49:00.007-04:00

All right, a little humor in the midst of our lives is a good thing. If we didn't laugh at some of the stuff here, we would go crazy pretty quick. All cultures are different, and we just happen to be on the other side of the world from our own. That being said, there are many times we are challenged in our patience and taste buds by being offered something to eat or drink by the people of the house we are visiting. We have tried to coach the kids to eat what is put in front of them without making faces or saying stuff like "EEEEEWWW, that's NAAAASTY!" (Easier said than done with a 5 year old independent thinker!) We have eaten a lot of things that are delicious while here, all the while trying to practice what we preach. But there are a few things that have made the list of stuff I would not want to experience again. Some of this stuff looks appetizing, until it hits your tongue! Hence forth the prayer (in the title) before we taste something new in front of a host.

SPICED BUTTERMILK-

Made with curd, salt and pepper, and served in a glass with an ice cube. (More ice, less drink, please!) This drink looks much like a yogurt drink served here called Lassi, which is very sweet/sour and cool to drink on a hot day. We were served this at a house where my wife has her outfits stitched, and imagine our surprise when the taste of it hit our tongues. We choked it down, with a smile, all except for our 5 year old who made faces like he was going to gag and die- much to the amusement of the ladies of the house. I was also offered it by one of the local restaurant owners who I sit and talk with from time to time. I politely said no thank you, and was given the lassi drink instead.

DAHI VADA-

Served during some of the national festival celebrations here. Looks like a nice sweet cake in cream, right? Pretty much, spiced buttermilk with some soggy bread in a dish. Again, tastebuds expecting sweet, and we get EEEWWW! Our hosts realized that there was something wrong as we ate. Maybe we reverted back to being 5 years old with our own facial expression! We tried to finish, but just could not. There was too much, and no where to hide it. Our hosts were amused, and thankfully not offended. They told us they would protect us if served it again anywhere else, as it was too taxing on us!

THUMS UP COLA-

Yes, the spelling is right, just look at the bottle in the picture! Big Coca Cola product here, but nowhere near the taste of Coke or Pepsi, which we can get here also. I tasted this on one of my earlier trips here, and likened it to drinking Coke out of a dirty shoe, or filtered through a dirty smelly sock. Some have also called it Curry Coke. I try to avoid drinking it as much as possible, but when offered by a host... Our driver "N" doesn't like it either. He was visiting another house with my family and I, and were brought out glasses that looked like coke. As soon as I pulled the glass to my mouth, I knew it was Thums Up, and watched "N's" reaction when he tasted it, to which he looked over at me, smiled and then poured the drink into his friends glass. I followed his lead and poured mine into my wifes glass. Don't worry, she doesn't mind the taste. My new name for this drink is, you guessed it, Thums Down.

I know we'll have many many other opportunities to sample some more of the local tastes while here. So, in the mean time, we'll just have to learn by doing and keep uttering the prayer, "Lord I'll put it down if you keep it down!"

Sowing the Seed- Part II

2008-05-04T13:43:00.005-04:00

So, getting back to the team that visited us from our home church-

Previously, I had been part of and lead a couple teams here on short term trips to teach new believers and encourage them as they go out to plant churches and proclaim God's kingdom on Earth. Important, but our strategy for volunteer teams when they come is for Gospel saturation. Nothing draws a crowd here quicker than a few foreign faces and some stories to share. The team did a great job the first two days, sharing with close to 400-some people who had never heard before. It was good for them to see how they fit into our strategy of reaching an unimaginable population who have never heard of Jesus. They said it would be much more of a draw for people to come on a trip to be sharing their testimony and the Gospel of Jesus rather than try to teach at a conference or seminar. Some of the members of this team have been on other international trips, and one of them said that this was the best one they had been on. They got to see fruit, and life change in front of their eyes. I thank God for their obedience to come and be part of our work here, and know much more about how to partner with us.

Anyways, the last day our team was in the field we planned to walk through a village area. On the way, we were invited into the house of one of the neighbors of our local CP. We shared who we were and we all drank tea (in 100+ degree heat mind you). One of our team shared his story with the whole family, and then we shared the Gospel of Jesus. The leader of the family said that this was a big decision and to ask him to make this decision now is difficult. He said that what we shared was good, but for him to make a decision would not only affect him but the entire family would be affected also. We told him that it was ok that he thinks about these things. It is better than him saying flat out "no". He is a wise man and a good family leader. Our local CP is going to continue to build this relationship further to be available for any questions that might come up.

We then left and walked through a local village, again drawing quite the excitement. A young man asked us to sit down under his small covering for shade and he offered us water. We offered to share a story. We actually acted out a skit about 3 people on their way to heaven- A priest who talks to God for the people; A person whose parents were religious; and a person who gives much time and money helping the poor. All these people thought that they would go to heaven and have no problem. On the way, they come across a man who wants to go with them. They ask what he does, and he tells them that he is just a man with sin in his life. The three tell him that he will probably not get into heaven, but he can come along only if he walks behind them a ways. When they get to the door of heaven (another of the team stands there as Jesus) all try to get in by knocking, but there is no answer, even when all three bang and yell. Just as the three are discussing why the door won't open, the sinner gets on his knees before the door, confesses that he is a sinner and asks Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus opens the door and welcomes him in with a hug, to the astonishment of the three (and many of the audience). We then explain to them about each person and then give the Gospel. There were people everywhere, about 200, and we were in the middle of the village road. People were climbing onto walls, into trees and pushing in close to see us and hear what we had to say. The young man who first invited us to sit accepted the salvation as did about 4 others- right in front of the entire village!! Our CP said that many times people are too shy to come forward in front of large amount of people as that, so the ones that did must have really been feeling the call from Jesus. We asked them how they all felt, and they said they felt peace. What a blessing to see eternal life change right in front of us like that! We moved on after some time and were invited into a house that was newly built and they were celebrating the opening. They counted it good luck for foreigners to come in to the house. When a house is new, before Hindus move in they have the local pundit come and do puja (hindu worship) in the house for a whole day while neighbors and family and friends come by. We were able to come in and witness some of this. We know that when they do this, they are inviting many kinds of evil into their home. This day, however, the Lord had us there. They actually asked us to pray a special blessing on the house! We all did, so Jesus' name has been proclaimed in this house. We prayed that they find peace when hearing the name of Jesus and that prosperity will come to this family and house in His name!

All in all, the trip was great! Thank you FBC for a great visit and for proclaiming the name of the Lord to the ends of the Earth! You may never know how many lives you actually affected, but the results and the glory belong to the One True God, and He will bless you for your obedience and faithful service!

Sowing the Seed- Part I

2008-04-27T00:08:00.005-04:00

Over a week ago we had a team of 6 from our home church come and visit us. My team member and I took them into an area of villages for Gospel sharing. We split up into two teams, 3 with me and 3 with him, each team with a translator and driver. Over all, both teams shared in different village areas to over 600 people - most of whom had never heard the Gospel of Jesus before!

The first day, my team went to an area of low caste villagers in the morning. A crowd gathered, as most times happens when lighter skin people show up here. One of the team shared thier story and then we shared the Salvation of Jesus by telling His story. Some of the villagers accepted, along with a couple of guys who had just stopped by to see what was going on, they weren't even part of the village! These two guys, who ran a local business, were in the front listening to the Gospel presentation with wide eyes. Even our driver was intently listening. About 8 people accepted Jesus, including the businessmen and our taxi driver! The businessman said that his sister was a Christian and had shared Jesus with him before several times, but gave up finally and told him to find some other Christians he could listen to. When he heard the words we spoke, he felt that this was the day he needed to surrender his life. Praise the Lord for this Divine Appointment! The ones who were living in the village who accepted Jesus will be followed up on by our CP's in that area.

The next place we went, there were existing believers, but some that had not accepted yet. Unfortunately, most of the ones who had not heard were gone to the doctor due to illness. As we sat on the porch of this house, about 50 children came around us and listened to one of our team tell the story of David and Goliath. I played Goliath and one of the small boys played David. I gave it my best Hollywood try. Amazingly, when we got to the point in the story where David takes 3 smooth stones from the river, the boy had 3 marbles in his hand! Needless to say, David slew me and when I fell, all the children laughed and cheered, and David commenced to beating on me for more effect. We then went to another family of believers to pray over their household and encourage them.

After lunch and some rest, we went to another village to share with about 80 people. Many were women, so the one lady on our team shared her story and then we shared the Gospel. About 25 accepted, even some of the men who showed up after we started. We went a little further to another area in this village and shared out in the open, with about 100 people. About 30 accepted. The local CP in this area was with us and will be gathering many of these new believers together for prayer meetings. He also invited those who were interested to attend.

That night, both teams came together and rejoiced in the Lord with our stories of the day, of how God used us all to share with many people.

The next day, our team set out to another village area. After we visited a school that is being run by a local CP, we went for a walk by the river to see where many baptisms have taken place. Again, we drew a crowd. There were fishermen in boats casting fishing nets, and I joked that the team should go on a boat ride. Our translator then arranged a short boat ride for two of our team, which again drew much attention. The crowd followed us back to the school, where we shared the story about the miraculous catch of fish, and then shared the Gospel with the crowd, which was about 150 people. There was a young drunk man who was disturbing our sharing, and when he could not get anywhere, he told the crowd he was leaving and that everyone should follow him. No one did, and they even told him to be quiet and listen or go away. He walked away, but then came back to listen since no one followed. We prayed for the crowd, since no one accepted right there, however the Gospel was shared with many who had never heard before.

We then went to an area where many people gathered again, about 100, and we shared the Gospel. No one accepted, but again the seed was planted in many people's hearts. We moved on to share to another low caste village, and about 8 people accepted Christ. Again our two teams came together that night to rejoice in what the Lord had allowed us to do.

There is one more day to tell about, but since this post is so long, I'll leave it and the wrap up for the next post. Thanks again to our team who shared the Gospel with so many. You were the hands and feet of Jesus during your trip.

16th Anniversary

2008-04-25T12:44:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to take time to thank God for my beautiful bride. 16 years ago today we were married, and I could not have asked for a more loving and Godly woman. We have been through much in these years, but God has been faithful to guide us and keep his promise to always be there for us and never forsake us. We could not have done it without Him. I never thought any of our years would be spent anywhere overseas, let alone on the mission field serving the Lord. But through all the trials, God has grown and matured us to be ready for the call He placed on our lives to be here in South Asia. I wouldn't have it any other way than to follow Jesus in obedience together. I love you T, and I pray we have many more years to grow in the Lord together.

We have been married 16 years, but if anyone ever to asked me in person how long we have been married, I'd tell them: "Not long enough!"

Remembrance

2008-04-20T11:48:00.006-04:00

With a heavy heart, we have suffered a loss in our family. My Gramps, who had recently been diagnosed with bone cancer in his spine, was admitted to ICU on April 14 with multiple organ failure. There was nothing more the doctors could do but help him to be comfortable. My Dad rushed from across the country to his dad's bedside to be with his mother, brother and sisters so that they could all say goodbye together. He passed away on April 15, 2008. I know it was a hard journey for my Dad, but I thank the Lord for him being able to be there when Gramps passed peacefully. I thank you for all your prayers for our family during this time.

What can I say about my Gramps, except that he set the example as an honorable and Godly man. You see, the Dad that I speak of is my Step-Dad, and he and my Mom have been divorced since I was about 13 or 14. Even though I am not blood related with him, he treated me with the love that any young man growing up should have from a real father. He didn't have to, but he did anyway. That is why my only son is named after him. His parents, my Grams and Gramps, as well as my Uncle and Aunts showed me the same love; that of a blood family member. God gifted me with such a loving family that I could never even begin to repay the kindness and love they have given me over the years, and Gramps is the head of the family that gave this love that never expected anything in return.

It was hard not to be with the family during this time, but God allowed us to visit Grams and Gramps before leaving for South Asia. That is a time I will never forget. I know he was proud of what I and my family are doing for Jesus. I never planned on showing pictures of any family members on this blog for security reasons, but I make an exception for an exceptional man, so those who are reading this remembrance can look
on the face of a kind, loving, gentle, and Godly man. Gramps, I know you are praising the Lord Most High right now, and I look forward to the day when we see each other in heaven. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Rejoice!!

2008-04-02T08:07:00.003-04:00

Our training in specific areas goes on over a 4 meeting period, with a couple of weeks in between meetings. I recently finished the first training which was a two day event about 1 hour from where we live. About 125 believers, 37 of whom were baptized after the training, were in attendance. Our first training consists of challenging them with the statistics of how many of their fellow people are dying without even knowing about the salvation that Jesus has made for us. The numbers here are astonishing. Every day about 2400 people die in our state, the majority of whom are going to hell because they had never heard of Jesus. So there needs to be a sense of urgency to share the Gospel and give everyone the same chance that they have been given- a chance at salvation.

We do this by teaching them how to share the gospel, because many do not know how and think that they need to bring someone to a pastor or church leader for them to be saved. This issue is solved by teaching them Matthew 28:18-20: that Jesus has given all of us the authority to go and make disciples. We teach them a method of sharing the gospel that is very easy for them to understand and remember, even though they may be illiterate. It is called 2-3-4. The 2 represents the Gospel, which has 2 parts- The first part is (1)Your Story or Testimony, and the second part is (2)His Story, or Jesus' story. Your story has 3 parts- (1)Your life before Christ, (2)How you met Christ, and (3)Your life after Christ. His story has four parts- (1)Judgement, (2)Repentance, (3)Jesus' sacrifice to take the punishment or the judgement for our sins, and (4)God raised Jesus to new life so that we could also have new life. We also teach them Romans 10:9, that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

We then challenge them to write out a list of all the people that they know who need to know Jesus. These are family members, friends, shop owners, etc. They are then to pray for God to lead them to the ones who will be most receptive to the Gospel, and share it with them using
2-3-4. They are to share with at least 5 people per week and tell the group the results during the next meeting. This is a way of showing them that we must be accountable to each other.

Yesterday, I did a 2nd training meeting with this group. The group dropped from 125 people to 60, but the results about their sharing was incredible. Some did not share, others shared with some, but many shared with at least 10 people if not more. We tallied up the totals and over 200 people heard the gospel for the very first time. We also counted how many accepted, and OVER 120 PEOPLE ARE NOW NEW BELIEVERS AND FOLLOWERS OF JESUS!! So, as the title of this post says, REJOICE!!

I reinforced to them on the great job they did, and told them that even though some of the people did not accept Jesus, those people have the seed of the Gospel planted in their hearts and minds and it is up to them to make the choice to follow Jesus now. We cannot force them to follow, only show them the way and let them decide.

So now, our next trainings are to encourage the people to continue to share the gospel, but then also teach them 2-3-4 and help them to start sharing the gospel also. We have also told them that they can baptize the new believers, as this is the first step of obedience to being a follower of Jesus. The teaching we are giving them, they are to begin grouping those new believers and teach them the things we are teaching them. We follow Paul's pattern in Acts, and through his letters where he entrusted his teaching of the Gospel to obedient and faithful men and women who would also go and teach it to others.

I look forward to meeting these obedient followers of Jesus again, and see how many more people have heard the Gospel and are now followers of Jesus. What's that sound? It's either the devil stomping mad or all God's people rejoicing! (Or both!)

Good Friday

2008-03-21T12:16:00.003-04:00

So, why is it called Good Friday? My wife and I were visiting some neighbors in our building, ones that we have grown close to and have been building a relationship with. Our relationship with them has grown to where we call upon them with cultural questions regarding different celebrations and such. They have also invited us to be at the wedding celebration of their son in May. We are very fortunate to know them. We have shared with them that we are followers of Jesus, to which they have said they also worship Jesus, along with their other gods. We have given a New Testament Bible in their language, but have not had the best opportunity to share the Gospel in full with them.

This weekend we are in the middle of the Hindu festival called Holi. Tomorrow people will be celebrating by throwing colored dry and wet paint at each other. It coincides with Easter, in which we celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The wife asked if we had any other celebrations like Holi in America, and I said that this weekend we celebrate Easter and we color hard boiled eggs in bright colors. We color eggs, you color people, so it is similar. She responded by saying, "Oh, today is Good Friday!" She then asked a question I had never even thought of : "It is called Good Friday because Jesus came back to life this day, right?"

Only the Holy Spirit took over in answering, because the response came from me immediately. I said, "Jesus was crucified and died on Good Friday. God raised Jesus to new life on the third day, Easter Sunday." Then she said, "I always had it in my mind that Good Friday was the day that Jesus came back to life, because it is called Good. Why would it be called Good Friday if Jesus was crucified on that day?" (What a perfect lead in to share the good news!) I said to her, "The reason it is good is that when Jesus was crucified, He took upon himself the punishment for the sins of all people of the world, and made a way for us to escape the coming judgement that all people will face one day. The even better news is that on the third day, Sunday, He was risen to new life so that we could also have new life." After this, we saw that she was deep in thought and contemplating the new way of thinking about Jesus and His sacrifice.

A large gospel seed was planted today. Pray with us that this family begins to realize the truth about Jesus. Pray they will realize that He is not just another god, but the Only God. Pray that the Bible we gave them at Christmas is a light among the dark idols in their home, and that the simple mention of the name of Jesus brings them a peace they have never felt before.

Authority

2008-03-19T04:33:00.002-04:00

As believers in Christ, we have to know that we have authority to do the things that Jesus has commanded us to do. Matthew 28:18-20 says that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus, and he then turned and gave all disciples the authority to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. We have this authority as believers and disciples of Christ. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are told that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. WE, ALL BELIEVERS AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, are the priests of Christianity. We have authority to do the things Jesus has commanded in His name!

I recently finished a two day training in a village outside of our city with about 125 believers, 90% of which are brand new believers (within the last 3 months) and part of our training is to empower every new believer and let them know that they have the authority to do these things. Since God is our Everlasting Rock, we should trust in Him forever (Isaiah 26:4). And since all scripture is God-breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), then we should also trust the Bible.

The area we are in, many are Hindu, and their whole lives they have been brought up to think that the Hindu priests are the only ones who are able to talk to the gods for them. Even when they become believers, they still think that the leaders or pastors or teachers that they listen to are the only ones that can pray for them and ask God for healing or help in their situations. After re-instating the above facts of their authority from God during our training, they still came to me and my interpreter, who is a pastor, for prayers for themselves, their husbands, children, animals, homes, etc. It saddened me to realize that they are still locked into thinking that they cannot possibly communicate with the Heavenly Father, even though they are believers. While it says in scripture we should ask for our elders to pray over us in the name of the Lord (James 5:14), we must also know that we are able to communicate and pray directly with God because of the sacrifice Jesus made to allow us to be in right relationship with God. It may take a long time to help these people understand what they are able to do with the new life they have been risen to. This is the reason we train new beleivers instead of just telling them to attend a church.

Please pray for these new believers that they understand that God wants to hear from them. He wants them to cry out to Him and rely on Him, not just pastors and leaders of the church. 37 of these new believers were baptized yesterday after we left. HALLELUIA! They have taken the first step of obedience in their committment to follow Jesus.

HIS Way, Not our way

2008-02-27T04:06:00.002-05:00

More and more, God teaches me things that sometimes it takes me a while to figure out. I guess I am a little thick skulled! When we are hit with things like sickness that might take our life, or the life of a loved one, what is the meaning sometimes if that person is a believer, and why would God choose a faithful servant to suffer pain and agony only to die within two years? Even being a follower of Jesus for the past 18 years, I still ask these questions, and it is hard to see it happen.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my Gramps has been diagnosed with bone cancer, far advanced, and it has made the bones in his back so brittle that his spine has some fractures. He has been in intense pain and not very lucid because of it. The doctors said that they could slow or stop the cancer, but not cure it and it would take his life within two years. He is unable to have surgery to fix his back and will have to wear a back brace for the rest of his life. Again I asked why would this happen?

Thank God for my beautiful wife. I heard her explaining to my daughter about why Gramps is going through such a trial. Since Gramps has been diagnosed, my Dad has moved back from AZ to be at his side during this. Some of his other siblings are followers of Jesus, but my dad is not. My wife said that now the people who don't know Jesus get a front row seat to see God's power at work, and to have the best chance to fully understand it. And what has happened? The doctors have seen, and have said "miraculous" progress. Gramps has been eating, walking around and will be going home after his last radiation treatment this week! Praise God for this, and for showing His power in a way that others who do not know Him personally to now see Jesus for who he is and can be in their lives. Gramps still has a long hard road ahead of chemo treatments and still much pain, but it is a miracle that he has progressed this far from when the prognosis first came.

Maybe through all this, even I might come to understand and accept that His way is the best way, and His plans are to prosper us and give us hope for the future. I still have lots to learn, and it will be a fun class, but I know there will be some tough times of learning ahead. I thought maybe I had learned enough to get by, but Jesus is not finished with me yet! What a great God we serve!

Spiritual Warfare Hits Home

2008-02-20T23:10:00.004-05:00

We expect the enemy to attack us here. Many times missionaries in other countries are hit with terrible persecution, sickness and sometimes even worse. We thought that spiritual warfare would attack us head on while here, and we were ready. But things are happening back home more than they are here, and it has hit us more where it hurts.
My wife's grandfather has been battling complications from a stroke he had last year. While she was able to visit him before we left for the field, his condition has worsened since we arrived and he is now getting full time care. It is hard on my wife, as she is wanting to be there, but she knows we have been called here and to stay the course. We have had other things happen among our family and friends since leaving, which grieves us more than if they were happening to us. The retired pastor of our home church as recently lapsed into full alzheimer's, where he cannot remember anything or anyone around him, and has been admitted to an assisted living facility where he will be safe. Most recent, my grandfather, has been having much back pain, so much so that he could not get out of bed. Just the other day he was admitted to the hospital because of the intense pain was not subsiding at all. We found out that he has bone cancer up and down his spinal column and also on the base of his skull. My grandmother and the rest of the family is having a hard time seeing him in such intense pain. This has really hit home for us, as now my dad's family has gathered together for support, and I cannot be there.
The enemy takes great delight in our suffering and the suffering of the ones closest to us. This suffering comes under counting the cost of being a disciple. Many times we find ourselves out in village areas wondering where we will sleep, which brings to mind Luke 9:58. But now we find ourselves worried about loved ones, and ask the question "Why are we here?" Don't get me wrong, we are not questioning our call, in fact there is nothing I would rather be doing. I am encouraged by the words of Jesus again in Luke 9:60- Jesus said, "Let the dead bury their own dead but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." I thank God for His word, in times of trouble and sorrow, He has always been there, always kept His promise to love me and provide for me and protect me and encourage me and never forsake me. His word is truth, and I will proclaim the kingdom of God to the nations, no matter what the enemy can try to hit us with, until God tells me one of two things- It is finished, or well done good and faithful servant.

Future Evangelist for South Asia

2008-02-17T12:13:00.005-05:00

God continues to show me things that I would never have expected to see. This past weekend, my team-mate and I traveled north about 9 hours to a place where we were to give our training to some local church planters. Things went pretty much as normal, but one thing really stood out to me. While we sat and ate breakfast one morning with some of the local believers in this village area, a 12 year old boy became very close to us. He is a believer (I'll call him K.K.) and he followed us everywhere. Even though we traveled by car around the area, he showed up beside the car ready to hang out with us no matter where we went. I was told that his father had died, and all he had was his older brother and the local church planter to take care of him. He is a good looking kid, always greeting us with a smile and a joy that only the Lord Himself could fill him with. He watched our every move, smiling every time we looked his way. He carried a bible in his language, wrapped in a home-made paper wrap (like those ones we used to cover our text-books in school with) and also kept it in a type of zip-loc bag for protection. We could tell this bible was very important to him by the way he protected it. I asked him, in my best attempt at his language that I have been learning, if he was reading his bible. He said yes. Later, as we exchanged some words in our own languages by pointing to objects, I decided to give him a bible verse to memorize (2 Timothy 3:16). I expected him to just listen to it and nod yes that he would read the verse. Right then he opened his bible, and to my amazement, the pages were full of underlined verses. He also had a notebook which he promptly pulled out and wrote down the verse I had given him and then underlined it in his bible. WOW, 12 going on 30 maybe? This young man showed me spiritual maturity that I had only acheived 7 years ago, when this young man was only 5! I also told him the Roman Road passages (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, & 10:13), and that these were important verses to memorize for when he was somewhere and did not have his bible. This way he could share the salvation of Jesus with someone from memory. By seeing him, I believe that he will memorize them, and much more than that. During our training, instead of sitting in the back and fidgiting and daydreaming like you would expect a young boy to do, K.K. sat up front and hung on every word that we taught, reading passages out loud when we called for someone to read and frantically taking notes as the teaching went on. I was so impressed how God is working among the people of this area, even this young 0ne, that I had to tell this story. Please pray for K.K. as he moves on in his young life to be a strong leader for the Lord in this area of South Asia. I pray for the Lord to use him in a mighty way to move the people not only of his village but his whole state some day.

The Persons of Peace and God's Plan

2008-02-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

We recently had a couple of guys visit us from one of our prayer partner churches. One of the ways we use volunteer teams here is to visit some villages who have never heard the Gospel before and we share with them and give them an opportunity to accept the gift of Salvation of Jesus. We follow Jesus' example of finding the person of peace in that village, but what does that person look like?

The first day, we planned to go to some villages and give gospl presentations. However, God had it raining a lot that day while we drove to the area. We knew that this was a problem for where we were going because the roads would be muddy and treacherous and no one would come out for anything in the rain, even to hear good news. So we let God lead us to an area that had a paved road and got out to find the person of peace. As we walked and greeted those in their homes looking out at us, the rain subsided and we were able to stay dry. A lady inside her home asked us what we were doing, and then invited us in for tea. As we sat and accepted her hospitality, her son came in to visit with us as well as his three children. While we drank tea, the leader of our group asked if he could share a story about his life. He shared his testimony and then asked if he could share with them the good news that changed his life. The son was wide eyed and nodded yes. The mother, who was a widow, began to figit some. At the end of the salvation presentation, he asked if they would receive the salvation. The son said that he would, but the mother was opposed. She said that since they were poor that if Jesus would help them financially and show them his power this way that she would believe. Please pray for this household and especially this woman that she would see that the truth is what she needs and that God will provide all her needs. We gave the son a bible so that he could read further about the truth.

The son then took us through the village. As we passed through, we came to the house of a very large and elaborate house. My first thought was that this house and the people inside are completely unapproachable. It looked totally out of place among the other houses that were crumbling. We walked further and saw the place where the son worked. He was working at a tobacco selling stand. He apologized and seemed embarrassed that he worked there, but explained that it was the only work he could do. God will work on his heart in this area as well, because most men who work these stands use the products they sell.

We then started back towards our house, as a crowd was beginning to form near us, but just out of curiosity. We were told that it had been 30 years since any foriegners had been to this place, and that was as survey team who was coming through the state. WOW! We were walking past the wealthy man's home, when the son, who now was our guide for the village, walked up to the house and knocked. We did not know what was happening, but the next thing we knew we were all sitting in this man's living room sharing tea and stories! This man and his wife have lived here all their lives, and obviously have much influence in this village. He was very gracious and engaging and very happy that we were there to visit. We shared the gospel with him and got into a friendly debate with him. He said that all religions and beliefs lead to heaven. That there were many roads to heaven and any one that you choose would take you there if you were obedient. He knew of Satan and we asked if the road of Satan lead to heaven. After a thought, he said no, so we told him that all ways do not lead to heaven. All this debate was very friendly, and there was no harsh words spoken. Obviously this was the man of peace and influence in the community that God lead us to that day. We gave he and his family bibles, got his contact number for future visits and then went on our way praising God for this encounter. This may not sound like a successful visit, but that wealthy and influential man is very important in this village. He is not opposed to Jesus and His way, so the door has been opened and Gospel seeds planted in this village for the future. This is a win-win situation. If the man accepts Jesus, many people in the village will follow his lead. Even if he does not accept, he may be open to holding gospel sharing meetings in his home with other people, and if there is ever a problem while we come back, we have made a friend among the people and we will probably not be bothered. Pray for this first contact and the man of peace, that peace will fall on his house and he and his family will read the Word of God and find the truth.

Thank you Lord for showing us Your plan, when it seemed we had our own plans in mind that day.

Why Pray for the South Asia People?

2008-02-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

We have the privilege of hosting a couple of guys from a church back home. They have arrived today and are here to know how to better partner in prayer with us for the people living here. There is so much lostness here, but what is sad is that being here and the busy-ness of our life here so far has numbed our senses to some of that lostness. Today, as we took the two guys out to a place of idol worship, I was deeply moved as I tried to explain what goes on in these areas. So many rituals, so many different ways the people are trying to call out to God, so many places of worship and the priests who "speak" to the gods for the people at these temples. It was the first time in a long time my heart was moved for the lostness around us. It was overwhelming, and I began to weep. I wondered what some of the nationals looking at me were thinking. "Is he weeping for a dead relative?" (since we were standing at a place of cremation). I also think that knowing that our visitors were seeing these sights for the first time made me think of the first time I saw them.

One way to pray for the people of South Asia is to pray that they find no peace in their many ways of worship, and that they seek another way; The Only Way. In the next couple of days, us and the two guys from back home will travel around our state to share the gospel, or sow seed. We will also prayer walk a major temple here. Pray that we have interested and curious onlookers who are also persons of peace. Ones that will be open to the Gospel.

South Asia needs prayer! Prepare the soil with prayer and that soil will be ready for the seed of the Gospel!

And The Ministry Begins!

2008-01-27T23:08:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to travel with my team-member to another district in our state. It was a three hour drive to get to this place, where we met with one of our national partners. We were there to pray over the opening of a new shop of a believer, and when this happens, many people from the community come and celebrate the opening. We were able to pray, help cut the ribbon to open the shop and then my team-member had the chance to share with the crowd his testimony. After this, he asked if he could share with them the good news that had changed him. All said yes. Then, after sharing the news of Christ's salvation, and that it was a free gift for them to accept, he asked if anyone would like to receive this free gift. All raised their hands, and then we led them in a prayer of salvation. We were able to hand out New Testaments in their language, for which there was a mad scramble for them. It is obvious that they are hungry for the Word! We underestimated how many to bring, and we ran out. Our national partner took names of the ones who did not get Bibles, and he will provide them with New Testaments as well. It is probably realistic to say that not all these men fully accepted Christ that day, but my partner said that there were about 5 that were really tuned in to what he was saying. Even if the others did not accept, they still took a Bible, and we compelled them to not only take this book, but to read it. At least they have the Word in their hands and now have the opportunity to read the Truth. All in all, it was a good trip, and I was privileged to be part of this. I pray that the men who received the Bibles feel the presence of the One True God, and that He loves them just as much as any of His children. Please pray with me for these brothers in Christ, that they become disciples of the King, for His Kingdom.

Few and Far Between

2008-01-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

I used to keep up with the blogs, including updating my own pretty regularly, and commenting on some of those that I read. I also would be sad when a blog was left with no new post for a long time, because I love to read what they all have to say. I must confess, I have been so busy with things here in S.A. that I have neglected my blog, and I have probably lost some of the only few readers I have. So, may I apologize and try harder to get better at updating this blog especially while I am now here in the country God has brought us to. My new occupation as missionary is one of the main reasons for this blog. So here are a few updates from the first few months here.

I have been learning a new language, using a curriculum offered by the company, and along with a fellow national believer I have been learning much in the past month. This has occupied much of my time, as well as keeping the household in order. We hired a national believer to work M-F to cook lunch for us as well as clean the house. We met her during one of our volunteer trips here, and her and my wife really connected. Her sister works for our team members, so we have one big happy family working together for the Lord. During the day, while she works, I am studying my language and my wife and daughter are doing homeschooling. They are also trying to adjust to new way of life, especially since my daughter went to public school. She misses the interaction with other kids, but she has made many friends with the other girls her age in our building.

My son tries to stay occupied with the toys we brought for him as well as the television, but it is difficult being 5 and no one to play with him during the time we are all busy. He has been able to play with the kids in the building also, but only after they come home from school. They come up and ask for him, and he and I play cricket with the other boys downstairs.

We prayed and asked God to not only provide for our needs here, but to provide relationships for us to build to share the gospel. Through the children, we have made some friends with some of the neighbors in our building. There is one older family whose children are grown and moved to America whom we have visited often. We are able to speak with them, as they speak english very well. We were able to share that we are Christ-followers and that we follow only Him. She also said that she follows Jesus along with her other gods. She had been looking for a Bible in her language, but hadn't been able to find one. My wife made a bookmark for her and we gave her a New Testament in her language. She was excited to have it, and she said she would put it in her puja room, where she does her worship. We pray that God's word would be the brightest light in that dark room, and that her and her family would be confused by the worship they do to the other gods and be able to understand that the truth she seeks is in the Word. We have traded food with some of the other neighbors here, and though they don't speak English and our understanding of their language is limited, food seems to be the universal language! Like I said, we are building long term relationships here to gain influence slowly and also share the Gospel along the way.

We have been blessed by God so much here, especially the place where we live. I knew that God would provide a place for us, even felt it was picked out well before we had even decided to come here and follow His lead. It was one of the things that I was worried about the least. It is a short walk to the market as well as to our team-members, maybe 2 minutes walk. We are finally settled in it and have dedicated it to the Lord as a sanctuary for us as well as those who enter and visit with us.

Since I have so much to catch up with, I'll limit this post at this point. Promise get up to date fully by the end of the week!

Life Goes On

2008-01-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

Wow has the time gone quickly. It seems like only a short time ago we were waiting patiently for our house to sell, then went through what seemed like a 6 month orientation, and now since arriving on the field we have been running constantly to set up our home and get ready for the coming year of ministry. Sometimes it feels like we need to take a break and catch our breath. Well, thank the Lord for visa runs! We will be heading to our regional office in another city for a Language Workshop/visa renewal today. We will be gone for 6 days and meet up with some people we went through orientation with as well as a couple we met a year ago at our conference who are living in the city we are traveling to. And with this breather we are getting, we also get to eat BEEF! Yes, we live in a country that does not serve any kind of beef, so any McDonalds we go to here is Big Mac made with chicken patty (or even worse, veggie patty), so it will be a welcome meal when we are able to eat red meat for the first time in a long time.

During our time here so far, we have been able to set up our house, very near to our team members, and also I have been working on my language with the help of a local believer. He is very good, though I feel like I am progressing slowly. He has said that my progression is good, so he is good at words of encouragement. God provided this relationship, because He knew that I would need to be encouraged through my language learning, and kicked in the pants as well when it is obvious that I have not done the required study. He is good at challenging me, which is what I need. Anyways, I look forward to coming back and continuing my learning.

Everyone here has been very nice and helpful to us, and we are greatful for the relationships we have made here. We have been able to share the Gospel a little with a couple of our neighbors during Christmas, and even give a new testament to a lady in the local language. She says she studies the teachings of Jesus, but the family worships many other of the local gods and idols along with Him. We are being very slow to build the relationship with them, but we are being strong on the fact that we follow Jesus only because God's word has told us to. She was excited to have the Bible and said that she would read it. There have been many opportunities during our short time here so far to share, and we pray that we have many more opportunities to share our personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Thank you for your prayers during this long time of transition. We have felt very lifted up during this crazy time. Please continue to pray for the local people we come in contact with every day that we will reflect Jesus to them and that they see the light in this dark place.

A modern day Athens?

2007-12-13T01:37:00.000-05:00

This morning I was watching some of the things going on outside. In addition to the many people coming and going, the various men yelling up to the people living in the apartments what they are selling, I noticed a woman walking through this lumber yard. As you can see, there are some cows tied up in the yard, as there are every day. She was nicely dressed, and carrying something to give to the cows to eat. I noticed her giving some sort of sign after giving the cows what she was carrying and it occurred to me that she was worshipping the cows at that very moment. As I was astonished, I began to feel very sad at what she was doing. I realized again, through all that we have been doing so far to get set up here in our city, that people are so very lost.

The people of South Asia are a very spiritual people, as I notice by all the idols, false gods and temples that are everywhere we look. It makes me think of Paul in Acts 17, and how he was greatly distressed to see that Athens was full of idols and he even saw that the people were very religious. It is distressing and sad that 99% of these religious people we walk past every day here do not know the One True God, and are going down a road that is leading them to eternal separation from Jesus.

However, as my partner here pointed out that as bad as the idol worship was in Athens, those false gods and idols are nothing but myths and legends today. God has defeated and crushed the beliefs in those false gods, and we may be privileged to witness and be a part of the beginnings of another revolution that will take down the false gods and idols we are seeing worshipped right here.

Please continue to pray for the people of South Asia, that God will bring these people to know Him personally. Pray for the nationals who come to accept Jesus to be sowers of the Word, to grow His fame among these people, and for the people to be receptive to what the truth is. It is not anyone's power or might that can do this, but it is God alone who can accomplish His task through faithful and obedient followers.

Many Thanks on this day of Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

“First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.” 1 Timothy 2:1

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. While we are living in a temporary apartment here in our city until our new flat is finished, there are some thanks I would like to share during this time of Thanksgiving.

We are thankful for God’s provision while we are here to have found an apartment so quickly, and a new one at that! Even though we are waiting for it to be complete, it is a blessing, and we are thankful.

We are thankful for our health while here. The “crud” has gone once through the family, but it seems to have gone away and it was nothing major. Nothing a little antibiotics couldn’t cure.

We are thankful for our team members here in our city, the newest members of our family, who we are able to spend time getting to know and who we will be spending much time together for the next few years. They have been a huge help and blessing to us as we have been getting set up here and we look forward to the growing relationship and fellowship our families will have in the future working together for the One True God.

We are thankful for our family members who have sacrificed a normal relationship with us and our children to encourage us to follow God’s purpose in our lives, and seek Him.

We are thankful for our friends and our church family back home, who have also sacrificed close relationships with us to encourage us to do God’s work on the other side of the world. Your support and prayers are much appreciated.

We are thankful for our prayer partners back home as well as overseas, who lift us up to the Father often. Even through the busy-ness of life, I know that they have committed to partnering with us in prayer while we are here. Not only lifting us up, but also the people we are engaging here in South Asia to come to know Jesus as we do.

We are thankful for the IMB who has allowed us the privilege to be vessels to be used by God.

Most of all, we are thankful for a Heavenly Father whose love for His children is larger than we can even imagine. He took the time to create us, put us together as a family, and ready us for service in a far away place. He has brought us out of many pits, some so deep that we could have easily given up. But through faith in Him we persevered, and became stronger from those times. The times may not be easy here, but we know that God will provide for our every little need. We will cling to Him and rely on Him for everything. We will consider it joy to do what we must to make His name famous in this place.

Culture Shock or, Culture Integration?

2007-11-09T11:31:00.000-05:00

Alright, call me a sports nut. I love football, basketball, baseball, hockey, any kind of sport I can watch. And, I can understand all these sports. These are the things I grew up watching and cheering. And now what sport is popular in South Asia? Cricket. It might as well be chess for all I understand it!

We have been at another IMB couple's house in another city in South Asia for a language workshop, and of course, the huge match between India and Pakistan is taking precedence over many other things. So, with a day to do nothing but relax after our train trip, myself and another co-worker sat and watched, for about 5 hours the first in a series of matches between the rival India and Pakistan. And, amazingly, I found myself beginning to understand the scoring, and the whole game! It was pretty exciting, actually. I have a desire to watch another game and even seek out the highlights. So, I'm either really hurting for some of my beloved sports back home, or maybe, just maybe I am beginning to integrate this culture into some of my own. Don't worry, there is still room for following some football on ESPN, only Monday night football comes on during the morning. Hey, maybe that means I'll be able to watch a full game and not fall asleep!

Anyways, we are all fine and will begin language learning with a helper as soon as we return to our city. In about a week or two, our apartment will be ready to move into, and then starts the task of filling it with furniture and making it a home away from home. Then we will be settled and concentrate more on our tasks.

Finally!

2007-10-30T06:02:00.000-04:00

Well after some travel delays, cancellations and lost baggage (which was retrieved finally!), we are here in our home city! God has been good to us through all of it, and now it is time to go to work!

We are staying at another GCC’s house temporarily while they are stateside, though they are with a different company. It is fully furnished, but we are still living out of suitcases for now. However, we have located and seen some apartments here with the help of our team members, who have been an incredible blessing to us regarding us getting set up to survive life here early. I knew that God had a place to stay for us long before we even chose to follow His plan to come here, and in a matter of days we have signed a contract on a brand new apartment. It will be ready in 2-4 weeks for us to move in because the electricity, cabinets and cleaning needs to be finished. God is showing us His provision right at the start.

The kids have been doing fine, no bad signs of culture shock, other than jet-lag waking them up at 3AM for about a week, but we are pretty much over that now. The other part of culture shock is the fact that they cannot just go outside to play, or play with the national kids. These kids are not around much because they are in school 6 days a week and when they get home from school they are doing homework for the afternoon. Our team members have 2 kids, and my daughter and their daughter, only 2 years apart, have become very quick friends. My 4 year old son just likes to play video games or eat, which is a close match to their 15 year old son, the only difference is age!

We will be traveling as a family for some intensive language training in another city next week. It ought to be fun, because we’ll be traveling by train. We then come back and find someone for our one on one language teaching, which is called “barefoot learning”. That means that there is no formal classroom, but we are to use our language teacher for a couple hours per day and then we are on our own to practice what we learn. That is our primary task now for the next 4 months, as the company will pay for our teacher for that long. We are on our own to learn what we can from there. I realize that it is very important to know the language to be affective, because we have been very dependent on our team members to help us get things done. Hopefully we will be able to learn enough to survive on our own soon enough.

I hope that I have not bored anyone, but this is definitely a process more than we had ever expected, and sometimes seems very overwhelming. However, we know that God is with us, and He has been working here long before we arrived, and just as Joseph told Pharoah that he could not do it himself, but God could. We know that we must rely on God for all of our needs. Pray that we can incorporate ourselves into the culture and the community to show Christ to those who have never heard of Him.

Arrival!!

2007-10-20T19:25:00.000-04:00

And we have arrived!! Through many cancellations, delays and 3 different airlines (our arrival came from a different airline and a different location than first booked) we are in the country that God has planned for us to be in, to begin the work that He has chosen for us to do, even before we were born. We are happy to be here, and are waiting on 8 of our 12 bags that did not arrive with us! Big surprise, as many others here are waiting on their luggage also. Through this, we have learned not to take for granted even the simplest of things. Air travel was rough, and now we have little clothes, but I know that we are to trust and rely on God and not the things of this world. So we are praying that our bags will come to us before heading to our final destination city on Tuesday. Our team members are waiting for us there with temporary housing while we will look for a place to stay. Thank you for all your prayers during travel. God must be planning to use us for some great things, or our enemy would not have been trying to hinder us at the last minute from coming, and discouraging us by our bags not being here. Pray that we stay focused now more than ever on His word and rely on Him alone.

Final Goodbyes

2007-10-15T09:14:00.000-04:00

The countdown has begun. The excitement is building. After two years of God leading me and my family to serve Him internationally, selling a house, several volunteer trips to South Asia, 8 weeks of orientation, it has come down to just days away from leaving the U.S.

And the excitement is filled with mixed emotions. I knew that saying goodbye to family would be tough, and it has been. This last week my dad, the one who my son is named after, came to visit me and the kids. It was good to see him and talk with him in person. Also, my uncle came up to visit us this past weekend from Alabama and attend church with me Sunday. It was a great time and so good to see and be with familiar faces. Likewise, my wife has been visiting her family in Montana this past week. She will be saying her final goodbyes today as she comes back to do final packing. It has been harder the closer we get to leaving to say goodbye.

Yesterday at our church, I was worshipping during service, and it started to hit me that this is the last corporate worship I will be in with my church family for years. I found it hard to keep my emotions in while singing in worship. What a great church family and staff God has blessed us to be among. They are so loving and so supportive. Our close friends that we have been around this last 2 weeks are the ones we have been doing life with for the past several years, and it will be hard to say goodbye to them. We have been so blessed to have such great friends who would drop anything at anytime for us, and sometimes they have. They live out their faith by being obedient to laying down their lives for their friends. Greater love is not found anywhere, and we love you all for the sacrifices you have made for us all over the years!!

We then ready ourselves for a long journey, about 24 hours of travel, and obvious culture shock upon arrival for the kids. Our team members, who are the only IMB personnel in the city we are going, and quite possibly the only non-south asians, are quite alone. It will be good to see them and minister and fellowship with them when we get there. They are going to be a huge help to us as we move in. Then we begin to put all the learning we've had into practice. I know that we have a specific job with the IMB for a specific people group in South Asia, but our main job is to be Jesus to the people we come in contact with, to share God's word with those who have never heard of Him. To spread the fame of His name in a place where the enemy has had reign for thousands of years. We will be attacked spiritually more than we have ever been attacked, in ways that we haven't even thought of, but we know that just as God was with Joseph and Job, He is always with us. We can trust in this promise: "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8