I have a heritage in the Lord that I hold very dear. My grandparents and parents both made the decision, years and years ago to follow the Lord halfway around the globe, for the sake of the cross, and to make His Name known.
While visiting my 86-year-old grandma, Elsie Hunter, last month, she gave me a copy of a short article she had written about 45 years ago. She was then a missionary in South Africa, caring for missionary kids of parents who worked in the bush. She had 6 kids of her own, and felt a ton of heartache for and with her children as she fulfilled God's call on her own life. She poses the question, "is it really worth it?" I was encouraged by her words below, and think you may be also.
"On Blessings and Sacrifices"
Little did we think nineteen years ago that the big, healthy, baby son, that the Lord had loaned to us, would be boarding a South African Airways plane to soar thousands of miles away from us to go to Bible School in America. As I thought upon this, my mind also returned to the time when we had to part from Joyce and Janice nearly three years ago at Kennedy Airport, and with broken hearts, come thousands of miles over here. And then Janice came over to see us for nearly five weeks and we had to part with her again about three weeks ago. There is so much to do that I don't usually allow myself the luxury of meditating long on these things but, with this one that is so close to our hearts, I asked myself the age-old question, "Is it really worth it?"
Is it worth leaving those whom the Lord entrusted in your care for a time that is seemingly much too short in retrospection, and go out where, many, many times you are misunderstood, distrusted, unloved, and perhaps unrewarded, humanly speaking? This is the question that haunts the minds and hearts of many and is the greatest problem ever faced by a missionary couple. Can we really lay all on the altar when the "ALL" includes our own flesh and blood? Many must "count the cost" over and over before sending their own dear children to us, whether they be six years old or sixteen. Then, having "counted the cost" they bring all the children they have and, with breaking hearts, drive off and leave them here with us. As the Lord has seen fit for us to experience the same thing many times, we mingle our tears with theirs, and learn to love them and feel with them, making a bond that draws us close to the Lord for His grace and comfort.
As I thought on these things, I came to a conclusion. If I am here on a perpetual holiday; if I am here to take rather than to give; if I am here for any selfish, self-centered reason at all; and if I have not done my very best in the task that Lord called me to do, then I am come in vain. I have not only betrayed the Lord and those who pray and gave to send us to the field, but I have betrayed my own dear children, who must turn to others for love, guidance, and comfort. We are very much averse to tear-jerkers in messages and letters, but felt that we should share our griefs with you at times, as well as our joys. In the midst of the grief at parting with Jim, is the joy that he loves the Lord and wishes to honor His Word and serve Him too. Many missionary parents have had grief upon grief when their children turned from the Lord and went their own way. We've also had the joy of seeing Joyce and Janice train for Christian service and wait upon the Lord for His direction and guidance. his blessings always outweigh the sacrifices.
Elsie Hunter
Fairfield Children's Home, South Africa
My husband, child, and I are currently in the throws of departing to serve God in a far away land. When I read my grandmother's word, I take courage. There are some really tough good-byes ahead, and yet, I believe with my grandma, "his blessings always outweigh the sacrifices." And we are seeing the blessings every day! Thank you, Jesus!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
?, light bulb, arrow, and an ear
Have you ever driven down your street and suddenly been burdened for your neighbors? Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation with a co-worker, and just had a burning desire to share Jesus with them? Have you ever been so riddled with fear to share your faith, that you've quickly put those thoughts out of your mind, and went on like any other day?
I have!!
I think most of us who love Jesus have had similar experiences. Much of the fear comes from the thinking that we will be rejected for speaking of Jesus, or we won't know what to say, or the person won't have any interest.
Last evening, I was in a "simple church" seminar hosted by Tony and Felicity Dale. Their teaching was so simple and profound, I had to share it.
First, let's set the record straight, our neighbors, co-workers, family members, and our world are interested in spirituality and the person of Jesus. They are, however, cautious of Christianity and church. So, let's try a new approach. Instead of inviting your un-churched friends to church, invite them into a discussion of spirituality.
What will this look like?
There's a mom who lives on the other side of the wall from us here in Philly. We've been friendly for a long time and help each other out every now and again. Grant and I have been praying for our neighborhood for a LONG time now (the first step in this process is PRAYER!). So, God kept laying Stacie on my heart. Well, one day, I finally got up the courage to ask her to simply read the Bible with me. I told her, I wasn't interested in teaching her anything about God, or Jesus, or how she should live. We would simply read some vital parts of the Bible and then talk about them and she could discover for herself, who God is and decide what that means for her own life.
How did she respond?? She said she'd love to do that. I was shocked! I honestly did not expect her to agree to it. She shared that she had never read the Bible, but knows people who do and realizes that it has moral teachings that could help her raise her son. At that point, I was completely blown away!
What will we do? Here's an awesome tool, that Tony and Felicity shared that I think will help you too.
It follows this pattern: ?, a light bulb, an arrow, and an ear.
First just read a verse or two (You can start in Genesis or John). Then:
1) Ask QUESTIONS that came to mind as you read the verse(s). (Think of a question mark.) The important thing is that everyone ask questions, but no one offers an answer. Rely on the Scriptures to be the authority, not yourself. (ex. How could God created everything we see in 6 days? Why did God need to rest?)
2) Talk about IDEAS that came up as you read. (Think of a light bulb.) You may remember a similar verse somewhere else, or related to the passage. Or, maybe this verse has given you understanding that you didn't have previously (ex. God created the world. God created me.)
3) Talk about something that has IMPACTED you in this verse, that you need to make applicable to your life and circumstances. (Think of an arrow, piercing your heart, causing you to make a change) (ex. If we are made in God's image, I need to treat all people with kindness.)
4) Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about this. (Think of an ear.) Go tell others what you read and the impact it's having on your life. This creates a moment where your discussion with one other can become discussions with 2 others, then 4, then 8... This method is easily reproducible. (By the way, this is the same way that church-planting movements in other countries begin!)
It's that easy!! A question mark, a light bulb, an arrow, and an ear.
You don't have to give all the answers, you don't have to spend hours studying before your meeting. There is no pressure on you. You can expect the Holy Spirit to show up and the Scriptures to do its work (the Word is the seed!).
I just love how this method takes the pressure off me, and puts it where it should be, the Word of Truth, and the Power to change lives.
So, I'm excited to begin this with Stacie! Pray for us!
Who can you start using this simple tool with?? The harvest is ripe, the laborers are few, and YOU are one of them. Get out there and share the Hope within you. Share the Truth in your hands. Your friends are waiting!
PS - if you want a outline of 20 essential passages, I can share that with you...
I have!!
I think most of us who love Jesus have had similar experiences. Much of the fear comes from the thinking that we will be rejected for speaking of Jesus, or we won't know what to say, or the person won't have any interest.
Last evening, I was in a "simple church" seminar hosted by Tony and Felicity Dale. Their teaching was so simple and profound, I had to share it.
First, let's set the record straight, our neighbors, co-workers, family members, and our world are interested in spirituality and the person of Jesus. They are, however, cautious of Christianity and church. So, let's try a new approach. Instead of inviting your un-churched friends to church, invite them into a discussion of spirituality.
What will this look like?
There's a mom who lives on the other side of the wall from us here in Philly. We've been friendly for a long time and help each other out every now and again. Grant and I have been praying for our neighborhood for a LONG time now (the first step in this process is PRAYER!). So, God kept laying Stacie on my heart. Well, one day, I finally got up the courage to ask her to simply read the Bible with me. I told her, I wasn't interested in teaching her anything about God, or Jesus, or how she should live. We would simply read some vital parts of the Bible and then talk about them and she could discover for herself, who God is and decide what that means for her own life.
How did she respond?? She said she'd love to do that. I was shocked! I honestly did not expect her to agree to it. She shared that she had never read the Bible, but knows people who do and realizes that it has moral teachings that could help her raise her son. At that point, I was completely blown away!
What will we do? Here's an awesome tool, that Tony and Felicity shared that I think will help you too.
It follows this pattern: ?, a light bulb, an arrow, and an ear.
First just read a verse or two (You can start in Genesis or John). Then:
1) Ask QUESTIONS that came to mind as you read the verse(s). (Think of a question mark.) The important thing is that everyone ask questions, but no one offers an answer. Rely on the Scriptures to be the authority, not yourself. (ex. How could God created everything we see in 6 days? Why did God need to rest?)
2) Talk about IDEAS that came up as you read. (Think of a light bulb.) You may remember a similar verse somewhere else, or related to the passage. Or, maybe this verse has given you understanding that you didn't have previously (ex. God created the world. God created me.)
3) Talk about something that has IMPACTED you in this verse, that you need to make applicable to your life and circumstances. (Think of an arrow, piercing your heart, causing you to make a change) (ex. If we are made in God's image, I need to treat all people with kindness.)
4) Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about this. (Think of an ear.) Go tell others what you read and the impact it's having on your life. This creates a moment where your discussion with one other can become discussions with 2 others, then 4, then 8... This method is easily reproducible. (By the way, this is the same way that church-planting movements in other countries begin!)
It's that easy!! A question mark, a light bulb, an arrow, and an ear.
You don't have to give all the answers, you don't have to spend hours studying before your meeting. There is no pressure on you. You can expect the Holy Spirit to show up and the Scriptures to do its work (the Word is the seed!).
I just love how this method takes the pressure off me, and puts it where it should be, the Word of Truth, and the Power to change lives.
So, I'm excited to begin this with Stacie! Pray for us!
Who can you start using this simple tool with?? The harvest is ripe, the laborers are few, and YOU are one of them. Get out there and share the Hope within you. Share the Truth in your hands. Your friends are waiting!
PS - if you want a outline of 20 essential passages, I can share that with you...
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