Much to Be Thankful For

Things have started picking up as far as support goes.  I have a long ways to go, but I'm a "glass is half full" type. :).  I was so encouraged at a party a friend hosted a couple of weekends ago.  There was a nice turnout with 4 out-of-town friends who came and some others I don't get to see too often!  I was regretting having taken on making a Boba tea station for everyone to make their own as it gave me a lot of extra things to do on a very busy weekend.  Then again, it was so fun to introduce a room-full of people to an Asian beverage which has hit the streets of Charleston the past couple of years.  Another fun thing is that since even friends don't know my exact location, I can get away with representing different countries with my attire or snacks. :)

As far as the presentation part, I guess it's the teacher in me, but I really do like sharing with others.  There's so much I have to learn myself, but I focused on unreached people groups, the Anglican Diocese of Singapore (which is the Diocese I will be a member of), as well as some of the personal challenges I'm either going through or expect to.  I always like sharing, but to be surrounded by friends who have known me for quite a while was extra special.

I was also encouraged that a couple of friends at the party have offered to host another party for me, one of which we're in the thick of planning. :).  In the meantime, I've had a couple of donors increase and/or double their giving and several unexpected donors.  I am so grateful for the various ways that our God provides.  I've also been invited to a women's prayer retreat in March for them to pray for me during their Prayer for the Nations.  Just wanted to take the time to celebrate and thank God for His answered prayer, provision, and blessing and many ways that He's at work!  Thank you for praying!

GIC

I wish I'd had the time to write stories from every day, but I'll share a summary of the week's events.

Sunday
In addition to three services (8, 10:30, and 6:00), I represented SAMS at the Ministry Fair at 9:15 and gave a MAP talk at 12:30.  I was thankful for a small group of people who were able to hear more about SAMS and what I'm doing in particular.

Opening Day of GIC at the
10:30 joint service 

Monday
How grateful we all were for the ministry time that morning after the long Sunday.  It was sweet and special to have a time of worship, liturgy, centering prayer, and praying for one another as well as sharing Communion together.

That afternoon, I loved visiting some of the older members of St. Michael's at the Canterbury House. I hated to leave the two ladies I joined on the couch.  They were so sweet and interested in me as a person, and I felt their appreciation to be engaged in conversation.

Listening to a gentleman at the Canterbury House tell stories of his past service as a chaplain

That evening, we were welcomed to the rector's home for a nice evening to meet others in the Vestry and ministries at St. Michael's.

Tuesday
I was thankful for a morning off where I had time to sit in the Lord's presence, which inspired my Thursday night's visit to a life group.

We were invited to a staff luncheon where we had the chance to meet the staff.  Not only was it nice to have a meal provided, but meals are such a nice occasion to get to share with others to get to know them and just fellowship.

Wednesday
Or should I say Super Wednesday!  I visited the children first.  I decided to go all out and wear a Southeast Asian outfit a friend gave me a couple of weeks ago.  I had a few pictures of Asian children, a map, and asked how many of them had Bibles and why Bibles are even important.  Their answers were entertaining. ;).  I finished by explaining that's why I'm going, to help the people in SE Asia who do not even have a Bible, which is like food to our spirits, to be able to share the Good News with them.  After worship and a meal, I visited an Alpha group to share a bit about SAMS and myself.

The children liked the animated map of Asia that featured different animals.

Thursday
It worked out to not have anything scheduled Thursday morning so that I could attend my weekly Bible Study with my twin sister who was in town and have lunch with her and mom.  That evening I joined a life group of young adults.  It was a really encouraging time.  I felt so well-received and comfortable to share what the Lord had put on my heart.  It's always refreshing to be in the company of those who are walking the walk as this group sure seems to be!

Friday
I joined several other mission partners for a couple of local tours.  We started with lunch at the Tri County Family Ministries who served us an impressive meal!  It's wonderful the ways they are ministering to the needy in this area.  Then we went to tour Water Mission which has grown over the years and continues to respond to disasters and countries in need of clean, safe water.

Water Mission Warehouse

That evening was the international banquet where Keith Wheeler--a man who has carried a cross all around the world--spoke.  I appreciated his childlike faith, humility, and courage to obey the Lord's call.  He shared how a guy earlier that day had asked him why he carries the cross.  When he asked him what he thought of, he said "Easy, Jesus."  Keith used some analogies to challenge him that most people see a cross without seeing Jesus at all!  After he spoke, the meal was so nice, and I was able to share what God is doing in my country of service in three minutes. :)

Saturday
Saturday was the Women's Luncheon where I was one of two speakers.  It was an honor to speak and share about God's calling on my life and the process of what that has looked like.  In a nutshell, I shared that it actually hasn't always been clear, but out of my relationship with the Lord, trusting that I'm hearing His voice, and following how I believe He is leading me has gotten me to each step along the way.

Speaking at the Women's Luncheon

Sunday
Last day of 3 services, India report, chill lunch, and debrief.

The problem with a summary is that I'm not really conveying the surprise and joy of so many "God moments," the connections, the richness of the fellowship, the family feel.  It was a long week, and I took a Sabbath Monday, but  "how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" as David said in Psalm 133.  I'm incredibly grateful to St. Michael's for the love they poured on us as mission partners and the way that they respond to God's call to mission locally (in Jerusalem), along the east coast (Judea and Samaria), and globally (to the ends of the earth).

You Never Know Who's Praying!

Saturday morning, the day before GIC began, I was sitting in the wooden pew next to a brother from Burundi.  So nice to get to speak French, yay!  So nice to be surrounded by such beautiful people from around the globe, around Charleston, and other parts of the east coast.  We were giving introductions and being told what to expect in the coming week, going over the group and individual schedules.  As we were making our way out, I recognized the young lady at the end of my pew, but I just couldn't remember how I knew her.  We both smiled and greeted one another, and she said, "I've been praying for you!"  

I was thankful that her next breath was the context of where we'd met: New Wineskins!  Then I remembered very briefly meeting her there.  She is a part of the LAMB Institute down in Honduras, a wonderful ministry that I recommend learning more about.  She went on to say that I was the only person whose name she put in her phone to pray for, and she did pray during my 3-week trip to Southeast Asia.  She was excited to see me again post-trip and to hear how positive the trip was and that I am now prepping and planning to leave this summer.

As we talked more, I learned that all of the missionaries with LAMB are SAMS missionaries.  Yay!  We decided to share a table together and then a room for our MAP talks.  It's so amazing how God interconnects us for His work.  He has the big picture in mind.  I'm humbled and blessed that he would put me on the heart of a then-stranger (though a sister in Christ and now a new friend!) to pray for me.  I'm incredibly grateful as that trip was a critical step in my future, not just deciding if I would return, but in future decisions once I'm there.  So thankful to a God who moves His people to pray and thankful for His people who respond, including you!

Our Help Is In the Name of the Lord

Last week was St. Michael's Global Impact Celebration Week where they hilight the call to mission for all followers of Jesus as well as their mission partners locally, along the east coast, and throughout the world.  I was asked to represent SAMS, which was such an honor.  

I have lots of history with St. Michael's having attended their youth group way back when, volunteering in college for the youth, and having been introduced to healing prayer ministry through them.   My sister used to be a member before she moved, and my parents are current members.  I sat with St. Michael's at both of the New Wineskins I attended!  Needless to say, it's a place I feel very connected to still.

As we met together last Saturday to rehearse and prepare for the week+ ahead, I was not at my best.   It had been a very rough week, and I was not feeling strong or ready for the intense week that lay ahead.  So what delight I had upon reading the Word that the Lord offered me last Sunday morning before the long day's events.  As I read each verse, identifying with David in the opposition and helplessness he faced, I found hope.   Each line was like receiving water in a dry land and food after a fast where each bite is savored.  

If it hadn't been the Lord who was on my side, I too, would've been eaten alive!  And just like the bird who had escaped the snare of the fowler, I felt caught in the enemy's trap, but was now being released by the mighty hand of God.  It wasn't going to be easy.  I had extra responsibilities throughout the week in addition to GIC and was physically low on energy.  Each day would require faith in this Word and trust to walk it out, but how wonderful that we have a God who is able to give us His Word as a weapon against our spiritual enemies.  He did not disappoint.  What an amazing week it was!  For those who prayed, I am so, so thankful!  Our help is truly in the name of the Lord!

Who's Timing?

One of my most pressing goals as the New Year began was to set a leave date.  Not just so that I can answer everyone's top question it seems, but to be able to plan and set other goals.  Just over a week ago, I was still hoping for April.  It wasn't seeming very realistic, though.

Last Sunday (a week ago), one of the Scripture readings caught my attention: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place." (Jeremiah 29:10)  While the concept of God's timing is nothing new and very often prayed about and acknowledged in my life, the Lord was hi lighting this to me.  I don't really understand it all, but throughout Scripture, I can see how God sets appointed times that are completed when the set amount of time passes. 

It's always good to allow the Word of God to speak into our minds as we are making choices.  I think that, along with some other counsel and circumstances, helped me to let go of April and consider July, which has been a second target.  (As soon as I set July, there's now a possibility of it being August, depending on a decision about another training...).

Then yesterday, the Old Testament lesson's reading in Genesis 18:14 was on this same concept: "At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son."  Okay, yes, Lord.  You have my attention regarding timing and that You have a set time.  May I not push or drag, but be in tune.  It's always been my prayer, but I'm needing to pray this not just for a leave date, but for all of the things on my agenda.

Speaking of my agenda, there's a lot going on!  I have a very full week next week at a missions conference where I'll represent SAMS and share about what I do.  There are all kinds of events, tours, meetings, meals, and a banquet in addition to the services.  I've also been asked to speak at the women's luncheon.  

I'm also thankful to be planning a few local events in February and March to get to share with friends and those interested in knowing more about SAMS or what I'm doing.  As time ticks without as much progress as I'm comfortable with, I confess the idea of God's timing seems like a nice thing to talk about, but harder to submit to.

But submission would do me well and is clearly a message to me as this morning's Bible Study "three-peated" the theme of God as the One who decides timing on matters!  I read, "After David was anointed by Samuel to take Saul's place, he humbly served and waited until God's appointed time to be recognized as king." (Joanne Ellison's Following the Call-Leading Courageously). 

Wow.  So, you can pray for me to not just be sensitive to, but submissive to God's timing in all matters including a leave date, planning events, and really every area of life.  Please pray, too, for the days ahead as they will be long and busy.  Thank you!

The Greatest Gift

It's hard to escape the fact that December, at least in the US and the West, is a time of giving.  We exchange gifts.  Stores ask for donations to spread the cheer.  We give and receive Christmas cards as well as a multitude of end-of-year letters from NGO's and people like me. 😉

I think it's good to have a season of giving especially when our society continues to convince us that we need things that our predecessors happily lived without.  But I'm reminded that as God Himself said in His Word, the greatest gift to give is love.

As I read over its definition in 1 Corinthians 13 for this morning's Bible Study, I was sobered as I am every time I read this passage.  It's not just the fact that I see a lack of these qualities in my own heart and life, but other spiritual merits including generosity, are basically canceled without love at the core.  I think I can sometimes deceive myself that my spiritual gifts, faith, or generosity can override a bit of impatience of irritability, especially toward those who offer the same.  Of course, this is not so, according to the One with the right to judge.

Thank God He is not just a righteous Judge, but also merciful.  He Himself is our source of love, so we can confess our waywardness and selfishness and humbly ask for His love to replace our less-than efforts.

I'm thankful, too, that our God is constantly calling us to His love and in His divine wisdom and power can so arrange that today's lesson in Spirituality of Fundraising would reinforce the call to love as first and foremost.  I'll end with a quote on one of four ways to commit to wholeheartedness.  Perhaps it will encourage you as it has me to be rich in love, both giving and receiving.

Most of us want to give and receive love and to experience joy and peace.  We want to get along with people and to be patient and generous.  We hope to have adventure, quality relationships, and lots of laughter in our lives.  None of these things can be purchased.  Once we have created a personal picture of what wholeheartedness means for us, we can commit to that vision.  When we stray from our vision, we can return to God as the place of our security and the source of love that will fill our heart. 

'Tis the Season to Be Waiting :)

Speaking of waiting, so sorry for the long delay in writing.  I went to SE Asia and was incredibly busy without secure Internet, so chose not to write.  In fact, I will most likely end this blog, but figured I could and should still use it to communicate for now, so I'm back. :)

I'm limited with what I can share and will use this to very briefly catch you up.  The trip was very good, helpful, and informative.  I suppose it's appropriate that Advent began yesterday as I'm very much in a season of waiting.  Waiting on details, waiting on timelines, waiting to go!

I'm reminded that Advent is a time not just to wait with boredom, passivity, distraction, or impatience, but with purpose and preparation.  I'm grateful for a book I recently purchased at the recommendation of the New Wineskins' workshop speaker: Henri Nouwen's A Spirituality of Fundraising.  Raising support (aka finding ministry partners) is also the season that I'm in.  Going through this book is part of my personal preparation to work on my heart and mind during the waiting while transforming me in the process!  I really like his insights, approach, and example of prioritizing loving people over the task (not just of fundraising, but of ministry).  That's a way that you can pray for me. :).  

May all of us guard against the distractions and plain busy-ness of the world's view of Christmas and embrace the sweetness that comes with bringing our unfulfilled desires to the One who will fulfill them with eternity in mind, the One who is the Beginning and the End.  We wait for more than a day on the yearly calendar, but a day unknown to our calendars when our Lord will return and satisfy our longings with Himself.  Happy Advent, y'all!