Good Soil Evangelism Overview

Last weekend I was privileged to take part in a two day Good Soil Evangelism training. I was more than excited for this opportunity to refine my toolbox as I seek to share God's love with people.



I grew up in a Christian home, a Bible teaching church, a Christian school, and I attended two Bible colleges.  Having heard a lot already, I didn't know what to expect.  I was happily surprised to be challenged in my thinking in the two days I spent with missionary Ann D.  The training I received made me stop and reconsider my audience and how better to communicate with them.



Here are a few points that stood out to me:



1.  Most of us are familiar with the Romans Road.  Where does it usually begin?  Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  What is that presuming?  That my audience understands "sin" and "falling short," as well as their belief in God's existance.  Three chapters precede chapter three verse twenty-three, building a foundation to prepare the hearer to learn he is a sinner in need.  So, why do we usually start with Romans 3:23?  It may be perfect for someone with a Bible background, but this is becoming less and less common. 



2.  What about the question, "If you were to die today and stand before God, why should He let you into heaven?"  This presumes people believe in God, heaven and hell.  Again, to the typical adult, confusing.



3.  Sin.  Most people don't know what it is. We laughingly discussed "sinfully delicious desserts" as sadly the most common use of the word "sin" in our society.  Or they may think of Bible beaters - people who condemn others with prideful self-absorbtion, yelling and pulpit pounding.



4.  They presented a useful overview to help us understand where people are spiritually and where to being helping them in their relationship with God.  Evangelism-Discipleship Scale



5.  We studied John 1 (where I have normally suggested people begin reading their Bible) from the eyes of someone with no knowledge of the Old Testament.  Shocking.



6.  We watched the following video about the Mauk Tribe of Papua New Guinea.  They had never heard of Jesus; they didn't even know where they were in the world.  A missionary couple, who was discouraged by most because of their age, family size, and health problems, felt called to to PNG to share the truth.  I learned a lot from how they presented the Bible to this people which had no background in God's Word.  All of us sat their and wept, realizing how blessed we are to know God's Word!

7.  Also available is a book to help new believers:  The Way To Joy

Both The Story of Hope and The Way To Joy are available in several other languages.  This program isn't just another Evangelism Explosion.  It would be extremely beneficial in any church or small group in teaching Biblical evangelism.  Teacher instruction manuals are downloadable for free on their website.  I highly recommend Good Soil Evangelism. Click here to find out more:  Good Soil Evangelism

International Giveaway 2012

                                 

Imagine moving to a different country and all you have is what is in your suitcase. Incoming students from around the world have little with which to set up a new household. We want to help these students in their time of need and let them know they have friends here in the USA! We count it a privilege to welcome students, not just with our words, but also with our actions.

It is undoubtedly one of my favorite days of the year.  Every August our church invites all new international students to come chose from a variety of household goods and furniture to set up their new American homes.

Since this is our eleventh year reaching out to students in this way, we have learned a lot about organizing and working together.  There was a spirit of calm and joy amongst the workers, which included several church members and many from nearby churches.  At the staff meeting beforehand, our youth pastor set the tone for the day.  He encouraged us to keep our eyes on Jesus and the Gospel.  If we keep our eyes on Him and what He's done for us, it's hard to be afraid of or intimidated by people.  By 1:30 the auditorium was packed, 213 students in all, with several students left standing.  There were 23 countries represented:

• Brazil


• Canada


• China


• Columbia


• Costa Rica


• Dominican Republic


• Eritrea


• India


• Iran


• Ireland


• Jamaica


• Japan


• Kenya


• Korea


• Nepal


• Philippines


• Romania


• Singapore


• Slovenia


• Sudan


• Taiwan


• Togo


• Venezuela

 

I met people from Sudan, Romania, China, Taiwan, Togo, and Eritrea.  A Romania girl seemed flustered as she waited for her ride home.  When I asked if I could help her, she said she wanted to say thank you to everyone, but she didn't know how she could do so.  Several students were speechless, never having witnessed something like this before. 

We are not doing this because we are nice people.  God has given so much to us, so we are thrilled to share God's blessings with others.  It's all about God working through us, and we pray that He shines through, so they see Him, not us!

For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Students are given the opportunity to sign up for English classes, conversational English partners, Bible studies, and they can request transportation to church services and activities.  Following the Giveaway, our assistant pastor informed us that 142 students requested a conversational English partner.  The Giveaway is just the beginning, and we rely on God to provide time and energy for our church members to develop friendships with all of the students opening their hearts to us. 

It is so exciting to see students who were new to our church a year or two ago now welcoming new students.  One of our Campus Bible Fellowship missionaries now has the privilege to minister to the second generation, children of students she worked with years ago.

One woman took me aside and confided, "I bought a Bible."  After she described it, with her eyes sparkling, I gave her my name and told her that I would love to be her conversational English partner.  I am so looking forward to getting to know this beautiful young woman, as well as others I met today.

We are extremely blessed by the gifts of God and want to share them with others!  It's all because of Jesus.

I Can't Believe It's Over!

We have one day left with our daughter Ama.  She leaves us on Tuesday . . . I can't believe the year is over!



Ama isn't a blood relative, but she has has lived with us for over ten months.  She's seen us at our best and our worst!  Awhile back, when Josh asked if she was ever a baby in my tummy, I replied, "No, she is the daughter of my heart."  Both she and Amira, who lived with us last school year, are so dear to me.  I am blessed to be their American mom! 



[Ama, my fellow woman on God's mission just came into the kitchen looking for her camera. "The writing juices are flowing," she observed, as she breezed past me.  After she explained her mission and we both said a prayer, she left to continue searching in her room.  I'm really going to miss praying with her.]



There were moments this past year when Ama and I felt like giving up.  But, God didn't let us.  He faithfully gave us the strength we needed to grow through the challenges, produce fruit for His glory, and to end the year well.  He has given us the victory!



Ama will adjust quickly to her culture, but she will always be part of our family.  And I know that if I ever have the opportunity to visit Ghana (and I'm fully planning to go, if God and Tim will allow me!), I will find that I have a home and family there as well.



As we finish this two year journey of hosting exchange students, I am filled to overflowing with ...

• memories, LOTS of memories


• humble thankfulness for the lessons I've learned


• gratitude to God for His faithfulness 


• joy when I remember the consistent encouragement, love, and prayers of friends and family


• the fruit and growth God has cultivated in my life through amazing experiences


• the gift of love I've received from two beautiful young women who are now permanently part of my heart and life

After the dust settles, I will tell you more about hosting exchange students; I feel like I could write a book!  For now, please reflect with me with thanksgiving to God for all that He has done!  Ama and I pray that God will continue to work in and through us as we part ways.  Ama, my precious sister in Christ, has already enthusiastically agreed to be the Representative and Coordinator for the African Branch of Women On God's Mission! :) 

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21

God Appointments Are the Best Kind

This picture was taken a couple weeks after we met, when Melody invited us to her daughter's first birthday party.  What fun!  We are so thankful God led us to meet that day at the park.

"Who is to say that God cannot work at the grocery store, the mall, and the park?  And who can imagine that God would not lead His children to usual places to encourage or to be encouraged in His name?  His mission field is everywhere." - S.S. 

We are extremely blessed to live near Amish country.  Every few months we pack a lunch, load up the van, and head over to enjoy the countryside and culinary treasures.



The shops, complete with horse and buggy parking spots, gas lit aisles, and helpful women with German accents who are dressed in a rainbow of colors - all made from the same pattern, never cease to delight us.  While we hold a different view of God and the Bible from most Amish people, we respect these quiet folks who keep their convictions and traditions alive.



It is a pleasure to acquire healthy food at an affordable cost for my family, as well as less healthy treats like sorghum frosted cookies and pecan sticky rolls. But, today we found an even sweeter treat I'd like to tell you about.



Our household hasn't seen an oat grain for a couple of weeks.  And we all greatly miss our comforting breakfast food.  Before leaving for work this morning, Tim removed every speck of doubt from my mind, strongly encouraging me to venture back to Amish country to replenish our supply. 



I began to question the plan, however, as I talked to God through several interruptions which clogged my way. A friend whom I felt was meant to go along wasn't responding to my messages, no one could find the checkbook, and we were getting a late start.  All in all I felt like I was groping in the dark.  But, we had a mission to accomplish (to retrieve oatmeal, and much more).  At last we were on our way, checkbookless, which means I didn't have enough cash to get everything on our list as well as items requested by two of our neighbors.  Sigh.  I despise being unprepared.  Amish stores don't take credit cards!



The oatmeal store was super busy, so we toodled down to the scratch and dent store (where fancy items nearing expiration sell for one fourth their regular price).  We found some unique items and healthy canned goods, stocked up on condiments for our upcoming BBQ, grabbed a handful of ooo-la-la nutrition-deficient snacks, and dropped our jaws as usual when the checker announced the low price. 



Still, there would not be enough cash for the other store.  So I headed a few miles into town to hopefully get cash back at the General Store.  Nope - they sent me across the street to the bank.  Finally, after a quick meeting with an ATM machine, we had the needed funds. 



Lunch time already?  We walked about seventy-five steps to the locally popular bakery/deli for a quick bite.  As it came into view, warm memories made my heart smile.  One year ago we had met my sister there for a farewell luncheon before Amira, our Filipina exchange student/daughter/sister, returned to her home in the Philippines.  That day everything had been just right.  But, today the prices seemed higher, and it felt stuffy inside.  It just wasn't right, so I turned around and headed back to the van.  We swung by Subway to pick up a sandwich and made our way over to the park.  Little did we know that God was directing us to our next appointment.



When we got there, another mom and her two boys were playing, while a cute red cheeked, curly headed baby gurgled joyfully near the sandbox.  Soon the four boys were having fun and the friendly lady and I began to talk.



In a nutshell, we found out that we are both Christians, and she and her husband have been looking for a good church.  She was so happy to hear about our church, just a few miles from their home, and wanted to know more. 



We also found out our shared interest in nutrition, which led to fun topics about food, cooking, and organic farms.  She was on her way to pick up their weekly supply of milk, eggs, butter, and grass-fed beef.  Before we knew it, we were following our new friends five miles down the road to meet a sweet farmer's wife woman named Clara.  Six of her adorable boys met us by the barn.  After buying some yummy food, my boys and I got to meet some goats, pigs, kittens, dogs, cows, and a horse that was born just this morning.  Priceless!



Before leaving I bubbled out to my two new friends, "God is good!"  And they both gave me a knowing smile.  God not only gave me two new friends and a chance to encourage them today - He also lifted my heart through these women, gave me a mission to share my church with a searching family, showed me that He can work through my jumbled up plans, gave my boys a wonderful farm experience, and directed me to a healthy food resource.  I returned home feeling so blessed!



God appointments are the best kind.  I've learned that praying before and during shopping trips isn't silly - it can lead to unexpected missions of God's leading.  And what a comfort to know that He can make good things happen despite a misplaced checkbook, a slow start, lack of planning, and diverted lunch plans.  Let's not look at "running errands" as simply mundane.  God has big plans for us and for the people we are going to meet. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=moms&ctt=1#pg:2|mt:0|

I Like Salt

Do you have a sweet tooth or a salty one?  I am blessed with both.  But, if I had to choose between a restaurant appetizer or dessert ... I'd probably pick cheesy fries over cheesecake. 



This past week, salt took on an entirely new dimension for me.  My sister Sharon highly recommends sea salt and vinegar potato chips dipped in Trader Joe's salmon pate'.  Intense!  It was a pretty good mix, once I got used to the strong punch.  When I told Sharon about my startled reaction to her delicacy she laughed, using her waving arms to demonstrate, she said "I can feel the spray of the salty sea air blowing on my face when I eat those chips!" 



The Power of Salt

Our assorted palettes are fascinating. The blandest foods I've ever eaten were in Sweden and England.  When I visited Sweden, I was surprised to find that at most hamburger stands mashed potatoes are a popular option!  Swedish people typically like more bland foods: I am not a typical Svenska flicka (Swedish girl - my Mom is 100% Swedish).  If my taste buds are any indication, I must be a classic combination of Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian, and Mexican.



But, some flavors are too much for me.  For three years I lived in an apartment above a nice Vietnamese family.  For months the fragrance of their spices around dinner time gave me a headache and made me feel sick to my stomach; I could only imagine how their food tasted.  An Indonesian friend told me that his people tend to love spicy foods and that most Indonesian women like their food even hotter than what the men can handle, smiling as sweat pours off their face at the table.  My apologies if you are the exception: I'm sure there are varied taste buds in every culture.



What Flavor Am I?

Jesus said to His followers, 

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." Matthew 5:13

          In God's eyes, am I salty? 



                   And if I am salty, am I 100% salty? 



                          And if I am not 100% salty, am I still salty? 



Clearly, salt can lose its flavor. If it is contaminated with dirt or dust, it is no longer of value.   The contamination of sin in my life diminishes the saltiness God calls for in me.  My saltiness (Christlikeness) should cause those around me to feel as though they've eaten a tasty, savory snack when they are with me, causing them to thirst for Living Water.  Jesus is the only One Who can fill our deepest cravings and quench our thirsty souls.



Everything we eat (with the possible exception of plain rice cakes) has a flavor.  And most every food leaves an aftertaste. Compare how you would feel after tasting cod liver oil versus your favorite dessert: strawberry shortcake.  Quite different, right?!  And which one do you prefer?  That's a silly question!

What kind of taste do you leave in people's mouths after they spend time with you? 

Worth Your Weight In Salt

For a moment, imagine spending a day with Lot's wife.  I can't say that she's on my "Top One Hundred Women I'd Like To Meet" list.  She looked for satisfaction in earthly things, and was no doubt left wanting.  She loved her earthly possessions more than God - walking by sight instead of faith.  As a result of Mrs. Lot's poor choices, she became too salty, or salt of the wrong kind: frozen in time as a pillar of salt, alone and of use to nobody, including herself, herself and God.



We can become pure delightful saltiness by allowing God to refine us into 100% pure godly salt!  And our saltiness shouldn't attract people to us ... rather to Christ IN us. The savory flavor of Christ should be tasted in our:



1.   Words

"[Let] your speech always [be] with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Colossians 4:6



2.   Attitude

"Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” Mark 9:50b



3.  Influence

"Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, 'Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.' " 2 Kings 2:21



The next time we munch a lip-smacking snack, let's remember to thank God for the opportunity we have to be salt for Him!

Pretzel image courtesy of Microsoft Office Free Images Online.

Beauty Is a Choice - Part 1

Yesterday I bought a bag of cotton balls and a jar of face cleanser.  God has given me one face, and I am determined to keep it in the best condition possible.  As I stood in the store aisle, wanting to try something new and feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of options, I chuckled when I thought about my great Aunt Helen.  She’s enjoying life with God now, but while still on this earth, even into her nineties, she had nary a wrinkle.  The nursing home staff begged to know what face care regimen she subscribed to:  turned out, it was whatever cold cream was on sale at the time!  I’ve been told that at least three enthusiastic nurses proceeded to raid local drugstores, stocking up on Aunt Helen creams.  Thanking God for my beautiful (inside and out) Aunt Helen, I finally chose what I hoped would be the best match for my pores, placed it in the cart next to the double roll toilet paper and plush Easter bunnies, and headed toward the check-out counter.



Then, I knew it was time.  Time once again to pass by those Cover Girls we all love.  Their glaring double-lashed eyes and puckered sultry lips mocked me with silent scorn: “What’s the use? You’ll never be as thin and gorgeous as I am!”  Armed with God’s strength, and with the word “airbrushed” palpitating in my brain, I pushed on through the dark tunnel of comparison …  there, at the light at the end of the tunnel, was a friendly normal-sized young woman waiting to take my money.  Glancing back at the beauty queens, I thought, “They too will get old and fat,” as I smiled a comforted, yet pitying, grin.  Focus on God, Sara ... soak in HIS beauty.



Choose Your Consequences

Eons before Cinderella, Hollywood, and Barbie, our first mother gave in to her curiosity … What if I could be like God? (There weren’t any other women, yet, with which to compare.)  Eve never dreamed the cost of that single juicy bite: 

• excruciating pain
  
  



• raging emotional battles 


• sagging, bagging and wrinkling 


• sapped energy 


• unsatisfied desires 


• loneliness 


• broken marriages 


• tears of despair 


• a billion-dollar skin care industry 


• eating disorders 


• plastic surgery 


• miscarriages 


• abortions/murder 


• self-centered esteem confusion 


• diet programs and weight loss infomercials


• separation from God


• death for all

We could go on and on, but you get the idea of the extensive “un-makeover” Eve thrust upon the entire human race.  No doubt, if it had been you or me talking to that slimy Devil of a serpent, we would’ve fallen, too.  I believe that if Eve had known the extensive ramifications of her disobedience – not only impacting herself, but bringing misery to all of her children and grandchildren, she NEVER would’ve munched.  Sadly, she didn’t listen to, nor trust, God’s warnings.



Praise God, there is good news and hope for all of Eve’s children!  Because of Christ’s substitutionary atonement on the cross, God offers forgiveness – if we will only receive His free gift by faith – He will remove all of our ugly sin and replace it with His grace, clothing us in His beautiful righteousness.  Our CHOICE to take on the beauty of Jesus also has consequences: 

• a relationship with God


• contentment


• forgiveness  


• godly confidence   


• assurance of eternal life 


• a spiritual battle and the equipment to fight victoriously 


• the chance to invest our lives in what truly matters 


• children who will learn about true beauty and lasting values 


• comfort in pain 


• joy amidst trials 


• God using our weak hands to assist the needy and lift up the fallen 


• wisdom to feed the weary with chocolate chip cookies as well as the Word of Life 


• unending beauty that reflects God’s beauty to all around us 

The consequences of choosing God’s gift of true beauty are of eternal benefit and priceless worth.

 

 

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Image courtesy of Microsoft free images.

Obstacle to Comfort - George Mueller: Movie Review



As a pre-teen, one biography caught my attention more than the others: George Mueller -man of faith, founder of orphanages, godly example.  Now as an adult, parent, and teacher, this man continues to inspire and challenge my faith.  We had the privilege of watching a video about his life last night.  I highly recommend it.  Excerpt from the website (link found below):

Obstacle to Comfort is a 55-minute video on the life of George Muller of Bristol.  The man became a legend in his own generation.  He was the builder of schools, a supporter of missions and a father to some 10,000 orphans.  The amazing issue of his life does not lie in what he did, but in how he accomplished it.  

He refused to inform anybody concerning his needs, mentioning them only to God, in private, on his knees. 

My grade for Obstacle to Comfort ...



Availablilty = C

It may be difficult to track down.  We found ours at our home school assistance program library.  Finding it will be well worth the effort.  I found one used on http://www.amazon.com/ for $2.99.  Huge difference from http://www.half.com/ at over $21.  It wasn't on Netflix.



Information Resource = A+

This video was excellent in describing George Mueller's background, his conversion, the four most influencial people in his life, how he became a man of prayer, why he never wanted a salary, his pioneer work in founding orphanages ... all of this and more upon a clear backdrop describing the current events of his day.  I especially appreciated hearing statistics relating what happened to the orphans under his care after they grew up.



Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+

It is hosted by an older gentleman who clearly loves this man who has greatly impacted his life and ministry.  His hands tremble, so he moves them a lot, but I didn't find it too distracting.  On the contrary, I was touched that he was determined to make the film regardless of physical issues.



Quality of Film Production = B- 

Not terrible for a low budget 15 year old film, but it is slow compared to modern flashy media.  Not a big deal.



Spiritual Elements = A

This story is a testament to God's grace before salvation, at salvation, and beyond.  There is no possible way that all the answers to prayers and amazing provision were merely coincidence.  Clearly God worked in and through this humble man.  I learned that during the blitz of WWII, when Hitler caused numerous deadly attacks on London, many bombs fell around the Mueller campus.  And people would run to the buildings of Mr. Mueller's orphanage instead of to storm shelters.  When asked why they would take that risk, they replied, "We know God is here."  None of the orphan houses, schools or offices were ever harmed.



Story Substance = A+

This true story of faith was illuminated by numerous photos and location visits.  I was moved by seeing faces of the children he helped, the orphanages and schools built through prayer, and photos of the the man himself.  Dr. Connolly takes viewers to visit a man still connected to the Mueller organization, who lovingly untucks Pastor Mueller's personal record books from a safe, showing us his very first book, introducting us to his first orphan.  First of thousands.



Review Summary:

Availablilty = C

Information Resource = A+

Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+

Quality of Film Production = B- 

Spiritual Elements = A

Story Substance = A+



Overall Grade = A-



http://prayerfoundation.org/movies/movie_review_obstacle_to_comfort_george_muller.htm