It's Your Turn!

Statistics show that the top 10 countries with people who enjoy reading Women On God's Mission are the following (in this order):

• USA


• Russia


• Canada


• Germany


• Netherlands


• South Korea


• United Kingdom


• Brazil


• Philippines


• Australia

Oh how I wish I could meet each one of you!  I hope I am going to get to know a few of my readers this weekend, because

Now it's YOUR turn!  :) 

And I am going to be giving away

Two free books!! 

I would like to send two of my fellow women on God's mission a copy of one of my favorite books: Martha To the Max .  To be eligible for this drawing, share a comment on my blog this weekend.  Introduce yourself and tell what country you live in.  You may use your initials instead of your entire name, if you wish.  Also, please share something about yourself - about the mission God has given to you right now. On Monday morning I will draw two names and announce the winners. 

If you have time, I highly recommend this message by Barbara Rainey.  I am listening to it right now as I clean my house . . . Three Essentials For the Married Woman.  One thing that has stood out so far is:  "Wimpy theology makes wimpy women!" - John Piper . . . the importance of knowing God personally - studying God's Word for ourselves and not just reading what others have learned and written about Him!



Have a great day, and I look forward to hearing from you!

My husband Tim and me - taken by our son at the Creation Museum in July

Coming Soon!

After much prayer and consideration, with the support of my husband and praying friends, I am excited to announce that God is opening doors, and Women on God's Mission is moving forward!  By faith I accept the challenge and take God's hand as He leads.



In the past several months there has been considerable evidence that this ministry is encouraging women around the world.  I do not praise myself - it's all about God and what He can do!  Hallelujah!



I have considered spending more time submitting articles to magazines.  God has blessed, with an article about hosting exchange students coming out in the near future.  However, I sense that God is presently leading me to invest most of my time in cultivating the current global ministry with women here at W.O.G.M.  As long as God allows me I will continue this Women On God's Mission blog, while praying for you, my dear sisters, around the world.



Upcoming items to look forward to . . .

1. Several of my sisters in Christ around the world have joyfully agreed to share testimony about what it is like to be a follower of Christ where they live. For some women, their mission for God must be carefully guarded as they do not have the freedoms we enjoy here in the USA.  Through the fires of uncertainly and unrest their faith has been made stronger.  I have been greatly blessed by their trust in God, and I know you will be blessed as well.  We can learn from them, as we are not guaranteed of the continuation of our freedom to openly live as women on God's mission.


2. Interviews from the USA are coming as well!  Look to learn more about your sisters who are pastor's wives, retired missionaries, single moms, single business women, and experienced women of God who now have the privilege to add "Grandma" to their mission for God.  There is so much we can learn from what God has taught our fellow W.O.G.M. in the USA.


3. Home and family management tips are coming in the articles P.R.A.Y. My Way Through the Day plan, and Ideas For a Successful Family Schedule.


4. In September I will begin regular drawings for free books.  Stay tuned for more info.


5. Ladies retreat ideas


6. I am extremely blessed by my friends on Facebook.  They sharpen me!  We sharpen one another by discussing Scripture and how it applies to daily life.  I will continue to share tidbits from these conversations which I think may interest and benefit you.


7. Biblical teaching about the importance of modern day Sabbath, and how we busy women can follow God's example to rest


8. Free downloadable Bible studies


9. And, Lord willing, more!

This past weekend we had our annual International Giveaway at our church (see post from Saturday).  It was an incredible day with 213 students attending from 23 different countries!  Sunday afternoon our pastor shared with us at our prayer meeting that we must not be content with where we are spiritually.  We could have been tempted to brag about the good work we had done, but how foolish would that be.  It would be like praising a flower for growing itself.  God will help us grow and provide the strength and wisdom to continue the mission He has given us to do.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; " Philippians 1:6

Please feel free to leave a comment if you would like to make a suggestion for upcoming events here at W.O.G.M.  Have a great day!

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.

Cry Out to God

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13-14

This morning I had a rare opportunity to read, pray and talk to God alone at a park.  A sweet friend had invited my boys over, and I savored every moment of God and me time.



I've felt drained lately, more so than usual.  The past two years, around this time, we were preparing for our exchange student daughters to come.  From the moment their planes touched down, we were off and running, seemingly non-stop, for two 10+ month intervals.

In June with my Ghanian daughter Ama, just a few days before she left

After two action-packed years, I feel my body and emotions wavering between shock and recovery mode.  And I am grateful for the good memories as I put my feet up, this time blissfully uninvolved with the local high school schedule.  Although, there is a tinge of boredom in the air . . . how do we go back to "normal" after ultra-activity?



God is using this time in my life to help me reevaluate.  As I was sitting at the park enjoying the amazing book Even God Rested: Why It's Okay For Women to Slow Down by Kim Thomas, I was curious when my heart was particularly alert during the chapter about anger.  I listened for God's Spirit to speak to me as I reviewed those who have wronged or misunderstood me: ____ = forgiven, ____= forgiven, and down the list I went.  Then a most unexpected turn of events - I sensed God was showing me that I had not forgiven myself!  And all this time I have been stewing about those other people. 



"Forgive yourself" possibly sounds like a talk-show diagnosis.  Challenged by a wise friend who asked me the biblical basis for this, perhaps it would be better to say I accept God's forgiveness and no longer condemn myself.  In case you are interested, here are some thoughts we discussed:

• Colossians 3:13 - "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye," . . . The Greek root word "heautou" (one another) refers not only to others, but also to ourselves.


• Berating myself for past failures and sins has only prevented me from living in God's forgiveness/being fully who God wants me to be. Living spiritually is seeing myself through God's eyes: Sinful, yet FORGIVEN. Therefore, it is my own pride and stubbornness not likewise to forgive what God has already forgiven.  


• Hebrews 9:14 - "...how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" 


• Ephesians 4:32 - "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."  Even though I am a sinner, God gives me the choice to forgive or not forgive other sinners.  Do you think Saul/Paul needed to stand with God forgiving himself for his violence against his new brothers and sisters in Christ? At least he probably had to remind himself, when nightmares plagued his conscience, "I stand forgiven in Christ, therefore I shall not live in the past, condemning myself."  I have the privilege of saying with Christ, "Sara, you are forgiven ... go on in God's grace." 


• Romans 8:1,33 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit . . . who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies."  GOD justifies - I cannot justify myself nor anyone.  Accepting His full and free forgiveness - it would be disrespectful of His sacrifice to continue to condemn my forgiven self. 


• In John 8:9-12 Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery that He nor any other man condemns her, and then a very important "Go and sin no more."  Why?  "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

It seems to me that holding onto the guilt is connected with pride . . . as if something I can DO will justify myself.  I am thankful that I do not have gigantic baggage - God protected me greatly.  And some of the things I have struggled with are sins of omission or the sad happenstance of not knowing that someone I love was being abused.  "If only I had known, I would've helped them!!" 



Another part is accepting God's sovereignty.  I am just not that big!  He works through our sins and mistakes for good in our lives and in the lives of others - He breathes life into dust and brings the dead to life.  Hallelujah!   



Tonight, while all this was soaking in, and right after I shared with Tim the release God gave me today, I was contacted by one of the people on my forgiven list.  It was like a bright cherry on top of a sundae, reminding me that God can open channels which once seemed impenetrable. Thank You, God, for working faithfully and patiently with Your children!



If you are in a place of exhaustion, confusion, or just plain needing a recharge, I highly recommend Kim's book.  And as soon as you can, cry out to God and go to a quiet place, prepared to listen to Him.  What you think may be the reason for your struggle may be completely opposite of what God is trying to teach you.



I'd like to close with something my wonderful friend Kay gave me yesterday: "Psalm 23:2. He doesn't LET us lie down in green pastures because we usually don't do that of our free will (we're too busy). So He makes us lie down. So thankful He does that for us. THEN, after He does that, He leads us to the quiet water and THEN He refreshes our soul. "

Get out of the way!

Twelve years ago I was privileged to be a preschool teacher in Poulsbo, Washington.  I loved my students!  I remember one day when a new fellow joined our class.  The poor little man had major first day jitters and insecurities.  Not even music and story time could cheer him up.  He continued in distress until . . . I got up and moved.  Behind me on the wall was a picture of Jesus (similar to the image above).   After Kevin saw the picture of Jesus, his entire demeanor changed!  As I watched him smile, I could picture a party going on inside his brain - "This is a Jesus place!  I'm going to be okay!"  From then on, he seemed to feel at home.



While studying John 3:27-33 (*context below) today, I was challenged to remember that I am privileged to point people to Jesus.  Like John the Baptist, I have the opportunity to tell others, "It's all about Him!"

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30  

This passage of Scripture reminds me:

I must diminish!

The good things you see in my life are only because of Jesus.  I am only special because God made me in His image, God in the flesh died to pay my sin debt, and I am chosen by Him to know and serve Him.  Why should my screen time only point people to Him?  Because . . .

1.  I have nothing except for what has been given to me by God (27). No room to brag!

2.  I am not God (28).  It seems obvious, but I find myself idiotically trying to play God in my life.

3.  I have been sent by God (28).  On His mission, not mine.  He uses the weak things of this world! (I Corinthians 1:27)

4.  I am His bride (29).  Do I act like a bride in love, preparing for our day?  Do I glow and tell everyone about the One I love (Who first loved me - I John 4:19)?

5.  The sound of his voice gives great joy - in Him my joy is fulfilled (29).  So, why do I go elsewhere for my joy?  Rejoice in the joy Giver!  And find my fulfillment in Him alone.  Not in my accomplishments!  Not in my list of souls won!  Not in my one-upping a sister with whom I feel a pull of competition in church leadership.  No!!!

He must become greater!

Jesus IS the greatest - this verse is saying that He must take center stage and be given complete dominion in our lives.  Why?  Because (again, taken from John 3) . . .



1.  He is the Giver (27).  All gifts are from God!  Isn't His signature verse John 3:16?  And, don't forget Romans 8:32!  With His strength, I can appreciate His gifts and become a selfless giver.

2.  He is the Sender (28).  Matthew 28:18-20.  I am on a mission!  I should be grateful - I get to serve the King of Kings!

3.  He is the Christ (28).  Anointed One, appointed by God.  Jesus is God in the flesh, no matter what other people say.

4.  Jesus and I have extremely different roles.  He is transforming me into His image while I am but a speck in the shadow of the Almighty.  That means I must continue to reverence and obey Him.  Humble myself.

5.  He is the bridegroom (29).  He loves me.  He chose me.  I am His precious bride.  He is worthy of my adoration!

6.  He is above all (27-28, 29-31). So, doesn't He deserve my complete allegiance?!  I cannot even imagine the ridiculous spectacle of a termite bragging about his strength next to a tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur.  God and me?  The difference is even greater!



HE is above all!

He IS above all!

He is ABOVE all!

He is above ALL!



7.  Jesus is evidence that God, and what He says in the Bible, is true (33).  Divine and sent by God, Jesus gives a living, breathing view of God.

8.  He has something to say that is worth hearing (32).  Am I listening?



We have the privilege of pointing people to Jesus.  Let's get out of the way so people can see the source of hope and true joy!



Practically Speaking: How To Point Others to Jesus



Family:

• Above all, your family needs for you to be godly.  When you are right with God, God is able to shine through you!


• Talk about God to your children, every day of the week. 


• Begin the day with a verse and prayer. 


• In a moment of frustration, let them hear you pray to God for help and strength. 


• Put a little love note on their pillow that includes a Bible verse telling about Jesus' love for them. 


• If unsaved family mock or accuse you, be like Jesus to them, keeping silent and taking it graciously. 


• Let them hear you pray for them out loud.


• Be excited about God!


• Teach them about good manners - the purpose of which is not to make people think they great, but it is an opportunity to show people the love of Jesus.


• Talk about how great God is and show your children how you can together enjoy praising God in song and service. 


• Praise them for their accomplishments, then add, "God is so good to have given you such a special talent to use for His glory!"

Neighbors:

• Take baked goodies to them, just because.  Put a little note on the treat, including a simple Bible verse, that says you are thankful God allowed you to be neighbors. 


• Be the first one to take a meal to a new mom, a newcomer to the neighborhood, or a grieving family.  Include a winsome tract telling about God's love and hope. 


• Don't flaunt your beliefs - have an attitude of kindness and humility. 


• Don't be afraid to show them you can have fun. 


• Take care of your yard.  This one is hard to keep up with (we know)!  But it is important to respect our neighborhood by taking responsibility - this will help people to view Christ in a positive light. Think of your house as God's embassy in your neighborhood!


• If you borrow something, return it as soon as possible. 


• Don't keep a perfect home - let people see that you are real - someone they can relate to.  People feel more comfortable in a home that isn't spotless.


• How you dress matters.  Incorporating Biblical principles of modesty, be approachable in the way you dress - neither slovenly, goody-two-shoes, nor Hollywoodish.  They are more apt to listen if your appearance doesn't distract from your message.

Friends:

• Don't gossip. 


• Don't control the conversation, but try to guide it toward godly ideas.


• Offer to pray for and with your friend.


• Share what God is teaching you and ask her what God is teaching her.


• Ask how you can help her in her Christian walk.


• Ask for accountability - when she is holding you accountable, she will more likely seek to be right with God herself.


• Give gifts that will remind her of God: perpetual calendar with verses in it, a Bible verse magnet or picture, a favorite music or speaker on CD.


• After she sings or plays the piano, don't say, "You're awesome!"  Instead say something like, "Your song blessed my heart today.  I am so thankful you are using your talents for God's glory!"


• Send an e-mail saying you are praying for her today.


• Share what God is doing in your life on Facebook.  Don't be afraid to admit your struggles, but try not to complain.  Verbalizing what is true, even online, can help you and your friends focus on the One Who holds all the answers.

Strangers:

• Smile and say hello. 


• When waiting in line or while your kids are playing together at the park, try to find common ground by asking about their interests. 


• Pray for an opportunity to share Christ, but be sensitive to His leading.  Being too bold can give people a negative stereotypical view of your Christianity. 


• Invite them over for a play date or for supper. 


• Always carry a quality tract with you to give them some reading material later on. Have your e-mail address or phone number on the back in case they have questions.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

*27 -John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.   

28 - You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'  

29 - He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.  

30 - He must increase, but I must decrease.  

31 - He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.  

32 - And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.  

33 - He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true." 

- John 3:27-33

Image courtesy of: http://clipart.christiansunite.com

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