A Lifelong Resolution

I am sitting here quietly at home on the last night of 2012 reviewing the events and happenings of the past year.  I made one simple resolution at the beginning of 2012: to know God in a way I've never known Him before.  Was this resolution fulfilled?  Yes, but it happened in a way I could never have imagined.

At the beginning of the year, I decided to learn Hindi.  This was a HUGE goal and undertaking for two reasons.  One, I wasn't sure if it would be possible for me to learn with my hearing loss.  Two, I wasn't sure if my old brain was wired to learn another language.  I prayed and asked God to help me find a good teacher.  I knew this person would need to be kind, patient and willing to accept the challenge of teaching a nearly-deaf person.  Where to find such a person?!

I met Santosh at a Teacher Workshop on India where she taught a class on the Hindi language.  Afterwards, we talked about my desire to learn the language.  She was kind, patient and she accepted the challenge of teaching me Hindi.  I quickly discovered that my old brain was indeed wired to learn another language and it motivated me.  However, I was still unsure if I could learn to speak and audibly understand Hindi.  Santosh taught me to read and write the language first, then to speak and listen to it.  It was a harder, time-consuming method but a successful one in the end.

In the process, Santosh and I developed a genuine friendship.  What I hadn't counted on was God to demonstrate His love to me through Santosh during our weekly sessions. She taught me much more than the Hindi language.  She also taught me the culture and ways of India, causing me to fall in love with her homeland and her people once again, on a deeper level. 

One day, as I was praying and weeping, I felt the Presence of God so strong.  He spoke tenderly to me, "You asked to feel My love.  I gave you My love for India.  You were moved with compassion for the people of India.  Then, I sent you Santosh.  You felt My love for her.  All of this is good.  Now, I want you to feel My love for you."  I felt so broken by His gentle words and His love for me.

Love and brokenness is the entrance to the supernatural.  It was not the entrance I expected.  I had imagined the entrance to be a bold one surrounded by spiritual warfare.  Not this quiet breaking of me.

As I ponder goals and resolutions for 2013, I will make the same resolution as 2012: to know God in a way I've never known Him before.  In fact, I choose to make knowing God a lifelong passion and goal, not just a yearly resolution.  It will be interesting to see how He fulfills it in my lifetime.

It's Official!

Many people have been asking, "When are you going to India/Bangladesh?"  I now have the answer to that question: March 1, 2013. I plan to be there 3-6 months IF the visa is approved. I will be assisting Bro and Sis Corbin in the Bible school in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am SO EXCITED for this opportunity to work in God's Kingdom!!

Before I can depart, I must have a round trip ticket, half of the budget on hand and the remaining budget pledged through Partners in Missions (PIMs)...or I can simply have ALL the budget on hand. So far, God has provided half of the $13,000 budget. If you would like to be a part of this mission with your finances, click on the AIM Support tab above.

The next two months will be very busy ones as I make preparations to depart. I will also be taking a two-week trip in January to Louisiana to attend Because of the Times conference and visit friends. I covet your prayers, not only for the necessary tasks such as visa, shots, fund-raising, etc, but that I would be spiritually prepared above all else.

Thank you and God bless you!

Experiencing the Wonder of Christmas

In past years, I worked a part-time job during the holidays in addition to my full-time job, which left me too tired to enjoy the season.  Not this year!  So far, it’s been a blessed, joy-filled time spent with people I love.  First, I was reunited with my sister after 20 years of being apart.  This is a HUGE blessing from God!  We began the holiday fun by attending a parade together.  What is it about a parade that makes you feel like a kid again?  Next, my Hindi teacher Santosh, her daughter Shubha, and I attended a “Peter Pan” play.  My favorite actress, aka my niece Brooke, was in the production as one of the Lost Boys.  The next event, and the highlight of the season thus far, was an outdoor Nativity drama.  Santosh, Shubha, her friend Isabel, and I attended the 13 scene walk-through drama.  For Santosh, it was the first time seeing/hearing the Nativity story in its entirety.  When we remove the commercialism of Christmas and return to the simplicity of Jesus’ birth, it regains its original amazement and wonder.  To think that God Himself, who created the heavens and the earth, came to earth as a human baby, all because of His vast love for ME (and all of mankind)...well, it never ceases to fill me with joy.  Isabel said it best, “Tonight was an amazing night!”  Yes, Isabel, the night of Jesus’ birth was indeed the most wonderful and amazing night EVER!

My sister Jennifer and me.

Captain Hook and Peter Pan.

Me and my niece Brooke.

Me and Santosh, my Hindi teacher.

Shubha and her friend Isabel.

Shepherds at the outdoor Nativity drama.

Three Wise Men visiting baby Jesus in Nativity drama.

Santosh and I enjoying the Christmas season.

 

A Pleasant Surprise

For about two weeks, I've had this gut-feeling that life as I know it now is about to change...BIG-TIME.  I've pondered this feeling, wondering, "Lord, Is it almost time to go to Bangladesh?  If so, what about the finances?"  It was not a doubtful question, but a trusting one.  Have you ever had faith in God for something, not only HOPING He will do it, but actually KNOWING He will do it?  That's how I feel.  I truly believe God will provide the finances for the India/Bangladesh missions endeavor when it is time to go.

If we have placed our trust and confidence in God for such matters, then why are we surprised when He actually answers the prayer?!  Yet, I was pleasantly stunned today when someone gave $2,000 towards the mission.  After the initial shock wore off, I was left in awe of my God once again.  My faith and confidence in Him was deepened.  He never ceases to amaze me! 

Bangladesh Crusade 2012

Bangladesh was on my mind all day today.  My heart longs to be on the mission field with these precious people yet I am content to wait on God's perfect timing and plan.  Below is a video of Bangladesh's February 2012 crusade.  Several hundred people were filled with the Spirit of God during this crusade.  The video is rather long at 17 minutes.  The first 5 minutes are Bangladesh scenery.  The remaining 12 minutes are various clips from the crusade.

Happy Diwali 2012

Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (or deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.

Diwali, celebrated in October or November each year, originated as a harvest festival that marked the last harvest of the year before winter. India was an agricultural society where people would seek the divine blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as they closed their accounting books and prayed for success at the outset of a new financial year. Today, this practice extends to businesses all over the Indian subcontinent, which mark the day after Diwali as the first day of the new financial year.

Indians celebrate with family gatherings, glittering clay lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship to Lakshmi. Some believe that Lakshmi wanders the Earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed. People open their doors and windows and light lamps to invite Lakshmi in.
 

Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live:

• In North India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps.
• South India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
• In western India the festival marks the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.

In all interpretations, one common thread rings true—the festival marks the victory of good over evil.

Five Days of Diwali
On the first day of Diwali, housewives consider it auspicious to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils.

On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps or diyas and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.

This is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.

This is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.

On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.

Information obtained from:

kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/peopleplaces/diwali/

Restoring the Years

“Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?” Genesis 18:14

Here is God’s loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.

That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone’s supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God’s plan if they had continued to disbelieve.

The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him – Streams in the Desert, November 5

Tears of joy ran down my face when I read the above devotional because today God fulfilled a deep longing of my heart. Several times recently during prayer the verse found in Joel 2:25 kept coming to my mind. "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm..." Joel 2:25

I was familiar with the verse but had not really pondered its true meaning. The children of Israel had suffered a severe famine, great loss and destruction (all sent by God), but in this scripture God promises to restore everything to them. He promises to bless their lives as if those things had never happened to them. They shall eat in plenty, be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord their God.

I have suffered a lot of losses in my life. Reading those verses, God revealed to me that He was going to make my life as if those losses had never occurred. He promised to restore some long-lost dreams of mine.

Today one of the dreams became a reality as I was reconciled with my sister whom I had not seen in 20 years. It was a good refreshing meeting and the conversation flowed easily. It was as if we had never been apart all those years. A true restoration indeed! My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and satisfaction as I embrace God's abundant gift to me.

Promotional Video

Finally!  After experimenting with various video software, I found an easy-to-use (and cheap) website to create my Associate in Missions promotional video.  Click below to watch the video.

 

My Life in the United States

It’s been quiet the last two months regarding India and Bangladesh. I thought I would share with you what my life is like in the United States through the pictures shown below. Every Saturday morning, a group from my church visit the local neighborhoods to minister to adults and children. We offer them the hope of Jesus Christ because many of them live in hopeless situations. On Sunday mornings, we take the church van to those same neighborhoods and pick up people for church service. I love working for the Kingdom of God. It’s my favorite thing to do!

 

Kisses from Katie

Have you ever read a book so good that when you reached the last page, you flipped the book over to the first page and began reading it again?  "Kisses from Katie" by Katie Davis was that kind of good book for me.

It's the true story of an 18 year old girl, a fresh high school graduate, who leaves her comfortable lifestyle in Tennessee to travel to Uganda to live and work in an orphanage.  She ends up adopting 14 girls, starting a non-profit organization providing food and education to over 1200 children, and writing her first book...all by the age of 22.

It is not the amazing things Katie has accomplished in her young life that inspire me (although they are inspiring).  What is so inspiring to me about the book is Katie's spiritual wisdom and willingness to sacrifice herself for God's kingdom.  So much of what she writes, I have experienced myself and can so easily relate to, yet Katie has a way of putting those thoughts and feelings into words.  Something I find difficult to do at times. 

A person does not have to be young with a call to the mission field to be used of God.  One simply must be willing to follow Jesus anywhere, anytime, at any age.  One must be willing to say "yes" to whatever He asks, no matter what.  In reality, it is the ONLY way to follow Jesus.

Here are a few excerpts from her book:

“It may take place in a foreign land or it may take place in your backyard, but I believe that we were each created to change the world for someone. To serve someone. To love someone the way Christ first loved us, to spread His light. This is the dream, and it is possible.” 

"People often ask if I think my life is dangerous, if I am afraid.  I am more afraid of remaining comfortable.  I am surrounded by things that can destroy the body.  I interact almost daily with people who have deadly diseases.  I am more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy." 

"I hadn't realized what a transformation had taken place while I had been in Uganda, the spiritual richness I had experienced in material poverty and the spiritual poverty I felt now in a land of material wealth."

"I want to forsake everything to remain in the center of God's will for my life.  I want to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel.  I believe with all of my heart that nothing is a sacrifice in light of the promise that one day I will get to live with Him forever.  I want to obey.  I want to give my life away."

"The life that I live is full and joyful and wonderful, but it is not easy."

“I have learned along my journey that if I really want to follow Jesus, I will go to the hard places. Being a Christ follower means being acquainted with sorrow. We must know sorrow to be able to fully appreciate joy.”

“I realize that the hard places are good because it is there that I gained more wisdom, and though with wisdom comes sorrow, on the other side of sorrow is joy. And a funny thing happens when I realize this: I want to go to the hard place again. Again and again and again.”

"I was in no way qualified, but I was available. I have learned that something happens when one makes herself available to God: He starts moving in ways no one could imagine. God began doing things in me, around me, and through me as I offered myself to Him." 

“I am blown away that my God, who could do this all by Himself, would choose to let me be a little part of it.”

"When I imagine God creating each one of us and planting a purpose deep in our hearts, I never imagine that purpose being mediocrity.”

"I am just an ordinary person.  An ordinary person serving an extraordinary God."

Waiting on God

There is a song called, "I Don't Mind Waiting on the Lord." Every time I sing it, I feel dishonest. I DO mind waiting.  My birth is proof enough of my impatience as I entered this world two months early.  Even my pastor has told me, "Do you realize that your level of patience is unrealistic at times?"  Yes, I am fully aware of that fact.  I live with my impatient nature every day.  It is hard for me to be still.  I so desperately want to see the hand of God move. I want to see souls saved. I want to see signs, wonders and miracles.  I want to go to India/Bangladesh.  NOW!

My journey to India/Bangladesh is postponed by at least another few months. Some days, it feels like I will never reach the land of my passion and burden.  Sometimes, it feels like my calling will simply die for lack of use.  If I am not careful, my impatience will lead to unrest and fear, certainly not God-like qualities.  The Bible says in Luke 21:19, "In your patience possess ye your souls."

Another powerful scripture is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."  I have a tendency to set a goal and then achieve it. I rarely pay attention to the process or enjoy the journey of reaching a goal. Lately, the Lord is slowing me down and stilling my soul. He is postponing my goals, telling me to wait, and teaching me to enjoy the journey. He is showing me how to be still and let Him be God.

I've lived for God long enough to trust that His Timing is perfect and His Will is best.  Recently, He allowed me to peek into some plans He has for me in the near future.  Plans to fulfill a long-lost dream of mine.  Plans I would have totally missed if I went to India on MY timetable instead of HIS.  It humbles me to think He cares so much about the timing of my life.  "My times are in thy hand" Psalms 31:15.  It gives me great peace knowing He is in control and that my times are in His Hand.  And yes, I am thankful for His patience.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."  Psalm 27:14.

Sarah and Her Missionary Daughters

I recently read a book entitled, "Sarah and Her Missionary Daughters" by Bonnie Markham.  It was a rather unique look at 30 United Pentecostal Church missionary ladies.  It was unique in that their stories tell not what they accomplished on the mission field but their lives before they went to the field.  The stories showed that God calls a wide variety of normal women from normal and abnormal backgrounds to work for Him.

Some of the women grew up in the ministry while others came from non-religious homes.  Some of the ladies received their calling as children while others were called later in life.  (One lady received her calling at the age of 61.  More about her in a few minutes.)  Most of the women were married, while a few were single.

These women faced a variety of challenges leaving North America to go and live in a foreign country.  Some had to leave elderly parents.  Others left behind large and close families to go to a country where they did not know a single person.  Some had children and were concerned for their childrens' health, education and overall well-being.  Every mother testified afterwards about how God met their childrens' needs while living in a foreign country.  In fact, many of the children grew up and became missionaries themselves.

One lady's childhood story was similar to mine.  Her story resonated with me because I often wondered if God could use me with all the problems I had as a child and young adult.  This lady's story gave me much hope and encouragement.  It shows that God can use anyone as long as they are repentant and available.

Another lady was a single widow and 61 years old when God called her to Portugal.  The foreign missions board told her she was too old to apply.  She used her own money and went anyway.  She learned two languages, Spanish and Portuguese.  She did a wonderful work for God.  Foreign missions board contacted her and asked her to apply, so she did.  She continued to work on the mission field until her late seventies.  Her spunky story made me laugh.

I have personally met many of these women throughout the years, yet I never stopped to consider their lives before they were missionaries.  This book and its message was a timely and encouraging read for me.

Bangladesh Tidbits

Here are some quick and easy tidbits about Bangladesh.  Did you know that Bangladesh and Pakistan were once part of India?  In 1947, the country of India was divided along religious lines.  The Hindus remained in India while the Muslims located to the newly formed countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh. 

—Highest population density in the world

—One of three poorest nations in the world

—5000 miles of waterways – a very WET country!

—Longest natural beach in the world

—Capital City: Dhaka

—National language: Bengali  (English also spoken)

—Religion:
 —86% Islam
 — 12% Hinduism
—  2% Other (Including Buddhism & Christianity)

A Change of Plans

There has been a change of plans.  Originally, I planned to split my time between Delhi, India and Dhaka, Bangladesh.  The new plan is that I will go straight to Dhaka, Bangladesh to assist Bro. and Sis. Corbin with the wonderful work God is doing there.  I am in the process of obtaining the new departure date, length of stay, budget, etc.  I will keep everyone posted.

When God first started dealing with me about this new direction, I had many questions.  “Why am I studying Hindi when the main language of Bangladesh is Bangla?  Why am I learning about Hinduism when the main religion is Islam? Besides, You’ve called me to India, not Bangladesh.  What’s up?”  He has not answered any of my questions.  It doesn’t matter.  All that matters is my being in His Perfect Will.  After much prayer and then consulting with my pastor, it was confirmed that this change of direction was indeed God’s will.

I am VERY excited about this new opportunity!

Old-Time Faith

I spent the Fourth of July holiday reading biographies of long ago missionaries Hudson Taylor and George Muller.  Next on the list is Sundar Singh, missionary to India.  George Muller in particular interested me because of his faith in God to provide for 10,000 orphans over a period of 63 years.  He never once asked for money or any kind of assistance; he relied solely on God through prayer to provide for every need.  Once, when there was no food to feed the children, he called one of the little girls to him, took her by the hand and said, "Come and see what God will do."  He then took her to the dining room where he prayed a simple prayer, "Dear God, we thank you for what you are going to give us to eat.  Amen."  A few minutes later, the baker and the milkman knocked on the door with bread and milk, enough to feed 300 children.

In the early days of missions, people simply followed the call of God, traveled to another country, and trusted God to provide.  Sis. Nona Freeman writes of going to the mission field with very little support in the days before Sheaves for Christ, Mother's Memorial, Partners in Missions and other fundraising programs sponsored by the United Pentecostal Church.  Sis. Bobbye Wendell was appointed missionary to Kenya in June of 1978. She started deputation in July and by October 1978 her entire budget was raised. Her budget was $6,000 a month and I'm assuming she had to raise enough for 3-4 years. Missionaries today are traveling 1-3 years to raise their budgets.  I can see how the availability of funds beforehand would free the missionary to do the work of God on the mission field without stressing over financial needs, but have we lost our faith in God to provide?

Since becoming part of the Associates in Missions program, I have seen first-hand the struggle missionaries face in raising support.  I recently witnessed one missionary as she broke down in tears because she was so tired of traveling and longed to return to the mission field, but could not until the budget was completely raised.  What if pastors in the United States had to leave their churches for 1-3 years to raise support?  Something to think about.

What has changed?  God has not changed.  There appears to be a general attitude of apathy in America towards missions today, whereas in the past people sacrificed for the cause.  I recall reading about one lady who hand-sewed items to sell to support missions.  She sewed by candlelight at night because she purposely had no electricity so she could have additional finances to support the cause of missions.  This kind of personal sacrifice is rarely seen in today's society.  We must overcome this spirit of apathy and turn our hearts towards the Great Commission found in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

I was wondering what would happen if I simply trusted God through prayer alone to provide the finances for my Associates in Missions trip to India?  No fundraisers, no solicitations, etc.  I would be considered lazy and unwise by some people.  After all, after I have prayed, am I not supposed to do everything I can do to bring the answer to pass?  He's teaching me a better way, and showing me that my self-effort hinders His working.  When I pray and definitely believe Him for anything, He wants me to wait in the spirit of praise, and only do what He directs me to do.

"Spiritual forces cannot work while earthly forces are active."  ~  Unknown

What would happen if I exercised the same faith in God today of those long-ago missionaries?  I suspect I would get the same results they received: a miraculous provision by an Almighty God and a testimony that continues throughout the ages.

A Good Teacher

"A highly effective foreign language teacher is more than a giver of words and the rules that govern them; she is a window on the cultures that have developed through and because of those words. She transmits the culture through vocabulary and grammar, but also through authentic stories, idioms, songs, and sayings.” - Anonymous

My Hindi language lessons are going well.  I am currently learning to read children’s books and conduct introductory conversations in Hindi.  It’s a slow process, but my teacher, Santosh, is building a solid foundation of how the language works.  Thus, I am not memorizing a bunch of conversational phrases for mere survival purposes, but rather gaining a true appreciation and understanding of the Hindi language and culture.  She is a good teacher.

Santosh and I have built a solid friendship in the process.  On May 12, she and her older daughter, Surabhi attended a Mother/Daughter Luncheon held at my church.  A good time was held by all, as the pictures reveal.

Me and Santosh

Santosh, Sis. Bertram (my pastor's wife), and me

Me, Santosh, and her daughter Surabhi

Saying Hello

नमस्ते Namaste.  Hello.

No. I didn’t accidentally turn on the symbols key on the computer keyboard.  LOL.  It’s how you write and say “hello” in Hindi.  I began Hindi language classes three weeks ago with a private tutor.  I love my teacher!!  She is the best!  After one week of study, I could distinguish Hindi from the other script languages.  It no longer looked like Chinese, Greek or Arabic.  After two weeks of study, I could write part of the Hindi alphabet.  Now, I can translate some of the letters to form words.  I don’t know what the words mean, but I can spell them. LOL.

Learning a new language is a HUGE challenge for me with my hearing loss.  I cannot hear all sounds, thus making it difficult to learn audibly, which is how the majority of foreign language courses are taught.  My teacher’s primary focus is teaching me to read and write Hindi; speaking and hearing the language are secondary skills.  This works so well for me.  (See, I told you she was a good teacher.)  I am having fun watching the preschool videos where they sing the alphabets and write the scripts in Hindi.

She is not only teaching me the language, she is also instructing me on the Indian culture.  I love this aspect of our studies together.  I am learning so much from her!  In the process, we have developed a genuine friendship.  She is a special person.  I LOVE and adore my Hindi teacher!

The Unsung Heroes

This past weekend, I set up my very first missions table at the Alabama Ladies Conference.  I met some very interesting people and made new friends.  I absolutely love talking to other people about missions.  It's not just about raising financial support.  It's about inspiring a young person to pursue her dreams.  It's about encouraging someone who gives sacrificially to continue.  It's about receiving strength from unknown sources.

I met an 18 year old young lady who dreams of going to Uganda someday to work in missions. I was happy to give her some information about the AIM program and a CD about finding God's will for her life.  I pray that God will use her mightily as she pursues her dream.

I also met an older lady who works a full-time job for the sole purpose of financially supporting missionaries.  She could easily stay home in retirement.  Instead, she chooses to sacrifice her time and money for the sake of God's kingdom in another country.  I encouraged her to continue giving because it is as equally important as those who actually go to the field.

Then, there were those precious ladies from Mississippi who circled me in prayer.  I was feeling a little weary with the overwhelming tasks that lay before me as an AIMer when they approached me.  They circled themselves around me, lay their hands all over my body and began to pray.  I felt the heaviness lift and a spirit of rejoicing take its place.

I felt so honored to meet these precious people over the weekend.  These people are not in the limelight, but a missionary could not exist without them.  They are the ones who dream, give and pray.  They are the unsung heroes of missions.

Pray for Orphans

This morning, I did a presentation in childrens' church entitled, "Pray for Orphans."  I talked to the them about orphans in India explaining that many of the children do not have homes, food, water, clothing, or toys.  I briefly mentioned AIDS and how people were dying from the disease, causing some of the children to become orphans.  Then, I told them about Happiness Home, a shelter in India for people with AIDS.  I described how the orphan children living there were happy because God was taking care of them by providing them with a place to live, people to love them, food to eat, water to drink and filling them with the Holy Ghost!

After we watched a short slideshow of orphan children in India, I told them how God instructs us in the Bible to pray for orphans.  Defend the weak and the fatherless (orphans); uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Psalm 82:3.  Take up the cause of the fatherless (orphans); plead the cause of the widow. Isaiah 1:17.  We then prayed for the children.  Oh my, it was so touching to see them pray so sincerely on the behalf of other children!

Each child was given a picture and information about a child in Happiness Home, along with scriptures and prayer points. You know how kids are always leaving their Sunday School papers behind for the teachers to clean up?  Not this time!  Every child held on to their picture as if it was a prized possession.  I'm happy to report there are now 27 children in Bessemer, Alabama praying for children in India.  They were really touched by the needs of these children and accepted the call to pray.

Missions Table

I will be setting up my very first missions table at the Alabama Ladies Conference next week.  I am so excited! Humbled too when I consider the missionaries who've paved the way before me.  I want my table to be special because you never know how it will impact another person's life.  I know those interesting tables have influenced my life over the years.

I recall one missionary's table where I signed a pledge to pray one minute a day for them.  This introduced me to praying for missionaries on a daily basis.  At another missionary's table, I filled out a Partner in Missions form.  This taught me to give financially to missions.  And then there was the tiny book I bought about a little lady in India who had suffered a lot in her childhood but was mightily used of God to win souls.  Reading the book gave me hope that I too could overcome a difficult childhood and be used of God.  Then there was the missionary who wrote a very transparent blog about life on the mission field.  Reading her blog gave me insight not only to pray for missionaries, but HOW to pray for them.

To this day, I still have bookmarks, keychains and various other small items I picked up at mission tables over the years.  Most of what I have is from the continent of Africa.  (Isn't that where ALL missionaries live?!  LOL)  Imagine the shock I felt when God placed a call on my life to missions.  And imagine the additional surprise when He called me to India instead of an African country.

You know, it's all part of missions in God's Kingdom, whether it's prayer, finances, or going.  A missions table provides an avenue for all three areas.  I pray that something on my table will influence other people to have a heart for missions and get involved, however God chooses to use them.

Letting Go

Letting go and moving on is not always easy.  Changing camp sites may be an adventurous way to live, but it takes courage.

My apartment lease is up next month and I am moving in with a friend.  This arrangement allows me flexibility when the time comes to depart for India.  Plus it will give me a place to come home to at the conclusion of my assignment in India.  I had to make a difficult decision of what to do with my belongings.  Do I put everything in storage until I return from India?  Or do I sell everything except my basic items?  After doing some price-checking, I calculated the cost of storing my furniture was more than the furniture was worth, so I decided to sell everything.

It was not an easy decision to make.  I don't have a lot of material possessions, but when I moved into my apartment two years ago, I purchased nice but inexpensive living room furniture.  I decorated the room with red accented pillows, rug, lamps and pictures.  I gathered books and resources on prayer.  My Bible, journal and pen were nearby.  I hung up a world map so I could visually pray for missionaries and other countries.  My goal - which I achieved by the way - was to create an atmosphere in my living room that was conducive to prayer.

As I sit in this beautiful living room writing this blog, precious memories of time alone with God flood my mind.  It was in this beautiful relaxing atmosphere I learned to pray, REALLY pray.  In this room, numerous spiritual battles were fought and won, first in my own mind, then in the lives of others.  In this room, souls were birthed into God's kingdom and healings were wrought.  In this room, I felt His arms of love around me giving me strength during times of loneliness.  In this room, I learned to recognize His Voice and to follow Him.  It was in this beautiful room I received God's call to India.

I realize I can take the Presence of God with me no matter where I live.  Just like in the Old Testament, whenever the children of Israel moved, they took the Tabernacle, which housed the Presence of God, with them.  When the cloud or pillar of fire moved in the camp, they simply packed up the Tabernacle, followed God's leading to the next camp, and there they once again erected the Tabernacle of God's Presence.

For a little while there, I was having a hard time letting go of the "stuff" I had used to create an atmosphere of God's Presence.  I am blessed with material goods but it will become a curse if I try to hang on to it.  I do not need "things" to evoke His Presence.  All I need is His Word and His Spirit, two things I readily possess at all times because both reside within me.  What does material things matter in the kingdom of God?  What is the purpose of possessions when the majority of the world does not have food?  In some parts of the world, ONE spoon is considered a luxury.

Now that the time has come to move, I am ready to let it all go. As I prepare to leave this camp, so to speak, and settle into the next camp and the wonderful plans God has for my life, there is less "stuff" to transport.   Ahhh...the adventurous life of living for God!

This is My Life

"This is my life.  This is what I have been called to do.  This is where I belong," I thought as I sat among other missionaries at the Because of the Times conference last week.  It felt like the last piece of a puzzle being put into place.

A funny thing happened at the conference which so aptly describes my life.  The first night I arrived early, but it was to no avail as all the seats were taken.  Separated from my friends, I sat on the back row of a 3,000 seat auditorum with people I did not know.  I couldn't see a thing!  The next day I learned that our name tags were color-coded meaning I was supposed to be sitting near the front with all the other missionaries.  I felt both stupid and relieved.

This experience so aptly describes my life because for so long I have felt out of place in the back row of life, separated from my friends, unable to see anything.  With the call to India, God made room for me, up front with a clear view, among my spiritual heros: missionaries.

This is my life...and I LOVE it!

Rebekka (Norway), Cynthia (India), Rachel (Latvia)

Cyndy (Jordan) and Cynthia (India)

Over the Hill

Today is my birthday.  The REAL one, not the spiritual one.  Today I am 50 years old. The BIG 5-0.  It is a milestone often celebrated with gloomy black candles, black napkins, black plates, black cups, black balloons, black drinks and black cake...you get the picture. Some 50th birthday parties even have caskets as part of the decor. Now THAT is gloomy!!

There's an old saying for those turning 50, "You're over the hill.  It's all downhill from here."  If it is downhill from here, I intend to hang on and enjoy the ride with life and laughter.  Lord knows I've had plenty of gloomy days the first half century of my life.  I've experienced trauma and seen more than my share of real-life caskets at real funerals during the first 20 years of my life.  I spent the next 30 years healing from the traumas and losses.  "He sent his word and healed them from their destructions."  Psalms 107:20.  Today I am healed and whole, ready to embrace life and celebrate.

There is a young man at church named George who has a very positive outlook on life.  His outlook is not determined by his status in life, which is considered minimal by some standards.  His outlook is determined by the joy of the Lord.  George truly believes each day he lives is the best day of his life and that tomorrow will be even better.  Whenever I'm having a good day, I smile and call it a "George Day."

I believe the second half century of my life will be filled with George Days, not gloomy days.  HANG ON!  The ride is on!! LOL!

One Resolution: 2012

It's a new day and a new year.  It's a time when people relect upon the past and make resolutions toward change for the future.  Some people may resolve to lose weight or exercise more while others pursue a new hobby or skill.  Some resolve to be a better spouse or parent while others seek to be a better employee.
It is a good thing to make resolutions and set goals because if we aim for nothing we will accomplish nothing.  I'm a firm believer in setting goals and making lists.  I have a list for almost everything including groceries to buy, books to read and goals to pursue.  (The older I get the more I depend upon the lists to stay focused.)

For 2012, I have decided to make one resolution: to know God in ways I have not known Him before.  Recently, in prayer, the Lord told me, "You don't know Me.  You know My Voice and that is good, but you don't know Me.  Come, draw closer to Me.  Let Me love you."

In order to achieve this one goal of knowing Him, it could mean not pursuing other goals, as good and meaningful they may be.  It could mean not scratching any items off my "To-Do" list.  That is okay.  As long as I achieve my one one aim and goal, not only for 2012, but for all eternity: to know Him.

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death....I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:10, 14