Nazarene’s and a Great Missions Program!
Our whole family has finally arrived, and the boxes are coming open for the first time in six months! We were blessed with a wonderful training period in Kansas City where we met couples going to Asia and Africa, and made great friendships. We have been so impressed by Nazarene missions and how dedicated and passionate people are about God’s mission to see those who do not have a personal, holiness relationship with Him discipled into such a relationship. The Nazarenes are the third largest mission sending organization in the US, and are at the leading edge in areas like Jesus Film church planting and Work and Witness type programs. The leadership in the church is organizing world-wide conferences on the future of missions as we see a rising desire in many people to be part of God’s mission activities, and as we see how these projects can be a fantastic way to show the love of God to unbelievers, but how unprepared teams can cause lasting damage to the mission work in an area. Many new and exciting avenues are being created to facilitate other Regions (Asia, Africa, etc.) in sending Nazarene missionaries straight from their countries, without having to come through the training process in the United States (and all of the Visa, passport, plane expenses, etc. that entails). It is exciting to see the forward-looking nature of the missions program in our church!
3,500 Miles of Friends! (part 1)
Twenty-two churches (actually 24 services) in three months! This is how many times we have done our deputation presentation for different Nazarene churches from Washington State to Florida. We actually have great fun giving deputation presentations because we love sharing what God is doing around the world and because everyone has been so nice to us! We have met some amazing people. I am reminded of a young woman in Washington who felt like she was the one who should donate her kidney to her father-in-law, and turned out to be the best match. I think of the many young adults who have felt God’s call into ministry and are seeking God’s next step for their lives. Our deputation message was God’s instructions to “Go in the strength you have, and I will be with you.” We have received many e-mails from people saying they are now going forward in obedience to God’s call. This has been inspirational to us—particularly hearing about a youth group in Idaho who decided to pray and fast, many for the first time.
Every church has radiated the love of Jesus and shared stories of God’s power in action. We have been truly blessed to experience this first-hand. Another blessing was Leon Davis from Cabot, Arkansas who said he would fix our van air-conditioner for free! We are surviving the Miami heat and humidity because of his blessing to us. People have opened up their homes for us to stay with them and treated Grace and Anna like their own kids or grandkids. One highlight was being able to go the Northwest District Assembly and stay with our dear friends Bill and Joan Tozer. The prayer support we have received from so many churches across America is humbling and so appreciated! Most of all, we praise God for His love and providence through His beautiful church!
May God show you the blessings He has in store for you as you serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor too!
Grace got two wonderful cards from our LINKS District! Friends we have not even met yet! Thank you!
Last Updated: 10-26-2008
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