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Holding Pattern

13 Feb 2013

Many times God will allow a painful situation or a painful circumstance in our life to "swallow us up." This season in our spiritual growth is a holding pattern. We can't move to the left or the right. All we can do is sit, like Jonah sat in the belly of that great fish, so God can have our undivided attention and speak to us. God put Jonah in a holding pattern because He needed to speak to his heart. Jonah was all alone. There were no friends to call, no colleagues to drop by, no books to read, no food to eat, no interference, and no interruptions. He had plenty of time to sit, think, meditate, and pray. When we're deep down in the midst of a difficult situation, God can talk to us. When He has our undivided attention, He can show us things about ourselves that we might not otherwise have seen.

A few of God's holding patterns:

1. When you are sick in your physical body and you have prayed but God has not healed you yet, you are in a holding pattern

2. When you are having problems with your children and you have put them on the altar, but God has not delivered them yet, you are in a holding pattern.

3. When you have been praying for the salvation of a loved one and they have not been saved yet, you are in a holding pattern.

4. When you are in a broken relationship and you have given it over to God, but it has not been restored yet, you are in a holding pattern.

5. When the doors slam shut before you can knock on them, you are in a holding pattern.

When we are deep in the belly of a difficult situation, there are no interruptions. God has our undivided attention. All we can do is sit, think, meditate, and pray. We cannot run from God because there are no Mountains that are high enough, valleys low enough, rooms that are dark enough, or places that are hidden enough from Him. We must remember to praise Him while we're waiting and remember three things: - The pattern has a purpose. - The pattern has a plan. - The pattern has a process. So stop struggling and start listening, praying and trusting. He'll keep you right where you are until you can clearly hear Him say, I love you.

The English Invasion

11 Feb 2013

We (church workers) have been aware for a number of years, that the fastest growing evangelical church in France was the Anglican Church establishing parishes in France to cater for its ex-pats. And I use the description 'evangelical' knowingly because many of these congregations have a vision of impacting their local community.

From time to time I buy an English paper called The Connexion which is full of articles about French politics, economics, helpful legal advice to ex-pats and ads for services where 'English is spoken'. Many are from ex-pats themselves setting up business in France. With house prices in the United Kingdom being so high, many were selling up and buying here in order to find a better standard of living (ie get away from the rain!!!). Many have retired here. Many have contributed to renovating lovely old buildings that the French couldn't afford to do. Some deserted villages have been entirely bought up by Dutch, for example, who re-build everything then rent out to holiday makers, especially from other countries.

However, the English in particular have brought their faith with them and, funnily enough, the French are very partial to their version of faith! Just as cup cakes are in fashion, and Gospel has been appreciated and sung everywhere, now Christmas Carol services are the 'must' and local Anglican communities (as well as other international churches) are making the most of this desire to really experience Christmas by organizing Carol concerts and home-made mince pies for their communities.

The English churches bring with them the community activities and spirit typical of their culture and the article gives a whole list of chances to meet together, to help one another and others, socialize, offer mother and toddler groups, etc; and chances to explore the Christian faith.

Rev Jeremy Cross of Christ Church, Brittany, has also noticed congregations are growing because "many people are happy to find a readymade English-speaking community".

The article concludes: "Whether in search of deaper meaning, family support, security, companionship, good works or even mince pies, the English-speaking flocks continue to worship."

In my experience, people are often more open to 'the idea of God' when taken out of their usual context or comfort zone. That can be through difficult circumstances, crises, change of lifestyle, travel, camps, adventures of all sorts. It's one area churches can help in and why it's so important to support Christian camps and seminars.

I have often longed for our anglo-saxon way of organizing our church life, because it does promote more chances to confront faith and to grow. But have always thought the French have to find their own way of provoking encounters, conversations, community experiences and bonding. In order for Christian community to endure, it has to be relevant to its base culture, although we missionaries are always confronted with the need for Christian faith to question cultural practices in the light of Biblical principles. So when I see growing evidence of French Christian initiatives, I rejoice and praise the Lord for the maturation of His Church here.

Some examples:

* the CNEF - conseil national des évangéliques en France

* a new Masters Degree in Church planting

* a coordinated effort to plant churches based on reliable statistics and wise use of resources

* the growth of Christian counselling which is vital to help Christians find balance and well-being (I don't mean in a new-age, individualistic selfishness, but in a wholesome, mature Christian way which allows Christians to fulfill their 'mission' in God's Kingdom)

* the growing number of training sessions on many subjects, including the all-important theme of CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

* the growth of the Christian artistic and music industry/ministry.

And the list continues. This is on the national level, but I should find more local examples, especially in our own domain, (otherwise, I might feel discouraged about the impact or usefulness of our ministries!!!)

To be continued....

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

18 Jan 2013

BONNE ANNEE !

BONNE SANTE !

This is what the French wish for each other at the beginning of each new year. They send out SMSs or electronic cards, some still send traditional cards by snail mail throughout January.

Most Christmas decorations were taken down after 6th January when they traditionally celebrate the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. There are several versions of the Galette des Rois (pastry or bready type round patisserie in honour of the 'Kings') and this is shared by families, at work places, through invitations to friends, etc.

It's surprising to note how many holidays are still connected to a religious celebration, and yet how ferociously the French want to keep out any religious references in public life ! But these are all occasions for our churches and believers everywhere to organise events which remind people of the original reason for these days. Our church did 2 Christmas play performances with 115 people in the public at each performance. Once of our best this time around. However, we didn't do anything for Galette des Rois. We'll have to get cracking to organise something appropriate for Easter, but not sure the energy levels will hold up.

I close in wishing each and everyone of you, dear readers, a blessed New Year in 2013. The Lord didn't return end 2012, nor did the world end, so God still has plans for us. May we be counted amongst the faithful this year, enjoying our special status of Child of God. May we be able to communicate the joy, the peace and the love this brings us. May we be a blessings to others.

Yeah! Visitors from Nebraska!

13 Jan 2013

A team from Christ Community Church leading the children's program

A team from Christ Community Church leading the children's program

Every January, the SIM Peru missionaries meet in Lima for our annual Spiritual Life Conference. While the adults are in meetings, the children and teens have a program like a vacation Bible school. This year, Christ Community Church of Omaha, sent a team of 7 adults to 'ride herd' over all of the kids. They sang, studied the Bible, played games and did science experiments. It really is true: if you put a Mento in a Coke, it will cause an impressive explosion!

Coke explosion

The team did a fantastic job, and kids and adults alike were blessed by them. It was great to see people from home, and I was proud that they are from our home church. It doesn't come without risks: word of our week of 'suffering for Christ' at the beach in perfect weather could make it back home and people won't feel very sorry for us!

Top 10 Resolutions for 2013

05 Jan 2013

Top 10 Resolutions for 2013

This coming year, I have decided that with God's help, I shall...

Give up complaining... focus on gratitude.
Give up harsh judgments... think kind thoughts.
Give up worry... trust divine providence.
Give up discouragement... be full of hope.
Give up bitterness... turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred... return good for evil.
Give up anger... practice patience.
Give up pettiness... put on maturity.
Give up gloom... enjoy the beauty that is around me.
Give up gossiping... control my tongue.

Reminds us of Psalm 91:4,

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

There is absolutely nothing to fear about tomorrow; for God is already there!

Kids Photos

23 Dec 2012

We praise God for the girls great preschool concert and the love they have for gymnastics.

Taking their bow after the traditional dance.

The Nativity Scene. The girls were angels. Can you spot them? One is on each side of the stage. Annabelle has her hands up and Amelia is looking at Annabelle.

Having fun at preschool.

The girls all dressed for the gymnastics performance and Samuel watching from the stands. Merry Christmas everyone!

Girls practicing their splits

Chinup with Annabelle

Annabelle doing chin-ups

The Upheavals of Transition

09 Dec 2012

Transition, when leaving a settled world nestled in a culture and way of life you're familiar with can become extremely difficult. The picture below was a part of training exercise that demonstrates chaos within the transition is pretty much automatic. It is extremely important to have a support team around you to help with keeping balance in these times of extreme stress and turmoil. We are so thankful for all of those who have supported us and continue to do so in a variety of ways including, prayer, encouragement, friendship and finances. We know all of these are of equal importance and we are so blessed to have so many good people coming along side us as we walk through this chaotic, turbulent and exciting life changing transition. We are so richly blessed and thank God for you daily!

Missions Training and Beyond

06 Dec 2012

Since November 26 we have been attending Missions Training in Palmer Lake, CO along with nearly 30 other missionaries slated to go to various points all over the planet. It has been a pleasure to get know each of them as they prepare to answer's God's call overseas. We have learned a lot in the short amount of time being here, especially about ourselves personally, inter cultural communication and how to deal with our worst fears. Yesterday we participated in a real life simulation that challenged all of us and caused us to look deep inside ourselves and face the worst of fears. The simulation was based on a hostile take over of missionary conference by military rebels opposing the host country's government. We hid a small box with about 10-15 in the box (standing room only) and were told to wait. We were eventually found by the rebels and were given instructions with a few (3-5) in each box taken out form the group and guns shots were fired indicating the ones taken were executed. It stirred up a myriad of emotions among both the the men and the women in the group. It was quite frankly gut wrenching and caused a great deal of reflection on what it meant to give your all for the gospel. The exercise was designed to test us under extreme stress and to face our worst fears. Mission accomplished. What it did for us personally was to look at ourselves and answer the question are we in fact to willing to risk undue hardship, persecution and death in essence risk it all to share the eternal gospel to a dying hostile world. The answer is Yes!!!

Don't Make it Hard to go to Church

01 Dec 2012

Church entrance

In August we started attending one of the daughter churches of the church we had attended since we moved to Arequipa. It is a very humble church with a tin roof held up by wooden poles and sheets of plastic instead of walls. To get into the church, one had to crawl down a pile of white volcanic blocks in the dark. Surely, some people didn't come to the church just because it was too hard to get in the door. We suggested to the pastor to make actual stairs, and we helped build them last week. Today the entire family went to the 'work day' to build a new wall and to move all of the dirt that was piled up under the new stairs. Despite being missionaries, this was the first time the whole family could work on a 'get your hands dirty and your arms sore' type of task. A big pile of dirt was under the new stairs and had to be hauled in bags to another location. It wasn't without whining, but we had a great time working as a family on a specific goal. Afterward, everyone was content with a job well done. The icecream probably helped too.

The Tiabaya Baptist Church Sanctuary

Tiabaya Baptist Church Sanctuary

The new stairs without a pile of dirt under them.

The new stairs were built over the prior bathroom. Don't worry, they will move the fixtures so there is enough room to sit without hitting one's head!

Tired Paul

FINISHING WELL

30 Nov 2012

Hard to believe our time in Namibia draws to a close tomorrow. The past week has been exceptionally busy as we attempt to “finish well”. By God’s grace our leaving has coincided with the closing of most of the ministries we have been involved in as school holidays begin and the majority of people “go back to the farm” for the month of December. Most of our ‘farewells’ have taken place in the context of end-of-year Christmas parties.

Our church had a Praise & Worship evening last Friday with around 100 in attendance. This was predominantly a youth event, however there were a number of oldies other than ourselves present. Different choirs & gospel singers endeavoured to outperform each other with the event finishing around midnight (after four hours). Our African brothers & sisters love to sing praises to their God!

Sunday School Christmas Pageant

Our last Sunday at church was the annual Sunday School Christmas Pageant. This is a big event each year & we had in excess of 200 people present. The children did a great job reciting their memory verses, singing their songs & performing their Christmas drama. Mike was fortunate enough to preach on this occasion & chose a passage from Matthew 2:1-12. In this narrative we looked at the three responses to the birth of Jesus (King Herod, Teachers of the Law / Pharisees & the Magi) & were reminded that wise men still seek the king today. The service lasted for three hours (which was not reflective of the length of Mike’s sermon as he was told to keep it short).

Mike preaching at Katutura EBC

On Monday & Tuesday morning we worked at the Namibian Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS) in Windhoek. It was hoped we would spend a number of weeks working here, however time got the better of us. It did however provide a brief opportunity to have a look around the college & meet some of the staff & students.

NETS (Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary)

Tuesday evening was the Christmas Party for our Bible Study Group. Being a member of this group over the past three months has been important to us as it allowed us to get to know a smaller number of people more intimately than was possible after church on a Sunday. It was a great blessing to explore God’s word together & to understand its application in daily living.

Bible Study Group

Wednesday evening we headed back to the School for Disabled for their Christmas presentation & prize giving. During our three months at the school we really had little interaction with the students other than with two or three that stopped in to say hello to the two white folks tucked away in a small office. Some of the students have physical disabilities, some have mental disabilities & some have both.

We were delighted upon arrival when these three students all recognised us, & came up for a big hug. We found out on the evening that the name of one girl who we got to know (& who always had a large smile on her face) was Happiness. A very fitting name! Despite all the challenges these young people have, they performed very well on the night & humbled us all by their love & enthusiasm.

Yesterday we had the Christmas Party for the After School Program. As we spent more time on this project than any other, it was always going to be hard to say good bye to the leaders & students. In particular we grew quite close to a small number of children that gravitated towards us. We were so blessed by the hand made cards they made for us to say goodbye. After lots of hugs & well wishes, it was time for us to go for the final time.

Grade 3 & 4 Class rehearsing their Christmas song

Kate & "Twin Sisters"

We spent the morning today at FHS in the informal settlement area. Once again it was their end of year Christmas celebration & there was probably in excess of 250 children & adults present. In the poorest part of Windhoek where most of the inhabitants live well below the poverty line, it was wonderful to see the joy in the children’s faces as they arrived for their Christmas party. The birth of Jesus was central to this celebration & the children were clearly told that each & every one of them was special to God. Whilst many of FHS activities close for the next six weeks, the daily feeding program continues. Life goes on & children remain hungry even during the holiday period.

Bouncy Balls handed out at Christmas Party

We learnt today that one of the children being sponsored by FHS had recently died. One thing we have certainly found during our time here in Namibia is the constancy of death. People are dying all the time (many well before their time), & attending funerals is a very regular occurrence. We thank God that many have found salvation in Christ Jesus & know the certainty of their destination.

After twelve busy weeks our time in Namibia has just about come to an end & we leave for Johannesburg tomorrow where we have a three night stopover before flying home. We have experienced so much during these three months that it will take some time for us to process it all.

God brought us to Namibia for a purpose & it has been a wonderful opportunity to learn & to serve.

We have met so many people with amazing life stories & we have been humbled & inspired by them.

We have struggled with the poverty & difficulties we have witnessed by so many Namibians. Where unemployment is so high & life expectancy well below most Western nations, life is tough for many in this developing nation. HIV & AIDS is often lurking in the background.

We have been greatly blessed by the children of Namibia who have been warm & welcoming to this strange white couple. Their smiles, love & hugs have kept us going.

We have also so greatly appreciated our African family who we have lived with all tis time. They opened up their home & we have shared the ups & downs of daily living with them. We still have this farewell to go tonight!

God has been good to us as we have sojourned in this place. He has touched our hearts in so many ways & we look to Him for our future hope & direction.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, & he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6

Our African Family

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