I was heading home from work this week, going on the overpass to connect with even more people on the freeway. ( I always like to look at plants that find their way to grow in impossible circumstances.) I saw the usual weeds, grass & ivy growing, and then I saw IT! A cedar TREE, four feet tall, seemingly to flourish between a cement wall and the jersey barrier right smack against the wall! No space that anyone would really pay attention to between them... but the tree is paying close attention to it, you might say. There it is, forty feet above more concrete & asphalt, hanging out (literally), just growing along.
This cedar tree reminded me of Kurt and I - in between two very solid continents, cultures and also in between two very solid ideals. Do we retire & grow old here or do we act like the twenty-year-olds we still feel like & follow Jesus' command to GO into all the earth & preach the gospel to everyone? Well, we like fun & the challenges of life, and through MUCH experience, we would rather do life God's way than in our own wisdom.
I was also thinking of many people I know of or have heard of who may also be in growing in the impossible places. Maybe their past has rooted them to hang on by their fingernails. God comes into their lives and places a jersey barrier to help hold them up & keep their roots moist. Maybe they were flung into this world (in their eyes) haphazardly & life keeps giving them water, grit, dust, dirt, coffee grounds.... all that help to provide soil in a very unlikely spot - put it has nourished them so far! Look how tall and resilient they are! If some of us grew in that environment we wouldn't have made it past the first winter.
What's your story of the cedar? How will you radiate your life?
God has quite a sense of humor - we tend to notice it because we like to laugh so much - He had Moses strike a rock... in the desert.... for water! He cleared a path in the sea for the Israelites to flee Egypt.... not a loose band of eight, but over two million people! He found each of us in our sins and called us to come away & follow the sinless one who took our sin upon Himself so that we might have life!
... and He has called two older people to get rid of all they have collected, raise full support in a challenging economy to move to the last place they expected to live in order to preach the Gospel to those who have lived through communism as their "god" & have no idea who Jesus is! Even their welcome, "Isten Hozot" literally means, "God has brought you", yet they have no idea of why God would care about them....
How will you radiate your life to others?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
If you were...
Do you ever hear someone say to you:
"Oh, if you were just here five minutes earlier..." or "If you had applied or called us a few months earlier..."
Is it just me?? Do you find yourself saying that to someone?
Have you ever had the feeling of a hot, searing knife cut down into your heart when you hear that phrase? I have. Trust me, it's not fun. Maybe that is why I refuse to say that phrase & why there is empathy for others who have also "missed out".
Wanna know something great?? I mean, really, Really, REALLY great? God wants you exactly the way you are, TODAY! Think about it - it isn't some contest to enter & if you are lucky you can win out of 10 billion entries - no, God wants you to turn over your life to Him, now!
...yeah, you heard right. You're not late, there is no time delay, no reason for the mail to be late. Today the one who created ALL the universe (and beyond) with only a spoken word.... He wants your heart, your voice, your love that others have rejected. He wants to share in your life.
He is available when you even think about Him - isn't that cool? No charges, no "Oh, I'll have to get back with you when I am available." He is ALWAYS wanting to talk, to hear, to really listen to your heart's cry, to your rejoicing.....
and He picked YOU!
This image is of Laminin - a molecular structure that literally grows in your body, holds you all together, to put it simply. Your Heavenly Father not only planned for you from the beginning of time, but He has also planned on YOU being HERE during this time - He knows everything about you & loves you anyway. He knitted your body together in your mother's womb, knitting this Laminin in with you.... why wouldn't He care about you? He's crazy about you!!
Go ahead, just ask! You'll find out:)
"Oh, if you were just here five minutes earlier..." or "If you had applied or called us a few months earlier..."
Is it just me?? Do you find yourself saying that to someone?
Have you ever had the feeling of a hot, searing knife cut down into your heart when you hear that phrase? I have. Trust me, it's not fun. Maybe that is why I refuse to say that phrase & why there is empathy for others who have also "missed out".
Wanna know something great?? I mean, really, Really, REALLY great? God wants you exactly the way you are, TODAY! Think about it - it isn't some contest to enter & if you are lucky you can win out of 10 billion entries - no, God wants you to turn over your life to Him, now!
...yeah, you heard right. You're not late, there is no time delay, no reason for the mail to be late. Today the one who created ALL the universe (and beyond) with only a spoken word.... He wants your heart, your voice, your love that others have rejected. He wants to share in your life.
He is available when you even think about Him - isn't that cool? No charges, no "Oh, I'll have to get back with you when I am available." He is ALWAYS wanting to talk, to hear, to really listen to your heart's cry, to your rejoicing.....
This image is of Laminin - a molecular structure that literally grows in your body, holds you all together, to put it simply. Your Heavenly Father not only planned for you from the beginning of time, but He has also planned on YOU being HERE during this time - He knows everything about you & loves you anyway. He knitted your body together in your mother's womb, knitting this Laminin in with you.... why wouldn't He care about you? He's crazy about you!!
Go ahead, just ask! You'll find out:)
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Grab the rope!
We both are holding a rope - you pull one way, I pull another. Our goal is to move a box the rope is wrapped around into the center of a circle from outside the circle. Is it working? Initially it doesn't sound like it - more like we are having our own tug-of-war...
Now, think outside of the "box" your brain is in......
What if we are both successfully moving the roped box into the center of the circle? We could be if we were at either end of a rope & the box was in the middle.
The box can be represented by people in unreached people groups (people who either have never heard the gospel or who have no way of reading the word of God & who have no reproducible church growth). The circle could be represented by the freeing knowledge of Jesus Christ and the joy of knowing Him as their Savior.
Did you know that ALL of Europe is back to being an 'unreached people group'?? Less than 2% of Europe knows even who Jesus is (other than a cuss word), and that is the most positive estimate. Many places it is estimated that less than 1/2 a percent know Christ!!!! How sad, that the rich Christian heritage and the homeland of many of the Christian culture's forefathers is now a spiritual wasteland.
When I (Carrie) was asked to speak to a Hungarian women's group, we did a question and answer time... questions like, "What would God want to do with us?" and, "Who is Jesus, anyway?" were prominent. It broke my heart. I pray it breaks yours, as well
Today in a church service the pastor was speaking about teamwork. I couldn't help but compare teamwork to the mission field. We have a great prayer-warrior team and an encouraging financial team helping to get us onto the field. Our teams have willingly stepped in to hold onto the other end of the rope & we are pulling this box into the center of the circle. Once we get onto the field, the amount of helpers & added missionaries increases exponentially!
Moses' father-in-law was telling Moses that he needed to delegate responsibilities to other willing men who wanted to help because the load Moses carried was too heavy and he would burn-out. (Ok, it's an abbreviated version of Exodus 18!) How apropos this is in regards to us trying to raise support. We can speak to as many people we know to see if they would like to prayerfully or financially support us.....and there it ends & we end up being short of funds needed for the field. OR........
Some of you know others who would willingly like to hear what God's intentions are with this "old" couple that is radically changing their life in order to follow Jesus & go out onto the mission field long term! Some of you know groups who need speakers. Some of you know churches who would like to send missionaries.
Some of you have NO idea that the ONLY way we as missionaries get out to the field and stay on the field is by raising every single dollar for monthly support. There are no huge backers behind us. There are a few churches who are helping, but the majority of our raised support is by people like you! Do we take this lightly? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
We need your teamwork! You can click the link on the side of this blog & help out right away. You can call that person or group right now. Have a group of friends to your house & we can come chat... You are either a "go-er" or a "sender". Go & share the Gospel or help support those who do. Let's fulfill the great commission! Jesus isn't coming back until the job's done!
If you are in a church, you can recommend us to the pastor, "You have to hear these people! They have stories to tell, life experiences to help mentor, they are doing what Jesus is asking them to do & they are old!! - we need to help!" It doesn't matter! It just needs to happen!
Thankfully, many pastors are cautious of who they allow to come speak. We are not in a huge denomination that would normally be an "in" for us. The only way we may get to speak to others is through YOUR recommendation! Pastors take that seriously, and you vouching for us helps tremendously.
Come on - grab the other end of the rope & help us pull!
Now, think outside of the "box" your brain is in......
What if we are both successfully moving the roped box into the center of the circle? We could be if we were at either end of a rope & the box was in the middle.
The box can be represented by people in unreached people groups (people who either have never heard the gospel or who have no way of reading the word of God & who have no reproducible church growth). The circle could be represented by the freeing knowledge of Jesus Christ and the joy of knowing Him as their Savior.
Did you know that ALL of Europe is back to being an 'unreached people group'?? Less than 2% of Europe knows even who Jesus is (other than a cuss word), and that is the most positive estimate. Many places it is estimated that less than 1/2 a percent know Christ!!!! How sad, that the rich Christian heritage and the homeland of many of the Christian culture's forefathers is now a spiritual wasteland.
When I (Carrie) was asked to speak to a Hungarian women's group, we did a question and answer time... questions like, "What would God want to do with us?" and, "Who is Jesus, anyway?" were prominent. It broke my heart. I pray it breaks yours, as well
Today in a church service the pastor was speaking about teamwork. I couldn't help but compare teamwork to the mission field. We have a great prayer-warrior team and an encouraging financial team helping to get us onto the field. Our teams have willingly stepped in to hold onto the other end of the rope & we are pulling this box into the center of the circle. Once we get onto the field, the amount of helpers & added missionaries increases exponentially!
Moses' father-in-law was telling Moses that he needed to delegate responsibilities to other willing men who wanted to help because the load Moses carried was too heavy and he would burn-out. (Ok, it's an abbreviated version of Exodus 18!) How apropos this is in regards to us trying to raise support. We can speak to as many people we know to see if they would like to prayerfully or financially support us.....and there it ends & we end up being short of funds needed for the field. OR........
Some of you know others who would willingly like to hear what God's intentions are with this "old" couple that is radically changing their life in order to follow Jesus & go out onto the mission field long term! Some of you know groups who need speakers. Some of you know churches who would like to send missionaries.
Some of you have NO idea that the ONLY way we as missionaries get out to the field and stay on the field is by raising every single dollar for monthly support. There are no huge backers behind us. There are a few churches who are helping, but the majority of our raised support is by people like you! Do we take this lightly? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
We need your teamwork! You can click the link on the side of this blog & help out right away. You can call that person or group right now. Have a group of friends to your house & we can come chat... You are either a "go-er" or a "sender". Go & share the Gospel or help support those who do. Let's fulfill the great commission! Jesus isn't coming back until the job's done!
If you are in a church, you can recommend us to the pastor, "You have to hear these people! They have stories to tell, life experiences to help mentor, they are doing what Jesus is asking them to do & they are old!! - we need to help!" It doesn't matter! It just needs to happen!
Thankfully, many pastors are cautious of who they allow to come speak. We are not in a huge denomination that would normally be an "in" for us. The only way we may get to speak to others is through YOUR recommendation! Pastors take that seriously, and you vouching for us helps tremendously.
Come on - grab the other end of the rope & help us pull!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Doors - Hooray!
Have you ever set your sights on something that you know is real but seems like a dream? Do you find yourself wondering what God may have in store for you, or if what you are going through could really be used somehow later in life? We do! So many times, so many experiences, so many times I have looked at the cross trying to run faster towards it while my feet seem to be mired in mud. My heart yearns to be in heaven... why am I still here? Clearly there is more for me to do. What will it be this time?
When you want to have some accomplishments, yet doors remain closed - no matter how hard you push- rest in God's plan. He is ever the gentleman. (I just imagine Him leaning on the door, keeping it closed, calmly checking to make sure his cuticles are just right while I am trying with all of my might to push the door open!). Then I head in a different direction, or just down the hall & I see there is a door open, so I get ready to pull it shut (after all, all the other doors are closed), and I hear, "Oh, Carrie! Could you help me with this for just a moment? It's ok, you can keep the door open." Before I know it, hours/days/months/years have passed as I had set my hand to whatever... and realize that door was so easy. It was God's will.
Sometimes my dreams have become a reality - like my awesome husband, my terrific sons, a kindred & fun daughter-in-love, our instant and wonderful grandchildren and an expectation that I would be living somewhere else other than the US.
Wow, we are now getting closer!! Thanks to many of you! (and if God is nudging you & you haven't pledged yet, He also wants you to help us) - just an aside, there.
Our team in Hungary also has great ideas for service organizations, should they want to help with a project or two. Maybe they would like to hear what is happening in other parts of the world? We can help! Do you have a small group that would be interested? We would love to share! Do you have a church that wants to expand their mission-mindedness? We can help! Do you want to know more? Ask! We would love to talk to you.
Somehow God plans on using all of our experiences, goals and dreams out on the field - us! Just regular old Kurt and Carrie - and God can use us! Wow!! Is He crazy? No, He's God! He can change water into wine, I know he can change our "ordinariness" into His divine purpose for whatever He chooses. Us! You, too!
Even still, we press on towards our goal, knowing Jesus is at the end of it. Keeping our eyes only on Him, learning all we can to acclimate easier, breathe deeper, run stronger, faster, lighter.....
Come on! Join the race with us!
When you want to have some accomplishments, yet doors remain closed - no matter how hard you push- rest in God's plan. He is ever the gentleman. (I just imagine Him leaning on the door, keeping it closed, calmly checking to make sure his cuticles are just right while I am trying with all of my might to push the door open!). Then I head in a different direction, or just down the hall & I see there is a door open, so I get ready to pull it shut (after all, all the other doors are closed), and I hear, "Oh, Carrie! Could you help me with this for just a moment? It's ok, you can keep the door open." Before I know it, hours/days/months/years have passed as I had set my hand to whatever... and realize that door was so easy. It was God's will.
Sometimes my dreams have become a reality - like my awesome husband, my terrific sons, a kindred & fun daughter-in-love, our instant and wonderful grandchildren and an expectation that I would be living somewhere else other than the US.
Wow, we are now getting closer!! Thanks to many of you! (and if God is nudging you & you haven't pledged yet, He also wants you to help us) - just an aside, there.
Our team in Hungary also has great ideas for service organizations, should they want to help with a project or two. Maybe they would like to hear what is happening in other parts of the world? We can help! Do you have a small group that would be interested? We would love to share! Do you have a church that wants to expand their mission-mindedness? We can help! Do you want to know more? Ask! We would love to talk to you.
Even still, we press on towards our goal, knowing Jesus is at the end of it. Keeping our eyes only on Him, learning all we can to acclimate easier, breathe deeper, run stronger, faster, lighter.....
Come on! Join the race with us!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Beautiful feet?
"...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15 (nasb) Some versions say "...How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel" Well, you're looking at two pair that are in preparation and yearning to run for their purpose! We still do that here, but we are being pulled to go & share with many who have never had the chance to hear the good news that Jesus, who was perfect, died for their sins so that they may choose to accept Christ and live a changed life not only here on earth, but in heaven as well. However, there are some parts of the verse that are missing.... let me fill it in for you:
"How then shall they call upon Him (Jesus) in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are SENT? Just as it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!' " Romans 10:14-15
Did you catch that? All missionaries and pastors need to be SENT! Many people don't realize the Christians in NORTH AMERICA alone- thanks to the many blessings of the Lord- have more than enough financial resources to complete this task of reaching the rest of the world (if they used them). To our shame, Mongolia is the leading sending nation of missionaries per capita in the world!
Do you feel really close to God? Are you trying to out-give God yet? Think of ways that you can help direct your resources to further the gospel, rather than fill your shelves with more stuff. One way you can help is by helping to pledge a monthly amount to Pioneers in our account (just to the right of this column)- Would $100 a month be do-able? Less? More? Is God "nudging" you? If He is, it is real - He wants your heart active in changing His world. Go ahead! Pledge today!!
"This service that you perform is not only supplying then needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9: 12-15
"
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
How strong is your tool?
Have you ever actively pursued bringing about God's revealed purpose for your life? Have you felt thwarted with nay-sayers on every side? We have been going through quite a bit of this since Jesus showed us we need to go onto the mission field and we said "Yes" .
I gathered a lot of comfort this morning reading the book of Nehemiah - he went through much of the same as they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. He had the backing of one of the most powerful kings in the world at that time. The opposition spread rumours and created plans to attack Nehemiah and the men rebuilding the wall. Fortunately, there were others who were for the rebuilding & they had warned Nehemiah and his men, so they took up arms.
Can you imagine building and carrying your weapons at the same time? If you are a believer, you should be doing just that - only your weapons are from the heavenly realm. The Holy Spirit can warn you of an upcoming attack, and then join with you in your fight against your enemies. Jesus can also supply more helpers to join in the battle to help you win the battle. There is power in numbers. There is also a great comfort. Challenge yourself - who can you help today? How can you help? Who can you call on should you need help? Prayer is a mighty help to have in your toolbox - make sure to use it daily and keep it in prime condition.
I gathered a lot of comfort this morning reading the book of Nehemiah - he went through much of the same as they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. He had the backing of one of the most powerful kings in the world at that time. The opposition spread rumours and created plans to attack Nehemiah and the men rebuilding the wall. Fortunately, there were others who were for the rebuilding & they had warned Nehemiah and his men, so they took up arms.
Can you imagine building and carrying your weapons at the same time? If you are a believer, you should be doing just that - only your weapons are from the heavenly realm. The Holy Spirit can warn you of an upcoming attack, and then join with you in your fight against your enemies. Jesus can also supply more helpers to join in the battle to help you win the battle. There is power in numbers. There is also a great comfort. Challenge yourself - who can you help today? How can you help? Who can you call on should you need help? Prayer is a mighty help to have in your toolbox - make sure to use it daily and keep it in prime condition.
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