Mission Monday... it's been a while!

Scattered throughout I will include some pictures to be looking for in the future on our web page and prayer card etc.

Long ago I wanted to put updates on our "Mission in Progress" every Monday, and while I was consistently doing something to progress our mission, I didn't think "I have prayed that the Lord would continue to guide and direct as we continue to travel this path etc." was something that needed to be said. Every week!
That being said...

For four long years my husband has been diligently working a full time job and attending full time institute...( I know you know that...!...) and my type A personality was just doing nothing waiting for the moment he was done. Nothing of course consisted of parenting, home schooling, working, blah-blah-blah. All the normal life things a mother does. It felt like nothing towards the ultimate goal. I wanted to get the "green light" so I could plunge full speed head long into all of the things that needed to be finished in order to start deputation... let alone actually get to the field!

Well the day has come, and we are starting deputation. Soon. We are in the process of having a web page designed. (thank you Mr Lunch Time Thoughts!) We are also getting reference letters, content materials, hard copy, etc. needed to give pastors a little view of who we are and what our vision/mission is. We also need to get our video completed. No small task!

We were advised to start this piece years ago. Let me tell you, we still do not know exactly how to present our mission! We want to be informative, but not too detailed. We want to be reaching the brain, but not devoid of emotional pull. We want to have it just long enough to make you wanting to know more instead of "will this ever end"! Exactly how should we do that?!

So we have full courses of about three dinners on our plate! And while we could slap it all together, that is not my hubbys M.O. He is methodical in his proceedings. (Read that as he does things WaY DiFfErEnT than I do!) (... and that is Such a Good Thing!) We will take this at his pace, and at times it will drive me (my flesh!) nuts. I am understanding more every day why the Lord gave us twenty years of marriage before He called us to this! {ahem}"Discussions" like the ones we have had in the past few weeks would have done great harm in the early years of our marriage. We didn't know each other well enough, nor did I care if he had a differing approach. I would find a way to make it agree with my way, end of discussion. (read that as I was a manipulative wife. Go ahead. I give you full permission.)

The front of our prayer card

But God is Good, and I have changed (well I have been changed!) and my husband is a great man of God and leads this home spiritually like no other I know. We have three teen age children. And two others not far behind! That alone should give you a picture of some of the struggles he faces. That they are still going to church with us with a good attitude is the least of the reasons for our thanksgiving. I am so grateful we are not traveling with tiny children and I have to worry about nurseries and ear infections and croup. Now I have other worries, great big ones in their own right, but I am still thankful for the timing of the Lord for us. His ways are perfect, and every day I see the Great Conductor making beautiful music around us.

Back of our prayer card

Don't try the web page yet... work in progress! :)
Dan's email is good though!

My prayers recently- allow me to follow my husband with a single heart, as unto the Lord. I pray we are worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, and I pray this path is a journey to be enjoyed as opposed to a labor to be endured! I have been on a journey within a journey, and I keep singing the little ditty

He's still working on me,
to make me what I'm supposed to be,
it took him just a week to make the moon and stars,
the Sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars...
how loving and patient he must be,
cuz he's still working on me!

Cute, but so true! He is a gentle, patient, and giving God!

I will leave you with that thought!

Mission Monday...

These are just some thoughts -well pre-thoughts really- I have regarding deputation. Now mind you, we are still a year+ away from actually starting this part on the road to the field, but it is still something I think about!
As a relatively large family fairly mainstreamed in the American culture, we are busy. There have been times at the table that we all, including Savannah, have made comments about how we seldom all sit down to a meal together. Some have even suggested we mark the calendar at such times as it is so rare! Very.Sad.

Regularly we will have two cars at the same event. Not because we don't all fit in one car! We seldom are at the same place to begin the journey! Whether going to church, or a ball game, or to dinner, or to a friends for a visit, we often will "meet up" at the decided location. I am sure on more than one occasion observers have wondered about the state of our wedded bliss. "Man, they can't even stand a car ride together...!" Ha!

It seems a regular thing to compete for time with my family. Between work, school, teen activities, ball games, birthday parties, dentist appointments, babysitting, ... need I continue this inexhaustive list? ... there seems no time to have real quality family time! I know the "experts" -whoever they are- say quality is better than quantity... but I am of the opinion they have never really been in a functioning family! Time- of any kind- requires one fundamental ingredient... TIME!

So now that I have explained a few situations our family finds itself in, you can better understand one thought in particular I have regarding deputation. I am looking forward to forced, concentrated, uninterrupted, days and days on end, uncompeted for, uncontested and exhausting time with my family. I realize I may have a very different take on it while in the midst of it all, but for now, I plan to enjoy the anticipation!


It would be nice to see a lot of these signs along the road, too! Would this be a POI on a GPS? :)

*****

MM - NYC Here we come!!!

30 Teens...

"Orange Girl" redeeming the time and giving a tract to a fellow passenger

8 Adult Chaperons... hopefully!
(Both the "number" and "Adult" quality are in question here!)

Olivia and Elizabeth teaching some children the "wordless bracelet".

Six days in the Big Apple!!

We are taking the FBBC Summit Ministry Missions trip in June, and Dan and I are so excited to both be able to go with them! I cannot wait to go!

In the city we will meet up with a team from Word of Life Bible Institute, and daily we will be doing street ministry with preaching and painting boards to attract a crowd, as well as children's ministry- some in a few of the roughest parts of the Bronx. We will bring thousands of tracts to sow the seed of the Gospel, and pray the Lord of the Harvest brings in a great yield of souls! Daily there will be miles of city streets that will be covered on foot, as well as sardine-like rides on the subway.

All Aboard!!

All in all it will be a great time! Olivia will be the veteran missionary on this trip, as this is her third time on the team. Dan was able to go last year, so I am affectionately called the rookie of the three. I will do my best to represent well, and will follow up with many pictures and testimonies of the greatness of our God!

Mission Monday

After last nights message from Pastor Tumia, I think it fitting to put out a plea...

Looking for rope holders!

If you weren't there, let me explain!

You know the phrase behind every great man is a great woman. The same applies to a successful missionary.

We recognize that the Lord will stir the hearts of others who will come "with" us on our mission.

They will be prayer warriors on our behalf.

They will be people who give of their treasure.

They will be friends that encourage us and keep us accountable.

They will be voices in our home and supporting churches that make others aware of who we are and what we are doing so that though we are gone, we won't be also forgotten.

They will be those that e-mail my kids that are on the field, and in my absence love the ones in the states with a mother-like love.

They will be the ones holding the ropes of our mission.

"They" might be you.

We are wanting to go to the mission field, and realize that a boat can only float if there is water under neath it. We are wanting to be fishers of men in a foreign land, and are unable to outfit the boat on our own. Hence the plea.

Would you pray if God would have you be part of our mission? A member of "Team Jalowiec"?

As Dan nears the end another semester if institute (seven down, one to go!) we are excited to be making hard and tangible plans for the mission field. Planning our "packet" (you know the one that makes you look great and tells about your testimony, vision, mission, etc...) has become a major focus of all of our free time. (All, HA!) Dan is waiting with bated breath the assignments his summer school instructor will give him! (... um, yeah, that would be me!) We need to be focused on the preparation steps so that come graduation in May '09, we can begin deputation on the road. I am actually looking forward to deputation! The testimony of the Tsoukalas' and the Barones have been such an encouragement to me! I cannot wait to see my husband every day for more than a few minutes, and to be busy actively living out our call and purpose.

Mike Ireland recently told us "don't forget preparation IS service to the Lord!" That was exactly what we needed to hear, but it still doesn't make us any less excited to get on with it!

Mission Monday...

When the Missionary is away...

The rest of us will paint!

This has been two weeks in the making as both last Monday and this were spent at the home of the Italy Bound folks.

Last week they were home working right beside us with rollers and brushes in hand.

This week, though, they are in NJ on deputation- hopefully finding many like-minded people who will be behind them in prayer and dollars to support them on the field. So... we broke out the back window, crawled in and vandalized the place real nice like! It was almost as if they expected us though. All the paint was there, and there were little labeled post-it notes on all the walls with corresponding numbers on them. It was so strange... ;)

They are finishing their basement, and it is neither an easy nor a quick process! I really loved being a blessing to them, and it was a great opportunity to have my kids as well as a few other teens from our church look outside their own four walls and help someone else.

It is also a bit of a pay-it-forward too. In 2006 when we were doing the basement apartment we were going to live in, other missionaries, both on furlough and deputation, helped us tremendously. It is so good to see the Lord give us an opportunity to now help out another family!
"The whole body fitly joined together"

And if I don't say so myself... it looks great as you can see for yourself! I am sure this is only a smidgen of how great it will look after the elegant hand of the talented Mrs. Italy gets to decorating it. But I think we can all see the potential! All these Tuscan colors.... hmmm, Wonder why they like them?!

Yes, this face is in reaction to "The Blue Pole". I told her they were going to leave it that color. Quite a discriminating taste already, I would have to say! (It will be painted... we just didn't get to it yet!)

Needless to say it was a great two "Mission Mondays"full of work and visible rewards for the efforts.

I am feeling about 60%, so that is good, too! I only can speak in low voice, and the kids love that! If I try to string a few sentences together, I get a terrible tickle in my throat that starts a coughing bout! I had to leave service last night- because I couldn't stop! ...Ironically it was immediately after Pastor T. put up the slide that said "Fasting- the Solution" on it. I guess the Lord knew all I needed and had me to leave right after so as to not overwhelm me! How good was that!

It is (Mission) Monday Tomorrow...

I was reminded of this fact today by an anonymous friend...

SO in the interest of not letting her anonymous person down...

As I was thinking of the past few years, I thought each year had a distinct "flavor" to it, if I can say it that way. I even alliterated the different varieties for your pleasure...

2005- Foreshadowing of the future

2006- Feet to Faith

2007- Feet to Family ;)

2008- Firm foundations

To briefly explain!!

When Dan came home from his trip in March 2005, he would say OFTEN... "I have no idea what it is, but I know the Lord is going to do something amazing with our family." My thought...We have five kids, and keeping me sane would seem pretty amazing right now! (Pray for my husband, his wife if a bit of a challenge for him!)

That year brought many ideas and decisions, and the most significant- Dan surrendered to be a missionary, feeling led to Sub Sahara Africa. That is truly amazing!


In 2006, we had decided that whenever the Lord felt ready to move our family forward in this direction, we should prepare to be ready. Still unsure of any concrete direction, we decided to change our living situation and rent instead of own a home. This seemed like a logical thing, as you may or may not know the housing market in our area is unstable to say the least! (When we sold our previous home8 years earlier, we lost over $14,000.oo the day we signed the papers! The market had plummeted, and though we were glad to be out of the "city"- it cost us dearly! )
With that history, we knew "now" would be a good time to sell, we could make a little money, and be free from the time and financial constraints a home brings. This did not seem logical to many if not all of our friends and family! They all would often ask..."So why did you sell your house?" and "So are you planning to leave now?" Even a few pastors at church thought we had been a little hasty in the decision, but we KNEW it was of the Lord. Every once in a while I would call Dan Abram... sent to a place he knew not!

That year, our faith was tested and strengthened. We never thought we would be hoping to sell our home one day, and them "homeless" the next! It wasn't quite that drastic, but it felt that way! The Lord provided miraculously over and over with provision for us. Friends and family surrounded us with prayer and support. (It was definitely one of the most challenging years for me personally through all of this.)

2007 was, to say the least, an interesting year! We moved 5 times after selling our home, all within an 11 month time period. One time, we literally had no idea where we were going to go as close as a week before we had to make the move! (That was a trip and a half!) Dan and the kids moved the household without me once! Everything had a post-it on it with the location it needed to go. We slept in our camper for 7 weeks. We got home from our trip to Zambia, had Christmas and New Years holiday, and moved all within 3 weeks. (We really don't remember much of that time- jet lag was a great help actually!) Looking back it seems almost surreal- like we were on auto pilot. If any of us stopped to really think too long about things, we may have been like the children of Israel and murmured and complained. It was better to just trust all was as it should be, and let God lead.

The faithfulness God showed to our family was almost tangible. There was time after time when He would just reaffirm that we were doing the things He wanted, on the right track. Little baby steps that would lead to the desired end. There are still some physical effects, but our Micah barely throws up at night... and that is HUGE!!! (Follow the link for fill in on that!)


2008... here we are! Firm foundations seems a fitting title for this year. It is still full of
unknowns, as one uncertainty is to hopefully prepare for Dan and our middle child/son to go to Zambia to help set up... yep, a fish pond. It is also full of expectations for what the Lord will do with our family. Lord willing, Dan will finish his final courses in NSBI, and be left with some unbelievably hard and lengthy writing assignments. (And with this, I may earn my own PHT...!)

Our family is learning more and more what it means to walk by faith. Because of where the Lord has brought us- through the gentle and consistent nature of our God- we truly trust his leading and look to be more faithful and available for what He would call us to. As we begin month two of this year, it is with great excitement and anticipation. The Lord DID do amazing things with our family in 2005... and again in 2006 and in 2007. We cannot contain the excitement for what He will do in 2008!

It is Monday!

Yesterday in church, I was so inspired with many thing on which to post...! I hope you too enjoy the insight the Lord gave to me!

In teens we had a leader give the message instead of the teen pastor, and while the lesson was on lying, a verse in the passage spoke to me more directly than did the overall message.

Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:


The point was made in a contrast.

"Hearing about him vs. hearing him and Being taught about him vs. taught by him".

That struck me. I have attended a very good church for so long that is is easy to just glean from the preaching and teaching and feel like I am improving without actually hearing God, or being taught by him. Second hand knowledge. As the passage continues,

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


The result of actually being taught by and hearing from Jesus is a transformed life, which begins with the renewed spirit of the mind. In a previous post I mentioned the weakened state of the mind in the lives of so many Christians. Perhaps only spoon fed Christians. While they know what they need to do to have spiritual victory, it hasn't been practiced. They have been told from the pulpit (of my church)..."Do not believe what I say- search it out for yourself !" and perhaps have not.

This is not to absolve me of the same guilt! I am perhaps the best second hand learner! It is very easy to hear some preaching, to be in a spiritual conversation, to passively listen to a radio broadcast and feel that because I heard the information, know the verses, and could actually teach it to someone else it must mean I have been taught it from Jesus himself and it has been applied so as to transform my mind. While I never read those verses with the same frame of mind as yesterday, I am still accountable for what they say. Though my actions can suggest a transformed mind, only through true trials and testing will the fruit be revealed.

Which brings me to the second message of my Sunday... again by another pastor, and not our regular Pastor G.!

The message was about Abraham and Isaac and the request God made of him to sacrifice him.

After a particular point, my mind began thinking about why we as humans do not shy away from opportunities to test our abilities. In the areas of art contests and spelling bees, soccer games and technological breakthroughs, we say "Bring it" or "Just do it". I wondered why are we so quick to enter a sporting event where our ultimate goal is to show our strength over an opponent.

So why is it... I continued to wonder, that we as Christians shy away from the things that would prove our faith? We too have an opponent, do we not?

Is it because we fear pain?

Tell that to the foot ball player with cracked ribs.

Is it because there is too much emotional investment?

Let the little 6th grader that has ulcers from the stress of a spelling bee convince you otherwise.

Is it because we are afraid of what others might think?

The losers of every major competition still glory in the fact they at least they made it to the finals!

So many questions!

So what is it?! What would make me hope the Lord would not try me? Why wouldn't I want to enter that arena? Why would I not want the refiners fire in my life?

Does anyone really look forward to trials? No, not really.

Does anyone enjoy the thrill of knowing Jesus more? Absolutely!

And the pain of the journey to get there must be worth it. It says in Hebrews how Jesus endured the cross, all of it, for the joy that was set before him. Because we know he really knew what that joy was all about, we should trust that it really is worth anything we might have to endure. "Our light affliction" as Paul says!

So the truth is, I do want the trials. And Lord please help me to be faithful through it all. But first teach me, and let me hear from you!

Draw me nearer, through the fire

I trust my Saviour- to greater goals I aspire!

To know you more, I rest in your care

Try me - grow my faith, and all my weakness bear

For only when I am undone- does your strength show in me

Teach me Lord- Speak to me, I wait for thee on bended knee.

Mission Monday on Tuesday

This may be a regular post heading! I had a great weekend at our church's ladies retreat, but with all the fun came very little sleep, and Monday was not kind to me!

But I do have a report!

Through a friend who knows someone who knows a shop teacher at a school 2 hours away we were able to further our knowledge in the field of... drum roll please... Fish Farming!!!!

I know, you all saw that coming so why all the drama, right? HA! I wouldn't have guessed in many lifetimes that I would actively pursue the field of anything related to fish... remember this post?! Well, things change!


My husband is a Mr. Steady straight on and right down the center and I LOVE THAT!!! Mr. P, the man we are preparing to partner with is a Mr. Command and that works very well for him. However... get the two of them together and they both become Mr. Visionaries , and that is a little ... well... enough to make me pray a lot!

So... fish ponds!

This is the whole set up. It is self contained, and uses a sump pump for water circulation. The guys are seeking alternative energy such as solar, wind, and bio-diesel, as the reliability of the electricity sources are at best just OK. (For you more astute readers, you noticed the three other topics of future MM posts... yes you did! )

Here are all the little Tilapia swimming in their pretty blue bucket! It is a 500 gallon tank, and there are about 40 fish just loving life! They are seldom harvested from this classroom, and a few are upwards to 14"! I actually have tried Tilapia... very mild tasting, and full of protein. Something many Zambians are seriously lacking!



The vision is to raise up a mission that is able to train nationals in the Word, but also to give them ways to feed their families/village, generate income, become energy independent, and equipped in more ways than may be available easily to the average African. Thus, the Lord is blessing in so many ways here stateside with people coming to them, and introducing them to people who know this stuff like their own name, and offering to teach them how to do these things! It is a great thing to be part of God's plan! I feel like my hair is blowing behind me with the speed that things happen, but it's all good!

I also had the opportunity to tell the ladies at the retreat about what is going on with my family, how we got to this point,where we are in our trek, and where we feel the Lord is leading. I had no warning I would be given this opportunity, and I was less than all put together and calm! I knew so many of those women, and was still a nervous wreck! The Lord is so good and I think they got the general gist. But... I do think I am going to start keeping with me a 6 bullet point outline complete with Bible verses and a poem for moments such as these! I really enjoy telling others about the faithfulness of God and where he has brought our family... I would just like to do it well! One minute I was putting on chapstick sitting in the back of the room awaiting a nice lunch, and the next minute I was feeling so nervous I couldn't even imagine eating an ice cube! My how life can change on a dime!!! (Thanks Louise for the opportunity... it really was a blessing! )

Well, more to come for sure! Please pray for Dan as he gathers information for these ventures. Pray for people who are willing to teach him for free! Also pray for the finances, as all of this costs money! It will all pay off eventually, but as everyone knows there must be an initial investment!

Holding and Letting Go

Mission Monday point #1

As I continue to pray to God for direction and guidance in our trek to the mission field, it is a little of a shock to me each time an old lesson I thought I had learned, needs to be learned again!

"What?" I am sure is the question rambling through the mind of my faithful reader(s?), so let me try to explain.

When we sold our home in June '06 (wow! does that sound so long ago now!) I knew the Lord had carried me through some hard lessons I needed to learn. I wasn't the proverbial pack-rat, as my ability to keep things well organized made it look so nice! But the fact that I was neat about my stuff-obsession didn't change the fact that I needed to learn to let it all go.

Just as the verse that talks about a man cleansed of an evil spirit needs to fill with something good or he will be worse off than at the first, so I have learned that I can easily be worse off in my "stuff acquiring" if I am not careful! Now what do I replace "bad" tangible stuff with, that will benefit me and not overload my house, garage and basement?

Godly wisdom.

Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

1Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.


In seeking the Bible for how to daily get hold of the truths He wants me to know, I have had much less temptation. And that is what it is! Recognize the vices of the wicked one who seeks to rob and kill and destroy! We are the enemy of all who are against God. Just knowing that not getting caught up in possessions is a step towards Final Victory is enough to compel me on!

Mission Monday point #2

In this life there are all kinds of ways to feel fulfilled, some Godly, others not so much.

One sure fire Godly way for me to truly enjoy my Christian walk is to surround myself with people and friends who encourage and edify me. People who "live out loud" their love of our Saviour, and who inspire me to walk by faith and not by sight. People who have given up worldly gain and possessions to wholly pursue God and his righteousness.

The only problem is, I have learned that not only "stuff", but people fall in the category of my MM point #1.

God is continually asking me to give them up, too.

Not in the same way, of course! Not one of my friends has been dropped off at the local Salvation Army in a box labeled "donate"- I promise you that!

But... I have said good-bye to more people than I would choose to! If tears for those we miss are stored up as well, I have a few gallons in heaven. It is a wonderful thing to have the Godly blessing of heaven-sent friendship, but it is so much more difficult to deal with that separation anxiety than for an old vase, to be sure. I am so thankful for internet, IM, and cell phones. You gotta know technology is a direct blessing from God for those in full time ministry away from family and loved ones!

Not that I look forward to the day that I will be the one leaving, but I cannot wait until we go. (Figure that statement out, and write me a comment on how you did it!) Obedience to God at any cost is the ultimate accomplishment for any Christian. In the midst of it all, though, it feels like the human heart cannot handle all that goes with it. One thing I have learned, am currently learning, and I am sure I will need to learn again...

at the end of the day ...GOD'S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT and in the morning HIS MERCIES ARE NEW AND TENDER AND GREAT!

Praise be to God!

Reverend Missionary Kevin Pestke!

I apologize for the lack of video quality, but if you weren't there last night, I thought you might like to have a little update. It was an amazing time, and the evening flew by. Let us honor him as he honors Christ! Giving all of the Glory to the Saviour of his soul!

This is the actual presentation of the Ordination certificate, done just after the men of our church laid hands on him.

Mission Monday

Love with Shoes On

If you never have, take the time to listen to this audio. You will not be sorry for the time spent.

The first time I heard the above message, it was Thanksgiving day, 2006. I was in Zambia, Africa, with my husband and two children, and Missionary Kevin Pestke. We were driving on a horrible dirt road- the main highway in that region- clicking off mile after mile trying to return to Lusaka, and then continue to Kafulafuta Baptist Mission- a 10+ hour trip.

This message changed my life forever, but not so much because of the truth it contains or the compelling message and stories this preacher tells. The circumstance surrounding my first hearing this message was in the presence of a man doing exactly what the message was all about. Loving God and doing what He has called you to do in the face of any and all things.

The one year anniversary of that day - and Kevin's father going home to Glory- has come and gone, but the impact of witnessing Love With Shoes On has not diminished. It was by no means his desire to be 14,000 miles away from his family, or to have to talk to his dad for the final time this side of heaven on a crackly cell phone connection. For whatever the reason, though, God allowed these things to be. What I saw was: in the moment of the most sorrow to date in his life, he did not question the Sovereignty of his Savior, he still praised God, he continues to joy in his salvation.

I am so thankful for the example of real life people. I am so thankful for the friendship and example of Kevin in our lives. If scripture were to be written today, I am sure this would be included in the stories of 21st century passionate followers of Christ.

Well, I missed it again!

Mission Monday came and went this week again! I think I should just change it to "Random Report", as I know it would take the pressure off me and a few others I know! But I will just make note of my flaws and you all will still love me anyhow... Right? OK... on to the update!

My husband's boss got SAVED!!!

It has been a hard task for Dan to continue to see the purpose of him working for a large eyeglass retailer. As many of you know, that means crazy retail hours (including Sundays!), and man-power cutbacks all in the name of "bottom line profit dollars" without any regard for customer service! My hubby is a 150% kind of person, and that makes it all the more hard! The store puts out so many demands, no one human could ever meet them all. The integrity in my husband, though, pushes him to try!

He has long been burdened to obey John 6:27, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth", and has therefore striven to make his time there eternally profitable, and not only a means to earn a paycheck! This has been a great experience for him (and ME!) as we have seen how the Lord has made him bold in ways he may not have previously been. One usually feels the need to be covert and creative on an illegal endeavor. (Which is how witnessing seems, what in the day of "tolerance" and "everyone has rights except the Christian" and all!) He has out-loud witnessed to co-workers and patients while on the floor, punched in to work and everything! He has found conversation about the Lord will weave into every situation and it doesn't have to be "in your face" and obnoxious to be effective! He has been praying for this man for years now, and slowly but surely Dan's testimony and integrity have given many opportunities for greater witness and more pointed times of conversation.

Well, last week on Thursday, the entire day netted 20% of sales than a normal day... aka- dead as nails, long and boring shift! Dan spent most of the day witnessing to his boss! After the store closed they continued to talk until Dan asked him "What would stop you from right now calling on Jesus Christ to save you?" ... His response?... "NOTHING!", and right there he bowed his head in repentance to God and got saved! Dan was so excited to see "meat which endureth unto everlasting life!" It has renewed his desire to go to work there, and to want to go and do what you have to do anyhow is a great thing!

This man has already made comment that "they" (he and Dan) need to help another co-worker that Dan has been praying for almost as long! He has told his wife about his decision for Christ. This is a huge blessing, as we have known her to be searching for something, and even being open to tarot and other new-age things. We pray they would be open to discipleship as a couple, or at least the Dan disciple him one-on-one!

We are learning of many of the workers from our church's building project getting saved as well! The fields are truly white unto harvest!

What a great time we are living in! What a huge opportunity to jump in to the work of the Lord!

What an Amazing God we serve!

Mission in Progress

After being told we are planning to go to the mission field, a woman asked me... "So do you feel called to go too?"

My response was likely a surprise to her, because I said..."No."

She probably had ideas of our marriage splitting up, or my husband dragging me by my hair- we are after all going to Africa... isn't that accepted practice in such a heathen and tribal continent? :)

To explain... my not being "called" to Africa isn't a problem. I am called to my husband, and therefore by mathematical property, I am called to Africa.
1. Jan called to Dan = God's will
2. Dan called to Africa = God's will
3. Jan called to Africa = God's will

Not too hard to understand, but maybe a better question would be... Do I want to go to Africa? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

I could get real spiritual here and give book chapter and verse on why I should want to go. Or, I could tell you that as a Godly woman I should go whether I want to or not. But none of those would make for interesting reading. Well not too interesting.

What I will tell you is... I do want to go! I did not receive the call to the field of Africa, or any other place on this earth. I will tell you I decided that I want to do what the Lord's will is for me. I will also tell you...the Lord has changed my natural desires.

What do I mean? I will give you an example in one area of my life.

I used to live for nothing else than the next room to decorate or the next wall to paint. Sales at the local store... department, warehouse, hardware, any! ... used to lure me with even the lamest commercial or sales flyer. I was a spender, buyer, shopper, consumer- you name it, I was it! Now lest you think I was frivolous, I will tell you I was the most frugal and conscientious shopper their was! I could save over 70% off the retail price on a bad day. Without coupons!

Now, I still enjoy all that stuff! I just no longer have the drive for it. I have the same likes of fashion and taste with regard to how I like to decorate, I just don't feel consumed by it. I am also making many decisions on "to purchase or not" through the filter of two questions. "Would I ship this to Africa?" or "Will I get my money's worth out of it before we leave?" That makes a lot of decisions really easy!

OK, I need to get a little spiritual here.

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I have experienced this verse. He put within my heart the desires I now have. As I continue to delight in the Lord, He does so much more for me than I could ever imagine! I marvel at the things- large and small- that are mine. God is so good, no matter what. If going with my family over seas and living in another culture is what puts me smack in the middle of His will... that is where I will be! There is so much more joy and happiness there... just ask Jonah. Well, on second thought, don't. Read the book, and then try out obedience for yourself... it is great!

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" -- David Livingstone

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light" - John Keith Falconer

"If God calls you to be a missionary, don't stoop to be a king" -- Jordan Grooms

"Go, send, or disobey." -- John Piper

Mission InProgress

My husband is in Homiletics Class at NSBI, and he gets to preach this week. His text is in Mark 7, where Jesus is being asked about his disciples eating without washing their hands. This seemed like a slam dunk text- pretty clear cut. Of coarse we get into discussions and then we realize there are so many things about this text that are anything but clear cut. With regard to the historical account, the scribes and pharisees were just poking around at them trying to discredit any thing that Jesus would be a part of. That seems pretty straight forward. They like to hide their inward filth by washing their outward flesh.

On the other hand, the disciples have clean hearts, and presumably dirty flesh. At least not washed like most mothers would expect before eating dinner. Where am I going with all this? And on a Mission Monday post as well?

We really do judge by the outward appearance. I have the tattoo pictures here, and if I see a person all inked up, I wonder what was missing in their life that they felt they had to do that? Some would say it is preference. For me, I prefer to drive a Montana mini van. I have my clothes look like the stereotypical suburban wife and mother. I choose to make sure my children address people as "Mr." and "Mrs". But am I judged as a good person because of these choices? By some, yes.

Now others would say "It is my conviction" that I drive, wear, educate ... the various choices they make. Is there a way to draw the line? Could my preference really be someone else's conviction? This is murky water here, and I am not taking this lightly. What is my responsibility to other Christians in this matter? Do I treat all as weaker brethren, and choose to cut out liberty in Christ? Or do I stand on the position that I have a clean heart and God knows it? It is so wrong to say because someone has tattoos they are ungodly. Or because some wear head coverings and don't wear makeup they are holy and righteous. Man looks on the outside, God sees the heart. Just an FYI, look here, and see a few peoples views.

Why does all this seem so monumental to me right now?

Deputation.

In the foreseeable future we are going to be driving our 1998 Chevy van all over this great land of ours. Now we know who we are in Christ, and where we stand on "the issues". What we don't know is anything other than FBBC. We have talked to many, but I am convinced experience will be our only teacher! So, how do we prepare for this? We are already in the process of being in the process of starting to see how we should proceed in getting meetings scheduled. (No, there are no typo's or grammatical errors in the previous sentence.) How do we portray our family on a prayer card? Should we use a lot of African-ish colors? Would a 4x6 be better, or the newer "smaller" cards? And then once we are on the road it gets even more complicated! Should we warn our kids that people will ask them strange questions, like "so did your father pray with you every time after he whooped your hide with a three inch leather strap?"- or- "have you ever even looked at another version of the Bible?" Yikes! I know I am being a little dramatic here, but it is tons to process!

In all things, I can only pray that we are taking the next step in the path that God would have us on. I think it will be fun to do a prayer card. I like the idea of seeing in print a tangible copy of our call to the mission field. My kids are such great people! Who wouldn't love to meet them, house them, feed them for a few days, learn to love them and then enjoy patching the holes in the walls when we leave? There are many unknowns in our future, but the one known is God. He has the plan. As we need to know, we know. See my previous MM post, and you will know I am getting OK with this!

Mission in Progress

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

By "state", I also mean country and continent! While I may wish for our "mission" to start now, or for us to be at the next phase sooner than later, I am regularly reminded how thankful I need to be for where I am right here and now! Just a small example, and really quite trivial in the grand scheme of things...

Here I sit, October 22th, and my kids are outside in shorts playing with skate boards and mowing the lawn. Now in Western NY this is not commonplace! Usually we have had the furnace on for weeks by now, and the bitter chill in the morning makes us move at a snails pace until Mr. Sunshine warms us up around noon! Well, I happened to be checking out some favorite blogs, and look at the link here for the Pitchers!

I am quite content to be here at this time!

On a more spiritual note, I also recognize that I am here to learn some things. I may not even realize the usefulness of the things I experience, but God knows what I will need. The story of the tapestry is very true. God sees the right side of the "fabric of my life". All I see are cut threads that are tied together with others, and strings that seem to push through at odd places. None of the colors are all that vibrant against the dull muted shade of the main piece of cloth... me before the Holy Spirit began its transformation. I keep focused, though, on the one common thread that seems to wind through the whole thing. That scarlet strand, rich and bold, that binds it all together. Let the Blood of Christ be my glory and the truth of the Gospel be my song. I will let God decide how it all looks at the end, when I have run my race and finished my course. I need only worry about it being a job well done.

ps. Thanks Jen for fixing my flowers on top!

Mission InProgress #6

When I was first married, I would many-a-day get so very frustrated with my husband. I had these ideas, tasks, favors, or gifts that I would expect from him. (the list could be endless, and I will stop for sake of a potentially long post!) I would not tell them to him, of course, because that would spoil the "he knows me so well and senses my needs and meets them every time" mentality I had as a new bride. You can only imagine the tendency for these thoughts to blow even the littlest infraction completely out of proportion! After we had children it got worse, and then during hunting season...! Not pretty!

Well, this Sunday we will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. I look back and some very worldly advertising comes to mind. "We've come a long way, Baby!"

Why the change, you may ask?

He smacked me over the head with a 2x4. No, I am only kidding! :-)
(though the thought would have crossed my mind had the roles been reversed! I am not nearly as nice as my hubby)

The truth, I came to some realizations. Some very obvious, and others not so obvious!

First, my dear hubby is not a mind reader. That one was obvious.

Second, some of my "needs" were so fleeting and fickle, I had a hard time keeping up with the changes!

Third, I realized that I was setting him up for failure in my eyes. I had all these unattainable goals that I wouldn't even express to him, how could he possibly reach them? The Lord showed me that I should NOT place any expectation on my husband because he is human, and therefore can only let me down!

WHAT? My mind reeled thinking it was my right as his wife to expect these things from him, and he should be GLAD I was not as high maintenance as ______ or ______!

Alas, I searched the word "expectation" and found that when it was placed anywhere but on the Lord, it was destined for failure, destruction, dashed hopes. Just read a few verses...

Proverbs 11:7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Zechariah 9:5 Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. (not sure of all the historical or prophetical application, but regardless, it sounds like not-so-good! )

These had put their expectation in their abilities, hopes, skill. None of them could succeed because the object of their hope was flawed.

Now read what changed my marriage. (Well, one of the things!)

Psalms 62:5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

I needed to place my expectations on and in God. I know from His word and His character that He is the one that is immutable, count on-able! No longer did I have all these dreams that my husband was a perfect, mind-reading, "flash-in-the-pan-needs" sensing man. I know he is human and imperfect, ... just like me! If I really need something from him, I tell him! Shocker how well that works! Please do not think I am at all bashing my man! I have the best husband in the universe. He is very caring, sensitive, and a great provider for our family. He is a 150% kind of person, in every aspect of his life!

How does this qualify as a Mission Monday post? ... It is a very easy transition to have unreal expectations in a ministry, just as I have had in a relationship. I know right up front, I need to count on God for our needs, and for real solid ground under our feet. Not friends, though we need and want them. And not supporters, though we need and want them, too! But, we want to have the friends and supporters that are led by God to be in these positions, really partnering and co-laboring with us. We want to follow the Lord of the vine, and the God of the brook, recognizing all the while that He has given us the vine and the brook for our use and enjoyment. Thank You Jesus!

Some prayer requests:

~ Dan and Kevin leave Saturday 10-13 VERY EARLY to drive to Savannah, GA for a conference. (Just never mind all you that put it together that he will be gone for the afore mentioned 18th wedding anniversary the next day. He clearly realizes there will be some major makin' it all up to me! ... Actually they both realize it! )
~ For our little man, Micah. There are still some anxiety issues after a year of transition. Moving 5 times has been a bit rough on him. At least he doesn't throw up every night anymore!
~ JulieMom and her family. One week til THE MOVE! 10+ huge plastic locker-style totes going with them to South Africa! Three little girls to each carry two! Ha! Pray-pray-pray!

Monday Mission in Progress #5

I have been a part of a ladies prayer group for the Ireland Family for about 6 years now. We meet about once a month to collectively bring this family before the throne of Grace. It is so exciting and amazing to have a part in their ministry, even thought I have never stepped on the soil of Ukraine.
They have been faithful to God on the field for 12 years now, and are seeing amazing things happen there. There are men, nationals, who are beginning to rise up and take the lead in the churches that have been started. Their 7 children have grown to feel like Ukranians in many ways, the most obvious is their love of the people! What a great opportunity to be involved in the most effective and vital part of their ministry- prayer!

The more we are faced with the eventuality of going to Zambia, the more I know we need prayer! It is so humbling to hear people pray for me, and that is where I need to be- humbled, set low, and looking up to God.

About a month ago, my friend and her daughter asked me if I had a prayer group. I said, "yes, that I am in the Irelands"... and she said "No, do YOU have a prayer group for your family?" ... I was floored! WOW!!! God had put in their heart to consider being part of our ministry! At the most important level... right in the very, very beginning! I was so taken back that God was already moving in the hearts of people, my friends, and it made me rest in Him all the more! To know that He is taking care of the details before I even considered them! What a great God I have!~ Psalm 139 is a very familiar chapter, and God proves to me it is true in ways like this.

Some prayer requests!

~ For the Ireland Family!
~ The timing and assembling of our families prayer group
~ For the family that expressed interest in hosting it!

Mission InProgress #4- Immutable God.

Jeremiah 5:22 Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

I loves this- I always thought the sea had crushed up so many rocks that it had created the sand borders. God makes it clear in this verse that He made the sand as the bound of the sea. So much force to be contained by such small grains of sand. Oh that I would fear Him more!

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God is such a person of order and pattern. His character is immutable, and because of this trait I can rest fully on who I know Him to be from the Bible. He will never change- and I find great comfort in this!

One way I know God works is in His way of "frame work then fill in". It is a "pattern of process" He uses to make things, to do things, and there are many examples of it.

One example is in the six days of creation. Days 1, 2, and 3 were the frame work and were "filled up" in days 4, 5, and 6.

Day 1-created Light and dark ... Day 4- created sun moon and stars

Day 2- created Heavens and waters... Day 5- created birds and fish

Day 3- created Earth and herbs and grasses... Day 6- created living creatures and man

Another example is the Bible itself. The first books are an over view-the frame work- of such a huge span of time, and the ones following are many of details. The minor prophets fill in the events and stories of the books of history and so on.

So how does this apply to me and my family's mission?

God has given us the framework- our Salvation, the Bible, gifts and talents- and He is teaching us and guiding our steps to places and experiences that will equip us for the accomplishing of the vision he has given to my husband. We are by no means even a little ready for it! This journey wasn't even in the back of our minds, let alone something we discussed as a course for our family. We are learning God's plans and putting feet to them. "Plodding the Course" is what this blog is named for this very reason! We are not the plotters of this path- God is! We are the walkers of it.

(I know if you look up the exact definition of "plod", it seems a little depressing, and not quite an accurate depiction of how we are actually making this journey. It just was a good word twist. Instead of "Plotting the Course" implying we are setting the course, we are walking a course the God is setting. Get it?!)


We are continually learning more of God, His word, His character, and love for us. It strengthens our faith, encourages our spirit, and emboldens us for the proclaiming of the Gospel. We are being given opportunities to practice what we preach! This weekend our family will be going to Naples and helping a the Street's evangelize this little town. They are long time mentors in the faith, and we are so blessed to have this opportunity. Potentially 100,000 people will be there for the annual Grape Festival. Perhaps even one will be reached for the Glory of God! Our children will be side by side with us, working in the fields, tilling, watering and maybe even sharing in the harvest!

This is some of our "filling in" process. It is all part of preparing our family for the mission field of Zambia. We are so excited for the journey, and are enjoying the process. I know we can only become prepared as we allow God to move in our lives, to conform us and make of us vessels fit for His purpose. It is also true that until we are ready, God will not relocate our family! We won't do out of Jerusalem what we don't do in!

Some prayer requests!
~ The trip in Naples to be profitable, that God would go before and prepare the hearts of the people
~ This week as ERM is here ministering to our teens at FBBC. Revival!
~ For the Tsoukalas' as they continue their BIG MOVE PREP!
~ For Dan as institute is in full swing! What a huge course load!

Mission InProgress Monday #3 (and Sunday studies...)

Well, what a weekend! I didn't read, look at, type, or any computer activity since Friday! WOW!

For my Mission Monday, I have a huge testimony of the Goodness of God! I had to work Saturday, and was talking with a fellow co-worker who is also a young Christian lady. We have many friends in common, and I was asking about so and so, or this couple. Some of the states of these others was nothing short of a need for Divine healing and restoration. (Or Salvation! "Ye shall know them by their fruit"... and there is NONE!)

We were talking- mind you this is at a major retailer, on the sales floor and I tell you it was so quiet- for 30 minutes uninterrupted! While we were conversing, a fellow unsaved co-worker was in the conversation and couldn't understand our tone of woe with regard to these people. One just moved in with her boyfriend, another is raising her out-of-wedlock child in a city apartment, and another has found her "life partner" at the age of 19, and thinks she has just made it! YIKES! These are people from families that are CHURCHED! (notice I did not say strong Christians, though a few are, others aren't)

The fellow co-worker commented that she thought these were fine choices if they wanted to make them, and my saved friend said "the way we were brought up, you just don't do these things". She was very cautious, (for obvious reasons-we were actually supposed to be working...) which is where the Lord moved in! (exit saved friend!) I was able for 20 more minutes ask her very provoking questions, like what is her standard for right and wrong? Did she believe the Bible is an authority in her life? Has she obeyed the ten commandments? She really got it all, the whole 9 ton dump truck just backed up and unloaded... and it was great! She never once felt put on the spot, but she really understood the implications of all the Lord was showing her.

She was trying to get away from actually having to make a decision in her life. I explained that in America, most people make the mistake and think they start this life out going to heaven, and they have to be really bad to change it. I told her according to the Bible, all people start out going to hell. She was a little shocked! Then I asked her if two people were really in love, and made all of the wedding plans, got to the church, walked down the aisle, looked really nice and smiled at each other, but never verbally spoke their words of commitment to one another, would they be married in the eyes of the law? After a moment of thought, she said "No, they wouldn't" (very good!) I said he had proposed, but unless they spoke vows of commitment and signed the marriage certificate, it would be incomplete in the eyes of the law.

Enter Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I told her God proposed 200 years ago. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for her sin. If she chose to accept it, she needed to repent, confess with her mouth, and the covenant would be signed by the blood of Christ- paying for her sin. She would take his name and be called a Christian. She became so quiet, and her eyes looked straight at me without blinking. I didn't know what to do! A few moments passed, and I asked her if she understood it all. "Yes" was her reply, and then she said "I have a lot to do tonight", and I know she wasn't talking about laundry!

I had already violated retail laws #1, 2 and 3... No proselytizing on the retail floor, no unproductive man hours, and no one stays past scheduled time. She was 20 minutes over her time and had to leave. The manager on duty happened to be a few feet away listening to the whole thing, and thank God he is a fellow Christian and was praying for her all the while. (that means I didn't get fired!)

How does this qualify as a Monday Mission post? I am in my Jerusalem, and need to testify of Christ here, before God will ever give me more responsibility.

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

I cannot tell you how much I have learned about boldness for Christ from the teens that I minister to every Sunday. Many have a God-given inhibition about talking to others. They witness in College English classes, on the skate park in town, to their friends in public school. I love to hear the testimonies! They encourage me to get involved in what the Lord is doing! He is searching for someone who is willing, sanctified, ready to be anointed! ( my Sunday Study topic!)
2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

The Lord will equip me, and fill me with what to say if I have been faithful to put it in in the first place. I must read, study, and pray for opportunity. The rest is all God!

1Jo 2:27-28 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

I am sorry for the lengthy post, I didn't realize how long due to all of the interruptions for math, geography and science questions!

Some prayer requests!
~ Boldness for the Gospel of Christ in my Jerusalem!
~ Salvation decision for Ms Jones, my coworker
~ The three girls that prompted the whole discussion. Their Salvation or restoration! God knows!

Monday "Mission InProgress" #2

While praying and thinking about what I would focus on this Monday for "The Update", I thought I would share a frequent topic of my prayer life...

In preparing for the mission field in Africa, I have natural curiosities, concerns, wonders, but more on my mind is not where I (we!) will be going, but who may not be.

We have 5 children and the two oldest are now 16 and 13. If we follow our expected time line, O. will be 20 and J. will be 17- plenty old enough to make some life choices for themselves. Understandably they would be very burdened to live "home" in the states without their parents, but I know several families where this has been the exact case. One of my best friends growing up was "head of her household" at 17 when her parents went to the mission field. This is my biggest concern! I know God had all of this in his mind, and has actually seen the future as past, but that still doesn't stop this mothers heart from praying-praying-praying!

When we took our trip to Zambia last November, we brought these two children along. The sole reason for their going, was to whet their appetite for the field. They both loved the whole experience, and actually cannot wait to go back. I have asked them both for at least one year with us on the field. Put off college, ministry at Encounter, marriage (?!), and plan to be with us our first year on the field. They have both agreed... for now!

I realize much can and does change in the lives of our children. I sometimes wish God called us (or we heeded the call?) when our children were very small like JulieMom. I don't question the plan of God- I just don't understand His big plan. (I know, I am not supposed to... ) I realize also that God may give us great peace about leaving them here for something we may not even see right now! This is my most frequent prayer about our ministry as missionaries. We should not neglect our family- this is our first ministry! I know God is faithful and has it all in the palm of his hand. I just pray my children develop a great trust for Him, and a tender spirit to His leading.

Some prayer requests!!
~ For our children to walk in truth and wisdom, and the salvation of the younger kids
~ That we as parents will live our lives joy filled and above reproach before our children
~ That God would go before and prepare the way for our children if they are in the US without us
~For continued direction about our field

p.s. As an irony in the whole thing... We are invited to a big family picnic today. (Not our blood family, we have been adopted by them!) D. has to work- no surprise Mr. Retail Job man that he is. But O. and J. were at the last minute invited to a Red Wings game with friends... for free! Of course they are going! ... That leaves me and the three little ones at the picnic. I think God knows I need a long preparation time, and does it slowly enough that I hardly realize it! He is SO GOOD!