Scripture

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. - Romans 12:10-13 (NKJV)

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Giving Thanks, Even in the Storm

Each person can define what the “storm” means in their world right now.  In the midst of our storms, we are called to give thanks to God. 

How in the world do you expect me to thank God when I have this illness?

Why would I thank God when my loved one still passed away? 

There are so many things that can deter us from thanking God for even the smallest of things, but a strange thing happens when we thank Him in the midst of our storm.  Somehow, a peace begins to come into our hearts.  As we continue to give Him thanks, even though it might take a mighty effort to thank Him from our hearts, there is a great return, a great dividend when we take that step of faith.

You may argue in your heart or mind right now with what I have said, but the truth of the matter is, God, the creator of the universe, who spoke our world into existence, loves you.  When we look at David, a shepherd boy who became a king of Israel, fought many battles, and suffered many sorrows, found a way through the dark night to give thanks to God. 

In Psalm 35:18, David spoke “I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.”  He wasn’t in the best of places.  He hadn’t received what he was asking for, yet he chose to praise the Lord in the midst of his turmoil.  Looking at the verse right before it, David says, “Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, my precious life from the lions.” 


We can’t afford to let our situations dictate when we feel like thanking God.  He is worthy of our thanks every single minute of the day.  What is one thing.. just one thing.. that you can say you are thankful to God for?

Here are just a few things that I am eternally thankful for:
-        -  God saved me from a destructive relationship when I was 19 years old.  I came back to God through the break-up of that engagement.  I am so thankful that I never married that person.  Through the heartbreak and ache, God began showing me how precious I was and what I really needed was Him.

-        -  I am thankful for His forgiveness!  I thought God was on the other side of the universe because I knowingly made a choice to sin against Him.  I thought there was no way to get back to Him so I continued to walk the path of destruction and there was absolutely no true joy or pleasure on that path.  I am grateful and thankful that He never gave up on me, and when I turned back to Him, He welcomed me home with open arms.  His love and forgiveness still astound me! 
      
      -  I am thankful for the parents He gave to me.  They are not perfect, but through them, I have grown closer to God and need Him more and more.  I am also thankful for my sister, whom is a beloved woman in my life that sharpens me (Proverbs 27:17).
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           -  I am thankful for the challenges in my life.  I know that sounds strange, but it makes me realize how small I am and how big God is.  He is the lifter of my head and the lover of my soul.  Without Him, the struggles I face would be filled with hopelessness, but with Him, I have no fear for I can trust Him and know that He will work out His perfect will in my life as I yield to Him.

-         -   I am thankful for my husband.  God knew what I needed in a mate and He has done and is still doing a wonderful work through him in my life.  He is the most patient man while I am like a bouncing ping pong ball sometimes.  I can see God’s love manifest in my husband and I am blown away at how much God really does love me.
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      ….  The list goes on and on.  Now it is your turn.  What are you thankful for?  Tell Him!  I know He would love to hear your voice!

Blessings to you, dear one!!

Dawn

Monday, November 3, 2014

The Vineyard

As we continue to wait upon the Lord for His guidance and timing, I would like to share a part of the trip that challenged me and helped me at the same time.  While we were in Rotorua at Calvary Chapel Bible Institute, Pastor Mark asked a simple question.  In my words, it is great that we wanted to serve, but what has God placed on our hearts that we are passionate towards.  Simple, but sometimes we lose sight of the simple things.

I must say, I was quite stoic and quiet for the next few days.  It wasn't a hard question per se but for some reason I was having a hard time saying anything.  Why was this so hard?  What I had figured out was that the passion that I knew about years ago had been overgrown with other things.  The busyness of life and serving; my focus had lost its sharpness and I must admit I felt a bit awkward like I should have known better.

In the Gospel of John Chapter 15, Jesus talks about the true vine.  In v2 He states, ”Every branch in Me that does not bear much fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”  Later on in v6 He states, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”  As believers we are the branches that get our nourishment from the vine (God).  There are two ways that we can go, we can bear fruit and be pruned or wither and be burned.  Either option is not one we readily look towards.  God was pruning me.  Be it too much on my plate, or this new season of life that I am going through, God loves me to prune me.  He clips away the dead stuff as well as some healthy stuff so that I may “bear more fruit”.

As I look back, I am so thankful for the question and uneasiness that it presented in my heart.  I have a renewed passion for worship and it helps me add another lens to view options through.  Are the things that I spend time on glorifying God?  Am I worshiping God through my thoughts and actions?  In the end it is just as John penned in v8 of Chapter 15, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

In His Grace and Mercy,

Andrew

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Questions, Questions, and More Questions

As we have been home now a little more than three and a half weeks, we both have a yearning to be back in New Zealand.  Our exploratory trip was so wonderful and we learned so much.  It was great to see how God confirmed in both of us the desire to serve in this far away land.  After visiting three ministries, God really made it clear to our hearts where we would love to serve.  We have so many questions and so many people have questions for us.  As much as we would love to share, right now we are waiting on God’s timing.  Once we have the green light, we will share more.

God really convicted my heart about thinking too much.  Proverbs 3:7 states, “Do not be wise in your own eyes”.  Another scripture that has touched my heart is, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).  As much as we want this to come along a specific ministry, right now we are waiting on the Lord and seeking counsel with our pastoral leadership.

What can you share about your experience?  Here are just a handful of things:
-        God showed me that my time with Reverb, our Jr. High ministry, was done.  It was time to move forward towards what He is calling us to next and so I will be rejoining the ladies prayer team.  I look forward to meeting new ladies and coming along side them.

-        We belong in New Zealand.  While at the airport for our flights back to the US, my stomach was in knots.  I didn’t want to leave!  Andrew pointed out a sign that put it in perspective.  It stated, “This is not goodbye”.  Exactly!  This couldn’t be goodbye as I knew where my heart longed to be.

-        I love the ladies at CCBI!!  Even though we were there for only a week, I cherished getting to know some of the ladies there.  Gwyn is one of the most amazing women I have met and she blessed my heart more than she knows.  Tecla is this amazing Romanian gypsy woman that can make a feast out of just a few things.  Amazing woman, is she!  The students and interns.. they captured my attention and I can still remember the gorgeous sunsets!

-        Calvary Wellington is a great little church that the Lord is using mightily.  Pastor Dave and team have sent out two missionaries already and they are not even five years old yet.  I love seeing God at work!  Pastor Dave and his family are wonderful wonderful people!!  Miss you, Becky!!

-        Calvary Whangarei is a church on the move.  They are looking at a new location because they keep growing.  There is an amazing group in Whangarei called Lions Den that is all about MMA.  We visited their lair to see what the set up looked like and I was impressed!!  They clearly state what they are about and how Jesus is a part of it all.  One of the things that I loved about our visit to the Den was seeing John 3:16 in Maori, “Koia ano te aroha o te Atua ki te ao, homai ana e ia tana Tama kotahi, kia kahore ai e ngaro te tangata e whakapono ana ki a ia, engari kia whiwhi ai ki te ora tonu.”  No matter the language, it is so beautiful!!  You can also read an article about the Den by a local paper: News Article.

-        We met an amazing family – The Welshes.  They live a little out in the country and live life to the fullest.  They have nine children, well the first four are already out of the house so they aren’t really children.  Any who, I was totally blessed when Malachi made Andrew and me breakfast.  What??  He is like 10 maybe 11.  Wow!  He had already made his mum and dad breakfast.  That was pretty neat to see.  A silly side note, I really LOVED her huge lazy susan that was in the middle of her large round table.  Makes sense to have something like that to pass the salt.  :O)

-        Mike and Kristen, plus their three lovely children, were a pleasure to hang out with for our last days in New Zealand.  We got to see some of the pretty local spots, plus enjoy lunch at the Fat Camel, a great and yummy local spot.  Let’s just say, I would eat there again.  Mike and Kristen were helpful in getting a different view from two Denverites’ perspectives.  We still have so much to learn.

-        Last but not least, we enjoyed our time with Fiona and Jack.  I met Fiona on LinkedIn when I was trying to get the pulse of life coaches in NZ.  She and I clicked and so we met up and stayed at their place a few nights.  They are wonderful people and we enjoyed our time with them!!!

I am hoping that the Lord will make it clear what He wants us to do next as I think of New Zealand often.  It is a place I long for, even though it means a challenging road ahead.  Please pray with us, won’t you, for wisdom, guidance, God’s perfect timing, and provision!

Thank you for joining us on this journey.  We look forward to sharing more updates with you!

Hugs and love,

Dawn

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Post Exploratory Post (It just sounds funny)

First off, we would like to say thank you to all of you who have been covering us in prayer.  We truly appreciate your kindness and care that you have shown us.  We serve a mighty God and He delights in our talks with Him.  We have felt your prayers and consider ourselves blessed.

We have been back now for about a week and a half.  We are back in our daily routines as it were, but yet not really.  Both of us miss New Zealand.  Parts of us just wanted to stay.  We all know it can be easy to romanticize a trip or an experience, I have done that before and this is different.  I don’t think in visions of grandeur or places to visit, I pray for the places we have been and the people that we met.  The needs of the saints and the hearts of the lost.

I am sure that both Dawn and I will be sharing more in-depth information in due time through this blog as well as talking to you in person, but for now this post will be more about generalities.  Since we have been back God has shown me more through His word, through prayer, and through others in such a short time.  God has blown me away with how much He loves us and how much He knows about me.  I know that last statement seem kind-of “duh” but it amazes me how much we tend to forget the passions and gifts that God has given us.  We allow the world to dictate our lives a little at a time.  I think back to the Keith Green lyric, “Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear”.  We cry out to Him not only because we know that we have not been good stewards but because our hearts are raw and thirsty for His love.  We see things in a new light but really in a way, it is a new, old light.

For now, continue to pray for God’s continued confirmation and guidance.  We do not want to try to make things happen.  Pray for patience as we wait upon The Lord and His timing.  Pray that we may focus in on His calling and not forget the ministries that we are involved in at Calvary Chapel Aurora.

I would also encourage you to pray for the churches and ministries in New Zealand.  There are some listed at the bottom of this blog with links to their websites.  Visit the websites, see what God is doing in New Zealand, and send them a note of encouragement.

Until the next entry, may God fill you with grace, peace, and joy; more than you can think or imagine.


Andrew

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Leaving... For now

Well, here we are at Auckland International Airport and I am truly conflicted. I look forward to seeing what's been going on at home and catching up, but already miss New Zealand. So many wonderful people here that we met and already love.

God is so good! We've had a wonderful time and learned loads. Now comes the time to process everything and seek His will and timing for everything. Looking forward to a nap on the flight and then Andrew and I will debrief. Goodness me, there are pages and pages for him to read in my journal.  :0).  I hope we don't disturb those around us as we finally get to share what we feel God has shown each of us.

Love to all my Kiwi friends! God knows when we shall meet again! Praying for you all!
Hugs,
Dawn


Sunday, September 7, 2014

CCBI

We have arrived at CCBI and look forward to seeing what God shows us here. We have spent the weekend with the students and some leadership and have learned much. We will join some of the classes this week and serve as requested. They would like us to see what life is like here at CCBI.

We visited Shoreline Church today and got to meet some really neat people. Dave Heitman and his crew are doing a fantastic job of reaching out to the community and sharing the love of Christ.

I must admit it has been really challenging not sharing my thoughts and observations with Andrew. We each are keeping separate journals which is a fantastic idea, but very hard not to share with my best friend the things that God is showing me.  Once we board the flight back home on Saturday we will each share our journals, thoughts, ideas and chatter nonstop. It will be great to catch up with him again. I didn't take into consideration how hard this part would be in that we can't share much with each other right now. Why? You ask. The purpose of keeping separate journals is so that we do not cloud the judgment of the other person. We want God to make it clear to both of us where He wants us to be.

I am learning so much about the Kiwi culture and one of the biggest things than runs deep and affects all aspects of life and ministry is relationships. Nothing moves forward without it. Trust is formulated and strengthened in relationship which really is a beautiful thing! Sandy at Shoreline was sharing a bit of his desire for the men's group- to become a band of brothers or a brotherhood, such camaraderie is admirable and yet a need here in order for ministry to be as impactful as desired.

Well, I am pooped.  I look forward to sharing more later!
Much love to you,
Dawn 

Monday, September 1, 2014

Wonderful Wellington

I would like to start off by thanking you all for your prayers.  We have been so blessed so far on this journey and we know that you all have had a part with your prayers.

Wow, where to start.  Well, we are still in Wellington today and will be traveling tomorrow.  Yesterday was a day of shock and encouragement.  It was shocking in that we wanted to get a good look at what things cost in New Zealand.  We got a good look at prices on household items.  Beds, kitchen ware, and etcetera.  We know that New Zealand is an island and were expecting things to run about double the price as back home.  That was true for somethings, but other items could be 3x, 4x, or even 5x's as much as back home.
As the day continued, God was able to settle us.  We know that He owns a thousand cattle on the hilltops and He can do anything that he wants.  Money and stuff are small potatoes for our God.  He provides for all our needs and we shouldn't worry about them (Matthew 6: 25-34).  Look around at His creation, see how He cares for everything.
In the evening we were able to have a great dinner and time of fellowship with Pastor David Pham of Calvary Chapel Wellington, his family, and a young man from the congregation who attended the bible institute here in New Zealand.  It was a good time of learning about each other, how the church has grown, and the fruit that is growing here in Wellington.

Please continue to pray for us on this journey.  Pray for Calvary Chapel Wellington and where The Lord is leading them in their community.  (CC Wellington just sent out their 2nd missionary Ma'ara, keep her in your prayers as well).  Pray that we would not take a step without the Lord's guidance.

Andrew

Friday, August 29, 2014

Prayer Requests - thank you for praying with us!



Day 1 (8/28-30) Traveling mercies, no lost luggage, safety
Day 2 (8/31) Openness with those we meet at Calvary Wellington
Day 3 (9/1) Get to know the Wellington area community, CCBI classes start today
Day 4 (9/2) Hearing what God wants to share with us and effectively reaching out to those who He puts on our hearts
Day 5 (9/3) Traveling mercies as we bus it to Te Puke (8.5 hour bus ride)
Day 6 (9/4) Refreshment as we spend time with new friends
Day 7 (9/5) Our first day at CCBI goes smoothly
Day 8 (9/6) Assist CCBI staff as needed
Day 9 (9/7) Obedient to what God puts on our hearts
Day 10 (9/8) Effective in serving the CCBI community
Day 11 (9/9) God continues to reveal what He wants us to know and do
Day 12 (9/10) That the students at CCBI would continue to realize all that God has for them 
Day 13 (9/11) Traveling mercies as we bus it to Whangarei (8 hour bus trip)
Day 14 (9/12) Excellent share times with the Montgomery family
Day 15 (9/13) Traveling mercies as we bus it to Auckland International Airport (5 hour bus ride), and fly home (15 hours roughly of fly time)
Day 16 (9/14) Re-entry, jet lag, recuperation, and confirmation of our next step 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Take a step of faith

     I love how Jesus called regular Joes to follow Him, to do the work He requested of them.  I was reading Matthew 14 and Jesus is reaching out to the masses.  When He hears about John being murdered, Jesus takes some time alone.  The crowds seek Him out and He has compassion on them.  Jesus ministered to their needs and but then it was getting late in the day.  It was probably close to dinner time and the disciples were encouraging Jesus to send the people away so that they could get some dinner.  “But Jesus said to them, ‘They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat.’” (Matthew 14:16)  

     I can’t begin to imagine the astonishment the disciples thought and felt.  How in the world are we going to do this miracle that He says we are to do?  Simple obedience is what they needed to show.  They gave Jesus what they had and He blessed it and it was enough.  In fact, they had 12 baskets full of food left over, enough for each disciple to have one.  There is nothing too difficult for God if we will just give Him what He asks for.

     Jesus sends His disciples to cross to sea while He sends the people away.  After everyone is on their way, Jesus seeks some alone time to pray.  I see twice now that Jesus pulls aside to pray and have quiet time with the Father.  If it is that important to Jesus, why don’t we make it more of a priority to spend time with Him?  I find myself refreshed and with a proper perspective when I have spent time with God, reading His Word, and even singing a song or two to Him.  There is just something about being in the presence of the very God that spoke stars into existence.  I am reminded of a quote that said something to the effect that when we are in God’s presence we either become nothing or we become a dirty little speck of a thing.  We want the former more than the latter.  It is in His presence that everything gets turned right side up and God is the center.  In His presence we focus on Him and those things that seemed so big become eclipsed by Him!

     Well, the disciples are hard at work crossing the sea to get to the other side where Jesus told them to go but a tempest arose while they were out there.  Their crossing was getting more and more difficult.  As the wind howled and the water crested the sides of the boat, here comes Jesus walking on the water.  The shock of seeing something like this would have had my heart racing to say the least.  Yet, in the midst of this crazy storm, Peter, in bold faith, asks that if it was truly Jesus, that He would bid him to come walk with Him on the water.  


     Looking at the storm all around, I am not sure I would have had the boldness to do what Peter did.  Jesus told him, come on out and Peter stepped out of the boat.  What faith that must have taken, yet with his eyes fixed on Jesus, this was something that became possible.  Peter was out there on the water!  The Bible says that while he was walking toward Jesus that his attention was diverted and he saw the storm and then began to sank.  First.. KUDOS Peter for stepping out.  Even though the boat was getting swamping, there was a sure footing inside the boat.  Second, what must that have been like to do the impossible.  There has never been another person that has walked on top of the water.


     Andrew and I are taking a crazy step of faith outside of our boat.  Our boat is our comfort zone, our network, our family, the familiar, our community.  We are stepping out of our boat and walking the walk of faith that God has placed on our hearts.  We are taking great strides to obey.  In less than a week we will be on our way to New Zealand seeing which location God has called us to go and serve.  What is your boat?  What is God asking you to do?  Will you have crazy faith and step out of your comfort zone to be obedient to what He is asking you to do?  Who knows what will be come of it, but God has put something on your heart.  Leap.  Jump.  Splash in obedience!

Be encouraged ~ Dawn

Monday, August 11, 2014

Opportunity awaits you...today

This week I have been looking at The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 and verse 11 stood out to me, “Give us this day our daily bread” (NKJV).  It is a simple line for a simpler way of life; praying for the things of today.  I thought to myself of how many times I have not prayed about today.  How many times have I thrown today away because I have it all planned out so I cannot possibly fit any changes.  How many times have I been more interested in the future that I have missed the opportunities for God to work in me today.

Now, it isn’t that God doesn’t want to hear us ask about tomorrow or next week, nor does God dislike planning, it just shouldn’t supplant our vision for the present.  I know I have been guilty of looking to events happening next week or on the upcoming weekend.  Not only have looked towards them, I have worried about them.  So now, I have borrowed worry/trouble from tomorrow.  Which incidentally Jesus warns us about in the last verse of Matthew 6, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (NKJV)

Now that I am aware of praying for today I am good, right?  More like, better.  We also have our ability to act.  Just like we have the ability to choose right and wrong, we have the ability to choose to act or not.  Have you ever had something or someone slip into your vision and you look at them.  Maybe it is a mom trying to open a door and push stroller through, or piece of trash on the ground.  Do you just watch or do you do something about it?  I know I have watched a lot in my life and God has been working on me to do more. 

I think one of the reasons why we don’t do anything is that we tend to think that the action needs to be grandiose.  Is it a burning building?  Is there dire need at church?  But if we tell people that following Jesus is different because it is about a relationship and yet avoid people or are not available for them, how then are we striving to be more Christ like?


I believe John commented on this behavior best in First John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”  (NLT)

Blessings,
Andrew

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Knowing and Yet Not Believing

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”   Matthew 2:4-7



I am challenged by this portion of scripture because Herod went to the people who would have the knowledge about what the prophets had said about this coming King.  The chief priests and scribes knew that the King would be coming from Bethlehem and even told Herod so.  Let’s scoot forward 30 years or so.  As Jesus began His ministry and touching people’s lives with His tremendous love, these chief priests “forgot” where the Messiah would be coming from.  The God who created the universe was here in flesh and blood and they took their eyes off of what He had told the people to look for.

I am challenged because how many times in a day do I take my eyes off of what He has shown me in the Word, the promises He has spoken over me, or the truths He has revealed?  I don’t want to be like the chief priests who forgot what the King of kings would look like.  I don’t want to let my worries, anxieties, or fears erase what He has promised me.. that He will never leave me nor forsake (give up on) me (Deut 31:6).  I don’t want to let my lack of faith steal from me the amazing things that God has asked me to do and just trust Him.

As we embark on this journey to New Zealand, the exploratory trip is one filled with prayer and obedience.  We are not sure which location He is asking us to move to, but we want to make sure that we don’t deny what He has already shown us.  We are called to go.  We know that for sure!  We feel strongly that this is what He wants us to do.  Are we willing?  Yes!  Are we ready?  Getting there!  It is more of taking care of the loose ends here and knowing where the next step is and then we go.  Are we sure, for sure?  Yes, we do not doubt this is what He wants us to do.  Now we get to trust what He has upon our hearts and walk in obedience.  Yes, there are unknowns, but we know the Living God and trust Him.

Has He shown you something and you are walking in fear or disbelief?  He loves you with an everlasting love and nothing can change that… even your disbelief!  Whether you believe it or not does not change the fact that God loves you!

Friday, July 18, 2014

Pardon me for the ramblings...

Wow, has it really been that long since I posted?  It is amazing how quickly time flies and life gets busy.  I must also admit that I get analysis paralysis.  You know, you start to over think things and you end up not acting on anything.

I have been working multiple topics for this blog but each one seems to be longer than the next.  I haven’t finished any of them as I get stuck in the middle and feel they are too long so I start on another topic.  Mentally I put pressure on myself based on my flesh.  I think that I have to be some sort-of super spiritual person; after all, I am going on the mission field.  Pride rears its ugly head again.  Pride comes veiled as so much in our lives.  Try to be a better musician; you can start thinking you are better than you really are.  Become a teacher; you can start thinking you know more than you really do.

The reality in this for me, besides pride, is that we are to keep things simple.  We have a way of making things more difficult than they should.  When I look at Christianity it is easy.  Acknowledge you are a sinner, believe Jesus is God, that He die and He rose again to pay for your sins.  Live for God.  It is almost unbelievably simple, but my flesh makes things harder. 

Simplicity is part of the reason why Jesus used parables, so that all could understand.  When we speak with people, break the Gospel down into the simplest of terms.  God can use anyone He wants.  There is no prerequisite of education.  Could you imagine the rejection letter Jesus would have gotten from some of today’s churches or schools: “Thanks for your application but you do not have the required title of MD or PhD.”  I know that they are protecting themselves from wolves in sheep’s clothing, but sometime we hide behind it because that is what the world does.  It can also be a reason why we don’t feel like we are called to do certain tasks.  I’m not qualified; I’m not as smart as…  The simple truth is, if the Spirit is prompting you, listen, meditate, pray, and act. 

Love is an action.  My paralysis is a form of non-action, a selfish look at me instead of simply letting others knows how God is working in my life.  Lord, forgive me for my lack of action. Forgive me for my lack of simplicity.

In Christ,

Andrew 

Monday, June 30, 2014

A Word from The Word

As we journey closer and closer to the date of our exploratory trip, we have been encouraged to ask God for a word of confirmation from The Word.  Having received confirmations outside of The Word, we were already excited and confident of what God is calling us to do.  With further guidance we have been challenged to step out on the water in a different way.

The word that I received came at an unexpected time and location.  I was at the church offices helping out with something and a framed scripture on a friend’s wall made my heart beat faster.  Really, Lord?  That scripture.. is it for me?  Yet, as I read it and read it again, my eyes hung on seven words: distributing to the needs of the saints.  We aren’t sending funds, Lord.  We are feeling the call to go. 

Funny as He is, as I was sharing with Andrew that evening about the word I had received, I had the inkling to look it up on BlueLetterBible.com and get to the root meaning of the words.  I actually laughed out loud as I read what this portion of Romans 12 meant.  The Greek meaning for the word “distributing” in this particular scripture means to partner with and to be in communion with.  The reason why I laughed, this is our heart, to go to New Zealand and partner with an established ministry, to help them.

Andrew has received a word from The Word too, but he will share that at a later date.  I am once again encouraged to ask God for more words from The Word, for further confirmation.  The great thing is, this is not something I need to conjure up or make happen.  As we have seen, God will make it known when and how He wants to.  We just need to stay open and aware as we read His Word.


God is awesome and most worthy to be praised and adored.  We long to live our lives as living sacrifices unto Him, walking in obedience to what He has called us to do.  Won’t you join us and see where He might lead you?  Who knows, that person’s situation that you just can’t stop thinking about may be your next opportunity to be Jesus with skin on.  Be open to whatever He calls you to do.  It could be as simple as buying lunch for the person behind you in the line or reaching out to a friend that has been on your mind.  

Let go and let God!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Change isn't always bad

I find as we get closer to taking our exploratory trip, I think differently than before.  I know I shouldn't be shocked that God is working in my life but sometimes it just isn't how you expected.  Just like the clay in the potter’s hands, if we truly are surrendered and pliable, we do not fully know how God will mold us.

As an example, I find myself wanting to be in New Zealand right now.  I have had these types of feelings before but they were for selfish reasons like I don’t want to be at work or I am having a bad day in general, it was a reason for escape.  Now, it is about the people; learning about the people that I will come along side in ministry.  Who are those people that I will meet daily and talk with about Jesus?  What are the things that God wants to teach me through them.  How can I serve them in the spirit of love and Christ?

Too many times I have seen evangelism to be about numbers and not the people.  How many people did you talk to?  How many accepted?  As if people’s salvation is like a selling technique and it is all a numbers game.  When you look at the ministry of Jesus it is built upon the relationships he had with people.  He poured into the apostles; even the one He knew would betray him.  It is the difference that we have in Christ.  Christianity is about a relationship and not a religion. 

I continue to pray for a heart molded by God.  I pray that I would see people through His eyes and not my own.  I pray for the people I do not know yet but desire to see.  I pray The Lord’s will be done in my life; less of me, more of Him.

He must increase, but I must decrease – John 3:30 (NKJV)


God Bless

Sunday, June 8, 2014

New Subscriber Entry

Quick note to let people know that if you had previously entered your email address to receive updates, please re-enter your email address to the right.  We did a quick switch on the host of this information and could not get a list of previous subscribers.  Thanks and sorry for any inconvenience.  

God Bless!!

Andrew

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Dawn's Thoughts . . .

Hi all!  We are just under 82 days out and I have to admit, I am both excited and nervous about this wondrous trip ahead.  There is so much to be thankful for and we both can see the hand of God in all of this.  I admit one of the challenges that I have encountered as we prepare our hearts and minds for going overseas long term is the emptying of our home.  I find myself attached to strange things, oh those silly sentimental strings!  

I love this tea set that I bought many moons ago and have only used once.  Why???  I think because there is a mental value for it and the simple beauty of the set, something that I am not sure I would easily have again.  So, I place that pretty little tea set into the storage unit box in my mind and continue on.

We have already started to offload some of things through the exciting world of ebay.  We have sold over 60 DVDs and a few pairs of shoes.  Just today I listed a fabulous coat that I have only worn once.  I know that little beauty will find its way into hands that will love it even more and enjoy it more often.  Let the metamorphosis begin!

I often think about the visa process and what that entails.  I understand that it is a good one inch stack of paperwork.  Goodness me, they are thorough on their review of who they let stay in that wonderful country for more than three months.  I am not daunted by the task, but truly wonder how long that process will take.  There are physicals to have done, bank reviews to provide, police history to render (not that it will take but a moment to provide that.. no .. really!), and a plethora of other items they need to make a well educated decision.

As August approaches, please pray for us!  It will be a crazy beautiful month for us.  Our five year anniversary is August 1, my 40th birthday is August 16 - with a party to be thrown, and our trip over the great blue sea to New Zealand to commence on August 28.  With all of these precious things going on, it will be easy to lose track of time.  

So many things on my mind and I just wanted to give you a glimpse of whats going on for me.  Thanks for taking a moment out of your busy day!  Blessings to you and yours!  

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26  

Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Start of Something New...

Welcome to our (Andrew and Dawn's) blog about missions and preparing for the mission field.  For those who do not yet know, God has put upon our hearts the country and people of New Zealand.  We are still prayerfully considering where in New Zealand He would want us to serve and that is a part of what this blog is about.  Over the weeks, months, and years we hope to use this space as a way of communicating how God is moving in our lives.  Now, on to a few basic questions.

First, where is New Zealand?  New Zealand is a small island nation just west of Australia.  There are two main islands (cleverly known as the North and South Islands) and then a few smaller, less know islands that make up this country.  New Zealand is a part of the British Commonwealth but still operates is own government under the auspices of the British monarchy.

Second, why New Zealand?  Oddly enough, we had thought about moving to New Zealand about 4 or 5 years ago for totally different reasons than missions.  We knew it wasn't for the right reasons so we dismissed the idea.  As time when on, both of us would have thoughts, dreams, and ideas about New Zealand but neither of us would say anything right away.  Eventually one of us would bring up the idea and the other would be totally shocked as their thoughts and mind were thinking about New Zealand as well.

In 2012, Dawn was able to hear from a family at church who was going to New Zealand to be apart of Calvary Chapel Bible Institute.  The next day she sent a text to me (Andrew) saying 'Lets go to New Zealand'.  My first reaction was 'For what reason'.  We spoke a bit about the family she had seen and we resolved to pray about it more.  Through times of prayer and asking for God to show Himself in these plans, we both concluded that God wants us in New Zealand.

From that time, God has been working on us that everything needs to be in His timing and His way, not our own.  We were thinking about moving, getting jobs, and gathering information on the process to stay in New Zealand.  (New Zealand is fairly strict in who they allow to stay for longer than 3 months, they are even stricter on who can become a citizen.)  But God had different plans.  Slowly we have realized that God wants us to go as missionaries, serve the leadership that is already there, and to trust in God's provisions.  We won't have "normal" jobs but will seek to stay in New Zealand's under their Religious Visa.

Now for a fun question we get all the time, have you seen Lord of the Rings?  Yes, we have seen all three movies and no, that is not the reason we are going to New Zealand.

Well, I think that will wrap things up for this posting.  We will write more as God leads and we look forward to talking more about New Zealand and how God is moving in our lives in preparation for this adventure.  We have listed some prayer requests on the right hand side of the blog and will continue to update those as well.

Until the next blog entry, may you find the peace and love of God overwhelming in your life.

Andrew