Closing of job and house

We survived moving out of the house and making it in time for closing on Monday. I want to thank the Lord for His provision of help.  We would have not made it otherwise.

Now we have things to sort through for a few tubs of storage at my mom's house and what we plan to take with us... Another sorting exercise. I imagine we will have quite a bit of trash after that process.  It is so emotional letting go of certain things, but I know that what God has called us to will put it all into perspective.  

This morning I was reminded of Matthew 19:29 (“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 NKJV) 
and found comfort in the knowledge that God is mindful of this crazy process we are going through.

So ... How can you pray for us? Pray that we keep our emotions under control (okay.. Me.. Dawn more so).  Pray that the sorting process will be easy and obvious.  Let go and move forward. Letting go doesn't mean I don't care, just that I don't need the items anymore.

I find my emotions are easily triggered for no apparent reason and all I can account this to is all of the major changes we are going through.  I ended my staff position on Friday and the closing of the house was Monday.  Dramatic changes in 4 short days. I will be spending the remainder of my Denver time preparing us for the grand exit to New Zealand.

Merry Christmas dear ones!
Dawn and Andrew McBride

We are online with Shepherd's Staff!

Great news and praise report!  We are now online with Shepherd's Staff!






If you would like to partner with us financially, please click on this link: Shepherd's Staff and make a tax deductible donation.  We are so excited to partner with Shepherd's Staff and look forward to all that God is going to do through this journey!

Celebrate with us as we praise God for this next open door!

We are now waiting for paperwork for our work visas and preparing the house for closing later in December.  Keep praying with us!  We covet your prayers!

Updates and Prayer Requests

Howdy all, well there are a lot of things going on right now in anticipation of moving to New Zealand.  We thought it would be good to give you a few updates and some prayer requests.

The House

For those that haven't heard, the house sold in less than 36 hours!!  We are going through and fixing up a few items the buyer asked for and at the same time, going through everything at the house and listing items to sell.  (If you would like to see any of these items, contact us on Facebook and we can add you to the online garage sale group.)

Missions Facilitator

We are working through the process with Shepherds Staff (www.ssmfi.org) to obtain an account number to be used by those who wish to support us.  They will also provide administrative assistance.  This past week we had our interview with them and all looks good.  We are just waiting on the last little bit and we will be issued an account.  This will allow all who donate through them to receive a tax receipt for their support.

Work Visas

We started to provide CCBI with the needed information about us so that they can present the official paperwork that will be needed to accompany our application for visas.  The whole visa process will probably take a 4-6 weeks on the longer side.  Once we receive the documents from CCBI, it will be go, go go on the paperwork.

Speaking Engagements/Presentations

We started the process of reaching out to Community Groups and other churches to talk about what the Lord has set before us.  So far we have presented to one Community group, have three others scheduled, one group considering it, and we have a few churches that are interested in having us come present.

So, with the above information, we have a few prayer requests:
1. Pray that we can free the house of all of our past consumerism i.e. sell everything.
2. Pray we can get everything fixed on the house within the allotted timeframe.
3. Pray that we receive our account number from Shepherds Staff soon.
4. Pray that God will grant us mercy during the visa process and that everything goes smoothly.
5. Pray that we convey the passion that God has put upon our hearts for New Zealand when speaking.
6. Pray that God would provide the monthly support that we need.

Thank you all for reading our blog.  We will be providing updates more frequently over the next few months.  We are exhausted but excited for all that the Lord has in store for us!!

In His Grace,

Andrew and Dawn McBride

Update: We are headed to New Zealand!

NEWS....   We have been invited and are joining the staff at Calvary Chapel Bible Institute NZ in Rotorua, New Zealand.  We will be supporting the Bible school through various ways including IT, A/V, leading morning devotions, teaching a class, women’s studies, administration duties, assisting in the kitchen, as well as coming alongside a local church. 

We will join the amazing and hardworking team in January as they start their next semester.   We are making a two year commitment and then as the Lord leads, we will follow.

The Vision of CCBI NZ

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  2 Timothy 2:2

The vision of CCBI NZ is to raise up leaders and make disciples, to raise up young people to have a heart to follow the Lord, and then go out and do the same—make disciples.  The price is the hearts of men.

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd

About New Zealand

• There are about five million people that live in this island nation.
• One-third of the population live in Auckland which is on the north island.
• Maori are the people that gave New Zealand the name of the long white cloud.
• There are very few Bible teaching churches.  What we saw while visiting was religiosity.
• There are 10 sheep to every person.

How It All Began

In 2012, we began praying for New Zealand after a family had departed for the Bible college there.  We spent a few years in prayer and then in September 2014 we had a two week exploratory trip.

We visited three locations and prayed that the Lord would show us where He wanted us.  One location stood out amongst the rest… CCBI NZ.  After returning, we continued to pray that the Lord would show us what He wanted us to do.

God made it clear that He wanted us to go.  In October 2015, we were invited to join the staff of CCBI NZ and we are thrilled for the opportunity to serve the Lord in this capacity.

One way that God has confirmed that we are to go is found in 2 Corinthians 8:10-12.  While Andrew was seeking guidance from the Lord, this verse made it clear to him that we needed to move forward with those things which we started a year ago.  Thank You, Lord, for being so clear!

There have been so many things that God has used to confirm this calling.  If you would like to hear more about our story, please review this blog or email us!

A Key Verse for Us

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) 

It Takes A Village

How you can help:  We need prayer, prayer, and more prayer.  We know that we cannot do this venture and follow the path God has without prayer support from you!  Please consider joining our prayer partners and contact us if you are interested in receiving our weekly prayer update.

We also need financial support.  Prayerfully consider joining our support team and be an extension of the body of Christ in New Zealand.  We will need to raise monthly support and would like for you to be a part of that team too!

We love and appreciate your support through this process and look forward to all that the Lord wants to do!

Contact Information

Andrew and Dawn McBride

4255 S. Buckley Rd, Box 283

Aurora, CO 80013

Email: mcbrideflock@yahoo.com

Kia ora — "Be well/healthy" in Maori

Blessings to you in Christ,

Andrew and Dawn

Ever feel like your world goes topsy turvy?

Ever feel like your world goes topsy turvy?  What just happened?  Why did things change?  What did I do?  There are times I feel like I must have done something terribly wrong.  This morning as I was waking up, I read this scripture, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” from Joshua 1:9 NKJV.  It brought light to what I was feeling. 

I felt like my world was suddenly tilted and I didn’t know why the landscape had changed.  God came into the midst of my whirly feelings and says (loose interpretation)… don’t forget what I told you.  Remember, be strong and of good courage.  Don’t let fear get the best of you and don’t get distressed.  I am right here with you.  I’ve got you.  I hear Him telling my heart, “Do you trust that I’ve got you in the palm of My hand?”  Lord.. I am sorry that I forget just how much You are entwined into the very details of my life, my heart, and my day to day.  Thank You for reminding me that You are right here.  No matter what I am going through, You are right there.  You are the first and only person that I need to turn to, to run to when I am upset about something.  You are right there!  Always there. 

Thank You for the reminder to be strong… to have good courage… to not be afraid even when I don’t understand.  You are right here and that is so comforting.  Lord, there are changes happening that I don’t understand, but I know You’ve got me.  I know I am safe in You.  Things might not happen the way I thought they would, but You already know what is going on.  You see the pattern, the finished product of the quilt of my life and all I can see is the inch right in front of me.  Thank You for the reminder that You are still there.  That You are still in control and I don’t have to try to figure it out.  In fact, You say for me to not to try and use my own wisdom.. my own knowledge to hammer it out. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,” per Proverbs 3:5 NKJV.  Okay, Lord, You really have this.  Help me to learn and see what You want me to.  Help me to let go of needing to be in the know.  :O)  You are way more knowledgeable that me.. that’s for sure. 

I am reminded of the questions that Job was asked by God.  “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?  Tell Me, if you have understanding.  Who determined its measurements?  Surely you know!  Or who stretched the line upon it?  To what were its foundations fastened?  Or who laid its cornerstone..” (Job 38:4-6)… God is so much bigger than I can even fathom and day by day I need to remind myself of His glory and majesty.. that He is so infinitely greater.. bigger.. wiser.. than I can fathom.  He is trustworthy and kind, strong and gentle, longsuffering and patient. 

God, I am sorry when I sit down and cry in self-pity when I don’t understand what is going on.  You do and I can trust that You will tell me what I need to know.  You will give me understanding when I need it.  I love that I can let go and trust You.  I can let go and breathe again.  Thank You for Your gentleness!  Thank You for Your kindness!  Thank You for Your patience with this daughter of Yours.  You make me smile with the love You show me.  Thank You for the reminder to be of good courage and to not be afraid, for You are with me!  Thank You, Lord.  I love You!

Pushing a Train is Exhausting!

Sometimes there is pain in growing.  God has been showing me just how prideful and strong willed I was being with Him.  He is God, I am not.  His purposes are good and not evil.  I can trust Him, but will I?  Will I step back and allow Him to accomplish what He wants to do?

It was revealed that I was not submitting to Andrew as the church submitted to Christ.  Wow!  I had so much pride there and yet I was failing in what I thought I was doing successfully.  I needed to step back, step down, and wait on God.  He will do it.  He will accomplish it.  He doesn't need my help.  In fact, He asks me not to help until He tells me so.  Wow!!!  Humbling!

I am sorry Lord for trying to make things happen.. to further this thing along the tracks.  Here's the thing, He has control of the engine.  I don't.  Getting behind the train and trying to help push it to the next destination is exhausting, frustrating, and down right rebellious.  God is waiting, ever so patiently, for this daughter of His to get on the train and then allow Him to start the engine... For Him to move the train down the tracks.

I was blessed this morning by Romans 9:17b "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth."  Where in this verse does it mention that I am to do it??  No where.  He is doing it.  He will accomplish what He will.  I am still learning!  Thankfully!

Blessings,
Dawn

The Potter and The Clay

This morning I was deeply impressed by what I read.  Having spent time in college throwing clay on the wheel, I understood more of what was being conveyed.  "Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Why have you made me like this?' Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" (Romans 9:20-21 NKJV)

I find it interesting how many times I see something in another person and wish I had that feature, talent, or that thing about them that I admired.  They have a great ability to stand in front of a large group of people and speak with what looks like nerves of steel.  She is tall and slender.  They have amazing talent with this or that.  This scripture reminds me that I am not in control.  God is.  As His child, as His clay, He didn't make a mistake making what He did.  I am who I am on purpose.  You are who you are on purpose!

There is a reason why He made us with our quirks, our features, and our giftings.  I love Psalm 139 because it talks about how God knit us together in our mother's womb.  "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV)

God didn't miss a spot, forget something, or even drop a stitch (knitting reference).  Why do we look at ourselves with disappointment and disdain because we are "missing" something?  We are made with the specifications that God designed us to have.  You have the features you do because God designed you that way.  You are a one of a kind masterpiece, custom made!  Instead of seeing what you don't have, see what you do have.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made!  We are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Blessings,
Dawn

   PP

Waiting…. How many of us enjoying waiting?

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”  Psalm 27:14

Waiting…. How many of us enjoying waiting?

Waiting at red lights…

Waiting in line at the store…

Waiting for a response…

Yet, God is reminding me in the midst of my waiting that He is enough.  What does that mean?  It means that even though I don’t know why, I don’t know when things will change, or how things will change, I can trust that God is in control.  As I yield to His leadership and follow the leading He gives me that is what I am to do today.

What if this never happens or I never get that?

Well, if no is the answer, there is a good reason.  When we were children and our parents said no to something, we had to let it go and not harp on them for it.  We chose to trust them.  God is the same.  He says no for a good reason.  He may be saying not right now.  Either way, it doesn’t change the fact that He is good, trustworthy, and faithful.  I don’t have to understand everything.  I do know that God is good and I can trust His heart when I can’t see what He is doing.

Sometimes I put God in a box and I don’t even realize it.  Today I was reading in 1 Samuel 4 how the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines.  This brought great sorrow to the Israelites.  The amazing thing is, where ever the Philistines took the ark, it brought great tragedy to that Philistine city.  One of my favorite passages is 1 Samuel 5:1-5.  God was making a point to them.  This ark does not belong to you.  Return it to the rightful owners or you will suffer the consequences.  They kept moving the ark to different cities until they realized that they needed to get rid of it.

The Philistines decided to load the ark onto a cart that would be pulled by two cows.  They would let the cows go free and let them determine their own path.  The Philistines said that if the cart goes back to the Israelites, it indeed was the God of the Israelites that smote them.  If the cows went off anywhere else, their misery was happenstance.  Can you guess where the cows went?  Yep, down the road towards the Israelites.

This reminded me that God is much bigger than me and my understanding.  When things don’t work out according to how I thought they would, it does not diminish God’s sovereignty.  It’s easy to get caught up in what I want, when I think it might happen, and lose sight of all of the great things God is doing in the here and now.  The future is for Him to determine.  I just need to stay faithful to what He has called me to right now.  I can take my hand off the door of tomorrow and put it to work doing what has been ordained for today.

I was challenged with a thought that I read on a blog about why we sometimes have to wait: “To build your dependence on Him when you are barren and empty to see if He is truly all you desire and all you need.”  So, am I going to remain with my eyes fixed on my hopes and dreams of tomorrow, or am I going to be faithful with what He has given for me to do today?  I choose today.  I choose to be faithful today.  What do you choose?

Fruitful Times

OK, so it has been a bit since we had last given an update.  Quite the busy season but God has been working mightily in our lives.

It has been almost 4 months now since we have returned from New Zealand.  Most days it feels like years ago.  We truly want to be back in New Zealand.  God has just been priming our pump and we look forward to all that He has for us in the future.  While waiting upon the Lord we came across the following passage, 

                “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, 

                   but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”  

                       - Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV)

We continue to wait upon The Lord and we know that He knows the best timing for us.  It feels like we are being loaded into a cannon and being packed…very tight.  When it goes off, we will be launched at super-sonic speeds.  In preparation, we have started selling some household items to help us stay ahead of the game.

On a new note, we just came back from the Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in Murrieta, CA.  What a blessed time fellowshipping with missionaries and lifting them up in prayer.  All the speakers were great and the theme was The Good and Faithful Servant from Matthew 25: 20-21.  We highly, highly recommend if you are interested at all on becoming a missionary or learning how to support your missionaries, try to attend this conference.  If you cannot attend in person, they stream the conference online as well.

A big thank you to all again for your prayers.  We are so blessed and humbled by the people in and around our lives.  Here’s to movement, a new year with wild anticipation.

God Bless!

Andrew