Sunday, January 27, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
My application is moving along the process. Have enough funds to be able to ask to be approved by the financial people to allow me to start booking a ticket. Working on getting work permit/visa.
I spent a wonderful 2.5 days in Phoenix, AZ at the International Wholistic Missions conference last week. It was great for a number of reasons. It is always inspiring to meet with like-minded people with a heart for reaching those who haven't heard the Good News. I also got to spend time with the missionary I'll be working with in Zambia. I also caught up with another missionary who was in Zambia when I went in medical school. It was great to meet her husband. Disappointed I won't be seeing them much in Zambia since they are on their way to another missionfield. They are definitely kindred spirits.
I was challenged by a number of the plenary speakers. The most challenging was one of the authors of the book, When Helping Hurts. (Fikkert). I had read the book a few years ago but new growing and focusing is always needed. He brings out the notion that poverty is not just a lack of material things. Those who are poor use terms that include lack of power, lack of opportunities, sadness, hopelessness. None that actually talk about lack of money. He then talks about how all of us have brokenness in our lives. The effects of sin cause damage to the systems of the world (societal, political, religious) and to individuals within themselves, with others, with creation, and with God. Each culture has its own expression of sin and need. We need to approach those in poverty with humbleness because we both are broken and in need of a Saviour. We can learn from those we are helping just as much as we are being helped. I liked the idea that we are not bringing God to the poor. He is already at work in their community and lives. It is our job to come along side and join in what He is already doing. I'll share more later.
Excited to almost be able to set a date for leaving. My last week of work will be the third week of February. Zambia Ho!
I spent a wonderful 2.5 days in Phoenix, AZ at the International Wholistic Missions conference last week. It was great for a number of reasons. It is always inspiring to meet with like-minded people with a heart for reaching those who haven't heard the Good News. I also got to spend time with the missionary I'll be working with in Zambia. I also caught up with another missionary who was in Zambia when I went in medical school. It was great to meet her husband. Disappointed I won't be seeing them much in Zambia since they are on their way to another missionfield. They are definitely kindred spirits.
I was challenged by a number of the plenary speakers. The most challenging was one of the authors of the book, When Helping Hurts. (Fikkert). I had read the book a few years ago but new growing and focusing is always needed. He brings out the notion that poverty is not just a lack of material things. Those who are poor use terms that include lack of power, lack of opportunities, sadness, hopelessness. None that actually talk about lack of money. He then talks about how all of us have brokenness in our lives. The effects of sin cause damage to the systems of the world (societal, political, religious) and to individuals within themselves, with others, with creation, and with God. Each culture has its own expression of sin and need. We need to approach those in poverty with humbleness because we both are broken and in need of a Saviour. We can learn from those we are helping just as much as we are being helped. I liked the idea that we are not bringing God to the poor. He is already at work in their community and lives. It is our job to come along side and join in what He is already doing. I'll share more later.
Excited to almost be able to set a date for leaving. My last week of work will be the third week of February. Zambia Ho!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Today shared with my church, First Assembly of God Global Outreach Center. Warmly received to be sent out. Will hold close the words of wisdom I was given by a number of dear saints. Fitting for Pastor Miller to read Acts 13:3 "After they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
Friday, January 4, 2013
Finishing my next pastoral class this weekend on the book of Acts. (only 3 more classes for my certification) It had been awhile since I had read Acts through in so few sittings. Amazing how it reads like a novel. Couldn't wait to see what the next adventure was in store for Paul or Peter and the rest of the new church believers. Our story is a continuation of Acts. The author of the study points out that Luke just abruptly ends the book. There is no conclusion because it is a story of the Holy Spirit working through people to continue bringing the Gospel to the whole earth.
In other news...
So exciting!!! I am only $2,505 away from being supported! That is 95%. God has blessed me through so many of you. The blessings will be spread onto another continent to so many others. THANK YOU! I am hoping to leave in March. I'm spending a few days next week at a missions conference along with "my missionary," Nancy McGlawn and others. Very thrilled to be able to spend the time with her. Hope she is ready for a million questions:) Thank you all for your prayers. It means so much.
In other news...
So exciting!!! I am only $2,505 away from being supported! That is 95%. God has blessed me through so many of you. The blessings will be spread onto another continent to so many others. THANK YOU! I am hoping to leave in March. I'm spending a few days next week at a missions conference along with "my missionary," Nancy McGlawn and others. Very thrilled to be able to spend the time with her. Hope she is ready for a million questions:) Thank you all for your prayers. It means so much.
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