Hey! Just wanted to let everyone know Im having a great time here. Got the chance to preach 2 nights ago. It was in one of the believer's home. Ive been able to visit an ancient city here in Bhaktapur. And even had 7 children follow me screaming "Hello!! One rupie!" over and over again. Haha. All I could do was laugh. But its really not as funny as it was sad. I have never seen so many children in poverty in my life. They are living on the streets. They have nothing but each other..which proves to be just enough to help them survive. They are family really. There is nothing like having a friend to stick by you. I am thankful today for my best friend Kirby. I have never met anyone so loving and spiritually discerning.
Anyways, I may not have many chances to keep my blog as I normally have. Where we are going does not have good Internet service. But no worries, everything is fine ;)
I will update when I get the chance. Love yall so very much
PS Ive been reading Isaiah 53. Wow. It has spoken to me. The sacrifice Jesus made for me...He came to free me from the devil's work. He loved me so much that He gave His life for me, and now I am to give mine for others. 1 Jn. 3:16 has been good too.....oh man there is so much more I am learning...but I have such a short time on the Internet....gotta go..time to eat
Tova
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I will not leave you orphans
I am so moved as I am about to leave for the children's home. Yesterday I was reading a passage in Isaiah. It is where the Lord is talking to Jersusalem, his beloved.
"Yet Jerusalem says, 'The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.' 'Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands"--Isaiah 49:14-16
This is how God loves us because of Jesus and what He did on the cross for us. The Lord has not forgotten us. And the Lord has not forgotten those who have been abandoned and rejected by their parents. He will find a way to help them. I thank God for people like David and Sony Sagar who work dilligently and give their lives to help as the Lord would if He were physically walking on the Earth as a human. These precious servants are truly God's hands and feet.
I encourage you today to love on someone who may be poor or in need. Let the Lord use you to show His love. Just be mindful of the people around you and ask God to give you an opportunity to bless someone today and show His love.
Check out the link pasted below. This is Bro Rick's website where he has information regarding the children's home. This is where I will be staying for a week. You can actually see each child's profile. I will be living and eating with these children. I hope to be able to show them as much love as I possibly can. They deserve it. I pray you are as moved as I was when I read their stories and saw their faces.
http://rickzachary.com/children/home.htm
"Yet Jerusalem says, 'The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.' 'Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands"--Isaiah 49:14-16
This is how God loves us because of Jesus and what He did on the cross for us. The Lord has not forgotten us. And the Lord has not forgotten those who have been abandoned and rejected by their parents. He will find a way to help them. I thank God for people like David and Sony Sagar who work dilligently and give their lives to help as the Lord would if He were physically walking on the Earth as a human. These precious servants are truly God's hands and feet.
I encourage you today to love on someone who may be poor or in need. Let the Lord use you to show His love. Just be mindful of the people around you and ask God to give you an opportunity to bless someone today and show His love.
Check out the link pasted below. This is Bro Rick's website where he has information regarding the children's home. This is where I will be staying for a week. You can actually see each child's profile. I will be living and eating with these children. I hope to be able to show them as much love as I possibly can. They deserve it. I pray you are as moved as I was when I read their stories and saw their faces.
http://rickzachary.com/children/home.htm
Children's Home
Tomorrow we are leaving for Bhakaphtar (spelling ?). This is where David and Sony have the Children's Home. I will be there for a week and the Zachary's will leave after 2 or so days there. They will be heading to Nepalgunj and I will fly to meet them there on the 2nd of March. I wil lbe staying with the orphans while I am there for the week. Im excited. I have some stickers for them...and toothbrushes....odd combination huh? All that to say, Im not sure how much I will be able to update due to lack on Internet there. So, we shall see. I will update when I get the chance.
Love yall and really miss yall.
Love yall and really miss yall.
Are you willing?
So, the meeting we went to turned out great. It was in the home of Pastor Samuel. Samuels father, Robert, pastored the church and grew it from the ground up. The church was built with the majority of money coming from the Nepali congregation. This is remarkable considering that this is a very poor country. Robert was one of the first missionaries to come to Nepal when it became an open country. He is from India and came here not with a vision to pastor, but to teach. The Lord actually called him while he was here teaching to become a missionary. Thus bringing forth the largest church here in Nepal. God can do anything. He can call you to preach at the age of 50 or 80. He can call you to sell everything you have and serve the poor. He can call you when you least expect it to do things you never desired, dreamed or imagined. God can do the impossible. If we are willing. That is the key..our willingness to be used of God. So, let me ask you..How willing are you to be used by God friend? What if God wanted to change some things in your life? What will you give to God? What will you allow God to have so that He can take that and transform the world? He desires for you to give your entire life, wants, puropses, plans and desires to Him. Count the cost. Would you be willing to do like Pastor Robert and forsake everything for the call of God on your life? Cause there is a call. You must make it important enough to find. What is holding you back dear friend from giving all that God asks? God has a plan and purpose for each of us. But we will never find it if we are not willing to sacrifice.
Back to my story now (haha), towards the end of our time, Pastor Robert asked Bro Rick to pray for their family and minisrty. Bro Rick agreed, but then asked if Pastor Robert would pray over me. I was so shocked. I thought Bro Rick was going to ask him to pray for him and Mrs. Bev. Bro Rick describes Pastor Robert as a Paul to the Nepali. It was such an honor to have him pray for me and for God's direction upon my life. He assured me that God answers those who inquire of Him. I believe that with all of my heart.
Yesterday was a good day. We went and got a good American breakfast at a place called New Orleans Cafe. Its a really neat place with great food. Then Mrs. Bev and I played on her fairly new MacBook laptop. It was cool to see all of the things you can do with her computer. Then we all went to Monkey Temple. The name is fitting because there are monkey's ALL around the temple. They climb and slide down everything. I have never been so close to monkey's in my life. It was a beautiful place because it overlooks a part of Kathmandu Valley. It reminds me of a place we went to in Thailand that overlooks the city.
Today, Saturday, is Nepal's day of rest..or church day. We attended Pastor Samuel and Robert's church. It is a large church and was a great experience. The entire congregation sits on the floor, minus a couple of benches in the very back. I would say there were at least 1,500people there. And for those of you who have been out of the country you will appreciate this....they even had translation available for us!!! (Through a head set that is). Today has been a beautiful day weather wise. And since its a rest day, there are not as many cars and such to pollute the air. So thats always nice!!
Anyways, we are off to dinner now. Cream cheese sandwiches!!! They are good, I promise.
Back to my story now (haha), towards the end of our time, Pastor Robert asked Bro Rick to pray for their family and minisrty. Bro Rick agreed, but then asked if Pastor Robert would pray over me. I was so shocked. I thought Bro Rick was going to ask him to pray for him and Mrs. Bev. Bro Rick describes Pastor Robert as a Paul to the Nepali. It was such an honor to have him pray for me and for God's direction upon my life. He assured me that God answers those who inquire of Him. I believe that with all of my heart.
Yesterday was a good day. We went and got a good American breakfast at a place called New Orleans Cafe. Its a really neat place with great food. Then Mrs. Bev and I played on her fairly new MacBook laptop. It was cool to see all of the things you can do with her computer. Then we all went to Monkey Temple. The name is fitting because there are monkey's ALL around the temple. They climb and slide down everything. I have never been so close to monkey's in my life. It was a beautiful place because it overlooks a part of Kathmandu Valley. It reminds me of a place we went to in Thailand that overlooks the city.
Today, Saturday, is Nepal's day of rest..or church day. We attended Pastor Samuel and Robert's church. It is a large church and was a great experience. The entire congregation sits on the floor, minus a couple of benches in the very back. I would say there were at least 1,500people there. And for those of you who have been out of the country you will appreciate this....they even had translation available for us!!! (Through a head set that is). Today has been a beautiful day weather wise. And since its a rest day, there are not as many cars and such to pollute the air. So thats always nice!!
Anyways, we are off to dinner now. Cream cheese sandwiches!!! They are good, I promise.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Knock, Knock
Today we traveled to a place near Patan...Im not really sure of the name but it was quite a drive...long and bumpy that is. Bro Rick and Mrs. Bev contacted their friend name Rena whom they met a couple of years ago when in Nepal. She now runs an orphanage that provides for 65 children...altogether they cook for 80 people! Can you believe! 80! Rena herself was an orphan. Please pray for Rena and her husband to find a home church so they can be pastored and mentored. There is such an importance in having a home church in which you can be connected and serving. I find that tolerance and compromise are always knocking at the door and sometimes we are not aware we have opened the door to them. This is why, among many other reasons, it is so important to be mentored. Not only does it bring accountability, but wisdom and light into your life. ALOT of the time, we cant see everything. We need to be submitted to a trusted leader who can speak into our life...with discernment and who can lovingly deal with us.
I have learned so much being here and watching the Zachary's as they interact with the nationals, and even with one another. I feel so blessed to be here with them. I know its not the easiest thing to have someone tagging along with you ;)
Ive been reading out of Hebrews, particularly chapter 2 and it has hit home with me. Jesus became like us so that He could defeat the devil who held us in fear of death so that we could be free......mmmmm.....YES. Ok gotta go. We have a meeting to attend tonight. I will update more when I have some time. Should be soon.
I have learned so much being here and watching the Zachary's as they interact with the nationals, and even with one another. I feel so blessed to be here with them. I know its not the easiest thing to have someone tagging along with you ;)
Ive been reading out of Hebrews, particularly chapter 2 and it has hit home with me. Jesus became like us so that He could defeat the devil who held us in fear of death so that we could be free......mmmmm.....YES. Ok gotta go. We have a meeting to attend tonight. I will update more when I have some time. Should be soon.
PS in the picture, from left to right, Rena's mom, Mrs. Bev, Bro Rick, Rena, Rena's husband
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Across the river
This morning I got a text from my good friend Patrick informing me that his grandfather, Jack Littell, had passed away. Please remember Patrick and his family during this time.Today we have been traveling throughout Kathmandu trying to learn our way around (Mrs. Bev and I, that is). There are so many things that happened today so it may take a couple of blogs to get it all out. We visited Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa (an ancient temple), Kathmandu Valley, and a place where we witnessed cremation. To say the least, it was an experience to watch families prepare the body and conduct specific rituals before burning. It was so eye opening to watch a widow as she grieved the loss of her husband. She literally had to be held up by many people in order to stand. Her grieving was deep. And as we sat there across the river, we could not help by sympathize with her. We watched the entire process of cremation; from preparation of the body to the burning of it. Ladies who lost a loved one would light candles and place food and all sorts of things in a bowl that would float down the river. Not a foot away, there was a pack of boys scravaging through the dirty river to retrieve the bowl. There were monkeys all around the temple. Also, there were 'holy men' who sit around and pretty much smoke marijuana the entire day. Then we watched the body moved to the burning site. Then was the lamenting time over the lost one. We then watched as they laid cloths on the dead body and put a wreath on it. They would circle around the burning place three times with the body before placing it on the firewood. They then start the fire in the mouth after circiling it three time with the fire. We met a guy named 'Progress.' I think he liked me haha. It was funny. But, he told us that my name means 'Peace' in Nepali and oh my god, oh my god' in Hindi. His name was representative to him. Progress was on a progress himself...to knowing Jesus Christ as the ONLY way. Sadly, he does not believe Jesus is the only way to God..its just one of the ways. He worships many gods. MANY. Bro Rick was doing most of the talking with him. It was good for me to see how Bro Rick interacted with him. He did not 'preach' at him. But he did clarify that if you read Jesus' words carefully that he is very clear that He is the only way. Bro Rick challenged him to read The Gospels and invited him to check out the church they helped to plant.
I have seen things today I will never forget and will be sure to upload pictures when I get the chance. My heart was moved today as I saw many children on the streets begging. They stayed in a group, almost like a family. I figure they are all each other had. I was really moved to know they probably were abandoned by their parents, due to lack of means to keep them or just to simple apathy of their existance......
Lord, when I am satisfied, help me to always remember the poor and needy.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tea Time
Met up with the Zachary's at the airport and we arrived safely in Kathmandu!! We ate at a cute little place called 'Pumperknickel.' We had the BEST sandwches ever...mom you would have loved it. It tasted alot like greek and lebanese food. MMM. Then we took at walk around. I bought a nice jacket and a booksack. The owner of the store, Chhaya, was so friendly. Apparently they have what is called 'Tea Time' and she invited us to sit and have tea with her in the middle of her little shop. Oh man..it was the best tea ever. Seriously. It tasted even better than Starbucks Chai tea. I must find ut how to make it!! Anyways, its funny because Bro Rick is making Mrs. Bev lead us around the area..and she has done good so far..the goal for the next 2 or so days is to be able to find our way around town without having Bro Rick help us! I SO know we can do it!! Anyways, just wanted to let everyone know we are here and doing good. :)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Considerable Devotion to Remain
I can honestly say that in this moment, there is no where else I would rather be. I feel such peace. As I was having breakfast this morning at The Coffee Bean in the airport, the sweet presence of God enveloped me at the table. I began to brother Rick Zachary's book called "The Power of Destiny" and the Lord began to speak to me. And I want to tell you a story that is shaping me at this very moment...
Bro Rick talks of an experience he had one morning as he was running on the beach in Singapore. He came across a snake who forcefully challenged him to enter his territory. Bro Rick said he just stood there, intimidated and awaiting the snakes departure. He did not want to challenge the snake. Finally, the snake left after a couple of moments. Then, a dove came across the path. The dove was focused and only glanced at Bro Rick as he went on his way. Bro Rick became interested in what the dove was doing so he decided to follow it. One time he even tried to herd the dove in the way in which he wanted it to go. But the dove frustrated his efforts to control him and simply avoided him when he became forceful. Bro Rick talked about how he could only choose to follow the dove on his seemingly meandering path...as opppsed to trying to direct it where he wanted it to go. The way of the dove makes me think of how we are to be as Christians...and the verse relating to those who are born of the Spirit are like the wind. Never really knowing which way it will go next but just moving with the wind in trust. The Lord spoke to Brother Rick about learning the way of the dove..or the Holy Spirit. Choosing to give up your choices, goals, intentions, desires, and purposes in order to follow and participate with the Holy Spirit. Submitting all of these to follow where He will lead.
"The way of the dove is a wonderful way, but it is so foreign to humans that it takes considerable devotion to remain in it. The way of the Spirit is like an unintelligable language; its confusing, disorienting, and different, but at the same time, restful, enjoyable, adventerous, and deeply satisfying. The way of the dove is the way of submission to destiny. It is a way of life that can be deeply fulfilling, but is ALWAYS a way that demands YIELDING.
Destiny cannot come without submission because it is not our own, but God's.
Here is where the real challenge arises: to trust Him with the circumstances of your life and to rest in the confident assurance that His hand is directing you as you walk in faith.
Walking in destiny begins FIRST with TRUSTING HIM in the events of your life. Not just the daily affairs, but also the events of signifigance- those things that happen only occansionally but that happen forcefully to everyone in their journey: births, deaths, victories, losses, heartaches, joys, disappointments, satisfactions, failures and successes."
I thought about what happened with Pastor Amy when I read this.
Oh Lord, I love you. I thank you that I can trust you. I will praise you IN all circumstances..I am willing to learn and be taught from every circumstance in my life. I desire a humble and trusting Spirit.
Bro Rick talks of an experience he had one morning as he was running on the beach in Singapore. He came across a snake who forcefully challenged him to enter his territory. Bro Rick said he just stood there, intimidated and awaiting the snakes departure. He did not want to challenge the snake. Finally, the snake left after a couple of moments. Then, a dove came across the path. The dove was focused and only glanced at Bro Rick as he went on his way. Bro Rick became interested in what the dove was doing so he decided to follow it. One time he even tried to herd the dove in the way in which he wanted it to go. But the dove frustrated his efforts to control him and simply avoided him when he became forceful. Bro Rick talked about how he could only choose to follow the dove on his seemingly meandering path...as opppsed to trying to direct it where he wanted it to go. The way of the dove makes me think of how we are to be as Christians...and the verse relating to those who are born of the Spirit are like the wind. Never really knowing which way it will go next but just moving with the wind in trust. The Lord spoke to Brother Rick about learning the way of the dove..or the Holy Spirit. Choosing to give up your choices, goals, intentions, desires, and purposes in order to follow and participate with the Holy Spirit. Submitting all of these to follow where He will lead.
"The way of the dove is a wonderful way, but it is so foreign to humans that it takes considerable devotion to remain in it. The way of the Spirit is like an unintelligable language; its confusing, disorienting, and different, but at the same time, restful, enjoyable, adventerous, and deeply satisfying. The way of the dove is the way of submission to destiny. It is a way of life that can be deeply fulfilling, but is ALWAYS a way that demands YIELDING.
Destiny cannot come without submission because it is not our own, but God's.
Here is where the real challenge arises: to trust Him with the circumstances of your life and to rest in the confident assurance that His hand is directing you as you walk in faith.
Walking in destiny begins FIRST with TRUSTING HIM in the events of your life. Not just the daily affairs, but also the events of signifigance- those things that happen only occansionally but that happen forcefully to everyone in their journey: births, deaths, victories, losses, heartaches, joys, disappointments, satisfactions, failures and successes."
I thought about what happened with Pastor Amy when I read this.
Oh Lord, I love you. I thank you that I can trust you. I will praise you IN all circumstances..I am willing to learn and be taught from every circumstance in my life. I desire a humble and trusting Spirit.
'Just like a tree planted by the river.....
...I shall NOT be moved!!!'
Hi all those I love and miss SOO much!! I pray everyone is doing good. Thanks for all the nice comments!
Well I just arrived in the Singapore airport. Its 2:47 AM and I am scheduled to leave for Nepal at around 8. I will also be meeting up with the Zachary's! YAY! Its pretty cold here....like in the 40's or so..
Finding my way around all these airports has been interesting to say the least! I got to my flight to Tokyo just in time!!! haha. Halleleujah! The flights so far have really been good though..and long ;) But, guess what?! They served us Ben & Jerry's ice-cream...it was chocolate fudge brownie! Mom and Kirby would appreciate that. YUMMY. I was like "Oh thank you God!!! I can feel the love!!"....who would have thought....
I got to have some good study time in the Word while I was on the plane, in waiting area, etc.. I studied Exodus 33:12 and onward. I really related with this passage. Check it out when you get the chance. Moses was serious about not going anywhere that God's presence didn't go. He valued God's presence so much. Also, he recognized that God's presence is what distinguishes us from the rest of the people on this Earth. Lord, may we get serious about carrying Your presence where we go..distinguish us from the world. Be pleased with us and help us know you know us by name.
Joey...you were right about trust...haha...oh man,...... ;) Jeremiah 17:5-10 BLESSED is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
I love yall..and will keep update soon.
Tova
Hi all those I love and miss SOO much!! I pray everyone is doing good. Thanks for all the nice comments!
Well I just arrived in the Singapore airport. Its 2:47 AM and I am scheduled to leave for Nepal at around 8. I will also be meeting up with the Zachary's! YAY! Its pretty cold here....like in the 40's or so..
Finding my way around all these airports has been interesting to say the least! I got to my flight to Tokyo just in time!!! haha. Halleleujah! The flights so far have really been good though..and long ;) But, guess what?! They served us Ben & Jerry's ice-cream...it was chocolate fudge brownie! Mom and Kirby would appreciate that. YUMMY. I was like "Oh thank you God!!! I can feel the love!!"....who would have thought....
I got to have some good study time in the Word while I was on the plane, in waiting area, etc.. I studied Exodus 33:12 and onward. I really related with this passage. Check it out when you get the chance. Moses was serious about not going anywhere that God's presence didn't go. He valued God's presence so much. Also, he recognized that God's presence is what distinguishes us from the rest of the people on this Earth. Lord, may we get serious about carrying Your presence where we go..distinguish us from the world. Be pleased with us and help us know you know us by name.
Joey...you were right about trust...haha...oh man,...... ;) Jeremiah 17:5-10 BLESSED is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
I love yall..and will keep update soon.
Tova
Friday, February 15, 2008
Leaving Soon....!!!!
Ok, so for those of you who don't know this already, I am leaving for Nepal (for 2 months) and Sri Lanka (for 1 month) this Sunday!! My flight leaves 7:25 AM from NO. Im flying then to Los Angeles-to Singapore-to Kathmandu, Nepal. Im so excited! God has given me an awesome opportunity to serve under Mr. Rick and Mrs. Beverly Zachary. Let me explain who they are for a second. Ok, my pastor (Larry Stockstill) has the world mapped out in 12 regions. And for each region he has designated a pastor who is in charge of planting churches in that area. The Zachary's are the pastors over South Asia. They have planted over 3,000 churches in South Asia over the past 7 years!!! I love their vision. Check out their website: http://rickzachary.com/ and read about the work they are doing all throughout South Asia. I pray you will be inspired as I was.
We will be spending four days in Kathmandu when I arrive. The Zachary's will take me around the city and show me the largest church in Nepal so I can see all possibilities of what I want to do. That'll be Saturday Feb 23. (Churches in Nepal meet on Saturdays since that's everyone's day off). On Sunday, we'll go out to Bhaktapur where the Children's home is. Mrs. Bev and Mr. Rick will spend a couple of days there then they will head on to Nepalgunj (in Nepal), and I will stay a week in Bhaktapur and get to know David and Sony Sagar. David and Sony are over the children's home. Its an orphanage. I know I will enjoy that so much!
Then I am heading off via airplane to join The Zachary's in Nepalgunj around March 2 or 3rd. Nepalgunji is where KB and Sushila Basel direct Sophia Primary School and are its founders. They also pastor the church located on the mission compound and oversee a growing number of village churches. From this point on, Im not sure what I will be doing, or if I will have regular access to Internet. But, I will be keeping a journal on my computer so that I can update everyone when I get the chance.
What I do know for sure is that on April 18, I am flying to Columbo, Sri Lanka!!!...where I will be working with a church the Zachary's helped to plant. Mr. Rick and Mrs. Bev will not be coming with me to Sri Lanka, so I will be showing up by myself (at 3 AM!!)to meet Pastor Dishan DeSilva and team ;) The weather in Sri Lanka is quite different from the weather in Nepal. When I arrive in Nepal it will be cold. In Sri Lanka, Mr. Rick it gets very hot. Even hotter than when I was in Thailand!!! Wow...thats pretty hot.And then, on May 18 I depart home from Columbo.
Wow. I feel so very blessed to be working with the Zachary's. They are doing the work of the Lord in a way I haven't seen before. They don't have a place they call 'home.' They move from country to country strengthening leaders. It really reminds me of Paul and his work. I cant wait to see them!! I will be meeting them in the Singapore airport as they are flying back to Nepal from Myanmar.Please pray for me as I am getting everything ready to leave. I seem to be having some packing stress ;) Im sure you understand. I will keep you updated as I know more.
Love yall
PS. Just so you know, this is not just an opportunity for me….I believe God desires us all to be a part of The Great Commission. You can do this too!!!!! Look it up in Matthew 28:16-20 and ask God to reveal to you what YOUR part is in The Great Commission.
We will be spending four days in Kathmandu when I arrive. The Zachary's will take me around the city and show me the largest church in Nepal so I can see all possibilities of what I want to do. That'll be Saturday Feb 23. (Churches in Nepal meet on Saturdays since that's everyone's day off). On Sunday, we'll go out to Bhaktapur where the Children's home is. Mrs. Bev and Mr. Rick will spend a couple of days there then they will head on to Nepalgunj (in Nepal), and I will stay a week in Bhaktapur and get to know David and Sony Sagar. David and Sony are over the children's home. Its an orphanage. I know I will enjoy that so much!
Then I am heading off via airplane to join The Zachary's in Nepalgunj around March 2 or 3rd. Nepalgunji is where KB and Sushila Basel direct Sophia Primary School and are its founders. They also pastor the church located on the mission compound and oversee a growing number of village churches. From this point on, Im not sure what I will be doing, or if I will have regular access to Internet. But, I will be keeping a journal on my computer so that I can update everyone when I get the chance.
What I do know for sure is that on April 18, I am flying to Columbo, Sri Lanka!!!...where I will be working with a church the Zachary's helped to plant. Mr. Rick and Mrs. Bev will not be coming with me to Sri Lanka, so I will be showing up by myself (at 3 AM!!)to meet Pastor Dishan DeSilva and team ;) The weather in Sri Lanka is quite different from the weather in Nepal. When I arrive in Nepal it will be cold. In Sri Lanka, Mr. Rick it gets very hot. Even hotter than when I was in Thailand!!! Wow...thats pretty hot.And then, on May 18 I depart home from Columbo.
Wow. I feel so very blessed to be working with the Zachary's. They are doing the work of the Lord in a way I haven't seen before. They don't have a place they call 'home.' They move from country to country strengthening leaders. It really reminds me of Paul and his work. I cant wait to see them!! I will be meeting them in the Singapore airport as they are flying back to Nepal from Myanmar.Please pray for me as I am getting everything ready to leave. I seem to be having some packing stress ;) Im sure you understand. I will keep you updated as I know more.
Love yall
PS. Just so you know, this is not just an opportunity for me….I believe God desires us all to be a part of The Great Commission. You can do this too!!!!! Look it up in Matthew 28:16-20 and ask God to reveal to you what YOUR part is in The Great Commission.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
God's 'Red Hot' Love
Today was an emotional day for myself and my church, Bethany World Prayer Center. Not only was today Valentine's Day, but the day Pastor Joel Stockstill burried his lovely wife, Amy at our North campus church. It was a beautiful service I will never forget. Please keep the Stockstill and Hart families in your prayers. Specifically, I ask for you to pray for Pastor Joel during this time that he would be strengthened.
Pastor Dino Rizzo, from Healing Place Church, came to speak to our church this past Wednesday. He cancelled their Wednesday services, and came to join ours. It was so touching to have both churches come together in unity during such a time of loss. Pastor Dino encouraged us with a powerful message on 'The Power of God's Sustaining Love.' I believe it was a word straight from the heart of God for our church family. The passage of scripture he used was 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the GREATEST of these is LOVE." Pastor Dino talked about how when everything else fails, these 3 will remain. But how sometimes faith and hope run out. We have questions and doubts sometimes. Sometimes hope can dwendle. But God's love for us will NEVER dwendle or run out. God's love is still 'red hot' for us, even after 2,000 years!!! God's love goes beyond faith, visions, and dreams.
Song of Songs 8: 6-7 puts it this way: "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealously unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away..."
Dear friend, God loves you this way. With a burning, jealous and unyielding love that is CONSTANT. This is the love that will see us through all despair and all loss. God's love will put us back together when we feel we are in pieces.
When tradegy hits, when things happen that you don't understand (which is certain to happen), you will be left with a decision to make: will you trust the love of God, or will you not?
Many disciples deserted Jesus in John 6: 60-69 when He preached about eating His flesh and drinking His blood in order to have life. They said "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" They could not accept what was going on, and many disciples left. Jesus then turned to his twelve and asked "You do not want to leave too, do you?" And Peter responded to Jesus in verse 68, "Lord, to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." I dont know about you but I choose to be like Peter right now. God, I dont understand why Amy was taken. But I trust You. To whom else shall I go? You are Creator. Star-breather. You are the giver of eternal life. And You are good. I will not abandon You or turn from You just because I can't accept or understand this. Please God, show me the sustaining power of Your love. I love you.
I will leave you with a quote from Pastor Joel to ponder that I found on his website (joelstockstill.com):
"...no matter who you are and what you do....you will always face obstacles to realizing your dreams that you did not anticipate. Maybe you don’t know what happened but the details are not important. The bottom line is this: if you have the heart of a champion you will expect unfairness and every other possible obstacle to come against you and yet in some way you find the heart to prevail..."
Lord, I pray the heart of a champion over Joel tonight. The heart to prevail and be sustained by the power of Your love God, despite these crushing circumstances. And not just for him Lord, but for us all.
Pastor Dino Rizzo, from Healing Place Church, came to speak to our church this past Wednesday. He cancelled their Wednesday services, and came to join ours. It was so touching to have both churches come together in unity during such a time of loss. Pastor Dino encouraged us with a powerful message on 'The Power of God's Sustaining Love.' I believe it was a word straight from the heart of God for our church family. The passage of scripture he used was 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the GREATEST of these is LOVE." Pastor Dino talked about how when everything else fails, these 3 will remain. But how sometimes faith and hope run out. We have questions and doubts sometimes. Sometimes hope can dwendle. But God's love for us will NEVER dwendle or run out. God's love is still 'red hot' for us, even after 2,000 years!!! God's love goes beyond faith, visions, and dreams.
Song of Songs 8: 6-7 puts it this way: "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealously unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away..."
Dear friend, God loves you this way. With a burning, jealous and unyielding love that is CONSTANT. This is the love that will see us through all despair and all loss. God's love will put us back together when we feel we are in pieces.
When tradegy hits, when things happen that you don't understand (which is certain to happen), you will be left with a decision to make: will you trust the love of God, or will you not?
Many disciples deserted Jesus in John 6: 60-69 when He preached about eating His flesh and drinking His blood in order to have life. They said "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" They could not accept what was going on, and many disciples left. Jesus then turned to his twelve and asked "You do not want to leave too, do you?" And Peter responded to Jesus in verse 68, "Lord, to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." I dont know about you but I choose to be like Peter right now. God, I dont understand why Amy was taken. But I trust You. To whom else shall I go? You are Creator. Star-breather. You are the giver of eternal life. And You are good. I will not abandon You or turn from You just because I can't accept or understand this. Please God, show me the sustaining power of Your love. I love you.
I will leave you with a quote from Pastor Joel to ponder that I found on his website (joelstockstill.com):
"...no matter who you are and what you do....you will always face obstacles to realizing your dreams that you did not anticipate. Maybe you don’t know what happened but the details are not important. The bottom line is this: if you have the heart of a champion you will expect unfairness and every other possible obstacle to come against you and yet in some way you find the heart to prevail..."
Lord, I pray the heart of a champion over Joel tonight. The heart to prevail and be sustained by the power of Your love God, despite these crushing circumstances. And not just for him Lord, but for us all.
Hi!
Hey everyone! Im new to the blog world but hope to use this to keep yall updated while I am in Nepal and Sri Lanka! Just wanted to test this out first
Tova
Tova
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
