Tova

Where are you going? Where'd you come from?

2010-08-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

I was just dropping off a FedEx in the outdoor drop box at Post Office downtown. As I put the envelope in the box- I noticed a lady sitting on the stairs by me. She was dressed in a red suit- long hair-with a complementing hat and 2 bags of luggage. She was going somewhere. But where I dont know because the bus doesnt pick people up there. Anyways, she was yelling at people walking by. Calling them murders, and just yelling whatever came to her mind. I looked her in the eyes from a distance and she began to talk- though I was just far enough away that I couldn't make out her words. I began to think of what could have happened to this lady who was decently dressed and had a simple beauty about her- to make her go mad. I thought that she could possibly be someone's mother. Someone'e wife. The lady had clearly lost her mind-and anyone around her knew it was so. She was not fully there and was left alone on the steps of the Post Office- bags with her- in a red suit..to fend for herself. But where was she going? Who's responsibility is she? What was her life previous to this? Was she a small school child once who was made fun of by her peers? Was she a loving wife who developed a mental illness and was sent to an institution? How could she be homeless with no one to care for her? All these thoughts, and more, rushed through my mind as I was leaving the Post Office. I passed her as I flew by in my car- but this time she was standing. Again, I looked her right in the eyes and she began to mumble- raising both her hands in the air as if she were reaching up to God. I can only imagine the tale of her life. What events led her to such madness? What could have been done-if anything- to prevent this woman- with a seemingly kind disposition to turn her mind inside out? God only knows.
All I can say is that this makes me want to love those around me all the more. And I challenge you with the same thought: love those God has placed around you. YOUR love can make a difference in their life!!

Give Ear...

2010-08-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Psalm 78 reminds me today of the importance in sharing with others-especially those younger than us- the things the Lord has done in our lives. I know I posted a blog about this a week or so ago- but it is still on my heart. We need to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed in the past. Whether it's a Bible story or a personal story- I challenge you today to share with someone about the deeds and works of the Lord that you have seen happen in your life. How will they know unless we tell them? You might be surprised how Faith is built in your own heart as you share. Read the rest of the chapter..it's good stuff!

Lord, give me opportunities-orchastrated by You- to share with others around me of your deeds, Your might, and the wonderful works that You have performed in the past. Use me Lord.

Psalm 78
A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of Asaph.

1GIVE EAR, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2I will open my mouth in a parable (in instruction by numerous examples); I will utter dark sayings of old [that hide important truth]--(A)

3Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4We will not hide them from their children, but we will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed.

5For He established a testimony (an express precept) in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, commanding our fathers that they should make [the great facts of God's dealings with Israel] known to their children,

6That the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born might arise and recount them to their children,

7That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but might keep His commandments

8And might not be as their fathers--a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that set not their hearts aright nor prepared their hearts to know God, and whose spirits were not steadfast and faithful to God.

LOYAL...to me???

2010-08-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ps. 30

9Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are?
-I've never thought about telling of the loyalty of God. What is He loyal to? Himself? His laws? Yes, but also, He is loyal to me. Think about that for just a second and remember how the Lord has been loyal to you. Remember how He has seen you through so many things. Remember the times when God moved in your life and reflect on them at least once a month. Share your testimonies with those around you. There is power in sharing them. It has a way of lifting your Spirit-and other too. People can tell me all they want that God does not care, or God is not real..but I know otherwise because I have had personal experience with Him- an encounter that so changed my life. A pivitol moment in time where one way to the left or right would determine my future. And in that moment, He met me. He showed up. He didn't forget me becuase He is loyal to me and our relationship.

I will take a minute to reflect on the times God has demonstrated His loyalty in my life and how to express that through Scripture...

7You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain.

5Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime.

2I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, 3saving me from death and the grave.

9Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms. Ps. 28

I can think of so many times that God has been a friend to me. He has been so kind to me- despite my attitude toward Him. He has healed me and saved me. He has blessed me and is now the Shepherd of my life- carrying my in His arms. May I continue to stay there and not become prideful or independent. It's easier for me to work for love- that way I feel like I've earned it. It is harder to receive a love that you don't have to work for. It is much easier to be a slave than a lover. Help me to receive Your love and the goodness of our friendship.

Lord, help us to never forget your kindness. LORD make us strong and give us peace.

4I ask only one thing, LORD: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are.. Ps. 27

Calling All: Looking for someone God-expectant..

2010-08-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Psalm 14 (The Message)

2 GOD sticks his head out of heaven.
He looks around.
He's looking for someone not stupid—
one man, even, God-expectant,
just one God-ready woman.

Lord, I pray that today, you would find me. Find me standing. Find me praying. Find me believing. Find me listening. Find me in need. I know you test me. I want to be found uncompromisingly righteous. Thank you Jesus for the cross. Through your death and resurrection I can live a righteous life. God, help me to walk through the situations of life with integrity- upholding honor for You. If not for grace, where would I be? I desire to know You in the deepest possible way. I'm having a hard time believing how You see me. You see me through the eyes of love. You want to love me. I am of value to you. Please help me to see myself as one of great value and worth. Help me to receive Your love. I am prone to not accept anything from anyone. I am prone to work for things- to earn it. It's much harder to receive something I know I didnt work for or deserve. Drown me in Your love God. Help me calloused heart to receive. My pride keeps me far from You when I wont accept the truth about who You say I am. Though I feel I am in the waiting room of unanswered prayers- help me to know everything is going to be o.k. I know that in Your Word I can build my Faith. Help me Lord, for I am in need of You. I desire to be invited to Your table to dine and talk. I'm in need. I love You Lord.

The Lord tests and proves the [unyieldingly] righteous. For the Lord is [rigidly] righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face, or He beholds the upright. Ps.11 [New Amplified Version)

Psalm 11 (The Message)

A David Psalm
1-3 I've already run for dear life straight to the arms of GOD.
So why would I run away now
when you say,
"Run to the mountains; the evil
bows are bent, the wicked arrows
Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness
at every heart open to God.
The bottom's dropped out of the country;
good people don't have a chance"?

4-6 But GOD hasn't moved to the mountains;
his holy address hasn't changed.
He's in charge, as always, his eyes
taking everything in, his eyelids
Unblinking, examining Adam's unruly brood
inside and out, not missing a thing.
He tests the good and the bad alike;
if anyone cheats, God's outraged.
Fail the test and you're out,
out in a hail of firestones,
Drinking from a canteen
filled with hot desert wind.

7 GOD's business is putting things right;
he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we're standing tall,
we can look him straight in the eye.

"Land that I love.."

2010-06-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

2"Why should the nations say, Where is now their God?
3But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.
4The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
6They have ears, but they hear not; noses have they, but they smell not;
7They have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not;
neither can they make a sound with their throats.
8They who make idols are like them; so are all who trust in and lean on them.."
-Psalm 115

This morning I'm thinking about America. "Why should the nations say [of America], Where is now their God?" I believe they are...

America was founded upon Christian principles and now our tolerance has led to the decay of our foundation. Sadly, most of us as Christians are not even aware it's happening around us- and what's worse, most of us will not do anything about it until it's too late. Tolerance will drive us to a place we never wanted to go or intended to go as Christian nation. It will keep us longer than we intended to stay and damage us more than we thought it could.
You may be labeled as 'intolerant" if you speak out, but who cares- at least you're making a difference and standing up for God's law to be estabilshed once again in our land. We need Godly leaders who can direct America back to it's foundation. I don't understand how we let prayer be taken out of our schools systems. We are so tolerant and blind. We have let so many things slip into our government. Where are the people who will stand up and say "No, we will not allow this!" ??

We have to bring God back into our government(laws)..if we don't- we will look back upon this time when we had the opportunity to and regret it.

I don't want other nations to look at us and say "Where is their God now?" Question is...where do we start?

Update

2008-06-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sonalli (Dishan's sister) and me

Amma (Sri Lankan for 'momma') Rosie, Sonalli, Uncle George (Dishan and Sonalli's dad), Stefan

Stefnie and Dishan (Pastors)

Well, I made it home on June 4th at about 12 AM! I had such a wonderful experience in Sri Lanka. I feel so blessed to have gone there. Because there was limited access to the Internet, I was not able to update my blog as much as I did when I was in Nepal. But, I plan to share the stories and experiences I had there with you over a period of time as I am home now. I will be processing everything that happened the last 3 1/2 months and especially all that happened while I was in Sri Lanka the last month and a half. But for now I will leave you with a few of my favorite pictures. Take care and God bless

HUNGER!!!

2008-05-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

The cry of my heart is revival. Last night I got to watch the Florida Revival for the first time. They have been holding the revival for 42 days. My Spirit was stirred even more for revival around the world. What I want to impart to you today as you read this is one thing: Hunger. A hunger for God. A dis-satisfaction for where you are now and a power surge within you to move you forward. A hatred towards sin, towards the things that hold you back from operating as the Spirit leads. You want revival? You want a change in your life? Then GET HUNGRY FOR GOD. Ask Him. He will fill you. Its almost like a machine within me that runs runs runs. Constantly saying: More God, More. I dont want to stay the same as I was yesterday. This passion within me should get stronger everyday. The Bible says in Matthew 5:6- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be FILLED. Notice that a person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness will not only be filled, or satisfied...but they will be BLESSED. Now, what is righteousness? Simply stated, its ' being made right with God.' So blessed are those who hunger and thirst to be made right with God. To be made holy. To be made pure. Often times we run after the green pastures (prosperity) or peace instead of looking to the One who gives these things. See, when you look to the Great Shepherd (found in Psalms 23) to take care of your needs, you will lack nothing in this life. Prosperity will be yours. Peace will be yours. Health and healing will be yours. But we must look to Jesus, our Shepherd, instead of the benefits He offers us. When we run after prosperity or success, we will be left with frustration and a sense of dis-satisfaction. It almost feels like we are wasting our lives. Is this not true? But when we look to Jesus and hunger and thirst to line our lives up with Him, then we are satisfied and filled. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie in green pastures, He restores my soul." Not only does God give us good things in life, but He restores our soul. Our emotions. He brings back what has been taken from us. Maybe broken relationships. Maybe finances. Whatever it may be today Im telling you, you will receive it when you hunger for Jesus and align yourself up with Him. His sheep are never without food. His sheep never beg for bread. They dont have to lack peace or money. Its our choice to be a part of His flock. He wont force us. Choose Him. Hunger for Him. Blessed and satisfied will you be when you make Jesus your Good Shepherd.

Addicted to Jesus no matter what comes

2008-05-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

Pastor Dishan teaching the G-12 principle in a village where persecution is heavy. To the left is the pastor of the church.

Hanging out after the service

Cutting the king cocunut for us after service

I have been having such a great time here. Continuing to do home visits; which I really enjoy. The lady I was telling yall about in the previous entry, Anula, came to church this past Sunday and we gave her a Bible. I was so happy to see her at church.
Recently I got the opportunity to attend a youth service on Friday during lunch. God is moving here through the youth. In particular, moving in a group that works at the bank here called HSBC. I walked into the service about 15 minutes before it started and the worship leader asked me to sing with them...so I did. There was a girl there who played the piano and sang, along with two other girls and the drummer. They were so hungry for God's presence to come into the sevice and transform us. And can I tell you, that's exactly what happened. God's presence was there and we were all taken in the worship of Him. The youth pastor here, Pastor Shawn preached as they played piano. There was a good response among the youth. Pastor Shawn preached about how there is a battle within each person who is saved. Its the battle between our flesh and our spirit. Our flesh wants us to sin and gratify our desires and our spirit is holy, desiring us to be holy in all ways. He spoke how we must make a choice to allow our spirit, God's spirit within us, to win against our flesh. So he gave the altar call for people to repent of choosing ways that displease a holy God and asked whoever wanted to make the choice to follow Jesus' principles to come up to the front. So we prayed for everyone who came up. It was a great time because God chose to visit us in such a strong way. After everyone left all the leaders stayed behind just crying out to God for like 45 minutes. There is nothing that can compare to God's presence. Wow. All of that to say, revival is breaking out in the youth here in Sri Lanka. Pastor Shawn told me yesterday at church how all the HSBC leaders were in KFC, just meeting and eating..and how God's presence came so strongly on them that people were praying and crying out to God in the middle of the resturant. Crazy huh!?! Yes it is...and they are desperate for a move of God to come to Sri Lanka, so they dont care what people think of them. Once you experience God's presence, you become addicted to it. haha.
So please, pray for the youth and church here for revival to continue. If we can cultivate God's presence in our daily lives, revival will start through us.
By the way, on a less spiritual note, the food here is AMAZING! Wow. Mrs. Rosie makes the best beef and curry. I love the string hoppers, rotie, and milk rice...mmm. I drink orange juice at every meal.
Last Saturday we went to a church about an hour or so away. Pastor Dishan preached to them about the principle of G-12 (in the picture above). There is huge persecution there. The pastor and his wife left their nice life in Columbo filled with all convienances in order to bring The Good News to this community. They are surrounded by strong Buddhists who oppose them greatly. They do charms on them and speak curses...although this does not effect them personally because they are covered by Jesus' blood, it does effect the environment within the church...meaning that satan tries to cover their ears from hearing and their hearts from understanding and grasping the Word preached. So this is a huge challenge for the pastor. Also, the people around them took them and 5 other workers and locked them inside their home, then set the place on fire..along with the church. By the grace of God, they are alive today. Not only are they just alive, but you would not believe the joy they have. Unbelievable to see. So the people who oppose them will not allow them to visit their church members in their homes..which is a big problem for the church. Especially here...home visits build the church so much here. So this is why they have come to Pastor Dishan..to grow the church through the G-12 principle. Amazing. Im so honored to be a part of my church and to know they are the ones to introduce the principle of G-12 to the WORLD!!! Im seeing it firsthand!!! G-12 is directly from the Bible and it is a simple way to grow the church. 12 people coming together and learning the Word of God. Meeting with one another and praying, encouraging each other. You really need a small group to meet with during the week because so many problems come in life and you cant face things alone. There is no way you can. Thats why you need people, especially Godly people who love you and can advise you in the right way without any motive other than your benefit. So yeah each person in the group is also advised to start their own group...so they are in a Bible study as they also lead one. Its pretty cool and its right out of the Bible. In Acts, the early church grew through small groups like this.
Are you in a small group? Are you fully committed to Jesus no matter what hardships come? Do you trust God to be your Good Shepherd, who will look after you and take care of you? He can only be your Shepherd if you join His flock. Then when you join, you will receive blessings and so many good things. He is such a great God who loves us so much and wants to bless us. Are you addicted to Jesus' presence? Oh friend, make the time to know this wonderful God who gave everything for your freedom.
Love yall and will write again soon

Sri Lanka

2008-04-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

This is Anula and me at church. I was dressed in the traditional wear of Sri Lanka called a Sari (spelling?). Just before this was taken I explained to Anula that I wanted to post her picture on my website so America could hear her story. She cried thinking about it.

I am in Sri Lanka safe and sound!! Internet access is limited so my apologies for not writing sooner to inform you I am safe.
I have had the most wonderful time here. The Pastor here is Dishan and his wife is Stephanie. I am staying with Dishan's mother, Rosemary (aka Rosie). We live with Rosey's mom (Ulga), sister (Ester) and daughter (Sonalli).
Tuesday and Wednesday I went with Rosie and another lady from the church to do home visiting. Each day we visited over 15 homes...in a tri-shaw!! It was awesome! Over the 2 days, we got to share the Gospel with 10 new people. Each time we entered a home, we would listen to and pray for them. The people we visited are those who have visited the church previously, but are no longer constant in attendance. We go to encourage and strengthen them through fellowship and prayer. I have really seen the importance and need in making home visits. I will tell you just one of the many stories we experienced:
Anula lives with her husband and child. They live in a small flat surrounded by apartments. In those apartments live her brothers and sisters. No one in her family is a belever. Only she. Each day she cooks and cleans and never leaves the home. She has no Bible to read and no fellowship. The last time she came to Pastor Dishan's church (Bethany Church) was over one year ago. The visiting team always tried to find her home, but never had any luck. They had been trying since she visited the church last to find her. By God's grace, we were able to find her. When she heard we were from the church and had come to visit her, she began weeping. She told the story of how all of her family opposes her. How they are having such financial difficulty and how she is so alone. She also has a health problem. Her foot gives her such pain..not sure what disease it was but it looked painful. Anyways, she expressed her desire for her husband (who was standing in the room with us and is Buddhist) to become a believer. So we prayed all together in a circle. She cried and cried. And looked at me and said "Oh I am so thankful to God that yall came. No one has ever visited me before and I am so lonely." My heart was touched by her testimony. She lives in poverty and is having so many troubles, but in the midst of it all, she could say she was thankful to God. She also told us how she had been having an angry spirit lately and how she wanted it to leave. We explained how she needs to read the Bible each day in order to be protected from attack..and thats when we found out she had no Bible in the house. Just like our physical body needs food, so our Spiritual body needs food to survive. The Bible is food to our souls. So, she AND her husband said they would come to church this Sunday. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I now see the importance of visiting the new comers of our church. It is a very much needed ministry that I will become involved in when I get home. Christianity, and ministry is not all about you. There are people who need to be encouraged. There are people waiting for you to visit them and pray for them. They need a touch from God in human form. Just an ear to hear them speak. Just a mouth to pray for them. Just arms to hug them. Thats all you need. There is nothing super spiritual about it. If you have an ear, mouth and arms, you can be used to help others.
I thank God for teaching me the importance of home visiting.

PS- Here is the church website: http://bethsrilanka.com/

Alone and Addicted

2008-04-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have seen a terrible thing. Yesterday as we were driving in a taxi (at 10 AM!) I saw through the window two young boys sitting down against the wall. The older boy, who could not have been older than age 11, had a plastic chip bag that he was puffing in and out. I observed that the more he puffed the bag in and out, the heavier his eyes became. This young boy, living on the street, was getting high on shoe glue.
My heart stopped when I found out exactly what he was doing. I could not believe. I have never seen this before and became deeply upset.
Then this morning we were walking on our way to breakfast and a young boy approached us. He was begging for money. Dirty as could be and mumbling as he held his hand out to us. Then I saw to my left a group of young boys who had been sleeping on the street together the night before. This young boy was probably one of their friends. Once again I was reminded of the terrible condition of the young children who make petty money and use it to buy shoe glue. How could anyone would sell them the glue? They know what the children are going to do with it!!
Can you imagine seeing this with your own eyes? These kids have NOTHING. No parents, no money, only one change of clothes, no food and no bed and are filthy dirty. They are addicted to getting high and are sleeping on the streets. And they see a foreigner and run after them begging them saying things like "I have no food. Please feed me."
I have a younger brother, Nicholas, who is about 11 years old now. I can not IMAGINE him on the streets like this. How could he provide for himself? Who would look after him? He would have no one to show him love, but his friends who were in the same position he was....alone and addicted.
Its such a sad thing to see here. My heart is breaking for these children. Still I am deeply disturbed by what I have seen...

Not far from you...

2008-04-07T23:12:00.001-07:00

Acts: 17 22- 28.

“Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him--though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.'"

“From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him--though indeed he is not far from each one of us.” WOW. God is so personal isn't He?! He allotted the time and place of our existence. Of yours, of mine, and of every single human being!! He allotted or planned where and when they would live. And He did it all so that they would search for Him. That is HARD for my mind to grasp. How can a God so big, a God in charge of everything in the entire world, be so personal and concerned with my life, with your life? How can a God so big be ‘not far from each one of us’? Did you know that God is not far from you? Did you know He is waiting for you to search for Him and find Him? Why does He care so much about mere man? What can we offer that will benefit Him? For He has everything and needs nothing! Mere man. Sinful man who desires only things that please him temporary and leave him unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Stupid man...with his selfish thinking...tempted in every way…and only concerned about his needs, our wants, our desires…And then there’s God…with His loving and merciful heart for this man. For all peoples on the face of this earth. Every tribe, every tongue. Accepting man as he is. Bettering man and guiding him in the way he should go.
Oh I don’t understand this. But I am thankful. So thankful that we, man, are loved by God. I am so thankful He takes notice of us. I am so thankful that God has a specific purpose and plan for our lives. To each person it is different. But for all it is the same in the end, to know Him and make Him known.
What God cares enough to heal a broken heart? What God is moved with compassion when He hears your prayer? No other God but our God.
I am so thankful that He has made it available for us to know Him and serve Him.
I will give the rest of my life to show Him how thankful I am for His love and mercy. What kind of a person would die for someone who hates him? What kind of person? Only one full of love, mercy and forgiveness. Jesus, make me more like You. Refine me as silver. Take away all the impurities. So that Your reflection may be seen in me.
Jesus, I will proclaim Your name to those who are worshipping things that cannot save them. I have counted the cost and will follow wherever You would have me go, whatever You desire of me. Im so thankful to You for placing me where I am, with purpose and vision. If not for grace it would not be so.
"You are in the place and time you need to be in. God did not create you one second earlier or later, or did He put you with other parents or in a different ethnic group, or with different family situations for no reason. Your experiences are His goals for you to get to the places and do the things you need to do."
For God has created you with a purpose and a plan for your life. FIND IT!!

Some of my favorites....

2008-03-30T03:23:00.000-07:00

From top: Pastor David and I preaching (from Bhaktapur);

David and Sony;

Pratima and me;

Mrs. Bev praying after an altar call;

Bro Rick and Mrs. Bev after meeting;

Mrs. Bev and I after church (3/29);

Mrs. Bev with Sushila;

KB with Bro Rick and Mrs. Bev (this was the day of their anniversary)

Color

2008-03-28T02:16:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, (Friday and Saturday) many Hindu people here in Nepalgunj, and all around Nepal and India, celebrated what they call “The Color Festival.” This is where they take color dye and mix it with water. They put it into a water gun or bottle and shoot people with the color. Many do not know why they celebrate this festival; they just know it is fun. In the morning, the color is in the form of dye and is stainable. In the afternoon, they use powder color that comes off with some brushing. On Saturday morning, we felt by Jeep to preach at a village church. And on the way we got sprayed many times by children standing in the streets looking for a victim. I even saw a group of kids standing on each side of the street with a rope between them. As a person on their bike traveled down the road, they would pull the rope off and ‘color’ him until they were satisfied. You would see many people walked down the street with pink, purple and all sorts of color smeared on their faces, in their hair, on their clothes. It was interesting and Mrs. Bev and I prayed the entire time that we would not fall pray to their color fun!! But we arrived safely and preached. This was the 2nd day of Easter. After the message, I gave an altar call and one man came up to receive Jesus. It was a day I will never forget. We preached the cross, and he responded. He was disabled somewhat on the left side. He had a limp hand and a stiff leg, but he could manage (slowly) with a cane. We prayed over him after he received Jesus to be healed. Though we did not see an instant healing, I believe his healing is coming.
Mrs. Bev and I have been working hard as we visit different districts and villages to see what GAN has done there. We have taken note of the needs in each place and typed it up into a word document so we can plainly see everything. It has been a wonderful time learning about this organization and seeing with my own eyes the poor and needy being provided for. I am so honored to be here and am thankful for this experience. I am not sure how I can repay Bro Rick and Mrs. Bev for allowing me to be here with them. I have benefited and grown so much because of their influence. I realize that without their agreement to let me come here with them, that I would not be able to have this life-changing experience.
I thank God for His grace because without it I would be very different. God rescued me from a lifetime of disappointment and pain. Praise Him for His unfailing love, grace and mercy. Grace is giving you something you don’t deserve and mercy is not giving you what you do deserve. If not for grace….

PS The Hindu religion has over 33 MILLION gods…!!!!!

A New Move

2008-03-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I checked Pastor Joel's website and found this blog entry:

'Women On The Scence'

"Yesterday was a milestone day for our Bethany family. The first fruits of something long coming was realized as my mother, Melanie Stockstill, delivered the message at our North campus. Boy, was it awesome!
Starting at Amy’s funeral the Lord began to speak to me and our family about the new role of women in our ministry. Even while the 3 precious ladies gave their tributes to Amy the Lord was speaking to me that we were about to see women in leadership and preaching like never before. Dr. Cho, who pastors the largest church in the world, says that they exploded when he released the women to do the work of the ministry. We have had women leaders for years but not had them speaking on Sunday mornings. It wasn’t that we didn’t want them to but more that it just never presented itself. This shift was made crystal clear to us as we vacationed the week following the funeral. The Lord spoke very clearly concerning this whole issue and said that Amy’s passing was a marker for this new release of women.
Praise be to God for continuing to show His great mercy and grace and allowing something so significant to come forth this quickly in the wake of Amy’s homegoing. Yesterday was the start of something that will grow and become part of the culture of our ministry. This culture will spawn powerful women leaders and preachers that will go forth in the name of Jesus and the honor of Amy.
Judg. 4:4- Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time."

I was very encouraged to read this blog because I genuinely feel this is what God is doing, not only in me, but in the women around me. I didnt put it together though until I read his blog. Here in Nepal, it was the first time I really preached at a church. After the message, Bro Rick came up and gave a call to those in the church. He felt the Holy Spirit leading us to pray for women who felt a call to preach. He said 'For those of you in here who feel you want to preach The Gospel as Tova did, I want you to come up here now and she is going to pray for you.' It was a good feeling to know God used me, being a young woman, to preach and then be used as an example that God can and WILL call anyone willing to preach. Many (not all) came up and Bro Rick had me pray for them. Then Mrs. Bev and Sushilia prayed over the older women who felt called to preach.I know it was a genuine move because everyone in the room did not come up...only those God called came up. It was a selected group. Seriosuly, I have not preached this much ever in my life. Im not a preacher!! haha! At least I wasnt ;) But, this new move is spreading all around the world!!!! I have even seen it in Mrs. Beverly's life. She has been preaching more than she has ever before. I have also seen it in my best friend, Kirby's life. She preached to over 2000 people in Haiti!! To my knowledge, she has never preached before!! God is doing a great work!! And I agree with Pastor Joel that his dear Amy's passing was a marker for this new release of women in ministry. Praise God for this work. I am so encouraged. Who wants to join me in preaching The Gospel???
I am also encouraged because I feel like Im still a part of my church and involved in what's going on there even though Im all the way in Nepal. Im so thankful for my church and the Stockstill family.

"It's a lovely day"

2008-03-24T01:08:00.000-07:00

Every day Mrs. Beverly and I hear brother Rick say "Its a lovely day" and today I thought I would say it for him since he is not here. He is in a part of Nepal called Jumla for 10 or so days, researching and scoping out the area to see if there are any belivers there so they can start a church. He is accompanied by KB's son, Vikas, and Dhat (a local). Mrs. Beverly and I have been having a greaet time together. Praying together has been very uplifting. Everyday we pray over her family. It has been such a wonderful experience for me to get to know her. She truly is a woman of faith. Her and I have been tag team preaching and we have enjoyed it very much. This week we will be with Hira and Dunbar (workers at the church who are involved in helping the community). We will be going around the city here to different districts, villages to see the work they are doing through Sushilia's organization called GAN (Gospel Assembly Network for Nepal). Sushilia has helped so many of the Nepali people who are poor and needy. Her organization provides water pumps, classes in the community to teach of hygeine, etc.., and provides a source for them to generate income. So in other words, GAN helps the poor areas by giving them ways to run a business, and really teaching them how to run a business. Many here are illiterate, and ignorant in the sense of hygeine. They need to be trained on how to prevent disease from spreading, etc. GAN also provides medicine when needed to these communities. So, Mrs. Bev and I are learning about what GAN is doing, seeing it with our own eyes, and listening for needs. As Joey says "Find a need, Fill a need." Then on Wednesday, Mrs. Bev and I will preach at a village church and pray and fellowahip with them. On Thursday we will be with KB and Sushilia as we go to a far away village on bike...so pray for us!! haha. Its very hot here and they do not have paved roads like in America ;) On Friday we will go by Jeep to a village far away to preach again. This is a Maoist region (Maoist is a political party here in Nepal and has a history of being violent and manipulative). You should google Maoist to see what Im talkig about. Maybe it will be in English for you to read. Anyways, KB and Sushilia say this is a big meeting that many will come to, saved and unsaved. So please pray for us that we would preach The Gospel and many would be saved in the name of Jesus! So, yeah Im excited! And Im very much enjoying my stay here. Easter was nice and we ate alot of food after church on Saturday. All the believers brought food so we had a huge assembly line.
I have had the most fun with KB and Sushilia's new daughter in law, Pratima. She is 21 and just married their son, Vikas. Her and I went yesterday to get a Nepali suit made. We picked out the fabric and took it to the tailor. Then we took a rick shaw back home. It was fun. Today she was with us as we walked the city to see what GAN was doing. I have really enjoyed her friendship and talks.
Well, I hope you have had a wonderful Easter time. I truly miss my family during this Easter holiday. I usually go to granmda Bettye Jo's house early in the day and hang out with Alexa, just eating and having fun. Then I go to grandma Margie's house. She cooks amazing roast beef like you have never tasted before...and the gravy she makes is very good. My dad and Sherrie, along with Brandon, Victoria and Nick come over to her house as well and we dye easter eggs. Its so much fun. After that we hide the eggs (me and Dax that is) and the rest have to stay inside. Then whoever finds the 'Golden Egg' wins a prize. This is a tradition we have as a family. My brother's birthday is tomorrow (the 25th). Happy Birthday Brandon!!! He will be 16 and able to drive when I get back! WEIRD. My other brother James will also turn 16 while I am gone...so I will have 2 brothers who will be driving when I return! All I have to say is they better drive me to Starbucks and DeAngelos ;) I love my family so much. Last night I watched some videos I have on my computer of my sister Victoria and I playing guitar and singing at Christmas time. She is so special to me. Then I watched another video of Kase playing the guitar and me singing as I recorded. These are the times I love so much. Spending time with your family is so important because you may not always have many years ahead to. I hope to start a Bible study with my sister Victoria when I return. We shall see.
Kirby went to Haiti while I was here. We are world traveling friends! haha. I miss her alot. And cant wait to hear testimony from her about what she experienced. I know she will be changed from her trip. I encourage you to consider going on a mission trip sometime. You will see and experience many things...good things!!

PS I REALLY love and appreciate all of your comments. It gives me a huge smile and encouragement when I read your comments about my posting. Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to comment!!! I love every one of you ;)

Hi!

2008-03-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Over the past week or so we have been traveling a good bit. We have been visiting village churches that Pastor Kb and Sushilia's leaders have started. I have had the opportunity to ride a bike 3 miles (one way) on a rocky and unpaved road to reach a village church. I never thought it was possible for me to ride a bike for so long!! We were so hurting by the time we reached home. It was awesome to share this experience with Brother Rick and Mrs. Bev. After the service we enjoyed a great meal on the church floor. I love Nepali food. It's rice, Doll Bhat, Collaflower, and Greens. Nepal has the best tea I have ever tasted. It's sort of like a Chai tea from Starbucks, but way better because they use buffalo milk. So yeah, this is what I eat pretty much every day. The portion sizes are so huge! I feel so bad because I can't possibly weat all of it (but neither can Mrs. Bev so I don't feel that bad! haha). Brother Rick has given me several opportunities to preach the past 2 weeks and I have loved every moment of it. When I get done preaching, he starts to preach. At the end of a service last week, Bro Rick asked if I would pray over ladies ages 16-27 who felt called to preach. The Holy Spirit manifested His presence in a tangible way and touched us all. Then Mrs. Bev and Suchilia prayed over the women and KB and Bro Rick prayed over the men who felt called to preach. It was cool because Brother Rick used me as an example saying how I was only 23 years old and preaching..and that God can use anyone to spread His Word! AMEN!
Anyways, the past 3 days we have been traveling throughout the mountains in Nepal. We visited churches in Surket and Dailect. We have been traveling in a Jeep. It's a pretty awesome Jeep. The ride throughout the mountain was difficult on the way there. There was so much dust and a very bumpy ride. But we were so glad we went. We just arrived from Dialect on the 20th. We visited a new church (under 1 year I believe) and the pastor's there are only 19 years old. They have received training from Pastor KB's center here in Nepalgunj. Anyways, they have an older couple overseeing them. This couple is actually moving there from Nepalgunj to start a school and help with the church. The husband left his well paying job to move into a village in the mountains just to reach the village for Christ. In Dialect we met a boy about 15 years old. He got saved about 2 weeks ago. But, for the past 3 years he has had a condition in his chect that causes him to cough and hurt. His entire body literally shrivels as he coughs. He went to the doctor and they took X rays, but nothing was there. (TB is real common here in Nepal). Anyways, as we were talking with him he told us about how he came to have this terrible condition. He was walking and two snakes wrapped around his leg, but they did not bite him. And ever since then he was scared to walk alone anywhere. He became very fearful and would not go outside at night. Then when he got saved 2 weeks ago, his parents brought him to the church to live (they are believers and they have to walk 6 HOURS to get to church!!!!). They are having him stay in the church until he is healed. So when we came we prayed for him and believe he was set free. Brother Rick worked with him on relaxing and resting in the presence of God and how fear is not from God. By the end of our last time with him, the boy had only 1 episode (as compared to many). We believe God has healed him of this terrible condition and that God has called him to rest and learn to relax and fight fear. Fear immobilizes and we have to condition our minds to respond differently when it attacks. Instead of anxiety and worry, we must relax and have peace.
So let's see, what else have we been doing....oh! I have been able to preach a good many times here. One time in particular was at an outdoor meeting..under a tent! It was awesome. People traveled there from the mountains. They spent an entire day walking to get to church. We prayed for people to be healed and they were. I saw a girl who was afflicted by a demon spirit get delivered. This stuff really happens!!!! We do not fight against flesh and blood. See, people here actually are worshipping demons. The Hindu religion has so many gods. And these are demons. Once they get saved, they must be delivered from these spirits and then they can start the healing process. Saved, delivered, healed.
Well, much much more has happened but Im too tired right now to write more. Weve been up since 4 AM and its now like 10 PM. But I wanted to write and tell everyone hello and update yall on some of the wonderful things I have been experiencing. I will share more later. Pastor KB asked me to preach some tomorrow for the Good Friday service so I will talk about Isaiah 53, The Cross and Jesus' Blood. MMMM...Im excited. Ok must go to bed. Happy Easter!!

Nepalgunj

2008-03-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hello! It has been a great week so far here in Nepalgunj!! It was hard to leave David and Sony and the family there. I felt so loved by them and am greatful for the friendships made. This week, we have traveled all over this region, speaking at churches, encouraging the believers there, praying over them, and sharing fellowship. It has been the most eye-opening week for me. So, as much as I can I want to share this experience with you. I want you to feel as if you are here with me so that you may be inspired yourself and receive a blessing. First, I want to share with you about the pastors who Bro Rick and Mrs. Bev have partnered with here.

When I arrived in Nepalgunj, Mrs. Bev and Sushilia were there to greet me with a beautiful handmade flower necklace. I felt such love when I arrived to Pastor KB and Sushilia’s home. They have a campus here with many things going on. On their land, they have their home, their church, a primary school, housing for Bible students to be trained, and the construction of a new and larger church (taking place in the back of their property). Mrs. Bev showed me all around the campus. We were given a tour of the school, and were able to see the fence being built in the back of the property. The fence is going to surround the soon to be church. We even stopped to pick and eat fresh peas from their garden. Then, Pastor KB, Sushilia, a man named Doc, Mrs. Bev and myself met in their office at the school and KB began to explain the story behind the school and part of his testimony. KB was in Bible school searching for his place in ministry when God showed him to, first start a church and then open up a center to teach English. KB was very unsure about starting a language center. One day his friend from India told him “KB, I don’t know what it means or why it’s coming to my mind, but this just popped into my mind….You need to start a language center.” KB had not shared this with anyone except his wife; so needless to say, he took this as a confirmation from God.
(Sidenote: This really encouraged me. God cares so much about us. He cares about our futures. He will even go to great measures to see that you are confident in the purposes and plans He has for you. How blessed are we!! “Blessed are you O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper...” Deuteronomy 33:29).

Starting the language center was no easy for KB and Sushilia. They lived in a very small room with their 2 children (this room is now actually part of their church). It was hard for them to pay their bills, even though KB was teaching more than 8 hours a day at the language center. He began to ask God “God, what can I do? Am I doing the right thing?” KB noticed how in the community he was gaining favor with everyone. This was because everyone wanted to learn English- police officers and the like. So, KB began to see the center as his ministry. He would write a Bible verse on the chalkboard everyday before class. One day in particular, he wrote the verse “Love your neighbor as yourself.” A student in his class, Doc, became impressed with the word and approached KB after class about the meaning. See, Doc and his family had been having some neighbor problems. The problems were so bad that they were actually going to court over them. So, the word Pastor KB wrote on the board was very timely for Doc and he became interested in wanting to know more. So KB shared with him about his testimony and gave him a Bible. As time passed, and Doc read the Bible, he came to KB wanting to know Jesus. KB shared The Gospel with him and he became a believer. Doc has been a faithful leader under KB since that time (about 10 years). KB said he was given many opportunities like this at the language center. I love how he did not force The Gospel on Doc. He simply placed the Word out there for anyone hungry to grab. Sort of like fishing. You place the bait on the end of the hook and wait for a hungry fish to bite. This is the way to evangelize in a secular setting. Our life is our best sermon, but we must also place ‘bait’ out for those who are hungry to grab.
KB and Sushilia now own and manage Sophia’s Primary School. ‘Sophia’ actually means ‘Wisdom’ in Greek or Hebrew. God began to place a burden on their heart for educating the poor and needy children, especially those who live in the mountains and have no opportunity for schooling. KB understands and believes in something very important: the training of a new generation. Children are the future leaders. So, if you want change, start with the children. Train them. In Nepal, if you are educated, many people will follow you (since not everyone has the opportunity for education). KB and Sushilia’s school is not listed as a Christian school, and they have many children who come that are unbelievers. They come because the parents and community is very impressed with KB and Sushilia’s school. They use creative play as a means to learning. This is a Western approach. So, for example, they have water toys and sandboxes for the children to play with. They also learn through English through songs. I often hear them singing their ABC’s and many other songs in the morning. It’s funny because one morning we went to the school and all of the children were in a circle (there are about 90 children). One of the teachers in the school, Surresh, has a guitar and another tambourine. They were all singing. And in the middle of the circle, was one boy and he was break dancing as they sang Christian songs!!! Oh man it was awesome. Joey, you would have loved it!! Out of the 90 children, only 6 have been sponsored. You can actually see their faces and stories if you go to Brother Rick’s website: rickzachary.com and click Sophia’s Primary School. I know you will be touched!!
This school is like no other school in Nepal, thanks to their creative techniques of teaching and their passionate love for Jesus. KB and Sushilia’s school teaches of Jesus during meeting time and over half of the children have already become believers. AMEN!! Pretty soon all of the children will believe!

People like KB and Sushilia are diamonds in the rough. It is hard to find good people with pure hearts and clean hands who are willing to sacrifice everything for the Kingdom of God. Everything they have they devote to the advancement of The Gospel. May we all learn from their example and become likewise.

Jeremiah 30:21- "For who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?” declares the Lord.

PS: I am not able to access Internet often, so I will update sometime next week. Love yall much
Tova

2008-03-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here is Pastor David and Sony's Newsletter for February 2008:

Dear Brother and Sister,

CHURCH: We would like to thank you for your prayer for our Church and Children’s ministry. This last month (January) has been a very blessed month for our Church. We have the vision and goal for this year to bring many people into the Kingdom of God, and we are using the Vision of 12, evangelism, outreach, and preaching the Gospel. This year, we have begun an outreach program. Every Monday, we are going door to door. One week we are inside the Bhaktapur old city and the next week in the village side. We have a vision for everyone to know the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that people will contact us through the books we are giving them. Please pray that all the people we minister to will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: All the children are doing very well in the Lord, and in their health and education. Our children are very good in school, as well as dance, and singing, etc. On January 11th, they had an arts competition at school. Sarmila, Paul and Samuel entered the singing competition and Sarmila won 1st place while Paul won 3rd place. Sarmila, Sanju and Alisha performed a dance in the competition and did a great job. Raj played the guitar and Philip played the drum.

PRAISE REPORT: We have received the funds we need to purchase our projector set that we will be using for evangelistic outreaches. Thank you for your support and prayers.

Last month (On 22nd Jan. 2008) Sony and I (my wife) went to visit a place named Sudal to meet one woman. As we were talking with her, people started to come to the place where we were sitting. Many people gathered around us and I began to preach the gospel at this time. There were 12-15 people and all of them heard the word of God. One woman has already come 3 times to our church and other people are also interested and willing to come to our church. So please pray for this group of people.

Pastor Sagar David
BCC/ BCH February 2008

Lots of Info....(Updated 3/5/08)

2008-03-01T00:47:00.000-08:00

Wow. I have had such a wonderful time here in Bhaktapur. I have been so welcomed by everyone here and hate to leave on Wednesday. There are so many things I want to share. I got the chance to preach this morning at church. Pastor David translated. We talked about how God is love and as His children we are called to love one another (1 John 4:7-12, 16-21), then in Luke 6:27-36 we discussed the practical ways we can love. Luke 6 can be a difficult passage to apply to our lives because it tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat or spitefully use you. But if GodHimself is kind and merciful to the ungrateful and wicked, then we should be likewise. In Mark 6: 14-29 we see the opposite way to respond to people. Herodias held a grudge against John the Baptist and desires to kill him because he preached the truth. Actually she ended up having him killed. The Bible tells us to forgive as we have also been forgiven. To put on love (Colossians 3:13) and to be slow to anger (James 1:19). If we hate our brother, we are a murderer and eternal life is not in us (1 John 3: 15). Then I gave an example of an opportunity I had to be very very angry. And in fact I was at first. My grandmother Margie gave me her an my papaw Charles' wedding and engagement rings (Papaw Charles passed away when I was 2). So you can imagine how I felt when she gave me the rings. Very honored. Well to make a long story short, they were stolen from me. And I had an opportunity to store unforgiveness and hate in my heart. But like Romans 12: 14-24 says: I must overcome evil with good, and not let evil overcome me. God calls us to be holy and perfect as He is and if we can follow the principals in Luke 6: 27-36, we show the world that we are sons and daughters of the Most High. As Psalm 121 says, we must look to God, our Maker for help to maintain a life of love. About 4 persons received Christ today. God is good.
So now I am going to give a short overview of my week here:
Sunday was when I arrived at the Children's Home. I was shown around the home and then brought to the church to see. That night Brother Rick preached a message about being a father and not just a teacher. Then he left to go back to Kathmandu with Mrs. Beverly because she was feeling sick.
Monday we visited the children's school and talked with their principal. I took pictures that I hope to upload soon. Then I preached in a home group about how to honor God with our lives. The passage is mainly from 1 Peter 1:13-4 :1-2. Jesus knew His purpose in life (Luke 4:43) and we need to make sure of ours (2 Peter 1:10). We traveled to the ancient city in Bhaktapur and climbed up 3 floors of stairs to reach a small room where the believer lived. There were 4 people (excluding myself, Pastor David and Sony, and their daughter Salome.) On the way home from this was when the little children were following us screaming 'Hello! One rupie!"
Tuesday was awesome because we showed the Jesus Film in the mountains! We traveled by 'bus' on a bumpy road. The scenery was so beautiful. It boy was it cold. Pastor David recently got a projector with screen and speakers so it was a nice setup. He played one of Bethany's DVD's. It was a live recording of Jonathan singing "To Deserve" and the entire church at Bethany North. I felt at home when he played our music there in the mountains of Nepal. Sony read the children there about David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. It was funny because the moment I got my Bible out to read as Pastor David and others were setting up, all of the children ran to see what I was reading. So i thought 'Hey, why not read them a story?' After the story, the film started and lasted about 2 hours. Pastor David gave The Gospel Message and about 25 people got saved. The Jesus Film is taken directly from Luke.
Wednesday we traveled to the place David and Sony have named 'Prayer mountain.' God gave Sony a dream to pray on the mountain, so once every month, they make the trip. Pastor David, Sony, their friedn Nirijan and myself took a taxi way up into the mountains. It reminded me so much of Thailand. It was beautiful!! So, we got to the top of the mountain and prayed. Then that evening we had a group study on Hebrews 6. And I particularly like verse 13. Check it out!! This reminds me of God's character and the fact that He is steady, and faithful so I can trust Him with everything!!!
Thursday we showed the Jesus Film at the children's school. There was such a big turnout. Many people came and sat on the benches we provided for them. People were standing behind the gates watching the movie, as well as others who were viewing the movie through their apartment windows. It was beautiful under the stars. I will upload a photo so you can see. Many people got saved and some came to church today and got saved!!! YAY!
Ok....I will write more later. Right now I am going to play with the children!! They are going to teach me a Nepali dance!! Love yall
Friday- I went to the Indian Embassay to apply for an Indian Visa (long story). After that process, we had a home group study. I preached from Psalms 116:18, Romans 12:1-2, and 1 John 2: 15-17. I truly enjoy teaching God's Word and consider it an honor to be able to in Nepal.
Saturday was church and after the service, Sony and Sanju taught me a Nepali dance. HAHA me, a dancer!? Who would of thought! I had a wonderful time being there with the girls and Sony. Sanju braided my hair and I did their's in a french braid! After hanging out, we went upstairs to the top floor balcony outside and lit a fire. We all sat around the fire and ate snacks. We talked and played and they even made me and the girls show them the dance I just learned!! HA. After that we all watched the story of Moses. I felt sucha part of their family there as I sat with the children on the floor. Saturday was a great day for me.
Sunday I walked with the children to school. Then we had a home group study at Kalpana's home. Kalpana is 19 years old and a strong believer. I believe God is going to use her and her two brothers to reach the youth in Bhaktapur. Ok, so this home group was an awesome experience because a new believer came to study with us (she just got saved at church the day before!!). I had the priveledge of teaching about Jesus and the cross, and sin. All of these things were new to her. She even asked 'What is sin?' Oh man this was such a joy. Pastor David and Sony were teaching her before the study started about the basics of Christianity. Then I taught from 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21 about how we are Christ's representatives. When I first heard this passage of scripture it was being preached by Brother Brad Williams and we were at a prison revival. I was changed from hearing I was Christ's ambassador. Then we looked at ROmans 10: 9-15, Col. 3: 15-17, and Matthew 28:19. We had a home group at night as well.

Thankful

2008-02-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

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 nothave 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

I will not leave you orphans

2008-02-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

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

Children's Home

2008-02-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Are you willing?

2008-02-23T02:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Knock, Knock

2008-02-21T03:29:00.000-08:00

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.

PS in the picture, from left to right, Rena's mom, Mrs. Bev, Bro Rick, Rena, Rena's husband

Across the river

2008-02-20T04:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Tea Time

2008-02-19T02:14:00.000-08:00

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. :)

Considerable Devotion to Remain

2008-02-18T15:12:00.001-08:00

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.

'Just like a tree planted by the river.....

2008-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

...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

Leaving Soon....!!!!

2008-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

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.

God's 'Red Hot' Love

2008-02-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

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.

Hi!

2008-02-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

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