Doesn't that give you joy? Anything and everything a Christian goes through in life is, but for God. It's foolishness to those that don't understand because they haven't recieved God's gift of his Advocate (John 14:26, 15:26 ), allowing us a living relationship to God.
We are nearing the end of our time in California. You've laughed with us, cried with us, rejoiced with us, and wondered at times why in the world we did it. Yep, me too. But, for God.
There's more than my selfish desires to this world.
There's a deep-rooted learning of who God is, why I exist in relation to God, and how I choose to live when I understand these things.
I've been reflecting over the life of a missionary. It dawned on me that there are certain qualities that are coveted to ease missionary living. It requires a certain, "joie de vivre", if you will. A "come what may" attitude and a willingness to not let your feathers get ruffled. Puns and conundrums also come in handy.
Let's not forget the ability to get along with others. Or living in small spaces. Or being amused by the fact that you really didn't need to bring that sewing machine, or 5 pairs of coats (which oddly enough keep popping up in the strangest storage places...).
Humor is a must. After all, who else would think of playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to decide who gets to go out in the cold to complete an errand? Or being mildly amused when you find a thin film of grease on dishes previously washed by your 8 year old (and later watching him ask, "Who washed the dishes last!? These dishes are dirty!")
Flexibility is a must. Plans change, and knowing different skills (poker faces are high on the list) just add to the repertoire of hats that a missionary wears. You'd be amazed at some of the skills developed!
But for God.
Everything flavored with the love of God; whether it be recognizing one's hardened heart and releasing one's selfish motives, or seeing the whole picture and being content with the moment.
I'll leave you with one last thought from Colossians. But before I do, thank you to all our financial and prayer supporters.
You are the fuel that keeps us going. And we encourage anyone who would like to join us in financial support to do so. Your giving not only benefits our ministry, but you!
When you give, God gives back to you. There's a blessing that words cannot express when you unselfishly share. So thank you again to our current supporters, and an encouragement to give for those that feel God calling you to do so. Just email us at info@believersbridge.org.
"We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9b-12
We are now in Belem, Brazil. Come join us on our Brazilian Rowley Adventures!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Only so many hours in a day
I don’t think I can recount everything that has happened since my last communiqué. Besides the constant family-bonding in our 200sq ft space (and you are welcome to read between the lines here…), we have been busy meeting new people, presenting our ministry, and linking up with other ministries/people who could become possible partners.
Not only are we busy with coordinating mission opportunities, but we also have the daily duties of running an office. Which I’m sure brings to mind several questions from my readers: “How in the world are they running an office in a 200sq ft space?!”, and “When do they find the time to do it?!”, and maybe a few other questions.
I’m very tempted to keep you hanging. The imagination is a wonderful tool at times. J
Oh, fine. Basically, we thought ahead a little bit and bought a printer that fits on a counter in the back. We also brought along other office staples that have allowed us to put together printed information as needed. And there are times when we have stayed up late to finish things. It’s just all part of doing a start-up ministry. (Don’t forget that I am also homeschooling 3 boys in between everything else…).
Another totally awesome (just giving this post a little bit of the CA lingo…) event that happened when we got here was the church’s missions pastor has allowed us to use an extra room they have available. Bill has used it more than I have, but it has been invaluable for getting work done.
Looking ahead we will be attending our alma mater’s 40thYear Celebration event coming up this weekend, and planning an international meal dinner to share about the ministry on February 26th.
Meanwhile we are continuing to work on details, homeschooling, fundraising, meeting people, living, arbitrating fighting boys, reminding fighting boys to “chill”, and any other situation/event/meeting that might arise.
Well, needless to say, everyone is anxious to get back to a “real” home. Which is ironic, because living in our RV for this amount of time has really given me a new perspective on what some missionaries give up to minister to others.
Man, there are people out there who don’t mind giving up certain comforts, or even basic ways of living (using a washer/dryer for clothes, maybe hunting/growing their food, not having internet/TV *gasp*, or other) because their love for the lost compels them to it (and God probably has helped prepare them for some of those circumstances).
It’s so awesome when the body of Christ works as a body and when each part doesn’t fuss (using some AL
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:14-15
Just sayin'...
Here’s one last thing to leave with you as you are mulling that over. It’s a story Bill shared with me before we were married and it has always stuck in my head.
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