This evening (it's 11:00 pm here) I was moved so much by God's Holy Spirit. The tears kept flooding as my Romanian brother looked at me saying, "Jesus can heal every pain in your life." Then again they flowed as dear Carola sang about the deep pain of life and the deep love of Jesus. Then again as the Finnish dancers presented the all-covering love of the Father as He welcomed His wayward child.
All these tears, all these emotions and a long day = fever.
My dear friends have prayed over me and filled me with vitamins. I covet your prayers. I want to be well so that I may have the opportunity to share the Gospel with these students. Pray especially that God may put His words in our mouth and His boldness in our hearts.
Love to home.
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Holy Spirit is Dancing in European Hearts
I awoke to the sound of squeaky toys, kazoos and diesel engines. Those first two sounds? Birds. They have to be for they move. Two of the squeaky toy birds were having quite the rapid-squeaky-row this morning as they zoomed past my window. It will not shut, that window. Instead it remains ajar by several inches and affords me a marvelous first-ear experience to the sounds of Balkan life. :)
Last night we got to meet our students! I was surprised by the amount of training some of them had. One fifteen year old, Zona, has had eleven years of art classes. I began to feel again, "what do I have to offer?" My Austrian roommate, Carola, laid a gentle hand on my wrist. "Do not worry. I feel the same way. God can do it."
My communication was impaired by horse vocal cords. I felt a bit sick on Wednesday, but thought it might pass for nothing. But this morning is the third day of tender temples and a deep, but seldom cough. Please pray for my health and the health of the other teachers.
The Holy Spirit is at work in Europe.
Nik (Neek) from Romania, is fresh from Bible college. This multi-lingual Romanian shared with me deep and stirring accounts of the God's work across Europe. He was called as a missionary to Macedonia. Only 8 days after his arrival a thief broke into his house. He caught the thief, then shared the Gospel with him over a hot cup of tea. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I learned that Romania has been sending missionaries around the globe--to the Balkans, Africa, India and even America.
On Tuesday my new friend, Naile, worked with American missionaries for a kids camp. She was translating the stories of the Gospel bracelet. One kid said, "I will throw this away when I leave because Jesus is Catholic!" "No, not true!" She replied, "Jesus is the Son of God." Others were listening. The Holy Spirit enabled her make short but very clearly Gospel presentation so they could understand. After that in another session, the boy she shared with was listening attentively to the stories.
"God is opening doors even with kids." ~Naile
Tonight the Gospel was presented through the arts--through theater, music, and dance. Austrian Carola shared about our deep need for love through her throaty Jazz music. Arijeta, a native actress, got to openly share the Gospel with the group. The Finnish dance team moved me to tears as I saw the Prodigal Son presented in the form of dance.
The Protestant church is growing. People are seeking. They know there is more to religion. Jesus is the only hope that they have. The fields are ripe for harvest.
Last night we got to meet our students! I was surprised by the amount of training some of them had. One fifteen year old, Zona, has had eleven years of art classes. I began to feel again, "what do I have to offer?" My Austrian roommate, Carola, laid a gentle hand on my wrist. "Do not worry. I feel the same way. God can do it."
My communication was impaired by horse vocal cords. I felt a bit sick on Wednesday, but thought it might pass for nothing. But this morning is the third day of tender temples and a deep, but seldom cough. Please pray for my health and the health of the other teachers.
The Holy Spirit is at work in Europe.
Nik (Neek) from Romania, is fresh from Bible college. This multi-lingual Romanian shared with me deep and stirring accounts of the God's work across Europe. He was called as a missionary to Macedonia. Only 8 days after his arrival a thief broke into his house. He caught the thief, then shared the Gospel with him over a hot cup of tea. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I learned that Romania has been sending missionaries around the globe--to the Balkans, Africa, India and even America.
On Tuesday my new friend, Naile, worked with American missionaries for a kids camp. She was translating the stories of the Gospel bracelet. One kid said, "I will throw this away when I leave because Jesus is Catholic!" "No, not true!" She replied, "Jesus is the Son of God." Others were listening. The Holy Spirit enabled her make short but very clearly Gospel presentation so they could understand. After that in another session, the boy she shared with was listening attentively to the stories.
"God is opening doors even with kids." ~Naile
Tonight the Gospel was presented through the arts--through theater, music, and dance. Austrian Carola shared about our deep need for love through her throaty Jazz music. Arijeta, a native actress, got to openly share the Gospel with the group. The Finnish dance team moved me to tears as I saw the Prodigal Son presented in the form of dance.
The Protestant church is growing. People are seeking. They know there is more to religion. Jesus is the only hope that they have. The fields are ripe for harvest.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Inadequacy
I am young and feel inadequate for the task ahead. Jeremiah could relate.
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; appointed you as a prophet to the nations." "Alas, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young." But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I sen you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Then the reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Lord, put Your words in my mouth today. Use me as You will.
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands." Psalm 138:8
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; appointed you as a prophet to the nations." "Alas, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young." But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I sen you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Then the reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
Lord, put Your words in my mouth today. Use me as You will.
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands." Psalm 138:8
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Quick Update
I probably won't be able to communicate much in the next few days. As of
10 am tomorrow until Saturday evening we will be busy little beavers,
probably with limited sleep. Tomorrow is orientation and then we begin the camp at 6 tomorrow night! There are over a dozen teachers/artists here from all around Europe and the States. Please pray for stamina, strength and
health. The leaders especially need prayer for stamina, peace, and wisdom as they make crucial decisions.
Much love from the Balkans.
Much love from the Balkans.
desperate for your prayers
We are desperate for your prayers.
Our team of leaders, teachers, and volunteers needs great wisdom and discretion in how we share the Gospel, here in the Balkans. Rather than Gospel outreach, our approach will be more an "in-reach," loving the people and silently praying over them. Our team is like an undercover special task force. There are serious proselytization laws in place. We need to be constantly alert, aware of what we say and how we say it.
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
And praise God, those forces have already been defeated!
Our team of leaders, teachers, and volunteers needs great wisdom and discretion in how we share the Gospel, here in the Balkans. Rather than Gospel outreach, our approach will be more an "in-reach," loving the people and silently praying over them. Our team is like an undercover special task force. There are serious proselytization laws in place. We need to be constantly alert, aware of what we say and how we say it.
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
And praise God, those forces have already been defeated!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Yamilex
Noon here at the Ljubljana airport. I'm gazing out at the picturesque Slovenian mountains. My team: Jim and Anne Mills, and Brian and Carla Butler. We're on our way to the Balkans for an arts camp.
I had a very engaging conversation with my neighbor, Yamilex, on the plane from Brussels. Originally from the Dominican Republic, the sixteen year old moved to Antwerp, Belgium twelve years ago. She is on her way to a stay abroad program here in Slovenia. We conversed for some time. "There are a lot of strangers in Antwerp, a lot of Muslims." "Are you Muslim?" I asked. No, she was not. She half-heartedly followed her mom's Protestant beliefs. She read her Bible and prayed. I prayed silently, "Help me Lord!" I asked her if she knew Jesus personally. "What do you mean?" she asked quizzically. I began to outline the Gospel, beginning with the Beginning, to emphasize God's holiness, our death-sentencing sinfulness, and God's beautiful love for us in sending His Son Jesus. "And that is how you can know Jesus personally," I concluded. I didn't confront her or force her to make an immediate decision. But we continued to talk and discuss different Scriptures. A little smile, a little wave and we were parted, probably to never see each other again.
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:6
to all you dear family and friends who are praying for me and who gave to make this trip possible--thank you for working alongside me in the field.
I had a very engaging conversation with my neighbor, Yamilex, on the plane from Brussels. Originally from the Dominican Republic, the sixteen year old moved to Antwerp, Belgium twelve years ago. She is on her way to a stay abroad program here in Slovenia. We conversed for some time. "There are a lot of strangers in Antwerp, a lot of Muslims." "Are you Muslim?" I asked. No, she was not. She half-heartedly followed her mom's Protestant beliefs. She read her Bible and prayed. I prayed silently, "Help me Lord!" I asked her if she knew Jesus personally. "What do you mean?" she asked quizzically. I began to outline the Gospel, beginning with the Beginning, to emphasize God's holiness, our death-sentencing sinfulness, and God's beautiful love for us in sending His Son Jesus. "And that is how you can know Jesus personally," I concluded. I didn't confront her or force her to make an immediate decision. But we continued to talk and discuss different Scriptures. A little smile, a little wave and we were parted, probably to never see each other again.
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:6
to all you dear family and friends who are praying for me and who gave to make this trip possible--thank you for working alongside me in the field.
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