Please be in prayer for us. Maggie currently has an application in for a tourist visa to Brazil. If it's God's will for her to go short term this summer, we pray that it will be approved.
Of course, as things go for us, we've had a surprise. After months of calling the consulate and getting the answering machine and having no one call me back, I spoke to a live person yesterday. It was the lady who originally helped us. She said to call back in 15 days and she would see what she could find out. Why 15 days, after 11 months, I don't know. Please pray for us. After we've made steps to stay, it will be emotional to go if the visas are approved. There will be some things that will have to be worked out as far as supporters go, also, after all this time. Of course, it will still be emotional if we find that they are denied. And to be told to wait again...But we know that God is in control.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
From the upcoming newlsetter
“A man’s heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
We want to let all of you know how much we appreciate your prayer, support and encouragement. As you know, it has been 11 months since we applied for our visas. We know that God called us to ministry, and we have a desire to serve in Brazil. We know He has worked in mighty ways throughout this entire journey. Because of God, we are debt free. We have sold our house. We’ve developed many wonderful relationships and raised a support base. We also know that when he wants to release us to Brazil, our visas will be authorized.
Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time: it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Many times in scripture we find God’s plan taking what seems to us as humans to be an unreasonable amount of time. We see Abraham (Genesis 15) and Noah (Genesis 6 & 7) moving on in faith, waiting for God’s promise. We read of doors to service being closed to Paul (Acts 16:6-10). We feel that the doors to Brazil are being closed to us for the present. This is something that we don’t understand, but we do trust the One who is in control.
When God calls, we want to be prepared. We need to have some “roots” while we are here, but they need to be loose. We, God willing, will not accumulate any debt, or un-needed material items. We will rent, not buy, a house.
We also plan to be busy in the ministry. We believe we are commanded to do this, and that it will help to better prepare us for Brazil.
We had a few difficult months dealing with the idea that we may not go to Brazil next month, or even next year. However, we now are really excited at the opportunities to serve as we wait on God. We’d like to share a few of these with you. Please pray for us as we press on.
Truth Project
We are excited to begin working with Truth Project. This organization was started by our friend Junior (Juniclei) Miranda. Junior is a Brazilian from Santarem, where Amanda Smith is serving, and near Obidos, where we hope to serve.
Junior is now married to an American and living in Indiana. He is a soccer coach at Covenant Christian High School. His ministry uses sports evangelism and music to reach the lost. Junior began this ministry by taking short term trips to Brazil. Truth Project now is reaching out to the Hispanic population in Indiana. They have invitations to minister in other states, Mexico, and Guatemala. We hope to help with different sports clinics, VBS with a sports theme, and doing maintenance and repairs on churches among other things. Our background with Spanish and Portuguese will be helpful!!
Maggie will be trying to get a tourist visa to go to Brazil with Truth Project in June. Pray that this goes through for her. We are not all trying, because we believe this would raise red flags, since our volunteer visas are still being processed.
Faith Family Ministries
We are still active with our church. Different members of our family are involved with AWANA, youth, the nursery, Kids 4 Him, etc. We are hosting a group for the upcoming Mii.experience. Maggie, Jody and Jacob will be going on a short term trip to Mexico in July with a group from church. They will be doing construction.
Other Plans
We also hope to contact a Hispanic church in Frankfort to see how we might work with them. Jody’s speaking Spanish, and making contacts while interpreting for the hospital might be helpful.
We’d like to try to do an outreach in a park, similar to what we’d do in Brazil. We were thinking of an evening of games, puppets, snacks, crafts, and a presentation of the gospel geared towards children. We could then send information home about the second evening which would be for the entire family and would include food and a presentation of the “Jesus” film. We have plenty of supplies in trunks waiting to be used!
If you have any questions, or any ideas for us, please let us know. We want to be open to what God has in store.
CONTACT INFO
Phone: 765-659-1430, 765-242-2684
Mailing address: PO Box 506
Frankfort, IN 46041
online at: www.casa1631.blogspot.com
www.lovemministries.org
email: fields.jody@gmail.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
Merry Christmas!
“Are You Still Here?”
You’ve seen that heading before, haven’t you? We applied for our visas 7 months ago. We still have no word on them.
We’d like to share a little of what we have been doing since the last newsletter. Don has been helping out with the youth at Faith Family Ministries on Wednesdays. He had a lock-in for some of the boys. Ask him if he stayed awake the whole time! He also had the privilege of baptizing another friend’s daughter. He’s about to start a new job at Brock.
Jody helps in AWANA occasionally, and continues homeschooling the boys. She still translates at the hospital, and has had some opportunities to witness in the neighborhood.
Maggie continues her schooling online through Taylor University. She helps with Kidmo on Sunday mornings, and has a part time job.
Emily is working at NHK, and has decided she will not be going with us on the mission field. She wants to see what God has in store for her here, and to continue her education. She works in the church nursery on Sunday mornings.
Jacob participates in youth and especially enjoys small group and helping out Pastor Stephen when he can. He is learning guitar.
Curt is also in youth and small group. He is playing basketball at the YMCA and is learning to play drums.
Treyton is growing in leaps and bounds! He loves his AWANA at church, and is taking tumbling at the Y. All 3 boys love sledding!
PRAISES
• Praise God for encouragement through His word.
• He’s provided a great house for us to stay in!
• He provided Don with a job with more hours. (more hours=more income)
• He put it on someone’s heart to send a check for the ministry in the amount of $1,500! Anonymously!
• He gives the kids strength and helps them make decisions.
PRAYERS
• Please pray for guidance.
• Pray for opportunities to minister while we wait.
• Pray for strength.
• Pray for God’s continued provision.
NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION!
God has been stretching our faith and refining us. It seems as if we have been waiting for ever to get to Brazil! We are honestly seeking God’s guidance daily. Did we mistake the call to missions for the call to Brazil? Is the door to Brazil closed, and if so, which door will He open? Should we wait longer? If we wait, will he continue to miraculously provide for us? Should we look into other areas in which we can minister? There’s a fine line between stepping out in faith, and getting ahead of God, between waiting on the Lord, and getting stuck in a rut. Making these kinds of life changing decisions is very uncomfortable! Having faith requires admitting that we are not in control. We don’t know what our future holds. But do any of us?
Because we don’t know what the future will bring, we must remember that 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “…now is the day of salvation.” This is important for believers and non-believers. Romans 10:13-15 says, “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”
Now is the day of salvation if you don’t know Jesus. Now is the day of salvation if you’re called to share the gospel. Now is the day of salvation if God is calling you to help send someone out to share the gospel.
We may not have tomorrow. Now is the day of salvation. After all, that is why Jesus came to earth as a baby, lived a sinless life, and took our sins upon Himself, dying on the cross in our place. He rose again, so that now could be the day of salvation to all who believe.
Please pray for God to show us all our role in His great plan!Revelations 7:9-10 says, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Please pray for God to show us all our role in His great plan!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Temporary
We've been feeling like this waiting is unbearable. Look what was in my email today, the daily devotion I get from FFM.
Today’s Turning Point
Evidence of Hope
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17
If you have ever had to practice football twice a day in 100 degree heat, endure nine weeks of military basic training, or live with nausea for six weeks of chemotherapy, you were likely told, "Hang in there. You can do anything for a short period of time." The difference between "temporary" and "permanent" can seem like the difference between life and death.
The apostle Paul knew the difference between the two. There were many occasions in his Christian life where he felt terrible, but he never lost heart (2 Corinthians 4:16). In fact, his favorite phrase was "but not": Hard-pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (verses 8-9). Paul knew that every difficulty was temporary. Even if it lasted his whole life, he still saw it as temporary compared to the hope of eternity. If he ever lost hope, it was only for the moment. His permanent perspective was eternal hope in the goodness and purpose of God.
Have you learned to separate the temporary from the permanent in your life? That distinction is evidence that hope is alive and well.
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
Adoniram Judson
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Today’s Turning Point
Evidence of Hope
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17
If you have ever had to practice football twice a day in 100 degree heat, endure nine weeks of military basic training, or live with nausea for six weeks of chemotherapy, you were likely told, "Hang in there. You can do anything for a short period of time." The difference between "temporary" and "permanent" can seem like the difference between life and death.
The apostle Paul knew the difference between the two. There were many occasions in his Christian life where he felt terrible, but he never lost heart (2 Corinthians 4:16). In fact, his favorite phrase was "but not": Hard-pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (verses 8-9). Paul knew that every difficulty was temporary. Even if it lasted his whole life, he still saw it as temporary compared to the hope of eternity. If he ever lost hope, it was only for the moment. His permanent perspective was eternal hope in the goodness and purpose of God.
Have you learned to separate the temporary from the permanent in your life? That distinction is evidence that hope is alive and well.
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
Adoniram Judson
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Brethren pray for us.---1 Thess. 5:25
Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything.----Hebrews 13:18
Paul, in his wisdom, knew he needed supernatural strength to withstand the enemy, and in his humility, he knew to ask his brothers and sisters to pray for him in this matter. Ephesians 6:10-20 ends with, "Pray for me also, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel...that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should" (vv.19-20) We want to be God's witnesses where ever we are. We don't want our self-interest (getting to Brazil NOW!) to interfere with God's divine schedule. Pray that Romans 12:2 will be true in our lives---And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Pastor Russ Noss (http://www.f-f-m.org/)shared in his message last Wednesday from Psalm 57:1-11. When we are "in a cave", as David was in 1 Samuel 24, we need to first pray for mercy. (vv.1-4) We need to take refuge under His wings until this passes. God is working it all together for our good and for His glory. He will fulfill his promises. We just have to wait. He is working.
We also must praise His majesty. (vv.5-8) David went from being downcast to feeling steadfast. God want our mouths more than our might. We need to praise Him, and He'll take care of the rest.
It is also our duty to proclaim His message among the nations-nations meaning people groups. (vv.9-11) Revelations 7:9-10 says, "...behold, a great multitude which no one could number, OF ALL NATIONS, TRIBES, PEOPLES AND TONGUES, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Yes, the title of this message was "God's Global Glory" and it was a missionary message! I know Pastor Russ didn't have us in mind when he prepared it, but God did!! Again.
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified...---2 Thessalonians 3:1a
Paul, in his wisdom, knew he needed supernatural strength to withstand the enemy, and in his humility, he knew to ask his brothers and sisters to pray for him in this matter. Ephesians 6:10-20 ends with, "Pray for me also, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel...that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should" (vv.19-20) We want to be God's witnesses where ever we are. We don't want our self-interest (getting to Brazil NOW!) to interfere with God's divine schedule. Pray that Romans 12:2 will be true in our lives---And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Pastor Russ Noss (http://www.f-f-m.org/)shared in his message last Wednesday from Psalm 57:1-11. When we are "in a cave", as David was in 1 Samuel 24, we need to first pray for mercy. (vv.1-4) We need to take refuge under His wings until this passes. God is working it all together for our good and for His glory. He will fulfill his promises. We just have to wait. He is working.
We also must praise His majesty. (vv.5-8) David went from being downcast to feeling steadfast. God want our mouths more than our might. We need to praise Him, and He'll take care of the rest.
It is also our duty to proclaim His message among the nations-nations meaning people groups. (vv.9-11) Revelations 7:9-10 says, "...behold, a great multitude which no one could number, OF ALL NATIONS, TRIBES, PEOPLES AND TONGUES, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Yes, the title of this message was "God's Global Glory" and it was a missionary message! I know Pastor Russ didn't have us in mind when he prepared it, but God did!! Again.
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified...---2 Thessalonians 3:1a
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The hands and feet of Jesus
Maggie found this first picture on Jan and Scotty's blog (see link). A Frankfort church ministered in Obidos and took this picture in 2007. Maggie and I took the next 3 pictures in 2004. We believe this is the same little girl. We've prayed for her for 3 years, never knowing what happened to her. Praise God for the church in Obidos, Jan and Scotty, Amanda and the US groups who have continued to minister there!!!!
"It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor." Martin Luther
Matthew 25:35-36, 40 "...for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was in prison and you came to Me...Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
Please let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, wherever we are.
"It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor." Martin Luther
Matthew 25:35-36, 40 "...for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was in prison and you came to Me...Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
Please let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, wherever we are.
Monday, November 05, 2007
None but Jesus--HillsongUnited
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
So when You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
So when You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Seasons
God certainly works in amazing ways, doesn't he? Last Sunday, when I took Maggie to Ft.Wayne to leave for her mission trip to Omaha, He sent a pastor from Rwanda to speak to me. I know, there were other reasons for him coming to the States for the first time, but he came to speak to me. We attended the African Fellowship's worship service. This pastor shared from Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. He said that God has given us time for everything. We just have to know our seasons, and manage our time in a way that glorifies God. There was more to it than that, but it reminded me that God's timing is best, and that I need to make the most of this time of waiting.
Next, God used a stolen bike to show me that I can trust Him. Curt's bike, well, let's just say that it was dead. We'd been saying, "You can get a new bike when we get to Brazil." for so long now. Monday night Curt and I prayed that God would help us find a bike the next day. We were honestly going to go to a place that takes them and compresses them, just to see if there was a usable one. We had to make our almost daily trip to Walmart also, so I decided just to go and look at the bikes. To make a long story a little bit shorter, we bought a bike marked "$25-as is" which turned out to be a stolen bike, which we had to leave at the police station. Curt said, "I'm not worried. I'm certain I'm getting a bike today." We went back to Walmart to talk to them about it, and the manager we spoke to said, " I'm so sorry. Come on and let's pick you out a new bike." So Curt got a brand new bike for $25. God gave him a bike to say, "Look, you can trust me. I love you."
Next, God used a stolen bike to show me that I can trust Him. Curt's bike, well, let's just say that it was dead. We'd been saying, "You can get a new bike when we get to Brazil." for so long now. Monday night Curt and I prayed that God would help us find a bike the next day. We were honestly going to go to a place that takes them and compresses them, just to see if there was a usable one. We had to make our almost daily trip to Walmart also, so I decided just to go and look at the bikes. To make a long story a little bit shorter, we bought a bike marked "$25-as is" which turned out to be a stolen bike, which we had to leave at the police station. Curt said, "I'm not worried. I'm certain I'm getting a bike today." We went back to Walmart to talk to them about it, and the manager we spoke to said, " I'm so sorry. Come on and let's pick you out a new bike." So Curt got a brand new bike for $25. God gave him a bike to say, "Look, you can trust me. I love you."
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Prayer Request
Please pray for safety and divine opportunities for my daughter, Maggie, and Renee as they drive to Omaha to share God’s salvation message with a refugee group. This is a wonderful opportunity for Maggie, but she will definitely be out of her comfort zone. They leave on Monday.
When we moved into this house, Brooke, who lived here before us, and had just left for Costa Rica, left 3 sticky notes on the bathroom mirror. One said, "I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help." (Psalm40:1) Another said, "The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1) The third said, "Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. (Psalm 62:5) Those have become special verses to me. God is faithful and has provided for our every need as we have waited. "If the Lord had not been on our side-let Israel say-If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us. Then the waters would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging waters would have swept over us. Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the hunter's net; the net is torn, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:1-8)
Please pray that anything left to be accomplished will be accomplished, that any obstacles will be removed, and that God will release us to go.
When we moved into this house, Brooke, who lived here before us, and had just left for Costa Rica, left 3 sticky notes on the bathroom mirror. One said, "I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help." (Psalm40:1) Another said, "The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1) The third said, "Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. (Psalm 62:5) Those have become special verses to me. God is faithful and has provided for our every need as we have waited. "If the Lord had not been on our side-let Israel say-If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger against us. Then the waters would have engulfed us; the torrent would have swept over us; the raging waters would have swept over us. Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the hunter's net; the net is torn, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:1-8)
Please pray that anything left to be accomplished will be accomplished, that any obstacles will be removed, and that God will release us to go.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Faith
The following is something I wanted to post about a week ago, but never got to the library to do. I decided to go ahead and post it any way. More recently I read about how faith requires a certain amount of helplessness-something our carnal nature detests. BINGO! That is exactly why waiting is so hard-that feeling of helplessness!
Here's the post.
Oh, waiting is so hard! God is supplying all of our needs. He is providing opportunities to serve right here, but waiting is still so hard! Sometimes I am so tired, I just want it to be over. But I pray, and turn it over to God AGAIN and he is faithful. He gives me just what I need. Today the devotional in my Everyday With Jesus Bible was titled, “Keep Your Eyes on the Tide”. The scripture was Psalm 110:3, “Your people will volunteer on Your day of battle.” It started out with: “Has God something bigger than we are at present seeing?…How can we be open to receive it? It comes at the precise moment God appoints but is carried down from heaven on the wings of fervent, believing prayer.” I continued reading about how the daughter of General Booth (of the Salvation Army) asked his advice during a very discouraging time. General Booth said to her, “Take your eyes off the waves and fix them on the tide.” The author said to ask ourselves if the tide is rising. If we look with the eye of faith, we will see that it is. When it breaks we should pray that it will not find us unprepared, but that we shall be a people who are willing on the day of God’s power. I am willing!!
Scriptures to read: Ez. 37:1-4, 2 Kg. 3:16-17, and Isaiah 40:3-5.
Please pray for Don this week. He will be preaching Sunday at Emmanuel Baptist in North Salem. I will give an update on Brazil, the girls will sing, and the boys will videotape and take pictures.
Here's the post.
Oh, waiting is so hard! God is supplying all of our needs. He is providing opportunities to serve right here, but waiting is still so hard! Sometimes I am so tired, I just want it to be over. But I pray, and turn it over to God AGAIN and he is faithful. He gives me just what I need. Today the devotional in my Everyday With Jesus Bible was titled, “Keep Your Eyes on the Tide”. The scripture was Psalm 110:3, “Your people will volunteer on Your day of battle.” It started out with: “Has God something bigger than we are at present seeing?…How can we be open to receive it? It comes at the precise moment God appoints but is carried down from heaven on the wings of fervent, believing prayer.” I continued reading about how the daughter of General Booth (of the Salvation Army) asked his advice during a very discouraging time. General Booth said to her, “Take your eyes off the waves and fix them on the tide.” The author said to ask ourselves if the tide is rising. If we look with the eye of faith, we will see that it is. When it breaks we should pray that it will not find us unprepared, but that we shall be a people who are willing on the day of God’s power. I am willing!!
Scriptures to read: Ez. 37:1-4, 2 Kg. 3:16-17, and Isaiah 40:3-5.
Please pray for Don this week. He will be preaching Sunday at Emmanuel Baptist in North Salem. I will give an update on Brazil, the girls will sing, and the boys will videotape and take pictures.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Waiting Like Caleb
The following, Waiting Like Caleb, was my daily email from the church. Last night's message was about Jacob wrestling with God for a blessing. The boys' reading this morning was about how God reminded the children of Israel of all he'd done for them. I'm hearing you, God! And we're hanging in there.
Today's Turning Point
Thursday, August 30
Waiting Like Caleb
And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.
Joshua 14:13
Do you know anyone who has had to wait a long time--a really long time--to do something he'd always dreamed of? Maybe that person is you. Maybe you saved money for ten years to take a vacation to Europe. Maybe you waited thirty whole minutes for your child to get off the computer. Or maybe it took you five years to get up the nerve to go bungee-jumping.
While waiting for anything in our hurry-up world is commendable, few people today wait as long as Caleb did. God had promised the children of Israel they would inherit Canaan, but they were too afraid to go up and take it--except for Joshua and Caleb. God made the rebellious generation wander in the wilderness for forty years until they died off (all except Joshua and Caleb). Then the new generation, along with Joshua and Caleb, got to go into their new Promised Land. Forty-five years after being ready to make a home in Canaan, Caleb finally got to do it (Joshua 14:10). He didn't complain, didn't give up, and didn't blame God. He just waited until God said, "Now is the time."
If you are waiting for something, do it like Caleb did. Good things come to those who wait on the Lord.
Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation.
Francis of Assisi
Recommended Reading
Numbers 13:1-33; 14:26-38
Today's Turning Point
Thursday, August 30
Waiting Like Caleb
And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.
Joshua 14:13
Do you know anyone who has had to wait a long time--a really long time--to do something he'd always dreamed of? Maybe that person is you. Maybe you saved money for ten years to take a vacation to Europe. Maybe you waited thirty whole minutes for your child to get off the computer. Or maybe it took you five years to get up the nerve to go bungee-jumping.
While waiting for anything in our hurry-up world is commendable, few people today wait as long as Caleb did. God had promised the children of Israel they would inherit Canaan, but they were too afraid to go up and take it--except for Joshua and Caleb. God made the rebellious generation wander in the wilderness for forty years until they died off (all except Joshua and Caleb). Then the new generation, along with Joshua and Caleb, got to go into their new Promised Land. Forty-five years after being ready to make a home in Canaan, Caleb finally got to do it (Joshua 14:10). He didn't complain, didn't give up, and didn't blame God. He just waited until God said, "Now is the time."
If you are waiting for something, do it like Caleb did. Good things come to those who wait on the Lord.
Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation.
Francis of Assisi
Recommended Reading
Numbers 13:1-33; 14:26-38
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Fellowship
“God is faithful, by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
“And indeed our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3
I’ve heard it explained before that we are all created with a spiritual vacuum that only God can fill. I also know the Bible says that when we have a relationship with Christ, we are called God’s sons. God adopts us!
Today I read that a person who doesn’t have fellowship with God can never know true fellowship with another person. The word “fellowship” comes from the Greek “koinonos,” meaning a sharer, i.e. associate: companion, partaker, partner.
Without being a partner with God, through a relationship with Jesus, we feel, consciously or unconsciously, as if we are cut off from our roots of being. We are spiritual orphans. Because of this, we don’t have the ability to truly fellowship with other humans.
Wow! I remember that feeling. Are you feeling cut off from everyone? You might need a relationship with Jesus. You can start by reading Acts 16:31 in the Bible. Email me at fields.jody@gmail.com if you’d like to talk about this.
Those of you who have a relationship with Jesus may find yourself drifting away. I’ve also found that when I’m not as close to Him as I should be, my relationships here aren’t the same.
Read Psalm 133. If we want to live in unity, as it’s described here, we first have to be right with God. Psalm 51a says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Then Nehemiah 8:10b says, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Only by God’s strength can we live right here on earth. This includes having right relationships with other people. I you’re struggling in your daily life, and are not sure why, try spending a little more time with God. Get quiet. Read your Bible. See how He speaks to you. Take what you learn and do it. Watch what happens.
“And indeed our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3
I’ve heard it explained before that we are all created with a spiritual vacuum that only God can fill. I also know the Bible says that when we have a relationship with Christ, we are called God’s sons. God adopts us!
Today I read that a person who doesn’t have fellowship with God can never know true fellowship with another person. The word “fellowship” comes from the Greek “koinonos,” meaning a sharer, i.e. associate: companion, partaker, partner.
Without being a partner with God, through a relationship with Jesus, we feel, consciously or unconsciously, as if we are cut off from our roots of being. We are spiritual orphans. Because of this, we don’t have the ability to truly fellowship with other humans.
Wow! I remember that feeling. Are you feeling cut off from everyone? You might need a relationship with Jesus. You can start by reading Acts 16:31 in the Bible. Email me at fields.jody@gmail.com if you’d like to talk about this.
Those of you who have a relationship with Jesus may find yourself drifting away. I’ve also found that when I’m not as close to Him as I should be, my relationships here aren’t the same.
Read Psalm 133. If we want to live in unity, as it’s described here, we first have to be right with God. Psalm 51a says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Then Nehemiah 8:10b says, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Only by God’s strength can we live right here on earth. This includes having right relationships with other people. I you’re struggling in your daily life, and are not sure why, try spending a little more time with God. Get quiet. Read your Bible. See how He speaks to you. Take what you learn and do it. Watch what happens.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Hi! :)
Hey everyone this is Maggie, making a quick post for my mom while she's busy packing. As you all may have heard we have been blessed with the opportunity to stay in a house in Frankfort! The house that we're staying does not have Internet access so please be patient with us. We'll try to make it to the library as much as possible and respond to your emails as soon as we can. If there are any emergencies you can contact us by calling my mom's cell phone (765-242-2137).
Mom also wanted me to thank everyone for the response that we got from our request for furniture. We have plenty to choose from! Thanks again! Deus te abencoe, Maggie
Mom also wanted me to thank everyone for the response that we got from our request for furniture. We have plenty to choose from! Thanks again! Deus te abencoe, Maggie
Friday, August 03, 2007
God's Plans :)
Oh, my! I am overwhelmed by God's provisions. The consulate still has no news on our visas, as of this afternoon. That could be very disappointing by itself, but we have had several blessings this week.
Don was called to come back to work for the plumbing business he has recently worked for. He hadn't worked for about 3 weeks. He also got a call from the bus garage asking if he wanted to do an afternoon bus route for a while. These things are great, but the drive to Frankfort from my mom's gets costly. Also, as school starts back up (we homeschool, so that isn't an issue), the kids start thinking of fall sports. It would be nice for them to do something while we wait, but again, the drive to Frankfort...
This may not be flowing together, but, stay with me a little longer.
We have been hearing for a few months that we need to meet the McClain family, a family going to Costa Rica as missionaries. No one ever told me how to get ahold of them though. To make a long story short, we finally touched bases this week. Turns out they are leaving the 7th for the mission field (Pray for them!) The house they've been living in would be sitting empty until sold. The owners of the house, Mike and Katrina Jenkins, are Christians, obviously interested in missions, and their daughter used to dance with our daughter...and they'd love to have us live in the house until it sells, or we leave!! It has appliances and some furniture! It's bigger than our house we previously owned. And God bless the people who have opened up their homes to us, and you know we love you all, but a house all to ourselves! No packing up and moving in a week!!! No driving from Noblesville to Frankfort!!!
God always provides what we need, when we need it. Not getting the visas yet AND still living in other's homes and moving around may have been more than we could take right now. Not getting the visas, and seeing God provide for us in this way is perfect.
Don was called to come back to work for the plumbing business he has recently worked for. He hadn't worked for about 3 weeks. He also got a call from the bus garage asking if he wanted to do an afternoon bus route for a while. These things are great, but the drive to Frankfort from my mom's gets costly. Also, as school starts back up (we homeschool, so that isn't an issue), the kids start thinking of fall sports. It would be nice for them to do something while we wait, but again, the drive to Frankfort...
This may not be flowing together, but, stay with me a little longer.
We have been hearing for a few months that we need to meet the McClain family, a family going to Costa Rica as missionaries. No one ever told me how to get ahold of them though. To make a long story short, we finally touched bases this week. Turns out they are leaving the 7th for the mission field (Pray for them!) The house they've been living in would be sitting empty until sold. The owners of the house, Mike and Katrina Jenkins, are Christians, obviously interested in missions, and their daughter used to dance with our daughter...and they'd love to have us live in the house until it sells, or we leave!! It has appliances and some furniture! It's bigger than our house we previously owned. And God bless the people who have opened up their homes to us, and you know we love you all, but a house all to ourselves! No packing up and moving in a week!!! No driving from Noblesville to Frankfort!!!
God always provides what we need, when we need it. Not getting the visas yet AND still living in other's homes and moving around may have been more than we could take right now. Not getting the visas, and seeing God provide for us in this way is perfect.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
God's plans
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The consulate says that they have no new information on our visas.
Thanks for your prayers.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The consulate says that they have no new information on our visas.
Thanks for your prayers.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Prayer
Dear friends,
I recently shared with some of you that a friend in Brazil felt led to share Revelation 3:8 with us. We know God has opened the door for us to serve in Brazil. It just has to be in His timing. Monday I will be calling the consulate to check on the visas. If it is time, we are praying for the doors to be opened. If it isn't time, we are praying for the doors to be opened for service here as we wait. Please pray with us!
Jody
I recently shared with some of you that a friend in Brazil felt led to share Revelation 3:8 with us. We know God has opened the door for us to serve in Brazil. It just has to be in His timing. Monday I will be calling the consulate to check on the visas. If it is time, we are praying for the doors to be opened. If it isn't time, we are praying for the doors to be opened for service here as we wait. Please pray with us!
Jody
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Revelation 3:8
:) I pray that God has been blessing you all, and that you have been a blessing to someone!
We went to Chicago Tuesday and took the name of the 2nd Brazilian church off of the visa applications. We decided that was the way to go, rather than trying to get the necessary letter from them in Brazil. Now, the people at the consulate said everything will be sent to Brazil, and we can check back in 4 weeks to see if we've been authorized.
A friend in Brazil emailed and said God had touched his heart to share Rev. 3:8 with us: "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Praise God.
We went to Chicago Tuesday and took the name of the 2nd Brazilian church off of the visa applications. We decided that was the way to go, rather than trying to get the necessary letter from them in Brazil. Now, the people at the consulate said everything will be sent to Brazil, and we can check back in 4 weeks to see if we've been authorized.
A friend in Brazil emailed and said God had touched his heart to share Rev. 3:8 with us: "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Praise God.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Boa tarde everyone. Good afternoon. Just thought we'd let everyone know that we are just waiting on the visas. We applied about 4 weeks ago and they said to check back in 6-8 weeks. They've called once asking for another paper from Brazil, which we are working on. The house is sold, we're debt free and packed. Please pray for God's will to be done in this situation.
We are living with my mom in Noblesville, but for the last week and a half, we've been staying with our friends the Colemans, in Frankfort. We had ballgames, doctor's appointments and VBS. Driving back and forth to Noblesville would cost a fortune. Don does it every day for work any way. We still have a couple of offers of places to stay here, and we may be calling those people and taking them up on the offer!
God is working on us, preparing us for what's to come. We are anxiously waiting! Maybe I should say, expectantly, not anxiously.
We'll let you know when we have a comissioning date, departure date, etc.
We are living with my mom in Noblesville, but for the last week and a half, we've been staying with our friends the Colemans, in Frankfort. We had ballgames, doctor's appointments and VBS. Driving back and forth to Noblesville would cost a fortune. Don does it every day for work any way. We still have a couple of offers of places to stay here, and we may be calling those people and taking them up on the offer!
God is working on us, preparing us for what's to come. We are anxiously waiting! Maybe I should say, expectantly, not anxiously.
We'll let you know when we have a comissioning date, departure date, etc.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day
Hello Everyone! This is Maggie. Happy Father's day to all you Father out there. I just wanted to take a few minutes to say how blessed I am to have the Christian father that I have. We have had our rough times, but my mom says that it is because we are so much alike(scary right…just kidding). I really take that as a complement. My aunt was joking around the other day and said that my dad and uncle can talk to anyone for five minutes and know their blood type. I think that this is a gift that my dad has. There is just something about him that makes people feel so comfortable and relaxed around him.
I just wanted to thank him for all that he does for our family. I want to thank him for all the times that he dressed up in a wedding outfit or a hula skirt to dance at Emily's and my dance recitals. I want to thank him for being the arms that comforted me when I would fall and hurt myself when I was younger. I want to thank him for patiently teaching me how to drive even when I would drive about 50 miles per hour over railroad tracks, even after he told me to slow down about a thousand times. I want to thank him for being a Daddy to all of us kids even though he didn't have one to learn from when he was younger. You are an honorable man Daddy and I love you sooooo much. Happy Father's Day.
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