The more times I see the movie August Rush it is fast becoming one of my favorite movies of all time. Not only is the acting fantastic, but also the story is one of the most beautiful and human stories I've seen on screen. The main plot is that of an orphaned boy named August who longs to find his parents, who themselves never meant to abandon him but were told he was dead. The theme through the movie is that music is what brought the parents together and it is music that will bring him home to them and them to him. It's a climactic tear jerking drama about love, grace, mercy and perseverance, and most of all hope. I can't help but get a much better glimpse of Christ constantly beckoning us to him with His perfect melody that the scripture says (Zep 3:17) He sings and dances over each one of us individually. His singing and rejoicing is harmonic and contagious, freeing, and redemptive....can you hear it? Will you follow it? One of the lines from the movie was so relatable to our Christian journey here on earth and to those who are in need of Christ's salvation..."if you could be anything in the whole world August, what would you be?" August replies confidently..."Found!". Amen!!
We all want to be found, truly found and God wants us all to be found. Until we are truly found there cannot be a sincere, honest, gospel impact. A gospel impact in our actions, with our spouses, with our children, in our communities, and in the world. The disciples are a great example of this for us. They knew Jesus loved them, and they loved him and fully committed to following him. It wasn't till after the death and resurrection though did they realize they had been found from their lost and hopeless state. Prior to that they believed who Jesus said he was the Son of God, but they didn't understand what Jesus would do for them and humanity, and most importantly the price he would pay in doing it. This lack of understanding and embracing the cross made them want to horde Jesus and keep him as close as possible, very much like a child would hold onto a possession. After the cross and the upper room the Holy Spirit brought to life the understanding that they had been found. That is when their true gospel impact happened and changed the world, as we know it.
What was the impact of the gospel when they realized they had been found finally? They gave it (Jesus) away! Unafraid and unashamed and with urgency they gave it away! Acts 3 was a great revelation of this fact for me. Peter as one of the key disciples before the cross would guard and follow Jesus out of performance time and time again but yet also showed that he was trying to measure up in a way. This led to his eventual denial, but what needs to be seen is that he did not know the cross was going to happen and what it would mean to how Jesus truly saw him. Peter already measured up because of Christ, but it would be in Christ's death that he would finally understand it....just like with all of us. In Acts chapter 3 though Peter says to a crippled man with confidence this time, "Money we don't have but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth get up and walk." When we know we have been truly found the impact is that we will give that gift away, and with urgency! Let's go give it away....today!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE
One thing that continues to amaze me in this life is how God can use anyone at anytime to fulfill His will. It's never too late for God to call on us. Some of you may know, but most of you aren't aware that I used to be a baseball player and coach. I had devoted my life to it at the early age of nine. It was an obsession from the first catch of the ball (even though the first catch was off my forehead). From nine to twenty one years old there were very few moments I wasn't practicing or thinking about improving at the sport. At night dreams of playing in college and championships saturated my mind.
After much success and playing in college for a bit, I still strove to continue in the sport and found myself creating a baseball instructional school that was successful for many years...Praise God! However, as passionate as I was about it all there still seemed to be a void in my life. There was a bigger and different calling still stirring in me that could not be shaken out. Have you ever felt that way, like there is a calling bigger than you, stirring deep, that there is something you are to pursue in complete dependence that God will open the doors and give you the courage and strength to accomplish it? That's how music ministry was birthed in my spirit.
The desire to lead worship and write music was always a resounding theme in my heart in different ways, but if someone had said that is what I'd be doing for the kingdom I would have laughed it off. With some Holy Spirit prompting and encouragement from my wife, friends, and family, music is exactly what I ended up pursuing. Doubts daily plagued my mind that maybe I was too old to start such a new endeavor. After realizing the ability baseball gave me to stay focused and disciplined on a repetitive task, and Carla and I losing our first child to miscarriage out came the intense passion needed to grow me toward a music ministry.
I believe I am not the only one out there that has recognized how God many times will give us natural abilities in things that in the long run we are not called to. This one thing alone may scare many out of fulfilling their calling in life. I remember being so nervous and scared pursuing something as different for me as music and singing, but knowing that it could bring such healing and encouragement to others with God's leading. It's the natural abilities though that will often help us through the rough and rocky seasons of what He has called us into for the kingdom. They give us the tools needed to stay sustainable and not grow weary of the good that we are drawn to.
You might have something stirring in you, but your reading this thinking I'm to old, or I don't have the right skills, maybe I have to have a degree, what do I have that people will need, I'm not strong enough, or whatever else. These are some of the things that all different age groups and ethnic backgrounds thought when God called them in the old and new testaments. David was great at worshipping, writing music, and tending sheep, but yet other than a few times for King Saul he was never a worship leader. Have you ever pondered that David wrote most of the psalms and yet that was not his calling? He was called to kingship and being a brave leader after the heart of God. His worship however was what strengthened, sustained, and guided him in much of his decisions. Paul was a leader by nature and good at it, even if for the wrong reasons. Then in one swift kick off a horse he was called by Jesus to preaching and evangelizing the gospel, and mostly to people who hadn't previously followed him. Esther was a commoner who was called to be Queen. Joseph was good at being an obedient and pesky little brother. He was called to be a prince of Egypt and his brothers. Peter was great at fishing and hard work, but as we know his calling was to preach, evangelize, and lead the first church. Finally one of the most over looked is Mary who was a peasant girl called to be the mother to the savior of the world. Wow! The list goes on and on, and I believe continues with the person you see every morning in the mirror.
You may be thinking God there is something You have caused to stir in me, but I am just a ballplayer, fisherman, businessman, stay home mom, younger brother, or construction worker, but God has given you these qualities to help sustain you in some way during times of desperation for Him in what He has truly called you to. God has proven over and over that it is never too late. There is not one of these bible leaders that did not feel inadequate in their calling even though they were good at other things. Ask the Lord what are you asking me to do for you in my small bit of faith. When do You want me to act on it? For when people have asked and acted on those two things; giants have tumbled, kingdoms have been saved, thousands have received the gospel, waters have parted, countless have been healed, and the Savior was born.
After much success and playing in college for a bit, I still strove to continue in the sport and found myself creating a baseball instructional school that was successful for many years...Praise God! However, as passionate as I was about it all there still seemed to be a void in my life. There was a bigger and different calling still stirring in me that could not be shaken out. Have you ever felt that way, like there is a calling bigger than you, stirring deep, that there is something you are to pursue in complete dependence that God will open the doors and give you the courage and strength to accomplish it? That's how music ministry was birthed in my spirit.
The desire to lead worship and write music was always a resounding theme in my heart in different ways, but if someone had said that is what I'd be doing for the kingdom I would have laughed it off. With some Holy Spirit prompting and encouragement from my wife, friends, and family, music is exactly what I ended up pursuing. Doubts daily plagued my mind that maybe I was too old to start such a new endeavor. After realizing the ability baseball gave me to stay focused and disciplined on a repetitive task, and Carla and I losing our first child to miscarriage out came the intense passion needed to grow me toward a music ministry.
I believe I am not the only one out there that has recognized how God many times will give us natural abilities in things that in the long run we are not called to. This one thing alone may scare many out of fulfilling their calling in life. I remember being so nervous and scared pursuing something as different for me as music and singing, but knowing that it could bring such healing and encouragement to others with God's leading. It's the natural abilities though that will often help us through the rough and rocky seasons of what He has called us into for the kingdom. They give us the tools needed to stay sustainable and not grow weary of the good that we are drawn to.
You might have something stirring in you, but your reading this thinking I'm to old, or I don't have the right skills, maybe I have to have a degree, what do I have that people will need, I'm not strong enough, or whatever else. These are some of the things that all different age groups and ethnic backgrounds thought when God called them in the old and new testaments. David was great at worshipping, writing music, and tending sheep, but yet other than a few times for King Saul he was never a worship leader. Have you ever pondered that David wrote most of the psalms and yet that was not his calling? He was called to kingship and being a brave leader after the heart of God. His worship however was what strengthened, sustained, and guided him in much of his decisions. Paul was a leader by nature and good at it, even if for the wrong reasons. Then in one swift kick off a horse he was called by Jesus to preaching and evangelizing the gospel, and mostly to people who hadn't previously followed him. Esther was a commoner who was called to be Queen. Joseph was good at being an obedient and pesky little brother. He was called to be a prince of Egypt and his brothers. Peter was great at fishing and hard work, but as we know his calling was to preach, evangelize, and lead the first church. Finally one of the most over looked is Mary who was a peasant girl called to be the mother to the savior of the world. Wow! The list goes on and on, and I believe continues with the person you see every morning in the mirror.
You may be thinking God there is something You have caused to stir in me, but I am just a ballplayer, fisherman, businessman, stay home mom, younger brother, or construction worker, but God has given you these qualities to help sustain you in some way during times of desperation for Him in what He has truly called you to. God has proven over and over that it is never too late. There is not one of these bible leaders that did not feel inadequate in their calling even though they were good at other things. Ask the Lord what are you asking me to do for you in my small bit of faith. When do You want me to act on it? For when people have asked and acted on those two things; giants have tumbled, kingdoms have been saved, thousands have received the gospel, waters have parted, countless have been healed, and the Savior was born.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
A NIGHT OUT
Have you noticed how when Jesus walked among the people he knew what the Father was doing often times by just noticing people around him? He kept things very simple like when walking by a blind man named Bartimeus and heard the man shouting and shouting and shouting the words "Oh Son Of David...". Jesus was like, yep that's the guy! This simplicity of being aware, I believe is a great indicator of the model Jesus was showing us. The lifestyle of Christ was consistent in this that He stopped for the one in his environment. I haven't read of a time where Jesus is sitting somewhere psyching himself up thinking "alright, alright, I can do this....I'm going to go over and talk to that person over there!" In simply knowing who he was in the Father there was a true freedom to bring the kingdom wherever he was in the present moment. Moving freely in His true identity compelled Him to make statements like this one "fear not, little flock for it is YOUR FATHER's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."-Luke 12:32 What an amazing promise for us from the lips of Jesus!
This was an incredible reminder to me while with my friend Sean the other night. I had just got home around 8pm from a fun Sunday afternoon with the family when I realized my I-pad had been left across town at the restaurant. On my way out of the house to drive back to the restaurant I called Sean to see if he was in the area. Sean is an amazingly humble guy with a testimony that borders on the unbelievable. He was so I picked him up to ride along. The waitress who had served my family was kind, but I sensed in my spirit that God had something great to say to her. This was why I called my friend Sean to ride along. We both anticipated the Holy Spirit was up to something. When we arrived the waitress (who I will refer to as Julie) was waiting there with the I-Pad. Julie was shocked when I told her what my sense was from the Lord, basically letting her know that He saw her, and cherished her, and sent me all the way back from my side of town just to tell her. She expressed much gratitude and her eyes lit up with a new countenance. Sean and I walked out and began asking the Lord if there was anyone else He wanted us to serve on the way back to my side of town. As we were driving Sean said "pull into Walmart." We walked into the front doors and passed 5 teenagers. Sean turned around and courageously said "Hey, how you all doing?" When they said they were fine, Sean continued, "So do you have any spiritual beliefs?" They all said Christian and that they had just got out of a youth group event. Inquiring a bit more he asked them how they came to have their faith, and they all responded that it was through their parents. All of them were intrigued as Sean shared a little info about his story and then Holy Spirit showed me his encouraging heart beat over one of them. I took the risk and shared the encouragement. The teens stood stunned as they realized God was loving them all in a powerful new way. After a few short minutes Holy Spirit had shared the loving heart of Jesus and the Father over these five future world changers. Three of them stood there in the entrance of Walmart with tears of joy and healing pouring off their face, wile the other two beamed with smiles from ear to ear supporting their friends. We finished by praying over them. Stopping for a bunch of young adults at 9pm in a Walmart the Holy Spirit just brings love and encouragement as we took a risk. We knew nothing about them but Jesus knows everything about them and wants them to know one thing; He is crazy about them! And He has a perfect plan for them. The next morning I received these words in an email "Hey my name is Daniel. You talked to me today at Walmart. I just wanted to say thank you for praying for me and I really needed it and it's something that was life changing and I won't forget it. Praise God!"
These incredible moments continued for another hour and a half as we both just stayed present in the moment as we made our way back to where Sean had parked his car. We walked through the store for a few minutes and I watched as Sean stopped for someone that the Holy Spirit guided him too. For ten minutes this complete stranger listened to him share a quick testimony of Jesus changing his life. It was amazing to see their gratitude toward him noticing them and where they were at in life.
On the way out of the store in the parking lot there were very few cars but one parked right next to us with a young gentleman standing outside his car with a peaceful demeanor. Immediately it became evident the Father was doing something so we said hi, and Sean shared his story quickly which was well received. The young man felt encouraged and told us he was from California right near where I was born! The Holy Spirit prompted me to ask his name and when I did there was a strong sense of what I was to share with him. It came down to that the gentleman just needed an assurance that Jesus was wanting a personal relationship with him and that it wasn't about anything he had to "do" to earn it. Amazing! We prayed over his life right there in the parking lot! All of this just going about heading home.
We pulled up to where we had parked Sean's car and sat there for a minute pondering with gratitude how Jesus let us hang out with him for the night when a Native American man approached us. We realized he had a giant lion head on his shirt and Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, so we engaged him. This man like the others was amazed that we would share God's heart for him. Through his tears of joy he allowed us to pray for his future, and over his injured wrist. We were saying our goodbyes for the night with no one around us that we could see when all of a sudden three young adults approached us. They asked if they could make a phone call with our cell phone. I felt prompted to ask their situation and they said they had been evicted form their apartment and were trying to get back to a parents house down town. These youth looked very clean and sober for that time of night. Just in a challenging situation in life we felt like we should give them a ride. They were grateful. As they got in the car I asked them how they felt they could trust us to take them. To our surprise they saw us praying for the Native American man from down the block and figured if we were willing to pray for a stranger we might be able to help them! Our night was continuing on as we drove them down to their family. During the drive Sean felt led to make sure they ate. This opened them up to share more with us and of course Sean new very well the inner city area of town where they were headed. Prayer and encouraging, specific words over their lives ensued before we dropped them off.
I had to chuckle on the way home as we recapped that the night began just going to pick up an I-pad that I left across town. There was no waiting to hear a word from the Father all day long or check list I went down to prepare for all that happened that night. Posturing our souls to listen to our Spirit and obey the Holy Spirit in possible uncomfort was all it took for event after event to break out. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing and yet He accomplished so much in three years books can not contain it all according to the apostle John. The Father has an adventure and assignment of love every day for you. Have you noticed the person in front of you or the situation around you? Maybe Jesus is asking you to participate with Him. Maybe, the Father is showing you what He is up to. Maybe He even wants to give you the Kingdom to give away. What might happen when you respond?
This was an incredible reminder to me while with my friend Sean the other night. I had just got home around 8pm from a fun Sunday afternoon with the family when I realized my I-pad had been left across town at the restaurant. On my way out of the house to drive back to the restaurant I called Sean to see if he was in the area. Sean is an amazingly humble guy with a testimony that borders on the unbelievable. He was so I picked him up to ride along. The waitress who had served my family was kind, but I sensed in my spirit that God had something great to say to her. This was why I called my friend Sean to ride along. We both anticipated the Holy Spirit was up to something. When we arrived the waitress (who I will refer to as Julie) was waiting there with the I-Pad. Julie was shocked when I told her what my sense was from the Lord, basically letting her know that He saw her, and cherished her, and sent me all the way back from my side of town just to tell her. She expressed much gratitude and her eyes lit up with a new countenance. Sean and I walked out and began asking the Lord if there was anyone else He wanted us to serve on the way back to my side of town. As we were driving Sean said "pull into Walmart." We walked into the front doors and passed 5 teenagers. Sean turned around and courageously said "Hey, how you all doing?" When they said they were fine, Sean continued, "So do you have any spiritual beliefs?" They all said Christian and that they had just got out of a youth group event. Inquiring a bit more he asked them how they came to have their faith, and they all responded that it was through their parents. All of them were intrigued as Sean shared a little info about his story and then Holy Spirit showed me his encouraging heart beat over one of them. I took the risk and shared the encouragement. The teens stood stunned as they realized God was loving them all in a powerful new way. After a few short minutes Holy Spirit had shared the loving heart of Jesus and the Father over these five future world changers. Three of them stood there in the entrance of Walmart with tears of joy and healing pouring off their face, wile the other two beamed with smiles from ear to ear supporting their friends. We finished by praying over them. Stopping for a bunch of young adults at 9pm in a Walmart the Holy Spirit just brings love and encouragement as we took a risk. We knew nothing about them but Jesus knows everything about them and wants them to know one thing; He is crazy about them! And He has a perfect plan for them. The next morning I received these words in an email "Hey my name is Daniel. You talked to me today at Walmart. I just wanted to say thank you for praying for me and I really needed it and it's something that was life changing and I won't forget it. Praise God!"
These incredible moments continued for another hour and a half as we both just stayed present in the moment as we made our way back to where Sean had parked his car. We walked through the store for a few minutes and I watched as Sean stopped for someone that the Holy Spirit guided him too. For ten minutes this complete stranger listened to him share a quick testimony of Jesus changing his life. It was amazing to see their gratitude toward him noticing them and where they were at in life.
On the way out of the store in the parking lot there were very few cars but one parked right next to us with a young gentleman standing outside his car with a peaceful demeanor. Immediately it became evident the Father was doing something so we said hi, and Sean shared his story quickly which was well received. The young man felt encouraged and told us he was from California right near where I was born! The Holy Spirit prompted me to ask his name and when I did there was a strong sense of what I was to share with him. It came down to that the gentleman just needed an assurance that Jesus was wanting a personal relationship with him and that it wasn't about anything he had to "do" to earn it. Amazing! We prayed over his life right there in the parking lot! All of this just going about heading home.
We pulled up to where we had parked Sean's car and sat there for a minute pondering with gratitude how Jesus let us hang out with him for the night when a Native American man approached us. We realized he had a giant lion head on his shirt and Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, so we engaged him. This man like the others was amazed that we would share God's heart for him. Through his tears of joy he allowed us to pray for his future, and over his injured wrist. We were saying our goodbyes for the night with no one around us that we could see when all of a sudden three young adults approached us. They asked if they could make a phone call with our cell phone. I felt prompted to ask their situation and they said they had been evicted form their apartment and were trying to get back to a parents house down town. These youth looked very clean and sober for that time of night. Just in a challenging situation in life we felt like we should give them a ride. They were grateful. As they got in the car I asked them how they felt they could trust us to take them. To our surprise they saw us praying for the Native American man from down the block and figured if we were willing to pray for a stranger we might be able to help them! Our night was continuing on as we drove them down to their family. During the drive Sean felt led to make sure they ate. This opened them up to share more with us and of course Sean new very well the inner city area of town where they were headed. Prayer and encouraging, specific words over their lives ensued before we dropped them off.
I had to chuckle on the way home as we recapped that the night began just going to pick up an I-pad that I left across town. There was no waiting to hear a word from the Father all day long or check list I went down to prepare for all that happened that night. Posturing our souls to listen to our Spirit and obey the Holy Spirit in possible uncomfort was all it took for event after event to break out. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing and yet He accomplished so much in three years books can not contain it all according to the apostle John. The Father has an adventure and assignment of love every day for you. Have you noticed the person in front of you or the situation around you? Maybe Jesus is asking you to participate with Him. Maybe, the Father is showing you what He is up to. Maybe He even wants to give you the Kingdom to give away. What might happen when you respond?
Friday, June 13, 2014
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NEW ALBUM
This first lyric from the song "Stop For The One" sums up my vision behind this new album. In this post I wanted to share the meaning and stories behind some of the new songs.
This project was born out of doing just that; stopping for the one in front of me. I was walking through the airport in Oklahoma City one day and had a lay over. My desire was to sit down with my guitar and write a song that was brewing on my heart about going home to see my beloved Carla and 3 boys. I sat next to a mom and her son, and they engaged me as I played. As I stopped and took the time to listen to their story they shared that the son had to make this trip frequently to another state to see his biological father. It was hard on the mom to constantly send her son on this trip. I encouraged her in the Lord and prayed for her and her son. While on the plane I finished the song Oklahoma City, and this entire album was born.
Another song that I am frequently asked about is "Wondering Why". My friend spent some time in Africa 2 years ago and shortly after I went to serve in Guyana, South America. Both of these locations are very similar in culture, and poverty. One day he shared many of his stories about his trip and my heart was moved. After coming back from my own trip those stories made even more sense as my compassion began to grow and grow for the marginalized people groups of the world. I pondered and pondered inquiring of the Lord why my own personal time always seemed to be more about me thinking of myself than others. In this process God changed my heart and made it tender to a level I never imagined. This song was born out of that pondering.
Writing this new album has taken me through 7 different states in America, and South America. Yet it has served to remind me that whatever land I may find myself in, that the person in front of me is who God is asking me to serve. I remain so grateful to Jesus that He modeled this so well, mercifully stopping personally for me.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Off To Africa!
In this post you will hear some exciting news from my bride Carla on our families next journey in Christ and how you can help.
Isaiah 58:8-12
Dear Friend,
When I was a child I would see the bloated African
children on TV and the injustice would rise up in the pit of my being. I would turn
to my mom and say, “someday I will help them and build my own clinic.” I had no
idea how this would all happen as we were barely getting by some days on our
own with my mom’s small income, but I carried this in my memory and heart. I still
carry it as I type this letter to you. When Ian and I were courting and would
walk around the campus at Grand Canyon University, I shared my dreams of a
place where we would care for orphans, those in prison, the sick, the starving
and the dying……not just those dying physically but spiritually. My dreams
became our dreams. We would love people right where they were and live life alongside
them, embrace them as they died and yes even play soccer with them. As we journey into our 15th year of marriage the Lord has brought us to this moment. Along this journey we have had 2 losses through miscarriage, Aidan and Malachi. We have been blessed with 3 amazing sons…Tobiah, Jaidan and Gideon. We have experienced in a very deep way the loss of both my parents to cancer within 2 years of each other. As a family, we cared for my mom the last 6 weeks of her life. We have been blessed with many friends, great jobs that have provided financially along with health insurance and children that are sick only once a year. We have had so much fun, so many laughs. Through this we have wrestled with our faith, with our emotions, and with our purpose as a family on mission in this world. We have taken the path of homeschooling our children not to protect them but to allow them to thrive in their gifting and strengths. As God leads us into this moment, I find myself looking up and saying……”Mom, my someday has come.” BUT GOD has given me such a beautiful gift as I am not alone and it is no longer just my “someday”. We are all in! Ian, Carla, Tobiah, Jaidan and Gideon! And God is leading us…..Where you ask?
MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA
-The
life expectancy rate is 50 years old.
-There
are 74.63 fetal deaths/1,000 live births and 490 maternal deaths/100,000 live
births.
-18.3%
children under the age of 5 years old are underweight.
-0.03
physicians available/1,000 people
-27%
unemployment rate (the US is at 7%)
-1.2
years is the mean years of schooling (of adults)
-Ranked
185/186 on the UNDP Human Development Index (the US is 3/186)
-Mozambique
has the higher Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value because it has the
highest intensity of deprivation. This looks at the overlapping deprivation in
health, education and standard of living.
We know
the risks that come with living in Mozambique, but as Ian said last week……we
can stay where we are and risk being complacent and comfortable or we can risk
being obedient and move when God calls us to. There are many of you reading
this letter that have a different faith then us or maybe believe in no God at
all but we all have the same desire to live a life bigger than ourselves, we all
know we have purpose and we all desire to live it out. I meditated on the words
of the song below this week as it tells of how Jesus only did what He did
because of the Father. I share these words so you can catch a glimpse of our
hearts and why we are choosing the risk of being obedient.
“Jesus only did what He saw You do; He would only say
what He heard you speak…
He would only move when He felt You lead, following Your
heart, following Your spirit…
How could I expect to walk without You, when every move
that Jesus made was in surrender…
I will not begin to live without You, for You alone are
worthy, You are always good, You are always good…”
Our
hope is that you will embrace this risk of obedience with us. I will be
traveling to Mozambique alone with Tracy Evans, the Founder of the organization
we have chosen to partner with iReachAfrica.
I leave 3/29/14 and return 4/18/14. During my time there I will meet the team
that is currently working in the many areas such as the clinic, Recovery Center
(hospice), preschool, prison ministry, leadership training, and education. I
will work alongside the nurses and experience the day to day living routines
such as what they eat, how they interact and will also see where we will be
living….yes living! The goal of my trip is to establish relationships with
those currently working in the community so that Ian and I along with the boys
can prepare for our move as a family at the end of the year. We will be
modeling a healthy family while immersing ourselves in the community, culture
and language while using our giftings to serve the clinic, hospice, prisons,
leadership training and discipleship programs.
We have
prayed, fasted, sought counsel, talked with our boys, and most of all….we have sat
in silence and heard His voice, His Spirit. We only move because we feel His
lead. During this time we have outlined the details of our budget and we also
have felt we should not sell our home in Phoenix but use it to provide for
those in need here. We are working on the beginning stages of transforming it into
a “safe house”, a place where those in need are able to transition for a few
weeks or for those that need a longer respite.
We
again ask that you think on or pray on how you can embrace this risk of
obedience with us. We will be living out this mission on the full financial
support of all those in our community of family, friends, peers, and leaders.
Financially we are asking for $5000
per month. This will cover our food, shelter, security (especially since we
have young children), passports, visas, vaccines, Malaria treatment (as ALL
people get Malaria there, it is just a matter of when although we are praying
now for strong health), mortgage, health/traveler’s insurance, life insurance,
school curriculum, and emergency flight funds. We know that there are some of
you that are not able to assist financially so we ask for your support through
prayer, emails, care packages for the boys, and simply your emotional support
as we live out the love you have imparted to us to the least of these in
Mozambique. Financial support can be monthly or a onetime gift.
We
would like to meet with any of you that would like more details or information,
so please feel free to call one of us to set a time to connect. Ian can be
reached at 602-703-0245 and Carla at 602-451-8957.
Thank
you so much for your consideration in journeying with us in partnership.
The
Gennaris- Ian, Carla, Tobiah, Jaidan, Gideon
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please
select your support gift below or if you are receiving this electronically you
can click on the link to contribute.
Checks should be written to: Hope Church (include
in memo line Gennari Mission Fund).
Send mail to: Hope Church, 2530 W. Happy Valley Rd, Suite 1273 Phoenix,
Arizona 85085
PRAYER________
I would like to Partner Monthly:
$5 ____
$25 ____ $500 ____
$10
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Monday, January 6, 2014
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS....RIGHT?
We have all heard this phrase more than likely at some point in our life. Phrases similar to this and words such as "heart" get thrown around in our culture a lot. In the bible the word heart often refers to more than just our deepest, passionate self. It often means our soul, or our mind, will, and emotions. The bible also says that the "Father" is the model as the head of the home. Jesus not only is the model of love, but Himself is love. Here in lies an awesome and powerful thought for us as Christians in the phrase "home is where the heart is"....stay with me. In the gospels Jesus is clear that He is the express image of the Father, and that He only did what He saw the Father doing. Our Spirit is made alive in Christ at the moment we believe and receive Him according to John 1:12, and to that end our soul; our "heart" (the mind, will, and emotions) should be in submission to the very Spirit of God inside of us, as we are disciplined to be obedient in that submission. If we take that posture allowing our "heart" to be in control under His Spirit in every situation and live from Him we will bring love everywhere we go! We will also bring peace and authority to every moment as we allow the person standing in front of us to make a home with us. Often times I can be so afraid of what is in front of me instead of believing in what I bring to them....a home, a Father, a friend, and Love! "in love there is no fear, but perfect love casts out fear."
-1 John 4:18
The key words here are "in love". How am I walking into every relational situation? Is it in love or in fear? Jesus also said in John 14 " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you" How amazing every step we take is meant to be! If we take every step in Him and who He says we are, and what He says we bring to every person in front of us, could we actually move in the power He told us to? The Kingdom and it being here and now was one of Jesus most frequent topics. Could it be that since we are now adopted sons and daughters with Jesus, and His Kingdom is dwelling in us that if we submit our "heart" to His Spirit that His Kingdom will go before us? Maybe the question should be where is our "heart"? Is it under control of our Spirit, or is it under the control of our fear in the flesh, the carnal flesh that was supposed to have died? Could it be that home truly is where the heart is?
-1 John 4:18
The key words here are "in love". How am I walking into every relational situation? Is it in love or in fear? Jesus also said in John 14 " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you" How amazing every step we take is meant to be! If we take every step in Him and who He says we are, and what He says we bring to every person in front of us, could we actually move in the power He told us to? The Kingdom and it being here and now was one of Jesus most frequent topics. Could it be that since we are now adopted sons and daughters with Jesus, and His Kingdom is dwelling in us that if we submit our "heart" to His Spirit that His Kingdom will go before us? Maybe the question should be where is our "heart"? Is it under control of our Spirit, or is it under the control of our fear in the flesh, the carnal flesh that was supposed to have died? Could it be that home truly is where the heart is?
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