"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God....for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:3-11,19-21 NIV)
I have had many people say to me in the past months, "Oh I wish I were going with you." And I want you to know you are going with me. You aren't packing a suitcase and getting on a plane but you are going just the same for I have a heart shaped suitcase and I am taking each of you with me. I carry you to Kenya in my heart and Paul couldn't have expressed my thoughts better (see above scripture). Thanks for coming with me on the journey this far, praying me through the next part of it, believing God for great things, and walking out the journey with me when I return. What an honor to go to Kenya on behalf of each of you to do the work of God as he calls me to it. I am aware that I represent God first and all of you next.
Thank you for believing in me and sending me!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Kenya 2007
Back row (L-R):
Nick Taylor, Rob Gray, Kevin Messmer, Isam Itson, Melissa Lemke
Front Row (L-R):
Penny Taylor, Hillary Nicolls, Me, Rachel Reynolds, Sara Pfaff, Kenny Vaughn
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Is that your final answer?
It's the day of the test. This is it. The final exam. Hands slightly clammy, breath coming up a bit short. You've studied so hard. You even studied for the "just in case" questions. You know those questions the professor might throw in there just because he can. There are known and unknown elements to the material to be covered. It's the unknown that is causing the slight nausea. Class begins and you are given the go ahead. You turn the test over and take a deep breath. Here you go. Did you study enough?
At the end of class you take your test up to the front and hand it over, confident because you have to be. By turning it in you are making a declaration. "These are my final answers."
That's the place I am at now. The plane ticket to Kenya was my answer but stepping on the plane in two days makes it my FINAL answer. I am saying to God, "This is it. My final answer is this - I WILL OBEY YOU NO MATTER WHAT." For my test has been one of obedience.
It was almost two years ago that God called me to Kenya. This trip has been a long time in coming for me. The journey has been long and arduous and we haven't even gotten on the plane yet! In my heart June 13 is the culmination of the journey God has taken me on the past three years - for I was headed to this place before he even called me to Kenya. If you recall when the trip was postponed last year I wondered out loud what God would do in my life (click here to refresh your memory!). Have you ever done that? If so, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life! This has been quite a year. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV) And how grateful I am for that truth. God is faithful to his word and June 13 proves it in many ways.
Part of my battle has been fear. I'm a recovering big fat scaredy cat! I say recovering because God has proven to me that I don't need to be afraid when I keep my mind on him (Isaiah 26:3). Without even asking for it, God gave me a verse to look at and soak in while I have been healing. And it came in a most beautiful way. If you will indulge me for just a moment, I have a story of God's transforming truth (and therefore his amazing grace) to share with you. (Just think, you get peace and quiet from me and my thoughts for at least 2 weeks before you get bombarded again! - Hehehe)
Last July a precious friend came and visited Colorado. My friend is originally from here but has lived with her family in Kentucky for several years now. She is one of my dearest and best-est (not a word but get over it!) friends. In fact, about 4 years ago God encouraged me to gather a group of faithful women to become a personal prayer team for me and he led me to ask her and I am so honored she agreed. This woman has, with 4 other women, walked through the fire with me, held up my arms, counseled me, and kicked me in the behind when I needed it. It is a beautiful relationship that God has knit between her and I. Anyways, back to the story.
We met for dinner one night and she handed me a gift. She, almost embarrassed, explained that she had the gift for me two years prior but there it sat in her bedroom. I exclaimed that I didn't care, a gift is fun no matter when you get it right?!?! So I opened up a pocket in a beautiful bag she has made for me (she is an incredible seamstress!) and pulled out a necklace. This was not just any necklace. This was one with meaning and little did I know how much meaning. It was a silver shield and on the back was this inscription, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 I loved it, anything with the truth of God touches me and means so much.
Fast forward one month. My life as I thought it was to be had unraveled a bit and I was at a loss. One day I was wandering around my house and I saw the necklace lying there. I turned it over, read that verse again and hope flickered. I put the necklace on and strength flickered. I knew the verse already, but I needed the reminder of God's presence in the midst of my pain and my fear. I had to have many meetings in the months that followed and I wore that necklace as my reminder each time I went into a meeting. The meetings were battles and I needed to know my God was with me. It was a beautiful time with God. The meetings ceased and life began to settle down a little bit.
But then Kenya meetings started and I returned to the strength of God's word inscribed on that necklace. In the past few months God has been speaking so clearly to me that I am not to fear the unknowns and the "just in case" things. I am not to be discouraged when circumstances seem to be against me. He has spoken so clearly to my heart. "Beth, I am with you. You can do this, you will do this because you are precious and honored in my sight and because I have you here at this moment for such a time as this. Beth, I created you as my masterpiece and to accomplish works in my name. Beth, be strong, be courageous. I am with you."
See, my friend thought her gift to me was delayed but from my perspective it was right on time.
So I will answer my own question - what did God do in the past year of my life?
Isaiah 61:3-4 (NIV), "and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." He graciously gave me beauty for ashes and praise to replace despair. He rebuilt devastated places and restored hope in my life.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV), "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." He replaced my fear with his courage and built into my life a desire to follow him no matter what.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV), "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." He took my fear of man (people pleasing) and gave me instead a desire to please him first.
1 Corinthians 15:10a (NIV), "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." He showed me the beauty of his grace. His grace IS enough and it strengthens me, empowers me, and motivates me forward.
Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:6, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, and John 15:12-13 - He showed me true biblical relationship and he showed me who in my life I had that with. Beautiful!
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV), "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." He showed me that he really does see the beginning from the end and I can trust him with my very life.
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV), "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." He gave me peace that he will walk along the path with me and show me which way to turn.
And most importantly...Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV), "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame." He deepened the bonds of my marriage and made sure our hearts were truly united as one. It has been a beautiful journey to take with Lanny.
There is no way I could be stepping on a plane in two days without the healing touch of God in my heart and life in those areas above. And the incredible thing is, he isn't done yet! And instead of fearing the continued healing I am looking forward to it (Philippians 1:6). So while this test may be complete I know there is another one I need to study for. This was a test, perhaps the pre-test if you will. But I step on a plane for Kenya in two days and the question is, I wonder what God will do in my life because of my commitment to obedience and my time spent in Kenya? Stay tuned...
At the end of class you take your test up to the front and hand it over, confident because you have to be. By turning it in you are making a declaration. "These are my final answers."
That's the place I am at now. The plane ticket to Kenya was my answer but stepping on the plane in two days makes it my FINAL answer. I am saying to God, "This is it. My final answer is this - I WILL OBEY YOU NO MATTER WHAT." For my test has been one of obedience.
Will I obey God no mater what my circumstances tell me or look like?
Will I obey God even when life is unraveling around me?
Will I obey God joyfully or begrudgingly?
Will I obey God even though the "just in case" and unknowns are making me feel nauseous?
Will I obey God even when its hard and painful?
Will I obey God when others wound me and betray me?
Will I obey God when others wound me and betray me?
Will I obey God period?
It was almost two years ago that God called me to Kenya. This trip has been a long time in coming for me. The journey has been long and arduous and we haven't even gotten on the plane yet! In my heart June 13 is the culmination of the journey God has taken me on the past three years - for I was headed to this place before he even called me to Kenya. If you recall when the trip was postponed last year I wondered out loud what God would do in my life (click here to refresh your memory!). Have you ever done that? If so, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life! This has been quite a year. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV) And how grateful I am for that truth. God is faithful to his word and June 13 proves it in many ways.
Part of my battle has been fear. I'm a recovering big fat scaredy cat! I say recovering because God has proven to me that I don't need to be afraid when I keep my mind on him (Isaiah 26:3). Without even asking for it, God gave me a verse to look at and soak in while I have been healing. And it came in a most beautiful way. If you will indulge me for just a moment, I have a story of God's transforming truth (and therefore his amazing grace) to share with you. (Just think, you get peace and quiet from me and my thoughts for at least 2 weeks before you get bombarded again! - Hehehe)
Last July a precious friend came and visited Colorado. My friend is originally from here but has lived with her family in Kentucky for several years now. She is one of my dearest and best-est (not a word but get over it!) friends. In fact, about 4 years ago God encouraged me to gather a group of faithful women to become a personal prayer team for me and he led me to ask her and I am so honored she agreed. This woman has, with 4 other women, walked through the fire with me, held up my arms, counseled me, and kicked me in the behind when I needed it. It is a beautiful relationship that God has knit between her and I. Anyways, back to the story.
We met for dinner one night and she handed me a gift. She, almost embarrassed, explained that she had the gift for me two years prior but there it sat in her bedroom. I exclaimed that I didn't care, a gift is fun no matter when you get it right?!?! So I opened up a pocket in a beautiful bag she has made for me (she is an incredible seamstress!) and pulled out a necklace. This was not just any necklace. This was one with meaning and little did I know how much meaning. It was a silver shield and on the back was this inscription, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 I loved it, anything with the truth of God touches me and means so much.
Fast forward one month. My life as I thought it was to be had unraveled a bit and I was at a loss. One day I was wandering around my house and I saw the necklace lying there. I turned it over, read that verse again and hope flickered. I put the necklace on and strength flickered. I knew the verse already, but I needed the reminder of God's presence in the midst of my pain and my fear. I had to have many meetings in the months that followed and I wore that necklace as my reminder each time I went into a meeting. The meetings were battles and I needed to know my God was with me. It was a beautiful time with God. The meetings ceased and life began to settle down a little bit.
But then Kenya meetings started and I returned to the strength of God's word inscribed on that necklace. In the past few months God has been speaking so clearly to me that I am not to fear the unknowns and the "just in case" things. I am not to be discouraged when circumstances seem to be against me. He has spoken so clearly to my heart. "Beth, I am with you. You can do this, you will do this because you are precious and honored in my sight and because I have you here at this moment for such a time as this. Beth, I created you as my masterpiece and to accomplish works in my name. Beth, be strong, be courageous. I am with you."
See, my friend thought her gift to me was delayed but from my perspective it was right on time.
So I will answer my own question - what did God do in the past year of my life?
Isaiah 61:3-4 (NIV), "and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." He graciously gave me beauty for ashes and praise to replace despair. He rebuilt devastated places and restored hope in my life.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV), "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." He replaced my fear with his courage and built into my life a desire to follow him no matter what.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV), "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." He took my fear of man (people pleasing) and gave me instead a desire to please him first.
1 Corinthians 15:10a (NIV), "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." He showed me the beauty of his grace. His grace IS enough and it strengthens me, empowers me, and motivates me forward.
Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:6, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, and John 15:12-13 - He showed me true biblical relationship and he showed me who in my life I had that with. Beautiful!
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV), "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." He showed me that he really does see the beginning from the end and I can trust him with my very life.
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV), "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." He gave me peace that he will walk along the path with me and show me which way to turn.
And most importantly...Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV), "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame." He deepened the bonds of my marriage and made sure our hearts were truly united as one. It has been a beautiful journey to take with Lanny.
There is no way I could be stepping on a plane in two days without the healing touch of God in my heart and life in those areas above. And the incredible thing is, he isn't done yet! And instead of fearing the continued healing I am looking forward to it (Philippians 1:6). So while this test may be complete I know there is another one I need to study for. This was a test, perhaps the pre-test if you will. But I step on a plane for Kenya in two days and the question is, I wonder what God will do in my life because of my commitment to obedience and my time spent in Kenya? Stay tuned...
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
(Oh, and the necklace? Yep, it's coming with me to Africa. Thanks Mondi for the precious gift in God's word...)
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The road not yet taken by me
"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
I find great freedom in the fact that while I may make plans God is the one who actually maps out the steps I take in life.
You know I have stressed throughout my requests for prayer that I first and foremost desire each of you to pray as you feel led for the team, our work, and myself. However, I will add to that and ask that you also cover us in prayer for the details of the trip, such as the traveling and the actual work we will be doing. As I already mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I am on a team of five who will be specifically ministering to and with the kids while in country. The other team members will be put to work in the health clinic, bible studies, and whatever work is needed.
We spoke in Children's Ministry last Sunday and I was able to share with the kids about traveling and what we, as a team, needed prayer for. It was great to hear their hearts as they prayed for our needs. I would ask the same things of you as I did them. Please pray for the alertness of our pilots, the mechanics of the planes, and for our luggage to arrive all together! Half of the luggage that is traveling with us is loaded with supplies - school supplies, crafts for the time with the kids, 3 computer CPU's (we will purchase the monitors in country), and a variety of other supplies.
Several people have asked for a specific itinerary so here it is! Whew. It makes it all so real for me to be sharing this with you at this time!
Travel Itinerary:
Departing:
Depart Denver International Airport June 13, 2007 11:20 am
Arrive JFK – New York June 13, 2007 5:05 pm
Spend the night in Jamaica Queens, NY
Depart JFK – New York June 14, 2007 11:20 am
Arrive in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) June 15, 2007 8:10 am
Depart Dubai (United Arab Emirates) June 15, 2007 10:05 am
Arrive Jomo Kenyatta – Nairobi June 15, 2007 5:15 pm
Returning:
Depart Jomo Kenyatta – Nairobi June 27, 2007 5:15 pm
Arrive Dubai (United Arab Emirates) June 27, 2007 11:15 pm
Depart Dubai (United Arab Emirates) June 28, 2007 2:00 am
Arrive JFK – New York June 28, 2007 7:50 am
Depart JFK – New York June 28, 2007 12:45 pm
Arrive Denver International Airport June 28, 2007 2:55 pm
Ministry Itinerary:
June 16, 2007 – Unpack and settle into Little Sisters (the place we are staying at), exchange money, rest and get acclimated to time zone and culture, CONSECRATE the team to the work of Christ.
June 17, 2007 – Worship at Mathare Valley Worship Center in Mathare Valley, Kenya.
June 18 – June 20, 2007 – Work at Mathare Valley Worship Center.
June 21, 2007 – Rest day, laundry, regroup, etc.
June 22, 2007 – Undecided. We will either be going to our church supported Compassion project or we will be working at Mathare Valley Worship Center again.
June 23, 2007 – Mathare Valley Worship Center Kids Club
June 24, 2007 – Worship at Mathare Valley Worship Center in Mathare Valley, Kenya.
June 25, 2007 – One day game drive (think safari)
June 26, 2007 – Packing, shopping
June 27, 2007 – Visitors and departing
Keeping in mind Proverbs 16:9 and the recent uprising in Mathare Valley some of the ministry itinerary may change.
I'm as ready as I am going to be!
So long status quo...I'm letting go
The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You're safe and sound and
Until now, it's where I've been
'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything
But it's been love, your love, that cuts the strings
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say your name
Just your name and I'm ready to jump
Even ready to fall
Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?
I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me, that changes everything
Brave, brave
(Nichole Nordeman 2005)
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You're safe and sound and
Until now, it's where I've been
'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything
But it's been love, your love, that cuts the strings
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say your name
Just your name and I'm ready to jump
Even ready to fall
Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?
I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me, that changes everything
Brave, brave
(Nichole Nordeman 2005)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Resting in the shelter of the Most High
A few months ago I asked for prayer for the Mathare Valley as there was an uprising among some of the youth gangs.
I come to you asking for prayer once again. Isam was informed earlier this week that an uprising has happened again and while I don't quite fully understand all the details I think I heard that parts of Mathare are locked down and under security. Regardless, the Valley is the midst of another uprising and these times can be dangerous.
Where Pastor and Mrs. Karau reside is safe as is the place, Little Sisters, that we are staying at. Because of the uprising some of our ministry work could be altered. We won't fully know until we get there. Who knows? By the time we get there the situation may be under control and taken care of. Or it may not. Either way, would you please join the team in praying for the continued safety of the Karau's and for a resolution to the uprising? We appreciate your prayers.
I come to you asking for prayer once again. Isam was informed earlier this week that an uprising has happened again and while I don't quite fully understand all the details I think I heard that parts of Mathare are locked down and under security. Regardless, the Valley is the midst of another uprising and these times can be dangerous.
Where Pastor and Mrs. Karau reside is safe as is the place, Little Sisters, that we are staying at. Because of the uprising some of our ministry work could be altered. We won't fully know until we get there. Who knows? By the time we get there the situation may be under control and taken care of. Or it may not. Either way, would you please join the team in praying for the continued safety of the Karau's and for a resolution to the uprising? We appreciate your prayers.
I am NOT concerned at all.
"If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone."
(Psalm 91:9-12 NLT)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Imparting the Value
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 4:29-5:2 (NIV)
In the spirit of desiring to honor God and each other will you please pray for our team Ephesians 4:29-5:2?
We are under no false ideas that we will be the first team in history to spend 24/7 together and ride on planes for a combined 42 hours without some frustration presenting itself! We know challenges with one another will come up and so we have been talking a lot about it at team meetings. We have been clearly instructed by Isam, who gave us instruction straight from the word of God. This is the dynamic of the trip that I have been feeling some pressure from the one who seeks to devour. (1 Peter 5:7-9) So far I have stayed alert, aware and am doing okay. If a challenge with a relationship presents itself will you please pray that any one of us would walk according to God's word in resolution of the challenge? We want to make sure that we are imparting to each other the value of who each of us is even in the midst of a challenge or frustration. For each of us has amazing value because of Christ.
Not only have we decided that Ephesians 4:29-5:2 needs to be the scriptures that we ask people to pray for us but we have also talked through other relationship portions of scripture. As God leads would you please pray for our team in this dynamic? We have talked through Matthew 18:15-16 (NIV), "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." And this morning in my quiet time the Lord had me read Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV), "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
My greatest desire is to honor God first and then honor my brothers and sisters in Christ. Your prayers will help to lift our arms when we are weary! (Exodus 17:11-12)
Our team members are:
Isam Itson, Kenny Vaughn, Robert Gray, Kevin Messmer, Rachel Reynolds, Sara Pfaff, Melissa Lemke, Nick and Penny Taylor, Hillary Nicolls, Beth Peninger
Ephesians 4:29-5:2 (NIV)
In the spirit of desiring to honor God and each other will you please pray for our team Ephesians 4:29-5:2?
We are under no false ideas that we will be the first team in history to spend 24/7 together and ride on planes for a combined 42 hours without some frustration presenting itself! We know challenges with one another will come up and so we have been talking a lot about it at team meetings. We have been clearly instructed by Isam, who gave us instruction straight from the word of God. This is the dynamic of the trip that I have been feeling some pressure from the one who seeks to devour. (1 Peter 5:7-9) So far I have stayed alert, aware and am doing okay. If a challenge with a relationship presents itself will you please pray that any one of us would walk according to God's word in resolution of the challenge? We want to make sure that we are imparting to each other the value of who each of us is even in the midst of a challenge or frustration. For each of us has amazing value because of Christ.
Not only have we decided that Ephesians 4:29-5:2 needs to be the scriptures that we ask people to pray for us but we have also talked through other relationship portions of scripture. As God leads would you please pray for our team in this dynamic? We have talked through Matthew 18:15-16 (NIV), "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." And this morning in my quiet time the Lord had me read Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV), "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
My greatest desire is to honor God first and then honor my brothers and sisters in Christ. Your prayers will help to lift our arms when we are weary! (Exodus 17:11-12)
Our team members are:
Isam Itson, Kenny Vaughn, Robert Gray, Kevin Messmer, Rachel Reynolds, Sara Pfaff, Melissa Lemke, Nick and Penny Taylor, Hillary Nicolls, Beth Peninger
I'm following the leader, the leader, the leader. I'm following the leader wherever he may go...
Isam Itson, III. He came to Calvary Worship Center a few years back and "fit." You know how it just works and fits? It did with Isam. He came in as our part-time mid-high pastor but we quickly saw there was more to him than meets the eye. His heart is missions and he likes to focus on equipping according to Ephesians 4:12 ("to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...."). But he also has the perfect personality for those mid-high kids. You know what I'm talking about don't you? Mid-high kids are....great and awkward all at the same time. It takes a special person to relate to them. But I digress.....
Isam is a man with a servant's heart and with high integrity. And I'm not saying this because I am guessing. I am speaking from EXPERIENCE. Is he human? Totally. We all have flaws and weaknesses - in part this is why God gives us the spouses we have if we are married! But I am compelled to share a little of Isam with you before we leave for Kenya in one week.
I have known Isam for almost 3 years. We served on the staff of our church together for a couple of those years. When he interviewed me for the Kenya trip it was nice that he knew me already! That made it a lot easier to cry in front of him and use up all the Kleenex in his office!
My experience with Isam has never been anything less than a blessing, challenge, and encouragement. Here are a few examples: a couple of years ago I was put in charge of our annual Fall Festival - which I quickly found out I was NOT suited for - and the night of the festival hits and we are all just working it. Isam appeared at my elbow and just said simply, "What do you need? What can I do?" I looked at him in panic and he just took charge. He and another pastor figured out what I really needed and they took it over and it was no concern of mine for the rest of the night. Wow. He totally covered me - as a pastor and team player (i.e. co-worker) should. I believe I went home that night and cried in thankfulness for Isam and this other pastor. We've had conversations in the church kitchen and on staff retreats and in offices, we have counseled teens together as a team, we have experience with how each other responds to people and situations.
The one example of Isam and his leadership that foreshadows Kenya happened last year. We were in the mountains on a staff retreat. The girls decided to go hiking, some of the guys decided they would join us. Us girls quickly lost our positions on where to hike and all but it was fun to watch these men rise up differently than they did at church. So our group starts walking to find the trail. One man has the map, another - Isam - is leading. I am at the back. Here's where the test came in. In our group was also my boss. So naturally I am accustomed to following his leadership BUT it was clear in this case that Isam was leading the pack. So I followed the leader. When he stopped to have everyone rest and drink some water I followed his direction. When he said let's go this way I followed. And I kept my eyes on him. I remember hiking a distance behind him and thinking how perfect of a leader he was - and how excited I was becoming at following this leader in Kenya. He showed me that day, I am sure unknowingly, that he was a leader who considered others, was in tune to needs of the group at large and yet individuals as well, and trusted the gifts God has given him.
In October 2006 Isam went to Kenya with our senior pastor. He kind of went there to get the lay of the land - a little like Joshua and Caleb. One morning I was praying for him and God clearly told me, "Ask me to give Isam a new vision." Huh. Okay. So from that moment on I prayed for him to get whatever vision God had. A week or so later I was having coffee with a friend from church and she mentions that she was feeling led to pray for Isam and a new vision. So I KNEW God was speaking to him in regards to the June trip.
And then, we had our first meeting in January. It was more an informational meeting for those interested but he handed out a rough itinerary and when I looked at it I realized it was a new vision that Isam had indeed received. And then he walked us through it and explained certain parts of it. And I knew that was why God had led some of us (I am sure there were others God led to pray the way I was) to pray for a new vision. WOW. I am blown away by God's grace in all of it.
I will post my itinerary next week but let me share with you now the vision. Assimilation - both into that culture while we are there and then back into more of the culture we live in here. We will take the day after we arrive to exchange money, rest and allow our bodies to get used to climate and time zone, and we will take the time to consecrate our team and our work to Christ. In order to ensure that we are all keeping our heads on straight and not allowing the enemy to beat us up with guilt about where we live and what we have - a stark contrast to what we will be experiencing in the slum - we will be having team meetings/debriefings each and every afternoon. We will work each day 5 hours at Mathare Valley Worship Center taking one day off the full week we are there for laundry, team debriefing, and time to decompress. The last 2 days we will move from our "home" base called Little Sisters to an International Hotel in Nairobi. This is where assimilation of our culture comes into play. We will hold team meetings at this hotel, shop for souvenirs, and go on a one-day game (think safari) drive. God gave Isam these things as a plan of action to help us begin to assimilate back into life in the United States. We will need this because Isam has made it very clear that we will be working hard while we are in Kenya and we will need time to regroup just a bit before we hop back on a plane for 21 hours.
God is teaching me a lot about leadership and the kind of leadership he wants his people to walk in. So because of that I am following the leader, wherever he may go.....
Isam is a man with a servant's heart and with high integrity. And I'm not saying this because I am guessing. I am speaking from EXPERIENCE. Is he human? Totally. We all have flaws and weaknesses - in part this is why God gives us the spouses we have if we are married! But I am compelled to share a little of Isam with you before we leave for Kenya in one week.
I have known Isam for almost 3 years. We served on the staff of our church together for a couple of those years. When he interviewed me for the Kenya trip it was nice that he knew me already! That made it a lot easier to cry in front of him and use up all the Kleenex in his office!
My experience with Isam has never been anything less than a blessing, challenge, and encouragement. Here are a few examples: a couple of years ago I was put in charge of our annual Fall Festival - which I quickly found out I was NOT suited for - and the night of the festival hits and we are all just working it. Isam appeared at my elbow and just said simply, "What do you need? What can I do?" I looked at him in panic and he just took charge. He and another pastor figured out what I really needed and they took it over and it was no concern of mine for the rest of the night. Wow. He totally covered me - as a pastor and team player (i.e. co-worker) should. I believe I went home that night and cried in thankfulness for Isam and this other pastor. We've had conversations in the church kitchen and on staff retreats and in offices, we have counseled teens together as a team, we have experience with how each other responds to people and situations.
The one example of Isam and his leadership that foreshadows Kenya happened last year. We were in the mountains on a staff retreat. The girls decided to go hiking, some of the guys decided they would join us. Us girls quickly lost our positions on where to hike and all but it was fun to watch these men rise up differently than they did at church. So our group starts walking to find the trail. One man has the map, another - Isam - is leading. I am at the back. Here's where the test came in. In our group was also my boss. So naturally I am accustomed to following his leadership BUT it was clear in this case that Isam was leading the pack. So I followed the leader. When he stopped to have everyone rest and drink some water I followed his direction. When he said let's go this way I followed. And I kept my eyes on him. I remember hiking a distance behind him and thinking how perfect of a leader he was - and how excited I was becoming at following this leader in Kenya. He showed me that day, I am sure unknowingly, that he was a leader who considered others, was in tune to needs of the group at large and yet individuals as well, and trusted the gifts God has given him.
In October 2006 Isam went to Kenya with our senior pastor. He kind of went there to get the lay of the land - a little like Joshua and Caleb. One morning I was praying for him and God clearly told me, "Ask me to give Isam a new vision." Huh. Okay. So from that moment on I prayed for him to get whatever vision God had. A week or so later I was having coffee with a friend from church and she mentions that she was feeling led to pray for Isam and a new vision. So I KNEW God was speaking to him in regards to the June trip.
And then, we had our first meeting in January. It was more an informational meeting for those interested but he handed out a rough itinerary and when I looked at it I realized it was a new vision that Isam had indeed received. And then he walked us through it and explained certain parts of it. And I knew that was why God had led some of us (I am sure there were others God led to pray the way I was) to pray for a new vision. WOW. I am blown away by God's grace in all of it.
I will post my itinerary next week but let me share with you now the vision. Assimilation - both into that culture while we are there and then back into more of the culture we live in here. We will take the day after we arrive to exchange money, rest and allow our bodies to get used to climate and time zone, and we will take the time to consecrate our team and our work to Christ. In order to ensure that we are all keeping our heads on straight and not allowing the enemy to beat us up with guilt about where we live and what we have - a stark contrast to what we will be experiencing in the slum - we will be having team meetings/debriefings each and every afternoon. We will work each day 5 hours at Mathare Valley Worship Center taking one day off the full week we are there for laundry, team debriefing, and time to decompress. The last 2 days we will move from our "home" base called Little Sisters to an International Hotel in Nairobi. This is where assimilation of our culture comes into play. We will hold team meetings at this hotel, shop for souvenirs, and go on a one-day game (think safari) drive. God gave Isam these things as a plan of action to help us begin to assimilate back into life in the United States. We will need this because Isam has made it very clear that we will be working hard while we are in Kenya and we will need time to regroup just a bit before we hop back on a plane for 21 hours.
God is teaching me a lot about leadership and the kind of leadership he wants his people to walk in. So because of that I am following the leader, wherever he may go.....
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