I have been home for nearly two months. It has been nearly two months since I have spent a day absorbed in ministry, joyfully played with children who speak no English, or prayed in earnest for the healing of a complete stranger. It has also been nearly two months since I have slept on the floor, eaten food I don't recognize or shared a room with ten other girls.
There are many things I have enjoyed about being home; a long, hot shower, a room to myself, the simple freedom of a full tank of gas and the keys to my car. It has been enough to give me moments of pause in considering a life of full-time missions. Do I really want to 'rough it' indefinitely?
But tonight I randomly opened a book of devotionals by John Piper. I can only think God laughed to Himself at the seemingly arbitrary way through which he chose to refocus my attention. The instant I read the title of the selection, I knew I was in trouble.
"It Doesn't Matter What Happens to Me." It sounds strangely like my new favorite phrase, "It's not about me". This is one of the most fundamental and difficult truths I have brought home from the Race.
It's not about me. My time. My money. My life. It's not about me.
I have said this countless times in the past two months, knowing that speaking truth has power, even when I don't feel that it's true. But, after a year of 'sacrificingfor the Lord' I am tempted to think I deserve for life to be about me for a while.
Piper argues this sentiment with powerful words:
"'I have died already with Christ, which all Christians have. 'Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.' Galatians 5:24 Crucified means dead...So it just doesn't matter what happens to me here on earth."
Piper also points out that this is not a passive acceptance of life's hardships, it is an active choice.
"'If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.' Matthew 6:26 He calls us to choose the cross. People did only one thing on the cross. They died on it."
How else am I to truly live as though it's not about me? How else do I consider others as better than myself or forgive as Christ forgave me? Only by dying to myself. My rights. My desires.
But to what end? I am 'always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also maybe manifested in our body.' 2 Corinthians 4:10
'For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.' Romans 5:10
Carrying the death of Jesus allows me to live out the ministry of reconciliation, while having the life of Jesus manifest in my body empowers me to breathe life into dead things. As followers of Jesus, is this not our goal?
If I am crucified with Christ, if I have lost my life for His sake,
the life of Jesus is all that remains for me to live.
It is His life that I offer to those who are dying.
My last
week and a half of ministry were spent in Cahul, Moldova, where I was given the
privilege of working at a Deaf school. I
am convinced that no-one in the history of the World Race has finished in a
more perfect place!
We
worked mostly with Class 4 which consists of 6 of the greatest kids I've met anywhere
in the world (I know, I claim this every month!). Ivan (12) was my psuedo-translator;
he somehow understood most of my gesturing and feeble attempts at Romanian Sign
Language. He loves to be in charge, has
an answer for every question (even those not asked of him) and would hug me at
least three times before I made it out the door each day. Roma
(12) has the sweetest voice and always ensures that his things are perfectly
ordered. He would spend minute after
minute straightening his books and aligning them perfectly with the edge of his
desk. Cristian (15) who is deaf due to early child-hood abuse carries a scar
on the back of his head as a reminder.He has a pure heart, tender spirit and artistic soul. His patience is evident in how he deals with
the younger children and his joy is contagious.Alexii (12) has one the best
laughs I have ever heard. He works hard
and is un-distractible when he is studying (trust me, I tried). Cristina
(15) is beautiful and loving. She would
practice the hand-clapping game all day if given the chance, she makes great
faces and gives big hugs. Natalia (13) has a great heart. She is perfectly happy to simply sit beside
me and smile, feeling and showing love through merely being close. Their teacher Maxim was also a pleasure to work with. He has taught this class for a year and a
half and plans to stick with then until they complete their last year (Class
10). He came to the school not knowing
how to sign. He has since learned the
language and fallen in love with the kids.His patience is never-ending and his heart toward them pure.
My Boys: Cristian, Roma, Ivan and Alexii Cristina and Natalia
The
children live at the school (along with about 90 others) and function as siblings. They play, work, eat fight and laugh
together. I loved being able to observe
this family, and even more being invited into it. I was included in games, hosted as an honored
guest in their dorm rooms, set a place for dinner and picked on as though I
were one of them. I couldn't say much
since Romanian and American Sign Language have few similarities, but I could
communicate multitudes. Gestures, facial
expressions and the few signs I knew were enough to form the foundation of
friendship.
Our
last day of ministry was amazing.Melanie, Lisa and I spent the afternoon at the school playing and sitting
in on their homework time. We then took
the kids out to Andy's Pizza for a good-bye feast where they stuffed themselves
with pizza and dessert. It was such a
blast to be able to watch them enjoy it all.Hands were flying in communication and laughter was ringing through the restaurant.
Each of
these kids were a joy to be with and to spend time at the school was a
last-ministry gift from God beyond all I could have hoped.
We heard them before we even stepped off the bus. The children in the
Gypsy village were gathered and waiting anxiously to see what the
Americans would do. We walked in and greeted them with smiles,
hand-shakes and high-fives. Then I took my seat on a small bench with
several of the children. As I looked across to the kids sitting on the
opposite side, I fell in love.
Sitting there, looking at me with a grin that stretched from ear to
ear was the cutest 7-year-old in all of Romania. Peter simply smiled
at me and I could not help but smile back. Each time I waved at him,
he would shrug his shoulders and giggle. It did not take him long to
find his way to my side. He was so quick to show love, giving me the
best hugs. He stayed close by as we shared the story and love of Jesus
and waved as we climbed back into our bus and drove away.
It would be a whole week before we returned to the village, would he
even remember me? As the bus rolled in, I searched in vain for
Peter. Where was he? There were plenty of hugs to give and receive,
so I greeted the other children- keeping one eye on the gate, watching
for Peter. Finally, I saw him coming in. As soon as he spotted me,
his face exploded into a huge smile, he began to run and jumped into my
arms, squeezing my neck so hard I almost feared it would break.
We spent the evening sharing the Easter story, playing games and
singing. As soonas we had finished, he found his way to me again. He
crawled onto my lap and I wrapped my arms around him while we prayed.
As we were leaving, he walked me to the bus, holding my hand the entire
way, then once again stood waving as we rumbled away. I can't speak to
Peter. All I know about him is his name and age, but I love him as
though he were my little brother. I miss him and pray for him daily.
I am amazed how God can fuse two hearts together with no verbal
communication. Christ has allowed me to show this little boy a small
piece of his love, simply through hugs, high-fives and smiles. The
Holy Spirit has burdened my heart for him. I have come to realize I
may be the only person praying for him. Please join me in praying for
Peter.
Pray:
- That he would know he is loved and delighted in by God.
- That he would accept the sacrifice Jesus made for him on the cross. - For physical health, protection and provision.
- For his family, that they would be stable and raise him to know
Jesus.
- That he would receive a full, quality education.
Ok, so once
again my lack of blog-writing promptness has left you all wondering where I am
and what I've been doing over the past 4 weeks. For that, I apologize. Just to
put you at ease I am NOT still stranded in the Mozambican bush. I have spent the month of April in Tirgu
Mures, Romania.
We have been working with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) here
in the city, doing a variety of ministries. We have taken part in IHOP (International House of Prayer), Street
Evangelism, Village Outreach, Coffee House Ministry, teaching and preaching in
local churches as well as offering some practical help
around the base.
Street Evangelism
Fery and Josh praying over a man in the square
Meeting new friends and sharing God's love
Gypsy Village Ministry
Denisa and Myself
Some of our little Gypsy friends
Coffee House
Kira, Razvan, Mara and Myself
Our riveting performance of American Pie during 'American Night' at the Coffee House
Hard at Work
Josh and Stefy staying focused.
Shanda, Kira and Kara- Taking their work seriously, as always.
A few weeks ago, we posted a blog requesting your assistance- and through you, God has provided! Before leaving South Africa, we learned that all the money for Raise UP! Had been supplied. Thank you all for allowing God to use you in this way.
The Rudolph's, who run the Temane Orphanage, traveled from Mozambique to South Africa to help us purchase supplies. As we shopped for boxes, toothbrushes, and other items we watched in awe as we continued to spend, but our money continued to multiply, going further than we ever dreamt. God's provision was incredible! In addition to our anticipated program expenses, we were also able to provide such needs as shoes, rain jackets, backpacks, school uniforms, notebooks, glue and erasers. Each of these items offers yet another opportunity to teach them responsibility and ownership.
Kara and I arrived at Temane Orphanage, MZ, on Friday, March 6th. The reunion was joyful and long anticipated. Greeting each child, we thanked God that they were healthy. Most were just as we remembered, if not a bit taller.
Raise UP! Began on Saturday. We presented each child with a clear plastic box containing basic toiletries. The children were informed of the expectations and the rewards that would follow the meeting of these expectations. It is wonderful to see the children emerge from their tent, boxes in hand and head toward the shower. We then check that the boxes are clean and all its contents are inside before giving rewards to encourage this good habit.
Sunday was for each of us the best World Race day thus far. We washed each child's feet and slipped new crocs over their toes. Handing out backpacks, rain jackets and school supplies, we saw the gratitude radiate from each child's face. As we placed each new item in their waiting hands, we instructed them on how to care for them.
Over the last two days we have watched the children take great care of all their new belongings. Shoes are washed daily, backpacks and school supplies are put away.
Jaco, Maria, and Eric have done an amazing job raising these children. The foundation they are laying is solid in the knowledge of God. Through Raise UP! we have the privilege of coming along side and supporting this process. God is using Raise UP! To provide practical needs that express His love. Each night after dinner, the children gather around and break out into a sing-a-long/dance party of praise for what God has done. They stand and express thanks for big things such as their new shoes and rain jackets, as well as small blessings like arriving home safely from school. God is at work here in Temane, and we count ourselves lucky to be a part of what he is doing.
Thank you again to all who were faithful to obey the voice of God and generously bless these children.
Seventeen members of our squad spent the month of January in Temane,
Mozambique, partnering with Jesus 4 Africa Ministries, run by Jaco and
Maria Rudolph. Among other ministries, their main focus is the Temane
Orphanage.
Twenty-four orphans were found in the bush of Mozambique following the
devastation of Cyclone Flavio in 2006 by a man named Eric. He took
responsibility for them. He would now care for them and protect them.
However, Eric did not have the means to provide much else.
Once Jaco and Maria discovered Eric and these children, they knew God
was calling them to help. With little more than their own personal
support, the Rudolph's set about the task of living out God's call.
Currently the children sleep in large revival style tents on grass mats
with blankets. At this time, a building is being constructed to offer
more suitable living conditions. In order to prepare the children for
this transition, several of our team mates feel called to return to
Mozambique for the month of March. This preparation will consist of,
among other things, the Raise UP! Project.
Raise UP!
And
your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations
of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.
-Isaiah 58:12
Raise UP!
is a respect and incentive program coupled with discipleship. The goal
is to establish routine in order to teach respect for themselves,
others, their belongings, and environment. The goal is that through
these children, we may set the foundations of this generation firmly in
the Lord and His Truth, so that they can raise their children to repair
and restore the breaches of their nation.
The respect incentive portion of the program will focus on scheduled
rewards for adhering to established guidelines. Each child will be
given a box, which they can personalize. The first week will focus on
each child receiving all the incentive items which include: toothbrush,
soap, washcloth, small toys, etc.
After the initial one-month course, additional materials will be sent
via e-mail, complete with scheduled rewards to be given by orphanage
staff.
Teaching the children to care for their boxes and contents will help them to form good habits of taking ownership and responsibility. With guidance, these habits will overflow into all areas of their lives.
Our vision is to invest in this generation. We are asking for your help
to Raise UP! a foundation for these children. Below is a list of
supplies and costs needed to obtain them.
Supplies:
Box $10 per child
Incentive Items $20 per child
Rewards $200
Teaching Materials $200
Miscellaneous $100
Total $1,220
Click here to give to this Project. Please
write "World Race Ministry - Mozambique" in the space provided in order
to make sure your gift is designated to this ministry.
On
a personal note, I am fully funded. God has shown his faithfulness
through all your generous gifts and pledges. For those who feel led,
please give any additional funds to this project. The funds will be
used to further God's kingdom in Mozambique by raising this next
generation. Consider it a Kingdom investment. God Bless!
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