One more...in the name of love

Ever hear this one? A young boy is on vacation with his family, and this is the first time he has ever seen the ocean. Very early, on the first morning of their stay, he heads outdoors to walk the beach. The sun is just rising and the tide is out. As his eyes adjust to the growing daylight he realises the beach is covered with starfish, left behind by the receding waters. In a near- frenzy he begins picking up the stranded starfish and running them to water, to safety, away from death. In the midst of countless trips back and forth from sand to sea, he is interrupted by a man passing by. The stranger asks him "What are you doing young man?" "I trying to save all these starfish, they will die in the sun. They must get back into the water!", was the boy's reply. The man looked up the beach at all starfish and told the boy, 'You're wasting your time. You cannot save them all....all you work won't make a difference." The young boy looked up and down the beach, then down at his feet. Picking up one more starfish and casting it back into the sea, he looked the man straight in the eye and said, "It made a difference to that one."

I love the simplicity of that story. The message is so clear, so innocent. In a contest between childlike faith and cold hard reality, my money will always be on the kid.

Does this mean we live in a fairy tale world where everything always comes out right in the end? Is this adventure of ours to serve as missionaries in Europe just some kind of Peter Pan escapism? Or are we just crazy? The answer to at least two of those is definitely a resounding "No."

Granted, interacting with people, especially when we are strangers in their land, is not as simple as casting starfish into the sea. Nor is trying to open their eyes to a God that has been outlawed in their nation for decades. But we are called to go. We seek to save one more...in the name of love.

NLI had over 30 short term mission teams working in Europe this past year. These teams came from across the globe to minister in Slovakia, Romania, Spain, The Czech Republic, Poland and Romania. Over 300 volunteers gave of themselves to share the Good News. Not in massive rallies or outreaches, but in small groups, where they could meet people face to face, Where they could shares prayers, tears, and laughter. Did it make any difference? Allow me to share some feedback from the teams themselves, and you be the judge.

Slovakia>> "In the Crisis Orphanage we entered a room where the children were not familiar with visitors; these precious ones had been horribly abused and many could not even speak because they were so traumatized. Some never smiled, some were fearful of the males in our group. We began to blow up some animal balloons and interact with the children, after 4 hours of playing, skits and having fun almost every child was laughing and squealing with delight. When I asked the director of the home if there was anything we could do to bless them her answer was, 'You already have, just by coming and playing with the children. Apparently many churches come to the home to drop off toys etc. but no one will come in because there are gypsy children in the home, we were the first to actually go in, this was just one of the many open doors of which we were privileged to be a part."



Romania>> “The incredible love and commitment shown by so many local folk, many of whom have been through much persecution, put my own faith in the shade, but I know God used us to bless and be blessed.We have had our hearts and vision enlarged; we have been raised to a higher level of intimacy with God and of hearing the Holy Spirit; and we have returned so excited about who God is and what He can do. Our perspective has changed and we can never be the same again - nor would we want to.”

So there's a peek into the world where we will soon find ourselves. A short trip down roads we will soon travel. You're invited to join us, in prayer, by way of financial support, or perhaps some day coming to see what we see..and joining the adventure as we make a difference to one more...in the name of love.


Praise reports: We have reached 34% of our support goal and are now proud owners of UK Visas. Yipeeee!!!!! (We've been told few people get their visas without some complications, our applications were processed without a hitch)
My employer has been most gracious to allow me to stay on staff until the house is sold. I had intended to leave my job as of 12/31/08.

Prayer requests: The US housing market is in one of its worst slumps ever. Thankfully God doesn't read the paper. Please join us in our petition that the right buyers come at the right time with the right offer. Also, we do need to raise the remaining 2/3 of our support. Your prayers for this are much appreciated. Lastly, would you help us pray for patience? Our hearts are in Europe, but everything else is still here. Thank you.

A Blessed and Happy New Year to all.
Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Here, There, and Everywhere

Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.... Mary and I had flown to Colorado to visit our favourite second daughter, her hubby, and our favourite #3 grand daughter for Thanksgiving. In the midst of some very enjoyable family time (and cold weather complete with snow) we received word that Mary's mom had passed away. So here it is about 6:30 PM MT and we're getting ready to catch a 1:00AM flight from Denver to NYC and then on to Maine. May we ask for your prayers not only for us as we travel, but also for Mary's brother and sisters as they too make the trip? And for prayer as the decisions, always brought about by someone's death, can be discussed and worked out with grace and understanding? We would certainly appreciate it.

Is there anybody out there?

A simple, possibly very common question. Odds are every inventor, artist, author and the like, have at least had this question run through their minds. Will anyone listen to my words? Will anyone use my machine? Does anyone like my work?

It almost makes you wonder if Jesus asked the same question (albeit rhetorically) as He began His ministry. Is there anybody out there who is hurting? Lonely? Sick? Unloved? Abandoned? Downcast? Repressed? He knew the answer was a resounding "Yes."

But would the question possibly arise again? Is there anybody out there who would accept His message of Love, Healing, Forgiveness, and Grace? To that there was no guarantee.

When the time came to choose His disciple did Jesus wonder if there was anyone out there who would not only follow Him, but carry on His work once He was gone? Fortunately the answer was "yes". The work of this small group of common men spread the Gospel across the known world, with some of the first missionary trips taking the Good News to Europe.

Fast forward a few thousand years to 2008. Those same nations once visited by the apostles have recently emerged from decades of political control. Since early in the 20th century there was no need for God. The "State" would provide for their needs. Those years of communism, socialism, fascism, nazism, thisism,and thatism, slowly eroded away the hearts and souls of the people. Each new generation knew less of who God was, or why He even mattered.

Today the question gets asked again: In the nations of Europe: Is there anybody out there? Addicted to drugs? Selling their bodies? Considering suicide? Having abortions? Lonely? Sick? Abused? Scared? Crying out in hope there is someone who can make their lives worth living? And statistics paint a horrible picture of the despair of this present generation. As it was 2000 years ago, it is today...the answer is still "yes". The answer is still Jesus, and it is time to bring the Light of the World back to Europe.

So now the question is asked of us, collectively. Is there anybody out there? Willing to pray for the unreached peoples of Europe? Willing to sacrifice (yes sacrifice) to support those going to join the battle? Willing to be part of the solution, part of a legacy, part of the adventure, and part of the blessing?

To those of you whom have already answered "yes" we thank you and truly appreciate you. To those of you who whom might have questions or need more information, feel free to contact us via email: paul@going4the1.com or mary@going4the1.com.

Personal Prayer Requests:
> Our home is for sale...would you join us in prayer for a buyer?
> We are applying for our British visas next week. Would you join us in prayer for a smooth/speedy application process?
> Our financial support. We need to have a least 95% of our support raised prior to our departure. We are currently at 21%. With seven weeks left to go, we truly need your prayers on this one!

Thanks again...everyone. Paul and Mary.



We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

I walk the road, horizons change....

Why is the most difficult part of a journey the middle?? Perhaps at the beginning we are still close to "home" and we know the way back would be an easy trip...and on the other end, as we draw near to a destination, we trudge on, sometimes crying, often with tears in our eyes and the aches of a hard and difficult journey clinging to our very souls...but we go on with the last steps knowing it will soon all be behind us. The danger is in the middle....when both home and the goal are hidden...when any doubts or fears we brought along now raise their ugly whispers to groans and shouts of defeat and doom. The peril is a sort of paralysis, numbing us, weighing us down, stopping us dead in our tracks. If we stop, the view never changes. If we stop, we never reach the goal. If we stop, the dream dies. I lift my cries to God...He has promised to be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path....and His promises are never broken.

Against the Wind

This last week has been a tough one for me on many levels. I've described it as suffering from the effects of exposure to Red Kryptonite. My super powers aren't gone, I'm not weakened, just experiencing some things that are unusual to me... like doubt and and borderline despair. I started making a mental list of all that needs to come together to make our move to the UK a reality and suddenly felt like I was sinking under the "reality". 

The good news is, this forced me to put our plans in perspective. In an effort to clear my head and allow me to hear what God was saying I turned off all the distractions and prayed for His reassurance. Needless to say...God came through loud and clear...and through a sermon no less!!!

Allow me to paraphrase Matthew 14:22-27: Jesus had just preached to a large crowd and fed thousands of people. He instructs his disciples to get in the boat, head across the lake, and He will meet up with them on the  other side. They start rowing (keep in mind this is in the day before radar and weather forecasting) and Jesus dispels the crowd and then goes to a quiet place for a time of prayer.

As the day becomes night and the disciples are well on their way, a storm starts buffeting their boat, to the point they fear for their lives. In the midst of their fear and despair Jesus comes walking across the lake and tells them to be not afraid and as soon as He steps onto the boat...the storm is gone.

I've heard this passage time and time again, but today two very amazing points were brought to light:

1) Jesus sent the disciples on their way intending to meet them on the other side. He knew they would make it, He told them He'd be there when they arrived. Yet they forgot this as they were holding on for dear life.

2) Jesus will stop at nothing to save us from the storms. He defied the laws of nature and physics as He made his way across the lake. He used His heavenly authority to quell the winds and rain.

Lord in the midst of my storms I pray that I never forget you have promised to meet me on the other side. And I praise and thank you for loving me enough to say..."Do not be afraid. I am with you".

Wait a minute, there is another valuable lesson in this! The disciples are in the midst of a raging storm, the waves are crashing against their boat, land is not in sight...they are in trouble...but...they are also where Jesus told them to be. Remember? He sent them on their way. So then, this doesn't mean just because we are being obedient it will always be smooth sailing. No one ever said being a Follower of Christ would be easy.

Moonshadow

I like taking strolls around our lake (oft times with a fishing pole), these walks give me some much needed quiet time. A few weeks ago on one such stroll I was running thru my mind all the things that need to come together before we leave for England. In the midst of my listing I asked God for His reassurance that all would be well. At that moment I happened to gaze at the sky, and there on the horizon was the smallest sliver of moon I've ever seen...so slender, so tiny I almost missed it. But as my eyes adjusted to the darkness I soon realised I could see the whole moon, albeit it in shadow, but nonetheless it was there. What a great visual image...the illuminated part was what I could clearly see insofar as finances and logistics and all the whatever else, it was all those things we could already touch and claim as done....the part still in shadow was everything else on my mind that still needs to come together, I sensed God was saying He would reveal it all in due time...in His time, not mine.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Point of Know Return

We have all been there. We have all stood at that point, where we know the next step, word, or action will influence the rest of our lives. We may not recall our first infant attempts at walking, but it is a sure bet if you close your eyes you can remember such events as; taking a driving test for the first (second, third) time, a first date, a first kiss, graduation, first job interview, marriage proposal, the list goes on and on. We have all taken that leap of faith, and if you are reading this, you have survived the outcome. Congratulations.

Do we always know how things will turn out? Do we always have the facts? Do we always know it will turn out as we have planned? Honestly, no. But if the outcome hoped for outweighs the risk, we take a deep breath, say a quick prayer and walk past the point of k(no)w return. “No return” because there are no do-overs in real life. “Know return” because we are fully aware of the chance we take, yet we go on anyway.

As of this Tuesday past, another such step has been taken . Our house is now listed for sale. We are having a moving sale tomorrow, and sorting through the needed, unwanted, and the “where did this come from”. It already feels as if we longer live here. Your prayers for a timely and smooth transaction are deeply appreciated.

There is another step that needs to be taken. With January 6th only 87 days away we must turn our time and energy to putting together the support base needed to make this adventure a reality. Our yearly expenses will be approximately $50,000 (US). This would include taxes, tithes, housing, transportation, food, clothing, water, electricity, heat, an occasional Dr Pepper, etc. We are about 14% of the way there.

That next step mentioned a moment ago is yours to take. Simple, direct, and to the point, would you consider being a member of our support team? What your involvement would look like is up to you. Frankly, a group of supporters able to give monthly works in our best interest, this would allow us to plan accordingly and live without wondering if we can stay another month. However, it would be foolish to ignore the fact there are some folks out there who have never been involved in something like this before, and might be able to share a special gift for starters.

We can play with the math in so many different ways. One hundred people able to give $50.00/month, or fifty people being able to give $100/month…or 5 people giving $1000/month. Or, here’s a crazy idea…. This newsletter goes out to about 250 people…what if everyone forwarded it to everyone on their email list, say they know 125 people, and those 125 know 60...if this email just went out to those people, it would reach 1,875,000 people. If 1% of those people donated $8.00, our three-year goal would be met. Odds are it will be a mix of a variety of scenarios.

Some of you reading this are already actively involved, thank you. Some of you have been following these updates and have not made a decision…if you have questions or need more information, please let us know. Some of you are new to this and are wondering just what is it we are planning on doing. Please visit our website for an overview of the adventure ahead. You can also read past newsletters on our blog then feel free to contact us with any questions. Lest we forget, those of you willing to provide prayer support are equally welcome.

So, what ‘s next??? The crux of the matter is we need to know if you are with us.
Would you reply to this email with a simple answer?
Yes...(Great... we’ll be in touch.)
Maybe…(Understood…what questions do you have?)
No…(Cool…let us know if you want to stay in the loop.)

All our love…Paul and Mary

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Onward

T-minus four months and six days, not that we're counting.

Ever see one of those artist's renderings of a new building? You know the ones, the beautiful representation of something that doesn't exist....quite yet. These images can be a painting or perhaps a scale model of someone's dream. No one lives or works in these buildings, yet. The trees in the picture don't exist, nor do the people so casually strolling past, yet. But someday, somewhere, with the right permits, planning, money and all the other pieces that need to come together, this vision can become a reality.

Can you image the designer walking into the office of a building contractor, handing him the painting of his dream design, and saying...”OK...Build this.”? Even with my limited knowledge of architecture and construction, I realise there is a little more to it than this. Someone needs to provide details about foundations, plumbing, wiring, flooring, windows, stairs, elevators, ceilings, paint, bathrooms, phone lines, concrete, steel....and all that needs to be translated into a number of blueprint drawings explaining where it all goes. And of course, someone has to buy into this dream, someone will want to see it happen.

That is where we find ourselves....we've been drawing the picture, painting in the colours, bringing the dream to life through these updates, letters, and conversations. The blueprints have been drawn, the time line established. Is this dream worthy of someone's investment?

Is this enough to get you involved? We've agreed to volunteer with Next Level International for the next three years. Mary will be helping in the finance office, and more importantly, actively involved as NLI develops its first children's ministry program. Paul will be the short-term missions team coordinator, facilitating the logistics of pairing teams from all over the world with churches in Europe. Interesting, but job descriptions rarely inspiring, are they?

How about this? After decades of socialism, communism, fascism, and Nazism, millions of Europeans have grown up with no knowledge of the importance of a relationship with God. Even with the fall of communism, the void created has been filled with suicide, drug abuse, crime and despair. Estimates are it will take 300,000 churches to help bring Europe back to Christ. In nations, home to some of the most significant moves of God in modern history, the current generation is lost and unaware of His importance. 

The vision...is to reach those lost, one at a time. NLI has set a goal to be actively involved in all 47 nations of Europe by the year 2020. Like the artist's rendering...we see the vision... we see the goal....but we're not there, yet. In the next four months we need to establish a support team, financial partners willing to help make the dream a reality, prayer partners to protect us as we step into the fray. We're going, physically, mentally, spiritually, and you can be part of this through your support. Our steps will be your steps, our triumphs will also be your triumphs...and most importantly, we will all share in the blessings. 

Next steps: Have you heard enough to say...”yes” this is something we want to be part of? Or do you need more information? Do you think we're nuts....or crazy enough for all the right reasons? We're already stepping out in faith....we need to know who is going with us. Would you please take a moment to send an email with your thoughts, comments, questions, prayers? 

Thank you. Paul and Mary

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Breakin' the law

Greetings from Prague....the trip thus far... last Monday we headed from Orlando to the UK (by way of Houston, but that is another story) We arrived in London Tuesday morning and headed north to Bedworth where we began the search for our next home. We spent most of Tuesday being shown around the area, visiting estate agents, and getting a good idea of what's what in living space in the area around NLI.

On Wednesday we spent almost all day at the NLI office getting brought up to speed on the new plans for the ministry, and how that will affect our positions upon our arrival in January, this too is another story, stay tuned.

Thursday we flew to Prague to be in town for a wedding on Friday. The wedding was in a chateau near the German border...I'll post some pix later in the week.

So here it is Saturday night, we just got back in from a long stroll around Prague's 'Old Town", lunch at McDonalds, a baroque concert and we learned what happens when you get on the Metro with the wrong type of ticket....long story short...we are $100.00 smarter that we were earlier today.

We have another day to see the sights tomorrow, and then home on Monday. .we look forward to coming home............What a long strange trip it has been.

On the road to find out

There is an old story about two friends (Bill and Bob) who went fishing one day, on a very large lake. As the morning turned to afternoon, and then on to evening, they drifted further and further toward the middle of the lake. A bit of a breeze and drop in the air temperature stirred Bill from his daydreaming. A look at the western horizon showed a massive storm bearing down on them. Bill quickly alerted Bob and asked..."Do we paddle or pray?" Bob calmly surveyed the sky, the distance to the shore, and the sky again before replying..."Both."

So we find ourselves in a similar position. Being ready by January 6th is our "storm",and the paddling includes raising support, selling the house, and most immediately, heading to the UK in
the next week or so to find a place to call home, plus countless other details.

You'd think if God wanted us to do this He would make it much easier.
>> Rather than have to contact hundreds of people in search of supporters, why not just let us win the lottery?
>> Why should we have to market the house? Shouldn't someone just show up and offer twice the market value for it?
>>Get visas? What for? We're on a mission from God!
>>Shouldn't someone just donate a car and free gas...who needs $10/gal petrol anyway?

It seems like we have to go through quite a lot of growing, stretching and being faithful to take on a job with no pay.....doh....maybe that is the point. God wants to prepare us for what lies ahead, and He knows we cannot do this on our own.

This is where the prayer part comes in....because this whole process is beyond our means, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. We cannot do this alone. Would you be in prayer for us as we look for a place to live? Would you be in prayer as we seek to find a buyer for our house? And here is the dangerous one....would you be in prayer as we seek to build our support network? (What's so dangerous about this one you ask....the support network just might include you.)

Thank you.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Amazing Journey (Part Three)

Now for the rest of the story... here's where someone really hit the big "On" switch.

July 2001, Bilina Czech Republic. Our church has put together a short-term mission team to assist a pastor in this small town (pop. 20,000) near the Czech/German border.

This trip is significant on a number of levels. Twas on this trip we worked with Next Level International for the first time. This was also the first time I had the opportunity to preach. Yet there was something else that moved me deep within my soul.

Ever see someone completely out of their element, so far from their comfort zone they may never find their way back...yet still mold themselves into the situation as if it was something they did every day? With a child-like enthusiasm they take on new tasks, regardless of the discomfort or potential for embarrassment. One team member in particular exemplified this type of joyful servanthood.

In the course of a ten day stay she cleaned floors, hugged children, ate strange food, taught Bible lessons to gypsy kids and perhaps the crowning moment of the whole trip was evidenced when she donned a home-made clown costume and talked of salvation to a group a children, using the salvation bracelet as her guide.

Every new day and every new challenge was met with a smile. Never a complaint, never a grumble... (ok after a week of no fresh veggies she did mention a craving for salad...but even that was done with grace). Unphased by inconvenience and unashamed to share her faith, you'd swear she had done this a million times before. But this was only her second mission trip.

Day after day I quietly marveled at her resolve and enthusiasm. (Try teaching a Bible lesson to 120+ kids who don't speak your language). And in the midst of all this a seed was planted in my mind....what if this woman was able to do this every day? You know how some folks just seem to "fit" in a career or vocation. She certainly had me convinced....which is a good thing...because I was watching my wife.

Even as I am writing this, Mary is making a new clown costume for our upcoming trip to Nicaragua, and the salvation bracelets are ready to be packed. With a little help from a translator, and God, she will again dive into the challenge. She'll laugh and cry, she'll pray and sing....and not care who is watching. She'll burn every ounce of energy she has in an all out effort to teach and reach this new flock of lost lambs.

Married couples often wonder why they got together, stayed together, and haven't actually carried out their fantasy of getting rid of the other....we've been blessed with the knowledge that we are a team...we go forward into our Big Adventure, hand in hand, one being brave enough to convince the scared one that all will be OK....taking turns carrying, and being carried...sharing smiles with tears, peace with fears...why did I agree with God to take this step?? Because He gave me my True Companion to share the trip.

For those of you keeping track...as of today we are t-minus 6 months and 4 days. We ask that you'd please continue to pray for us as we sell the house and furnishings, meet with potential partners, and figure out what to pack and what to leave behind. Thank you.

 

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Amazing Journey (Part Two)

Last month found our hero returning from the wilds of Mexico, reflecting on what had been witnessed on his first missions trip. Not realising the long-term effects on his life. (If you missed it, feel free to get caught up by reading last month's newsletter at www.pmtriller.blogspot.com) 

Let's fast forward a year or two. Missions trip #2, this one to Guatemala. But rather than being just a participant, I was able to help plan this trip from the beginning...and in this case we were not going to help a pastor, but a missionary couple, a very interesting missionary couple.

Our team came to finish a church building, and construct a playground area. We also had the the opportunity to preach, share testimonies, and interact with the villagers. The team was mostly teens, many of which had never been on such a trip. But the real story here is about Mike and Rocky...tho' the "Nick has a gun" story is worth asking about.

Mike and Rocky Beene have been serving in some very remote parts of Guatemala for close to 20 years now. Rocky decided she wanted to bring the Good News to Central America. So at 18, with no big ministry backing, she finds herself in Honduras. About the same time in Texas, God is dealing with an drunk cowboy named Mike. An odd combination to say the least, but Mike finds his way into the mission field, and meets Rocky in Costa Rica. They get married, move to Guatemala, and start their ministry and their family, while living out of a pickup truck and a tent.

Over the years they built; a house, multiple churches, a clinic, a dorm, they trained pastors, started a coffee growing project, help get water to the nearby villages, had four children, cleared a road up the mountain, started a home building project, stitched machete induced wounds, and delivered babies. They started with no electricity, no running water, no phones, no house.... but overcame all these obstacles with a determination and drive that is rare in this day and age of convenience.

Have they made a difference? The answer is "Yes". But how to quantify the results may be difficult. They have literally saved lives in their clinic.They have saved souls in the churches they helped establish. They have improved living conditions by helping get clean water and by building new homes with a real floor (rather than having kids sleeping on dirt.) But I think the real proof came just last year when their daughter, Kayla (now 18), decided to follow mom and dad's footsteps. She is now a missionary in Australia.

What does all this have to do with what lies ahead for Mary and I??? To us, Mike and Rocky are an inspiration. We look at what they have done, and how God has provided, and we are encouraged.
Yes, they live a crazy life, oft-times dangerous, and not without its share of tears. No one can argue their life is not for everyone. ( Mary and I have no intention of having four more children.)
But this couple has served, and persevered....and with such joy.

We pray we can look back 20 years from now and say the same. But before we look back, we need to look ahead. Our story is just starting. Our joys, set-backs, triumphs, and challenges are still in their boxes, awaiting the day we reach Europe and start living the Adventure.

So Mexico opened my eyes to the what missionary work can do. Guatemala opened my heart... next month you'll learn what opened my spirit.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Amazing Journey (Part One)

As we approach the t minus 7 months and counting mark in the countdown towards our move, a number of (well-meaning) friends, family and acquaintances have questioned our motivation, logic and to some extent, our sanity.

Each query was presented out of genuine concern and interest for our well-being. And in each event came a pause for some reflection on our part. Have you ever had to explain something you did, or wanted to do, that seemed to defy at  a few cosmic laws, if not a least one universal constant?

Let's fire up the Way Back Machine for 1991....our church was putting together its first missions trip. Destination: Victoria, Mexico. The announcement was made at service one Sunday and you'd expect one's motivation for going to be some selfless desire to help their fellow man....close, well almost close...my motivation was a little less altruistic. I wanted to go because it was a trip to Mexico and other people would help pay my way.

Needless to say it was a humble beginning for a now future missionary.

The team included quite a mix of talent from preaching, praise and worship, drama, kid's ministry and a construction crew. The people of Victoria were prayed for, entertained, ministered to, and had a new church building before we left. Even though I was in the midst of the ministry action, it was on the work site I caught my first glimpse into what missions was all about.

The scene looked like this: The church building is almost complete. Bob (from our church) is on a ladder running the wiring. Chewie (the church's pastor) is holding the ladder steady on the uneven dirt floor. As men from almost every nation and ethnic background will do under such conditions...they started a conversation. They chatted about their backgrounds, travels, hobbies, kids, etc...and in the midst of it all Chewie asked Bob to tell him about their church building back in Florida. Bob paused, looked down, and explained we didn't have a church building....yet.  Chewie would have been less amazed if Bob said we met in a sanctuary that held 100,000 people and had water slides. This Mexican pastor, who currently held his services in an empty lot next to a tortilla bakery, couldn't believe any church would voluntarily give of their people and resources to provide total strangers with a building, when they didn't have a building of their own first. He stopped short of calling us loco. But it doesn't stop here......

Chewie (at this time a trifle teary-eyed) humbly explained that just a few months previous his congregation had enough money to buy the supplies and hire the workers to put up their building. But when informed that a sister church had a financial emergency, Chewie and his flock, gave away their entire building fund. And he thought we were crazy??

It was a few days after they emptied their bank account Chewie received a call about a church in Orlando who had a team available to come down and put up their building, and pay for all the supplies. Coincidence, right?

Fast forward to the next day.....the big grand opening....the first service in this new building. Chewie is standing by the front door, beaming, grinning from ear to ear, ready to cut the ribbon. Can you imagine his emotions? The joy? The happiness??? It was at this moment I realised that giving and receiving are inseparable.... that this series of acts of selflessness and obedience would affect countless lives... that what had been done here would make a difference... it was a glimpse into a different reality...it was a step that would be followed by others, and lead to where we are today. 

One story might not fully explain why we're doing this, but it is a start....and there will be more stories to come. The big question is ....do you want to be part of them????

Born to run

Ever hit one of those age milestones that suddenly starts you on a trail of reminiscing? You take a moment every now and then to play those mental videos of days past. Sometimes they are simple memories; early birthday parties, first day of school, first dance...
This can also happen when you hear about an anniversary of some world event. Last year I realised I am older than Sputnik and Legos....so sometimes they are memory news clips, you know the "where was I when...?" Who out there recalls where they were when John F Kennedy was assassinated? (I was in first grade) Or the Apollo 11 moon landing? (I was 12) Or when MTV broadcast their first music video? Or the fall of communism in Europe?

How often have you found yourself taking a bit of a personal inventory at these time? I once had someone ask me...."How is your dash?" Think of a tombstone for a second....oft times you will see the year someone was born...then a hyphen (dash) and the year they died. The time in-between is your "dash". In your dash are things you cannot change, where you were born, your name, where you lived as a child...these were things out of our control. As we grew older we starting taking more control over our lives. Sometimes we made mistakes....sometimes we played the hero. Hopefully we all learned from both.

But if you're still reading this, your dash isn't over yet. What lies ahead? What changes can you make? How can you impact the people around you? Is there somewhere in your neighbourhood, your city, your nation, or somewhere on the planet you can make a difference?
Part of our DNA, part of our very core being wants to create a better world. Whatever you call it, deep down inside we want to be remembered, we want to create a legacy. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We weren't born to be static...we were born to run.

God has used ordinary people to do extraordinary things for thousands of years. Some give of their talents. Some offer prayer. Some can provide financial support. Some put feet to their faith and go to serve. Each part is integral, each part thrives when all the others are in synch. So it is when all these parts of the equation come together....things like this happen....(excerpt from a letter describing what happened during an NLI short term mission trip to Slovakia) After some worship, testimonies, and a dance, one of the team preached about the lady who had been ill for years, and how she reached out to touch Jesus' coat and was immediately healed. Afterwards we asked if anyone would like us to pray with them: many did. Mark, one of the team members, prayed for a little girl (about 8yrs old). She was deaf. He prayed, knowing he could do nothing, but WITH God all things are possible. The interpreter repeated to the little girl all that Mark had said, and then clicked his fingers by the side of her ear. She spun her head round in amazement - she had heard the click. The leader of the small Christian group on the site spoke to us afterwards and said he knew the girl and her mum, and it was true that she had been born deaf. God gave her back her hearing that day. Awesome!

Do stories like this stir up something inside you? Does it make you wonder where could you fit in? There are many opportunities out there looking for someone, just like you, to fulfill a role....to make a change...to create a legacy.

Our ministry is one of those places. We invite you the learn more about what we're doing and where you could make a difference. Tis your move.....

Wonderin' Aloud

Ever buy Girls Scout cookies? To our North American readers, this is an event that has reached near-Holiday status. Once or twice a year, a girl in a green (or brown) uniform will show up at your doorstep. You will also see them at the entrance to your local grocery store or mall. Regardless of the location, colour of uniform, age or ethnicity of the lass(es).... they are on the same mission. Their strategy is simple, it is all in their hypnotic mantra..."Hello. Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?" This approach is so simple, so innocent, so disarming, it is almost a rhetorical question. How can you say "No"?

How many of us over the years have found ourselves buying box after box of Caramel Delights, Peanut Butter Patties, or my favourite...Thin Mints? What's the attraction? What's the Big Deal? What is the secret ingredient that has us buying these cookies year after year?

It isn't the sugar, flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, or the natural flavours. It isn't the box, nor the price. No, it isn't even the fact they are kosher. We are willing to part with about $3.50/box because it involves a cause. We are investing in these girls, and the cookies are just a nice fringe benefit.

You are probably asking yourself two questions right about now: 1) When will Girls Scout Cookies be available again? 2) What does this have to do with the ministry ?

Answer to Question 1: I don't know.

Answer to Question 2: You have the opportunity to become involved in something not too dissimilar to buying those cookies, and being part of a Cause, but with two major differences; Your support has impact both physically and spiritually. Plus it carries through from this life into the eternal.

So let's see how this would sound....

How about a box of Compassion? The ingredients include...."Your support was crucial to helping a new ministry reach out to pregnant teens in a part of Europe that has more abortions per year than live births"

Or perhaps a box of Caring? Made with...."Your involvement made it possible to partner with a church plant in a nation where they have the highest teen suicide rate in Europe."

Or maybe you'd prefer two boxes of Loving Kindness. A unique blend of...." Mobilisation of people from around the globe to help rekindle the Light of the World in some of the planet's most atheistic nations"

Granted these aren't the catchiest product names ever conceived, but you get the point.

So...would you like to buy some cookies?

(Factoid: France has more practicing Muslims than Christians)

Break on Through

Two years ago I met a pastor from southern Serbia, his name is Sasha. We met at an NLI pastors' conference in Belgrade. He was there as an attendee, I was there as a photographer. Having an American in the midst of about 40 Serbians,and a half-dozen Canadians, was a bit of a novelty. So as the week progressed I had many opportunities to chat with pastors from all over Serbia.
Sasha had just started a new church at that time and was eager to share their story. He had faith, high hopes, and an unwavering dedication to following God's instruction.
Two years later I happen to run into Sasha again, this time in Poland. His wife was home with a cold, so we "adopted" him for the week. Over Polish Pizza and Cokes we had time to hear more about his now not so new church in Kraljevo. At the end of the week we made sure to exchange contact info and the made the all so typical promise to keep in touch. Oddly enough, we have kept that promise.
I received an email from Sasha just today, and in it he shared a short update on their Christmas service. I'd like to share in with you...He also included the images you see in this message.

Dear Paul & Mary,
Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year. I am sure things are getting back to normal now.
Christmas in Kraljevo went very well. We had a wonderful service on our Christmas eve (6. January) in our church. The church was packed with people. We had to take all the chairs out and people were standing throughout all the service. Many, who were not able to come inside because of no space, were standing in our garden. Altogether we had 140 - 150 present and all these are people we have contact and are working with. Our children did a fantastic nativity play and I preached a simple and clear message about the real meaning of Christmas entitled "The birth of Jesus - our Saviour and friend". I am sending you a few pictures so you can see.
Wishing you every blessing,
Sasha
Now 140-150 people at a Christmas Service may not sound like much to you, and the "bathrobes and beards" certainly are nothing new in the arena of kid's nativity productions. But you need to know the rest of the story.....Sasha's church plant is one of the few in that region of the country. The population has a large Turkish presence, and there is a very strong Muslim influence on the culture. Those two factors alone have kept most Christians in the shadows. Add to that the mindset that many of the citizens consider Christianity a cult, and are openly violent towards them, you get the idea that only a lunatic would start a church in this environment. Oh...I almost forgot....Sasha has had death threats made against him, his wife, and children. He has had his car vandalized....and about a year and a half ago his church was firebombed. Yes, firebombed.
It is in this repressive atmosphere that these 140-150 saints gathered to praise the birth of Jesus. Despite social pressure, physical danger, and what sound like almost insurmountable odds....this church is alive and thriving. This story is just one of hundreds that could be told about the great works taking place throughout Europe. Sasha is just one out of hundreds of pastors being trained and helped through NLI's short-term missions teams. We are ready to join the adventure with Sasha and his brethren....you can come too.

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(Factoid: It is estimated that over 300,000 new churches are needed to win Europe back to Christ.)

Learn more about how you can make this a reality...

http://www.going4the1.com/