Following the leading of Christ is the passion of my life, I get very excited to share what He has revealed to me and the steps that He has led me to take. Because of this excitement, I tend to give long explanations with tons of details, so when I wrote out my support letter for Uganda earlier this week, I found myself looking at 2 pages worth of single spaced, 6 point font details. I was advised that this is way to long for a support letter. :) So, because I love everyone to know how great our God is in how he leads hearts and opens doors, I decided to cut all the details out of my letter and put them here! For everyone who has received my letter or will soon, the following is a bit of background to what God has been doing and how he lead me to Serving His Children. Believe it or not, this is the condensed version!
In three short months, I will be heading down to the heart of Africa to teach the gospel to children and the community in the city of Masese, Uganda!
I am so excited to be sharing with you the newest adventure that the LORD has set before me! Many of you have been faithful prayer warriors and by faith have financially supported me in the past as the LORD has led me through steps in ministry that have led me into a deeper intimacy with himself and a deeper passion for serving him with the talents that He has equipped me with. You may recall that a little over a year ago I was apart of a team that went to Salter’s Hill, Jamaica to serve at Robin’s Nest Children’s home. As I walked away from those two weeks (and some sweet baby boys that held my heart strings with a death grip), and headed home to the states, a burden fell upon my soul that I can barely express. The LORD let me know right then that children’s ministry was to be a permanent occupation for my life, and that very soon He would be calling me again to step out in faith and serve His children for His glory. There is indescribable joy that comes with sharing the hope of the gospel with little children and watching them soak in the very news that they were created to delight in!
Little did I know that this renewed understanding of my passion would bring me all the way down to the Equator! As I prayerfully searched for the location and timing that the Father was calling me to, I steered clear of any thoughts of Africa. It is far too terrifying and far too devastated for someone small, weak and silly like me. Thankfully, we have a Councilor who does not let us think that WE are the source of strength, or that the ability to impact lives comes from ourselves; He quickly reminded me that of course I was not big, strong, or smart enough! His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and He has equipped me with everything that I need to simply obey. Through a series of divine encounters and events, the LORD continued to spark inside me a deep concern for the people of AID’s stricken, and war torn Uganda. My heart was full of fear thinking of the possibility of being sent to Uganda, but one night as I discussed my reservations with a friend, the Holy Spirit struck me with such authority and power that I was positive of His guiding and direction. As I described all the reasons I had for not going to Uganda, I found words coming out of my mouth that confirmed that the LORD was calling me to walk in His strength rather than my own: “I will not allow fear to get in the way of following what the LORD has called me to do!” I hadn't been thinking those words, but God let me know in a unique way that He expected obedience. When the Father speaks that clearly, it is foolish to second guess it. Peace overtook me at that moment and I was able to worship God in the certainty that He would guide me into His will for His glory.
Since that evening, the LORD has opened every door and sent into motion all the events that have brought me to the ministry Serving His Children. Through the connection of a sweet woman Rachel Fix, I was able to get correspondence with a woman named Renee Bach, the founder of this ministry. I felt that the LORD was calling me to a ministry where I could use my specific talents to teach. Without knowing what specific tasks the LORD would provide for me, I asked general questions about her ministry and their needs. After a few e-mails back and forth, it became clear that the position I had been praying for, Renee had been praying that the LORD would provide someone to head up. Her vision was to add on to her ministry by creating a bible school for the community and individuals who took part in the other ministries of Serving His Children.
The plan now is that I will travel out to Masese beginning on August 11th of this year, bringing with me supplies and a curriculum to teach at the bible camp. My primary job will be teaching and coordinating events for the bible school. I will also be volunteering for the other ministries of Serving His Children as they have need. Of course, I am taking this step in faith, as I do not have the funds necessary to make this trip. I will be spending 4 months there and will need funding for my entire stay there. Transportation, rent for a space in the Serving His Children facility, and food for myself are my primary needs. I am also praying that the LORD will provide funding for the ministry itself; for curriculum supplies, shipping of extra supplies, and other needs.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Confessions of a 21st Century Martha
The other day, as I stood at my sink washing what felt like the millionth load of dishes for the week, my mind wandered across the many different tasks that I needed to be doing. As usual, as I went through my mental checklist, that vein in my neck (the one that tells me I'm in over my head) began to pulse. Not actually thinking too long on any one thing, I was essentially getting nothing done but dishes. Sitting in front of me on the counter was a children's church curriculum book. On the cover was an illustration of the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha out of Luke chapter 10. Like many children's bible story illustrations, the person in the story who is in the wrong looks ridiculous, and the one who is doing right looks almost angelic. In this picture Martha has 6 arms, each doing a different task; she's sewing something with 2 hands, baking with another 2, pouring water for Jesus, and sweeping a mouse out from under the table. Mary of course, is sitting on the floor in front of Jesus looking sweet and beautiful and content. I laughed to myself, but in my grouchy mood I thought of how Martha gets such a bad wrap! Sure, its was better for her to listen to Jesus then be focused on other things, but she was working hard for the Lord. I thought, "Listen, she seriously had a ton to do, and if everyone wanted to eat, and drink and not have to worry about those details, then that was her ministry! Right? And seriously, the mouse under the table? who wouldn't be worried about that. I mean someone has to get all the dishes and laundry done so that there is room to sit on that floor and listen to Jesus!" I went on in my mind making tons of wonderful sounding justifications for busyness, but only making myself more angry all the while.
Our God is so compassionate, He loves me enough to even convict me right in the middle of one of my mind rants. I thought suddenly about the other sister, Mary. She sat and listened to the voice of Jesus. In reality, I'm sure she wasn't a lazy person who never did any housework. I'm sure she was well aware of the things that needed to be done around the house. But, Mary decided to sit at Jesus' feet. Luke 10: 41 gives us Jesus reply at Martha's comment; "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."
How true is that in my own life! I'm a Martha sympathizer because much of the time I am just like her! I want to do so many things for Christ, be involved in so many ministries, get perfect scores on all my exams in my overloaded school schedule, have a perfect looking space, be a cute looking woman,... But then, some of those things really aren't for Christ at all. In reality, I have alot of good ideas, but not all of them are God ideas, (as Beth Moore pointed out in our last women's bible study.) I was reminded once again that when my focus is on Jesus, as Mary's was, I'm only interested in the tasks that actually bring Him glory. "There is a time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven." Cleaning, cooking, studying for long hours, grocery shopping, and trips to the bank; those all have a place. So do those coffee dates that turn into bible study, and that bible study with peopel who don't seem to care, and that ministry that consumes extra hours of preparation. All those tasks that the Lord has placed in front of me have importance, but they cannot be my focus! The tasks are simply tools that God will use to bring Himself glory, or to prepare me for another task that will ultimately bring Him glory. My job is to focus my eyes and ears on Jesus and to listen intently to His voice. Priscilla Shirer made an excellent point in her bible study, Discerning the Voice of God, "Intimate fellowship is the purpose of God's plan." The plan is not the purpose; the tasks are not the ultimate goal: Jesus desires that I walk in Him with all of myself so that I can know Him better, not so that I can just walk in Him.
I finished those dishes, but with a much better attitude than when I started them, and moved on to the next task. Jesus loves it when we put our eyes back on Him, because we cannot have real joy any other way. As I continue to prepare for the big task ahead of me, I'll be remembering that the tasks themselves are of little importance. I want to choose, as Mary did, to focus on the one thing that is needed, and approach everything else with that in mind.
Our God is so compassionate, He loves me enough to even convict me right in the middle of one of my mind rants. I thought suddenly about the other sister, Mary. She sat and listened to the voice of Jesus. In reality, I'm sure she wasn't a lazy person who never did any housework. I'm sure she was well aware of the things that needed to be done around the house. But, Mary decided to sit at Jesus' feet. Luke 10: 41 gives us Jesus reply at Martha's comment; "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."
How true is that in my own life! I'm a Martha sympathizer because much of the time I am just like her! I want to do so many things for Christ, be involved in so many ministries, get perfect scores on all my exams in my overloaded school schedule, have a perfect looking space, be a cute looking woman,... But then, some of those things really aren't for Christ at all. In reality, I have alot of good ideas, but not all of them are God ideas, (as Beth Moore pointed out in our last women's bible study.) I was reminded once again that when my focus is on Jesus, as Mary's was, I'm only interested in the tasks that actually bring Him glory. "There is a time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven." Cleaning, cooking, studying for long hours, grocery shopping, and trips to the bank; those all have a place. So do those coffee dates that turn into bible study, and that bible study with peopel who don't seem to care, and that ministry that consumes extra hours of preparation. All those tasks that the Lord has placed in front of me have importance, but they cannot be my focus! The tasks are simply tools that God will use to bring Himself glory, or to prepare me for another task that will ultimately bring Him glory. My job is to focus my eyes and ears on Jesus and to listen intently to His voice. Priscilla Shirer made an excellent point in her bible study, Discerning the Voice of God, "Intimate fellowship is the purpose of God's plan." The plan is not the purpose; the tasks are not the ultimate goal: Jesus desires that I walk in Him with all of myself so that I can know Him better, not so that I can just walk in Him.
I finished those dishes, but with a much better attitude than when I started them, and moved on to the next task. Jesus loves it when we put our eyes back on Him, because we cannot have real joy any other way. As I continue to prepare for the big task ahead of me, I'll be remembering that the tasks themselves are of little importance. I want to choose, as Mary did, to focus on the one thing that is needed, and approach everything else with that in mind.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
In anticipation of something beautiful
What a glorious day! Brothers and sisters, what a wonderous miracle that we celebrate this time every year! Though terribly commercialized by our culture, the Easter celebration should bring our hearts into abounding worship. That Jesus would come and die for our sins is the greatest act of love that has ever been!! But Jesus did not stay dead! He rose again, having defeated death forever! I can hardly contain my spirit as I dwell on the beauty of this forever love story; my Jesus defeated the very sin that held me captive so that I could become the woman that He created me to be, and be filled by the wonderful joy that comes from a heart full of uninhibited worship to Him alone.
Pastor Steve has been doing a sermon series on the Supremacy of Christ out of Colossians, and I have been so blessed and encouraged by it! In a world that has forgotten and forsaken the Living Word, that is Jesus Christ, it has been so refreshing to be reminded that the same sin that invaded the hearts of the Colossians is the same as the deception that runs rampant through the hearts and minds of people today, and that the same powerful Jesus still sits on His throne, and can wipe out all deception and false teaching. It can be so discouraging to live in this world at times because we can see everywhere the power that holds captive the hearts of the decieved. I know that for myself, I can fall into the habit of becoming overwhelmed by the devastation of false religions, and crippling world views. But we serve the God who defeated death!! Can he not defeat deception? He certainly can and does every day! He defeated deception in my heart, and the hearts of all believers when He opened our eyes to see Him! Christ is truly all we need!! Praise the name of Him who is Risen!!
This truth is one that the Holy Spirit has used very much to encourage my heart recently as I prepare for Uganda. When I first made the decision to go, I could not help but be worried by the alarming reports of satanic worship in this country. Knowing with my heart that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world, I still struggled with how people so lost and decieved could come to the point of even listening to the hope of the gospel. How gently and yet strongly the Lord has reminded me of His strength in the past few weeks! He is all! Christ made those minds that seem to be too far gone, and He's rescued hearts just as deprived, and will continue to draw people to Himself with His infinate power until His return!
As we anticipate the beauty of His second coming, may our joyous celebration of His first be overflowing. Christ is all, and Christ is all we need! (Thanks Pastor Steve!) He has defeated death and continues to defeat deception in many hearts as He draws us ever closer to Himself for His forever glory, and our forever joy!
Happy Easter week everyone! :)
Heidi Jo
Pastor Steve has been doing a sermon series on the Supremacy of Christ out of Colossians, and I have been so blessed and encouraged by it! In a world that has forgotten and forsaken the Living Word, that is Jesus Christ, it has been so refreshing to be reminded that the same sin that invaded the hearts of the Colossians is the same as the deception that runs rampant through the hearts and minds of people today, and that the same powerful Jesus still sits on His throne, and can wipe out all deception and false teaching. It can be so discouraging to live in this world at times because we can see everywhere the power that holds captive the hearts of the decieved. I know that for myself, I can fall into the habit of becoming overwhelmed by the devastation of false religions, and crippling world views. But we serve the God who defeated death!! Can he not defeat deception? He certainly can and does every day! He defeated deception in my heart, and the hearts of all believers when He opened our eyes to see Him! Christ is truly all we need!! Praise the name of Him who is Risen!!
This truth is one that the Holy Spirit has used very much to encourage my heart recently as I prepare for Uganda. When I first made the decision to go, I could not help but be worried by the alarming reports of satanic worship in this country. Knowing with my heart that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world, I still struggled with how people so lost and decieved could come to the point of even listening to the hope of the gospel. How gently and yet strongly the Lord has reminded me of His strength in the past few weeks! He is all! Christ made those minds that seem to be too far gone, and He's rescued hearts just as deprived, and will continue to draw people to Himself with His infinate power until His return!
As we anticipate the beauty of His second coming, may our joyous celebration of His first be overflowing. Christ is all, and Christ is all we need! (Thanks Pastor Steve!) He has defeated death and continues to defeat deception in many hearts as He draws us ever closer to Himself for His forever glory, and our forever joy!
Happy Easter week everyone! :)
Heidi Jo
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
In anticipation of something beautiful
Hello friends and family!
Welcome to my new blog! :) As many of you know, I have felt the burden on my heart for many years for children's ministry, as well as women's ministries. It is one of my greatest joys to share the Word of God with a precious little one, and watch the Holy Spirit begin to work in their hearts, or share my heart with young women and see the healing power of Christ transform them! For the past year the Lord has been leading me through a journey of seeking Him and His will that has been such a blessing. Some of you know the steps that have brought me to this point, and can attest to God's hand in bringing this ministry to me! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have the honor of serving Christ alongside Serving His Children this coming fall.
For those of you who just stumbled upon this blog, and may not know me or anything about this new minisrty, let me explain a bit! :) I am taking a mission trip to Masese, Uganda this fall to serve with a ministry called Serving His Children. This is a new ministry that was started by a young woman by the name of Renee Bach, to serve the communtiy of Masese and the surrounding areas by meeting a few basic needs there. The most important being, of course, sharng the good news of the gospel! Essentially the goal of Serving His Children is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to show his real and unconditional love. (To learn more specifics about this ministry, visit www.servinghischildren.org) As a branch of this ministry, SHC would like to start a bible school program for the children. This is where I will be volunteering; helping to start this bible school by gathering and bringing curriculem, supplies, and all my creative juices! I will also be teaching. I had been praying very specifically for a ministry that I could be useful to, and Renee had been praying for someone with my talents to come and start up the school! Our God is so amazing!
The purpose of this blog is to keep my brothers and sisters in Christ updated on this ministry so that they can be in prayer, and so that they might be encouraged by hearing about how God is at work through Serving His Children. Throughout my fundraising period, as well as my time in Uganda, I will be updating this page, so that you can be a part of what God is doing!
I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support! Thank you! :)
Welcome to my new blog! :) As many of you know, I have felt the burden on my heart for many years for children's ministry, as well as women's ministries. It is one of my greatest joys to share the Word of God with a precious little one, and watch the Holy Spirit begin to work in their hearts, or share my heart with young women and see the healing power of Christ transform them! For the past year the Lord has been leading me through a journey of seeking Him and His will that has been such a blessing. Some of you know the steps that have brought me to this point, and can attest to God's hand in bringing this ministry to me! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have the honor of serving Christ alongside Serving His Children this coming fall.
For those of you who just stumbled upon this blog, and may not know me or anything about this new minisrty, let me explain a bit! :) I am taking a mission trip to Masese, Uganda this fall to serve with a ministry called Serving His Children. This is a new ministry that was started by a young woman by the name of Renee Bach, to serve the communtiy of Masese and the surrounding areas by meeting a few basic needs there. The most important being, of course, sharng the good news of the gospel! Essentially the goal of Serving His Children is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to show his real and unconditional love. (To learn more specifics about this ministry, visit www.servinghischildren.org) As a branch of this ministry, SHC would like to start a bible school program for the children. This is where I will be volunteering; helping to start this bible school by gathering and bringing curriculem, supplies, and all my creative juices! I will also be teaching. I had been praying very specifically for a ministry that I could be useful to, and Renee had been praying for someone with my talents to come and start up the school! Our God is so amazing!
The purpose of this blog is to keep my brothers and sisters in Christ updated on this ministry so that they can be in prayer, and so that they might be encouraged by hearing about how God is at work through Serving His Children. Throughout my fundraising period, as well as my time in Uganda, I will be updating this page, so that you can be a part of what God is doing!
I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support! Thank you! :)
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