tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62362318528769856482012-02-01T13:23:27.017-05:00Administratornoreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-39385667515241298442012-02-01T12:36:00.003-05:002012-02-01T13:23:27.028-05:00

As Jesus walked the earth He gave us insight as to what our experiential understanding of the kingdom will be. Later, the Apostle Paul gives a sort-of-state-of- the-union address to the citizenry of His kingdom, He says in Romans the kingdom of God is “righteousness, peace and joy...” Well now, there is a good word. Who wouldn't want some of that action. A couple questions can linger in our

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-65549655769286056262012-01-06T08:44:00.003-05:002012-01-06T09:15:19.822-05:00

One of my favorite songs of all times is the old hymn (kidding) "Dream On" by Aerosmith. I am not suggesting that Steven Tyler received an anointing from the Holy Spirit that prompted and facilitated the writing of this song. I may want to stretch a bit and say that at least some of what he says in his classic can serve as a reminder from the Lord.Dreaming of potential future realities does

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-58139254275424320152011-12-05T10:03:00.004-05:002011-12-05T16:58:31.874-05:00

I sometimes wonder if it is still OK to be a man in America. Please don't misunderstand. I am not suggesting that aloofness and insensitivity are definitive of manhood. Anyone who knows me would testify that I am not aloof and the older I get the more I cry in movies. I'm just suggesting that in the wake of political correctness it seems no longer socially acceptable to be a man in public. I

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-63655996345862240772011-11-15T08:49:00.006-05:002011-12-05T17:01:44.967-05:00

It may surprise some to realize that I am Baptist enough, and old enough, to remember the song “Love in any Language” by Sandy Patty. I am not necessarily proud of it, my age that is, but it's true. I can remember singing this song loudly as I listened on my bootlegged cassette riding down Interstate 77.I am currently in Turkey and as I think upon songs of old, I am a bit ashamed of my taste in

Administratornoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-66821940709848654862011-09-25T07:11:00.005-04:002011-10-27T19:36:27.215-04:00

Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come.” Evangelicals have done a good job preaching a gospel of salvation; however, this is not the same thing as preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Salvation is important and is our entrance into the kingdom. But what are the implications once

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-35120087290100820632011-08-10T09:35:00.014-04:002011-08-11T20:57:39.459-04:00

We have just returned from our retreat center, Refugio Solte, in Costa Rica after spending the summer teaching and living the kingdom of God. We were with various mission teams from Texas, Virginia and Florida. We hiked deep into the jungle searching for the indigenous people groups, the Guyame and Talamanca Indians. We also hosted our Generation of Promise discipleship program with 12

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-46911870570716749842011-07-19T17:45:00.001-04:002011-07-19T17:46:55.273-04:00

It has been a busy spring for Answering the Call. Several trips to the Middle East and to Central America, along with the responsibilities of daily life, has interfered with our blog updates. We are currently in Costa Rica with our Generation of Promise discipleship group. There are 12 college-age students here with us. We are focusing on the love of God and what a good father He is. We are

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-21571750174093207832011-05-05T07:18:00.003-04:002011-05-05T07:20:28.229-04:00

It has been said that appearances can be deceiving. I have decided that is more true now than ever before. It is possible that it’s not and that I am just getting more confused in my old age.Jesus talked about a time like this, a time when we were to make certain that no one lead us astray. He said “false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” We later find that even “satan disguises

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-39293067183929707322011-03-31T17:15:00.014-04:002011-04-04T09:31:25.653-04:00

It’s the title of a song by Kristene Mueller. The title alone speaks volumes and moves me every time I think about it. So often we struggle for perfection when God is all about redemption. Think about it. Which is more beautiful, something perfect and in need of nothing, or something that has been devastated, broken beyond repair and put back together to such a condition that the brokenness

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-86836579913085611582011-03-08T12:44:00.002-05:002011-03-08T12:46:34.135-05:00

Not long ago as I prepared to leave for a particular country in the Middle East, I was confronted with a question. The question came in many forms but the essence of it was always the same. The question rose from several sources, however it primarily came from church folks. The question had two parts to it and was generally asked in the midst of what appeared to be a state of shock. The

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-33460419580837209322011-01-21T13:42:00.011-05:002011-04-06T18:17:13.655-04:00

I hope you are off to a good start for 2011. I have wanted to post something on the blog for the past few weeks, however, I need quiet and solitude in order to write and frankly I don’t get much of either. We had all of our kids home for Christmas and I must say we had a blast together. David, the ultimate cook and let-the-good-times-roll-kind-of-guy, prepared an eight day feast for us. He

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-53625455621690217412010-12-22T21:06:00.002-05:002010-12-22T21:09:36.990-05:00

The voice of the Father thundered from the throne: "Today is the day of salvation! Today is the day of my favor!"A shout of praise erupted in the throne room that shook the very foundations of heaven. Gabriel remembered His mission to the young Galilean girl. What an honor it had been to deliver such a message!You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-10286869333132063422010-12-06T11:00:00.002-05:002010-12-06T11:04:12.991-05:00

About six months I, along with a team from Pensacola, Florida, visited a beaten and battered people tucked away in the jungles of Southeast India. They had endured persecution at the hands of their radical Hindu neighbors. They suffered the destruction of some of their homes and the taking of much of their lands. They walked great distances for the water they needed to survive since they were

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-72596754576448304562010-11-11T21:13:00.011-05:002010-11-12T08:36:49.696-05:00

Last week I was sharing details over the phone to someone about the devastation that was taking place around us. The reply I received was, “Most people don’t realize what y’all go through in that “paradise.” I kind of laughed to myself and thought, Nope. No, they probably don’t. Take away the air conditioned rental cars, the vacation money you saved up to spend on anything that catches your

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-9154934295802836962010-10-21T20:01:00.006-04:002010-10-21T20:38:27.760-04:00

Last week while at church one of the youth's favorite bands blared a song through the sound system. There were a lot of kids and I'm not sure any of them were catching the prophetic lyrics of the song. The band played,"I lay awake on a long dark nightI can't seem to tame my mindSlings and arrows are killin' me inside."Jesus talked about days like these. He said, as He spoke about the days

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-85254085139255635312010-10-06T14:19:00.002-04:002010-10-06T15:34:11.171-04:00

Recently a pastor with whom we partner in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon visited Winston-Salem. Over the last few months, the Lord has revealed an incredible strategy for ATC to reach the Middle East, and this pastor (we will call him John) is a key part of that strategy. In June, ATC was part of an effort to fund the beginning phases of the construction of a worship center and “safe house”, and I

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-38931771705986928032010-09-17T12:16:00.011-04:002010-09-20T12:24:51.153-04:00

Since the beginning the passion behind ATC was to reach people in difficult places. I understood the need of this particularly in places where oppressive governments and fundamentalist religious systems rule with iron fisted grips. This need continues to exist and I am sure we will continue running to the front lines of these battlefields.I learned something this summer that is not in contrast

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-47932864759141967632010-08-19T15:40:00.012-04:002010-08-21T09:56:35.197-04:00

I got up this morning and pulled up my blinds like I do every morning. And my eyes fell to the same spot that they fall every time I am raising my blinds; the section of street right in front of our house. My heart dropped for a moment when I realized it wasn’t there. It has been there for so long it had become a fixture. I wasn’t even necessarily looking for it but I KNEW it was gone. My

Administratornoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-52760001257666653982010-07-27T12:42:00.004-04:002010-07-27T12:47:46.290-04:00

While we have been busy in Costa Rica, (more on that later), Jim and Nita Tarter have been getting it done in India! They spent 6 weeks traveling to ATC fields in North and South India. Sometimes it’s is just best to hear it straight from the horses mouth. I submit the following email as written to David from the leader of the movement in South India. Dear Pastor Greetings you in the name

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-19410177899900685552010-07-08T16:04:00.012-04:002010-07-09T13:51:12.726-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to travel with a team, including my daughter, from Winston-Salem, NC to Syria. I had not been to Syria before and was somewhat surprised when I found out that the pastors we would be visiting had active churches that had the freedom to operate “above ground”. My surprise continued as we crossed the border from Lebanon into Syria, where the roads improved and there

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-89826986649364027932010-06-22T15:54:00.013-04:002010-06-22T16:48:21.284-04:00

In my years of travel I have made several trips that made me a little nervous. The recent trip to Yemen would be included in this category. It seemed like a good idea when it was first conceived. In this country where proselytization is illegal, we had decided that a group on bikes would help to deter any problems that would come along. All we needed were a group of guys who could see the

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-27185268884212605312010-06-08T14:20:00.008-04:002010-06-08T15:17:16.695-04:00

It has been said that the word of God will not return void. I think it was somebody important who said that. In fact, I believe it was God. I find relief in this. It helps to define my role in the process of things without making me responsible for the results. It’s the kind of concept that allows you to sleep at night in India when outside your window you are confronted with the starkness

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-11782058523129348562010-05-14T10:25:00.005-04:002010-05-14T12:28:01.194-04:00

Do you ever just feel so full of yourself, or so full of the world, that it sickens you? There are times when I feel so full of the world and so void of God. Times where I feed my flesh upon the delicacies of this world. Times where I look for gratifications that appease my fleshly appetite bringing satisfaction even if only for the moment. A sensual movie, shopping at my favorite boutique,

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-24898319797996697932010-05-03T10:58:00.005-04:002010-05-03T11:48:25.902-04:00

We are gearing up for a busy summer in Costa Rica. Our internship/discipleship program, Generation of Promise, begins May 29th and runs through July 7th; we have 5 teams coming for mission work throughout the summer months as well as 2 teams leaving for the Middle East. We covet your prayers and with great expectation we look forward to all the Lord will do in the lives of His people.Sometimes

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-37817337133857894272010-04-21T17:39:00.010-04:002010-05-04T08:58:41.589-04:00

Recently I was traveling in South India where my home would be under the open sky for a week. After trying to sleep through cold nights on a cot I would awake to the sight of 10 pairs of eyeballs standing around my cot ready to greet me with, “Good morning sir.” I think it was the only English they knew because it was all they ever spoke. Their eyes on the other hand, spoke volumes.Following this

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-45751161680978397992010-04-02T08:20:00.005-04:002010-04-02T08:46:08.040-04:00

Let us sing the song of the Lamb this Passover season: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.Just and true are your ways, King of ages. Who will not fear you, O Lordand bring glory to your name?For you alone are holy.All nations will comeand worship before you,for your righteous acts have been revealed."Revelation 15:3-4Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb who was slain to receive power

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-4537490308172307752010-03-27T18:16:00.015-04:002010-05-08T01:14:50.182-04:00

What if you were struggling daily just to find food and no one knew? What if you had to walk for miles to get water and no one knew? What if your house burned down and no one knew? What if you were beaten and thrown into prison because of your faith and no one knew? What if you were sleeping outside in the rain and no one knew? What if your child was killed and no one knew? What if your

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-5501126660048716742010-03-22T12:52:00.002-04:002010-03-22T12:56:01.359-04:00

I Heard from David this morning. He was out of text range for a couple of days. They hiked 7 or 8 miles up the mountains to a remote village where there were some scattered believers. They had never seen westerners before and were very happy to see our team. They have been discouraged because of the persecution and some have even walked away from the faith, but these few have remained steadfast

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-27822098938447036382010-03-18T11:23:00.003-04:002010-03-18T11:29:19.215-04:00

The India team has arrived at their destination along with all of the medicines. They will be traveling to many villages preaching and running medical clinics. One of the team members said that when he went to Sudan he thought he was in the middle of nowhere, but that was only because he didn't know where the middle of nowhere was. He feels certain he is there now. David said he has it on his

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-78039855704919334802010-03-15T11:25:00.011-04:002010-03-16T13:50:59.215-04:00

India - David left for India today with a team of 6 from Pensacola, Florida. They will be traveling to the Orissa region where there has been tragic persecution of believers. They are initiating a 3-year project which includes pastoral training and the establishment of micro-industries for the villages. The funds raised from the Christmas Tree project we did back in December will go towards

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-34663581859585604572010-03-02T14:21:00.008-05:002010-03-03T12:48:38.182-05:00

Every now and then I am amazed and in awe with the spirit of determination and resolve I see in a particular individual. Recently a couple friend of ours moved to Central America to join the staff at Refugio Solte, the ATC training center. They have a 14 year old daughter who moved with them. This young woman of God stood strong while she watched her mother battle cancer last year. She

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-43536643964424104972010-02-17T11:50:00.006-05:002010-02-17T12:10:37.252-05:00

In my lifetime, I have been to India, Africa, China, Albania, Mexico and Jamaica (just to name a few) on numerous mission trips. I have seen poverty at its' worst. I have seen people healed. I have had the privilege to teach and preach before small and large crowds. I would say that each experience resulted in a deeper more intimate relationship with Jesus. I had become a "pro" at short-term

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-59586119799121363242010-01-29T11:00:00.007-05:002010-02-17T20:36:33.879-05:00

I have a good friend in Louisiana. I like to call him “Big D.” He is a very kind-hearted guy with an interesting philosophy on life. He once taught me an important lesson. Years ago while visiting the third world in Louisiana, Big D offered to take me for a boat ride. I quickly agreed, not understanding all I was in for. It seems he is famous for his boat rides. On this particular day in

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-29956058765193559512010-01-09T16:40:00.014-05:002010-01-22T12:18:10.467-05:00

I don’t know about you but sometimes I live life inside my head. I was at a conference recently where it was reported that the average person has 1500 words per minute of internal dialogue. I can totally believe it. Some of us have more than that! It is exhausting is it not? Not to mention confusing, lonely and sometimes tormenting. Many times these thoughts lead us to despair or

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-57364448819362440022009-12-16T10:56:00.003-05:002009-12-16T11:03:22.275-05:00

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...can we stop right there. Through the prophet Isaiah we get a glimpse, a peak under the tent as it were, to Who our Redeemer will be and in fact, now has become.In a world where marriages fail and families fall apart; where conventional wisdom is anything but conventional, and certainly not common, we have been offered a Wonderful Counselor

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-55134223681547257512009-11-18T17:20:00.011-05:002009-11-19T14:54:00.209-05:00

Have you ever noticed that when the Kingdom of God is advancing there is always opposition? Well, I will tell you that this last trip to Congo was no exception.Having traveled a lot in the past few years, you begin to expect “normal” travel delays or inconveniences. However, as we arrived in Kamembe, a small town on the border of Rwanda and Congo, we began to sense something more than travel

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-60029867636303594932009-11-03T17:39:00.018-05:002010-05-08T01:33:27.104-04:00

Before leaving this past summer for Central America I did something I always do prior to leaving for a trip: put my jewelry in our safety deposit box. It was the day before I left. Along with packing and a million other errands, going to the bank to ensure safe keeping of my treasures was squeezed into this jam packed day. I came home and thought to myself, “I should hide the safety deposit box

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-2873639671486133912009-10-22T10:50:00.023-04:002010-05-08T08:30:21.858-04:00

It has been said that there is nothing more dangerous than a religious man. The most vicious attacks are likely to come at the hands of the most religious. There is no life to be found in religion. Religion is form without power. Religion is man's attempt to reach God on his own merit or by his own formulas. Religion is at it's essence the expression of man’s ways; therefore, it is certain

Administratornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-70806055715230361922009-10-08T15:37:00.012-04:002010-05-08T08:34:04.015-04:00

The heart of a mom is an amazing thing to me. It is a work of God. I have watched it operate in Joy with our three children. I am amazed by the deep stirrings of love for our children that I sometimes sense in her. I am a Dad. I love my children, but it is not the same as a mom’s love. As our children have gotten older, one of them has even left her “poor ole father”, I have witnessed that a mom’

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-56013971544254216852009-09-22T17:20:00.005-04:002009-09-22T17:43:30.042-04:00

Some years ago, while on an international flight from Tel Aviv to Frankfort, I saw a man sitting across the aisle reading what I thought was a Bible. Momentarily, I engaged the man in a conversation and the subject of what he was reading came up. I asked, “Is that a Bible you are reading?” He answered, “You might say that.” Bewildered by his answer, I asked, “Are you a Christian?” He replied, “

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-71603167667634637382009-09-03T14:46:00.009-04:002010-05-08T08:35:22.134-04:00

The book of Psalms can be seen in many ways. Some call it poetry. This would be an educated perspective. Some would see it as a glorified hymn book. This view is perhaps from the artsy crowd. I struggle with this one because I thought that songs were supposed to rhyme, and in Hebrew I am not sure that’s possible.For a guy like me the book of Psalms is the meditations of a warrior and God’s

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-8987355416347406642009-08-12T19:19:00.017-04:002009-08-13T10:03:19.596-04:00

Our time in Central America is winding down. I am always a bit sad when our summer mission comes to a close here at the retreat center. Every year God proves faithful and teaches us so much about Himself. This year was no exception. Our discipleship program for young adults, Generation of Promise, was the highlight of my summer. What I saw God do in the lives of 16 young men and women fills my

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-64889745111012195552009-07-25T14:05:00.008-04:002009-07-25T14:26:07.536-04:00

“Let’s go minister to them simply by our presence.” It sounds odd does it not. Is this notion to assume that we are better than everyone else? Is the adoption of such a thought prideful and arrogant? Is it antithetical to the wise council of scripture that calls us to humility? How is it that our presence can be ministry?I went to southern Sudan once. It was decided that we would visit an area

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-10360422350246727482009-07-02T20:00:00.013-04:002009-07-02T21:12:07.343-04:00

Some mornings when I wake up the future seems bright. Some mornings when the sun rises the future seems daunting. I suppose this is not so unusual and probably common to everyone. I assume this is due to the basic nature of the times which is uncertainty.The first month this summer in Central America has been exciting for me. It has given me a glimpse into an uncertain future. The Lord has used

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-71280633898751336172009-06-19T10:27:00.015-04:002009-06-19T11:36:02.103-04:00

David and I did something we have never done in our entire 26 years of marriage. We remembered Father’s Day early. This past Sunday we rushed home off the mountain to call our dads to wish them a Happy Father’s Day. I think we woke one of them up. He seemed surprised and a little baffled at our call, but appreciative all the same. We were telling all the dads we saw that day Happy Father’s day.

Administratornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-90208668380616421962009-06-01T17:06:00.023-04:002009-06-02T22:34:17.611-04:00

Well, here we are in Central America for our 6th consecutive summer. Our arrival has been typical to all of our other arrivals; broken down cars, lot’s of bug bites, beautiful flowers, delicious fresh tropical fruit, communication difficulties, and unexpected mishaps on the mountain. We’ve come to expect the unexpected. God seems to teach us new things every year. And some things He seems to

Administratornoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-17445638092295591252009-05-18T16:02:00.015-04:002009-05-18T20:38:41.999-04:00

Missions can be exciting and venturesome. The last day on a recent trip to D.R. Congo our team decided to go into the forest, (a.k.a. jungle), to see the Silverback Gorillas in their natural habitat. I had no idea what we were in for; I just knew that the atmosphere among our team was brewing with adventure. This is the kind of stuff my husband and 2 man-child’s LOVE! I am much more reluctant to

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-18276251469533684092009-05-06T16:26:00.006-04:002009-05-06T16:52:34.835-04:00

There are two things that you can be assured of in the Middle East, a call to prayer and bad coffee. Knowing this we went prepared with Dunkin Doughnuts coffee. We came out of the airport early in the morning and the hotel shuttle we had expected was nowhere in sight. The airport was empty and so was the parking lot. All that was there were a few taxi drivers in old cars. We told the gentleman on

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-87131091150141855822009-04-09T11:51:00.018-04:002009-05-06T16:43:59.158-04:00

I had a moment of panic last night. I realized I was in big trouble when it dawned on me that my husband is out of town and will not be here Easter morning. (Sad face!) I gasped at the thought, “There is no one to cook Easter lunch!” (Bigger sad face!) “And who in the world is going to hide the Easter baskets?" (Yes, we do Easter baskets; yes, we hide the Easter baskets and yes, and we have a 15,

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-64668231370164280762009-03-26T14:55:00.008-04:002009-05-06T16:44:45.550-04:00

It is a foregone conclusion; we live in a troubled world. Of course, the world has been in trouble since Adam. Read history, re-read the Bible and page after page records the growing consequences of garden variety sin. Add to the mix, the full-blown results of greed, hatred and indulgence and the outcome is a dangerous world. Behind it all the Ruler of this world stirs the pot.Hopeless?

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-40148927067123293072009-03-12T09:56:00.010-04:002009-05-06T16:45:20.282-04:00

The market has yet to find its bottom. The mortgage crisis may have just begun with reports that 11% of all homeowners are now in trouble. By the way, have you noticed the trend in social policy? Proposition 8, the will of the people in California may be overturned. There seems to be a major social policy change almost weekly. The question of the day is why would God allow all of this to happen?

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-4521465508351416652009-02-23T16:05:00.019-05:002009-05-06T16:45:37.499-04:00

Not too long ago David and I babysat for some friends who went on a much needed date. Within the span of a month this sweet couple had a newborn baby AND adopted a 7 year old from Congo. Needless to say, they were busy and I think it had been months since the two of them had actually been out alone. So, David and I headed over to their house and sent them on their way. We decided to take our

Administratornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-25338675151579431102009-02-10T14:52:00.010-05:002009-05-06T16:45:55.029-04:00

It has been said that the way a thing begins often has huge repercussions and may even determine its end. In East Congo there is the beginning of a new movement. Through a strong leader in the city of Bukavu and with the help of necessary input from an ATC staff member, there is a whole new prodigy of missions in that country. It is a simple process that has sparked a flickering flame, but has

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-25989360418505735682009-01-27T07:00:00.014-05:002009-05-06T16:46:14.219-04:00

I have just returned from the D.R. Congo. Upon returning, I have been asked the usual question, “How was your trip?” I know in advance that this question will be asked. I ask the same question of my husband every time he returns from a trip. The problem is you are never quite sure how to answer. There is the short answer, “It was really good.” But you are always left feeling like it deserves so

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-4674721275102901832009-01-08T14:25:00.007-05:002009-05-06T16:46:37.089-04:00

For me, one of the worse days of the year involves taking down the Christmas decorations and dismantling the tree. This is the declaration that the holidays are over and that a return to normalcy is called for. It is not that normal is so bad; it’s just that it’s so normal.This year after putting the tree out on the curve, I went back inside to consider all the implications of a return to

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-53990057491405433972008-12-23T12:16:00.009-05:002009-05-06T16:47:52.402-04:00

I don’t know anyone who gets more excited about Christmas than my husband. He is like Chevy Chase in the movie Christmas Vacation. He loves to build anticipation for me and the kids. He loves making Christmas breakfast casserole. He loves cooking Christmas dinner. He loves building the fire and then throwing all the wrappings into it. And he LOVES to play Santa, taking his time to hand out all

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-39764513594015755742008-12-11T07:39:00.009-05:002009-05-06T16:48:18.266-04:00

I have a buddy in Florida. We have been to Africa several times together and have shared moments and thoughts that go beneath the surface and veneer of most relationships. My buddy sends me a scripture verse daily via email. I have come to look for it because many times it seems to confirm what the Lord is speaking.Over the last two or three months we have been praying for God’s direction. It’s

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-59199486553622553792008-11-25T15:54:00.012-05:002009-05-06T16:48:38.649-04:00

For many years I had been critical of America and particularly, the church in America. I enjoyed touting my convictions about how self absorbed and materialistic they were. And we are. But then I went to India. India boasts a roughly one billion total population, 81% of whom are Hindu. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion where many gods, over 30,000, are believed in and worshiped. In Hinduism,

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-8766665881389951352008-11-12T14:22:00.008-05:002009-05-06T16:48:59.160-04:00

I cannot easily forget a few years back standing outside a Mosque and an Islamic university in Northern India. We were on top of a large hill in the foothills of the Himalayas. From the top of the hill, and through an afternoon mist, you could look down into the city swarming with people busily taking care of daily affairs.The local contact, who is now a friend, suggested we try something. Upon

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-92205730156849606562008-10-29T09:21:00.010-04:002009-05-06T16:49:24.648-04:00

The jungle is constantly changing. Growth occurs so rapidly here that the adage, “things never stay the same” finds expression even in nature. This change is different than others. In this change there is a rhythm that brings a certain peace. Change in the jungle comes by way of natural growth rather than from destructive forces that are unnatural. Having been here only a short time, my head, as

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-69844656815170418672008-10-14T12:15:00.014-04:002008-10-14T14:26:14.921-04:00

I think any honest person would have to agree that these days feel somewhat ominous. Falling stock markets, bank foreclosures, loss of jobs and homes, unrest in the Middle East, the resurgence of Russia, a very intense election, and the peril of natural disasters, make for a tumultuous climate. It is understandable why many result to fear, and even panic, in times like these. The climate of today

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-47952528044543027962008-09-25T12:55:00.012-04:002009-05-06T16:52:54.966-04:00

I remember a season in my life when I was particularly confused about God. It felt like the foundation beneath me was crumbling to pieces and I had nothing on which to place my weary feet. I knew all the right things I was supposed to say and think at a time like that; trust God; He is sovereign; all things work together for good; God knows best, etc… etc.... However, knowing what I was supposed

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-26065149992990568252008-09-09T08:52:00.013-04:002009-05-06T16:53:16.357-04:00

I was once a part of a team whose assignment was to develop a mission’s vision for a local church. It was a fascinating process. I learned an important lesson during the course of it. At some point we were all called upon to give our definition of missions. The people on the team were from various backgrounds, and their definition of missions was reflective of their background. I was a bit

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-62394106982711278192008-08-26T07:26:00.011-04:002009-05-06T16:53:37.569-04:00

I was sitting in my usual quiet time spot this morning, and like every other day, my mind began to wander. I have often told the Lord that I hate this about myself, my mind not being able to stay focused when I am with Him. (I am not a self-loather, but there are things I wish I could or would change about myself.) There are so many distractions and they seem to especially present themselves when

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-7820030940575926262008-08-12T07:59:00.011-04:002009-05-06T16:54:08.110-04:00

I don’t understand it. It is beyond what my human mind can comprehend. It is not exactly like I pictured. It is more than I ever imagined. What is the it? It is God’s plan.God’s plan for the redemption of mankind is more than my mind could ever contrive and more than my heart could ever contain. I can’t imagine my heart being that full of love; enough love to offer one of my children for payment

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-12488907190704484412008-07-16T10:32:00.007-04:002009-05-06T16:54:38.738-04:00

I love the way God speaks to us through everyday occurrences. Today my husband and I were driving down the road here in Central America, an actual paved road no less. Many of the roads here are steep, rocky, muddy, and full of potholes. As we were driving down this paved road at a fairly good speed, I noticed a bug on our windshield. I thought to myself, “How in the world is that bug staying on

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-1014047731419253552008-06-26T10:37:00.007-04:002009-05-06T16:55:00.285-04:00

I like playing Spades. In fact, I am the best Spades player I know. My wife may disagree with me at this point, but she is wrong. Somewhere deep down, she knows it. My favorite play in Spades is when I have no clubs and she leads with her Ace of Clubs. I enjoy casually tossing my two of Spades to trump her club. I enjoy watching her try to play it off when the reality of her frustration cannot be

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-17589202158285218732008-06-04T09:50:00.011-04:002010-05-08T08:51:01.020-04:00

What girl doesn’t like a good chick flick? My daughter and I have certainly seen our share of them. I won’t mention any names, but, I even know a few guys who like a good chick flick every now and then. There is no shame in this. I confess that I like a good guy movie every once and a while. My all time favorite movie is Gladiator, and despite what my husband says, it’s not merely because Russell

Administratornoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-75888398191460099772008-05-14T11:52:00.011-04:002009-05-06T16:55:41.869-04:00

Rape in the Congo has been labeled as “the new weapon of war” according to BBC News. The epidemic of such violent crimes against women is unprece-dented and the secretary general for humanitarian affairs for the United Nations says, “The sexual violence in Congo is the worst in the world.” CNN’S Cooper Anderson reports, “It’s the deadliest conflict since World War II.” In the last 10 years

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-15334558743071861452008-05-02T15:17:00.020-04:002009-05-06T16:56:08.397-04:00

It has been said, and rightly so, perhaps the longest journey this side of heaven is the eighteen inches between our minds and our hearts. This is why Paul writes in Ephesians, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened...." Just prior to this he indicates that this kind of truth, truth that resides in the heart, comes only by way of divine revelation. I am learning truth that

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-51363675546186559392008-04-16T15:24:00.021-04:002009-05-06T16:56:33.108-04:00

My mom always told me, “Once a mom, always a mom, no matter how old your children get.” Now that I have a married daughter I am gaining new understanding to what she meant. My daughter and her husband do what many newly married, young couples without children do. They bought a dog. Let me correct that. They bought a puppy. After several months they realized their landlord did not take a liking to

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-56633261501421076502008-04-02T13:02:00.004-04:002009-05-06T16:56:54.278-04:00

What is real? This is such a fundamental question that it seems absurd to even raise it. C.S. Lewis reflected on ancient philosophers and came to the conclusion that the physical realm in which we live is a mere shadow of a greater reality that is defined spiritually. He suggests that the physical realm is a picture of what is happening in the greater reality, which is spiritual. Maybe the

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-40489319279560438902008-03-18T09:28:00.018-04:002009-05-06T16:57:18.912-04:00

We were in a Sudanese village getting ready to set up the medical clinic which our team would run that day. My friend Karen and I decided to walk the premise of the area and pray. As we began walking we both experienced an overwhelming loss of words. I felt like everything I was praying was falling flat on the ground beneath me. Becoming a little weepy and somewhat emotional, I began saying aloud

Administratornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-38453925555538412552008-03-04T13:02:00.007-05:002009-05-06T16:57:41.624-04:00

When traveling into southern Sudan, a lot of preparation is required. It is also true that it may be best to obtain some things to help make the journey both more comfortable and safer. I have known people to buy dehydrated food with the hope of avoiding goat entrails for supper. Satellite radios, I believe, will be the next "in vogue" item for serious travelers to exotic mission locations. (This

Administratornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-50695040927679820262008-02-19T12:20:00.009-05:002009-05-06T16:58:03.217-04:00

Scripture tells a story that has caught my attention on more than one occasion. It is the story of a rich young ruler. What grabs me in this story is the response of this seeker of eternal life after his encounter with Jesus. We are told he leaves the presence of Jesus as a sad man. It is the only such recorded response to Jesus in the New Testament. When I read this I wonder if he stayed sad. If

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-14454067455791187402008-01-29T15:42:00.002-05:002009-05-06T16:58:23.551-04:00

Maybe you read the last article with its meanderings on Brides and Grooms. I understand the picture that was presented and even the spiritual meaning underlying that beautiful picture. I get it. We, the Church, are the bride and Jesus is the groom.Now, if one is inclined to even deeper thinking, he or she, as the case may be, may take notice of the Father in the context of this telling picture.

Administratornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-60592377133521198862007-12-13T07:36:00.003-05:002009-05-06T16:58:44.966-04:00

Things are quite crazy around my house these days. We are not only planning for Christmas, but we are also preparing for our daughters wedding, which will take place in a little over a week. Leave it to our daughter to give us 8 weeks to plan a wedding. She always did like to throw in some spice and toss it up a bit. I do have to say, she has been a dream bride! She has had little opinion on

Administratornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-64840658049032990622007-11-15T14:51:00.001-05:002009-05-06T16:59:05.162-04:00

Last night was one of the coldest nights this fall. As good fortune would have it, I was able to spend 2 ½ hours in the cold watching soccer. It was Jacob’s, our youngest child, championship game.The game was intense with regulation play ending at a zero to zero tie. Next came the shootout for the tie breaker. Each team puts five guys on the field. They all take penalty shots on the opposing

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-84820022979968291662007-10-11T15:37:00.001-04:002009-05-06T16:59:27.765-04:00

There was a time, around three or four years ago, that I met with a potentially large donor. As I left the meeting there were indications that this particular donor was going to fund the construction of the training center in Central America. I was elated as I left the meeting with lofty thoughts of how awesome the will of God really was.It was perfect. This donation would allow the training

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-70494427527900880552007-09-17T14:07:00.002-04:002009-05-06T16:59:53.736-04:00

Has God ever asked you to do something that seemed really stupid? I'm not at all suggesting that He is somehow deficient, but the things He asks of us can sometimes make no sense. At least this has been my experience.This happened with me recently as I traveled to the Middle East. As the time for the trip approached I began to think that perhaps I shouldn't shave my beard. I even began to

Administratornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6236231852876985648.post-51470624245966688142007-09-10T12:39:00.000-04:002007-09-10T12:52:38.814-04:00

Check out our new website which now includes updates on the Training Center and Julie Project, Episodes of Congocast, picture galleries and lots more.You can visit our blog site to read articles from the director, read the latest information from our teams from the fields and have opportunity to submit comments directly to us.We invite you to give it a look and tell us what you think. We welcome

Administratornoreply@blogger.com1