It's beginning to feel like home.

A few weeks ago we crashed the home of a missionary family to spend a little with them before the head back to the States. We have not worked directly with this family but spent three weeks with them last summer in Cross-Training. Like good guests we requested that they pick us up at the bus stop and bring us back to their house to eat their food and sit in their living room. It was lovely.

As we talked about life and ministry our friend asked us a question that I had not given a lot of thought to. ¨When did Spain start to feel like home?¨ For this family it was about the ninth month. Funny enough, they are finishing up a 11ish month term and will be heading back to the States to press play on their lives in Kentucky.

I think at that point (a few weeks ago) we had already began thinking of Spain as home. Earlier I began training myself to stop referring to North Carolina/The States as home. Think what you may about that but, it just didn't seem right to me. Sure, I will always have ¨a home¨ there, but for me, now, Spain is my home.

Sometimes it is a scary thought. Sometimes it's intimidating and frustrating and a lot of other negative emotions. But other times it's beautiful and peaceful and better than I ever imagined. Every time I look out our window or otherwise catch a glimpse of the mountains that surround me almost all the time, I am reminded of the promise that God gave me.

The mountains will sing. 

Sometimes it might be my own single voice singing praises to God. Sometimes others will join and will make a chorus of joyful songs. But God promised me mountains. And to me, that promise is home.

The thing I am not thinking about...

In less than two weeks Jeremy and I will celebrate our third wedding anniversary. Today as I look forward to entering our fourth year of marriage, I really have no idea what it will look like. Many thoughts come to mind, but they are all sort of jumbled together and nothing seems very clear. Except for one thing.

May also marks our sixth month of living in Spain- half of a year. This time last year we were planning for graduation, leaving jobs and heading to Indiana for cross-training. Now, we don't have many specific goals or deadlines pressing. Well, except for getting a valid drivers license in June/July- no biggie. We have residency, we have a car (mostly functioning), we have an apartment and we're working on the whole language thing. 

I have realized something, for the last 7 or so years of my life, I have always been looking forward to something. Something that seemed better or more significant than I had on any given day. An accomplishment, a goal, something ¨bigger.¨ Now, finally, I am living in today.

Jim Elliot, a man who many Christians and missionaries admire, said this-

“Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” This quote has stuck with me for years, but not until now have I really taken it to heart. (If you get the chance, read the book ¨Shadow of the Almighty¨)

CS Lewis said, “To walk out of His will is to walk into nowhere.” I fully believe that Jeremy and I are living in the will of God in Spain. And with that said, I can answer the question that many have asked.

As I look into our fourth year of marriage, I do not see us leaving Spain. We are making Spain our home for as long as we can. I mean goodness, I have packed up all my things and moved them 7 times over the last three years- I just don't want to move again!

But really, I believe by this time next year, we will still only be crossing the starting line. There is still much work to be done- I do not believe that God called us here only for two years or even only four years.

I know, I know, you're thinking ¨Sweetie, none of us know what the Lord has planned.¨ And you are right. I don't and neither do you. Right now, I am happy finally embracing a day to day mentality when it comes to my life planning. So here I am, enjoying my new home, and blissfully NOT planning my next pack-up-and-move-everything event.

Life in the Works

Jeremy and I have been in Spain 139 days- almost five months. That number seems crazy. Some ways, it seems too small and in other ways, it seems too big. The first month and a half we spent living in a seminary dorm. The first three months we spent in language school. And March, well, it was something of it's own.

I had hoped that March would be our month of establishment. Establishing ourselves in the town, with the team and as a couple ministering in Spain. That didn't really happen. We finished our time in language school the very end of February. The first week of March we attended our first team meeting and had our first sessions with our tutor (who we love!). The second week we were in Croatia for a retreat/conference/workshop with OMS. We enjoyed time with friends from HQ and missionaries in other European countries. We heard about ministry and work in other fields and we worked as a team to consider our own field. We were home for another week and then I left for Ireland.

Our friend Megan is in Spain for six months with the Algete team and needed to leave the country in order to renew her tourist VISA. We arranged a trip to tour the OMS work in Ireland. It was an encouraging time to spend with her and with experienced missionaries who shared stories of work and life around the world (including Spain!)

Megan and I at the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Visiting Anne (working with OMS through the Y and Innovista) in Dublin.

But now here we are in April and what are we doing? To be completely honest, some days it feels like a whole lot of nothing. With our limited language we are helping in all the ways we are able. We are generally just trying to get involved in the town. Jeremy is working on a new website for the group. I will be working more with an English group. We walk a lot. We get coffee. Jeremy is taking another Spanish class at a community center. I joined the sports-center and survived my first spin class this morning.
Let's just say, life is in the works.

I sit in my window and look out at a huge, 600 year old monastery seated on the mountain and wonder "how will we change the landscape of this town in such an unmistakable way?" But God has reminded me over and over again of the scripture He gave me when I was 15...

"You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12 

Our lives may be in the works, but God's plan is established in Spain and around the world. 

And just like that...

Jeremy and I have been in Spain almost three months. We have dedicated this time to language learning and adjusting to our new home. But really, this is just the beginning. In many ways we are still adjusting and will be "language learning" for many more months. Even though we have learned light years faster than our high school and college Spanish classes, we still have a lot to learn.

I have wanted to share with you a "day in the life" sort of post but really, our days are usually pretty boring. 

6:30- Wake up, eat breakfast, get ready.

7:40- Walk to train station.

7:58- Train leaves station.

8:42- Train arrives in Madrid.

9:00- Walk into school.

9:30- Class starts

11:30- 30 minute break

1:30- Class is over

Possibly stay in Madrid for lunch with friends or for an activity with the school. Or we make our way to the train station and head home.

Some days we have plans for the evening but a lot of days our brains are tired. About once a week now I have a group of kids over to practice English. (Today, I taught the group the word "disappointment."  I was quickly disappointed in myself for teaching them that word.) I have developed a wonderful habit of changing directly into sweatpants as soon as we get home. Actually, I asked our friend Josh the first night of our now weekly Sunday night dinner, if his friend Lucas was coming because if he wasn't, I was wearing sweatpants. Lucas came (and continues to come), I wore jeans. 

I don't know why I told you all that. I'm just really honest. It's a good thing I moved to Spain, the people are really honest here. 

Anyway, the crazy thing is, just as quickly as we have adjusted to this routine, it is coming to a close.

After the last week of this month, our time at language school will end.

Soon our days will look completely different. We will still have language study but instead with a tutor. I am considering taking a class or two at the Cultural Center in El Escorial. This will force me to step out of my Spanish comfort zone and interact with people in the town. Obviously that is why we are here- to interact.

Pray with us as we explore means of meeting people, and building relationships. 

We realize, culturally, that making new friends and building new relationships is different in Spain. But, while the culture is different, the need is the same. People need love. People need grace. People need community. Ultimately, people need Jesus.

Pray that we are aware of these needs everyday. Pray that we are sensitive to specific locations in our town. Pray that the Lord will lead us to new Spanish friends and that He will continue establish a community of people around us. Pray that will be light and life in dark and lifeless places.

Grace and the bad days

Yesterday was not a good day. It was a bad day. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (please tell me you caught my children’s book reference). Like, I went to the bathroom during break and cried for a bit, bad. I was tired, I had a headache and I kept making stupid mistakes in class, bad day.

Some days are great. I can follow conversations with not as much struggle. I can even contribute a few thoughts and sentences. It feels good. I feel good. Confident, almost. I can do this.

Other days, I am exhausted. My head hurts from concentrating so hard on the funny sounding words that keep flowing effortlessly from these people’s mouths. Why do they make it seem so easy? Why is it such a struggle for me to make sense of these sentences? Why is it even harder for me to put together coherent sentences in this language?

Before we came to Spain, almost 2 months ago now, everyone kept saying “Oh it will be so easy!” “You’ll be speaking Spanish in no time!” or the worst, “You already speak Spanish, right?!”

Lies. LIES I TELL YOU!

This is hard. Some days it’s down-right exhausting.

But, each day God teaches me a little more about grace. The grace He has towards me. The grace He has towards others. And the grace I need to show myself.

I have realized exactly why I quit just about every sport, instrument and extracurricular activity I started. I have come to accept my perfectionist tendencies. I hate, hate to be corrected. It’s awful, I cringe inside every time our (wonderful, kind and patient) teacher corrects me. Even over simple things.

But everyday God reminds me that I am learning this language just like everyone else has learned a language. Success and utter failure. Stupid, silly mistake after stupid, silly mistake.  And as much as it pains me to struggle along, it will get better. The words will come more easily with time, practice and grace. Lots and lots of grace.

His grace is sufficient for you. His grace is sufficient for me.

Considering Success 2014

The year 2013 was clearly a year of change and tremendous success. It was a year packed with change. We graduated, we raised support, we drove thousands of miles and finally flew across the ocean to a place we are now calling home.  It seems crazy to think it has already been a year but at the same time it has ONLY been a year. The past twelve month flew by and were packed to the brim. As I look back on the last year, I can see how God was present with us throughout it all.

I very much believe that we arrived in Spain at the perfect time. Satan worked to keep us from getting here (VISA issues, I’m looking at you) and he has worked to discourage and distract us ever since we arrived, but we are looking ahead. We are encouraged because God’s provision has brought us here and His purpose will keep us here.  

So,what will make 2014 a success? Many things come to mind when I think on this question. But God reminds me that He defines success differently. Often times we define success in numbers and achievements. I believe God defines success by purity of intention.

I don’t believe it’s the numbers that please God. I don’t believe it’s the fancy programs or advertising. I don’t believe it’s the method or resource guides that bring glory to God. I believe it is the reasons for which we employ the methods and the means by which we achieve the numbers.

Why has God brought us to this country? What is our purpose here? What will our ministry look like? What milestones will define our success in this ministry?

In short, God has brought us here to be light in a place. Our purpose is to bring Him glory and be evidence of grace to the people we encounter. Our ministry will be simple. Live in the Gospel truth as revealed to us and love people as Jesus loved us. Each person with whom we share Jesus with will serve as marker in our ministry journey.

Simple goals for 2014-

*Spanish- To understand and be understood. Fluency will come with time (a LOT of time) but my goal for this year is to communicate comfortably.

*Live intentionally. Be intentional in meeting people and building relationships. This started with our team and now to our community.

Pray with us as we discover how God will lead us this year.

Thoughts on routine, adjustments and language.

After two and a half weeks in Spain, we are beginning to feel slightly more normal. We have adjusted to the time change, are learning our way around town and into Madrid and found an apartment to rent. We still have a few daunting tasks ahead; residency, buying a car, getting a Spanish drivers license and actually speaking Spanish.

We have settled into a daily routine for now. We are up and ready in time to catch the 7:28am train into Madrid. The ride in is really quite scenic. Out one side you can see the sunrise over the four skyscrapers of Madrid and the other; trees, dry fields and a river as you approach each town. The train part of our commute is about 45 minutes. We get off at Principe Pio and quickly make our way down to catch the metro. I really don't like to miss the first one, not because of the time but mostly because this station is not enclosed so it is REALLY cold in the mornings. I often consider that we may have accidentally taken a train to Alaska.

We push our way in with dozens of others and ride silently three stops, each time making our way across the car to get out on the other side. We have made a routine of stopping for coffee around the block from the school. This gives us time to breath and review work before class.

This morning we skipped class to collect a document for our residency card and figure out what is happening with the electricity at our apartment. The paper we need will be ready tomorrow and our electricity should be on in three or four days. Last night we found a car and plan to pick it up on Friday.

It feels strange that it has been less than a month since we arrived in Spain. The days have gone quickly but it seems like a lot has been accomplished. Each day I feel more and more at home in El Escorial and blessed to be surrounded by a team that desires for us to be involved in the ministry.

We know that in order to be effective in ministry, we must be proficient in the language. For the next couple of months we plan to focus our efforts on language learning. Please pray with us that our minds are receptive to the material we are learning and our mouths will speak well as we begin to speak more. Pray also for humility as we know mistakes will come.

We very much want to communicate with this community around us.

Today, we are thankful

Today, Jeremy and I had a new Thanksgiving experience. We were not with our biological families, instead we are 4,000 miles away in Spain. Instead of everyone around us celebrating a holiday, today was just a normal day for the Spaniards we met on the street. People were at work, going to the store and school. It was a little sad, but it was another reminder of all we are thankful for, today and everyday. 

Today we are thankful for the past week. We arrived safely in Spain last Wednesday. We have somewhat adjusted to the time change, even a new eating schedule- I am not AS starving by our 2pm lunch. A couple of days we have felt absolutely exhausted. Not just by the time change but also by the new sights, sounds and smells all around us. It is hard to slow down and not try to take it all in at once. But, we have found an apartment to rent! We have successfully taken the train into Madrid with the help of team-member Colleen and purchased a monthly bus pass. We are enrolled in language school to start on Monday. A packed week!

Today we are thankful for God's calling. This move to Spain is fulfillment of a promise given to me 6 years ago. As overwhelming as it all is, I am thankful for His provision that has brought us to Spain. From almost anywhere in the town you can see snow covered mountain tops a reminder of my favorite scripture- "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isaiah 55:11

Today we are thankful for the Sierra Oeste Team. These are the people who first prayed for our calling to Spain. They have been faithful to the Lord and begun an incredible work in this area. We are blessed to be working alongside them. They have been incredibly accommodating and welcoming to us as we get adjusted and begin language school. We are excited to begin working more with this wonderful team in the coming months.

Today, I am thankful for my husband. Not only does he love me when I am not so nice, but he answered God's call on his life to this new journey. He answered without hesitation and has been an encouragement to me all along the way. Every step, sacrifice and leap of faith, he has been a solid rock and picture of Jesus' love. He is my forever friend.

Lastly, today I am thankful for YOU. I am thankful that you have taken a moment to read this (long and mushy-gushy post) simply because you care. I am thankful for you who have prayed for us. I am thankful for you who have invested your wisdom into our lives. I am thankful for you who have invested financially into the Kingdom of God by supporting us. We could not be here without you. Thank you, thank you for loving us and loving our Savior. 

Greetings from Spain!

After over a year of preparation, we have arrived in the country of Spain. Thank you so much for the role you played in helping us get here and the role you continue to play in partnering with us in ministering to the people of Spain. Please check out our November newsletter for our most recent update.

Instead, here we are.

Tomorrow should have marked our first week in Spain.

I have wanted to write about the past few weeks for well, the past few weeks. It started with wanting to share about our last few days here, with family and friends. I wanted to talk about our commissioning service. I wanted to talk about being a little nervous but mostly excited for this big move.

But instead, here we are- at home- in North Carolina.

The truth is, I knew for weeks that we were not leaving on November 5^th. It never seemed real because we didn’t have our VISAs. I knew without them, we couldn’t leave. So, driving to D.C. Monday morning, I wasn’t worried about getting home to get packed or saying final goodbyes. I knew that we were not leaving the next day. Still, when the man at the desk said that our VISAs had not yet been approved, my heart dropped. I cried all the way to the post office several blocks away. We turned over our passports and an overnight shipping envelope and headed out of D.C. almost as quickly as we arrived.

As frustrating as the situation is, it isn’t the situation that has me most upset. What is most frustrating is that I don’t really want to talk about it. I don’t mean to be rude, I promise, but it IS frustrating. Even though I had that gut feeling, I was still day dreaming about seeing Spain again, but this time as our new home. But, now we are waiting in anticipation for an email to appear in our inboxes one morning with the much desired news. And really, the anticipation kills me sometimes.

But then there are times when I hear the most simple and encouraging words. The seventh grader who says he is praying for us. The friend who says that while she is praying for the process, she is glad that we will be around for a few more weeks. Or the one who says nothing but just hugs the life out of me.

In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a huge deal. We don’t have a pressing deadline to be in Spain. We have somewhere to stay and money in our accounts. It isn’t as if our applications have been denied- they just haven’t been reached yet. We are still in the one to three month time frame so I’m really not too anxious.

I want to be in Spain. I want to meet the rest of our team. I want to find our place in the team. I want to be in language school so we can communicate with the people around us. I want to be where the Lord has led us.

But, here we are. Still waiting and all is well. The Lord is still good. He is still faithful. He still hears our prayers and knows our hearts. We know His timing is just right. We know His intentions for us are good. We know He has spoken to our hearts and His word will not return void.

We know these things and in faith we are living in His truth. He has led us this far and He will not leave us. Right now, I believe, wholeheartedly, that He is growing our patience. This inconvenience is minor in comparison to the suffering in places around the world. But, it breaks my heart to not be in Spain.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:4

I know that as I wait at the feet of our Father, the Holy Spirit will give a new confidence in in this time. 

Purpose- It's more than you can handle

Last week, I shared with a group of mothers at a MOPS meeting. I shared with them about my calling to missions and our purpose for ministering in Spain. I shared with the mom's about how I, as a child raised in the church, felt that I had no purpose. I was normal, ordinary, average. I didn't have anything special to offer. I continued with this feeling of inadequacy until just a couple of months ago.

Jeremy and I arrived at cross-training and received our chapel schedule. And guess who was first in line to share testimonies? We were. I went back to our apartment that night not very happy. I don't like sharing I my "testimony."
I don't even have one.
I am Ordinary. 

In those moments of panic and gut wrenching frustration with whoever thought this was a good idea- God reminded me. He reminded me that while I am the plainest of the plain- He is the EXTRA to my ordinary. 

When I was 15, God took my life and gave it purpose. He placed a calling on my life that has given me confidence for each step I take. I didn't realize at that time where this calling would take me- but I took each opportunity I could find. The Lord has given me faith to trust Him as He leads. 
He has provided for my every need- including my need for a companion for the journey.
He provided me with a husband- a husband who has stepped up to the plate in so many ways along this path. Jeremy heard the Lord's calling and responded immediately. 

There has never been a time when God has not provided just what we needed. 
My journey to the mission field looks nothing like what I had expected. Instead it has been just what I needed. It has been much longer and much more exhausting than I hoped. It has brought me to my sobbing, frantic and painful wit's end more times than I would like to admit.

But the truth I have found is this: God ALWAYS gives you more than you can handle. Even when I felt that I had no purpose- I couldn't handle it. I could not muster up my own purpose. God had to give it to me. If our lives are not more than we can handle, then our lives will never bring God glory.

If you are not stepping out in faith, then you are coasting along on your own strength. Your own strength will ultimately fail you. Your own planning will fail you. Your own purpose will fail you. 
God's strength, God's planning and God's purpose will not fail you. It will bring Him glory. 

Take a step of faith. Put your foot into the rushing waters of life and allow God to part it for you. 

"Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'
...So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground." 
-Joshua 3:5,14-17

Acting According to His Faithfulness

Jeremy and I are in a season of life where we are constantly asking and asking a lot. We are asking a lot of our family, friends, supporters and asking a lot of God. However, as we are constantly asking, I am trying not to neglect being thankful. I am trying to reflect on God's faithfulness to us in the past as we look forward to His faithfulness in the future.
"I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Psalm 89:1

We are thankful for how God has not only saved us but also how He has given us a purpose. It is an amazing thing to know that God has saved you. It is even more amazing to realize that even before you asked for His salvation He had a purpose for you. I am thankful that God has given my life purpose.

"I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. "Psalm 40:10 

I am thankful that as we have taken steps of faith in order to obey His calling, He has provided. Before we even knew this season of our lives was coming, God orchestrated our lives according to His timing. His calling and subsequently His provision came, and will continue to come, at just the right time-whether we realize it or not.

 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Psalm 89:2

As we continue to ask for support, I will continue to be reminded of God's faithfulness thus far. I will reflect on where we have  been and look forward to where He is calling us. I pray that my actions will always be in response to the faithfulness I have experienced.  Never doubting, always trusting. Never looking back, always looking to Him. Never acting in fear, always acting in His peace. 

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 

Here we are.

It seems like everyone went back to school today. But of course it seems that way, it's the first day of school. My brother started high school today. One of my best friends went back to school as a teacher this year. Even my dad is in school.

We are not in school. We are not working. Instead, Jeremy and I are sleeping on a mattress in the floor of my old room. Pink carpet, yellow and blue walls, and purple curtains. The room now doubles as mom's office. We're sharing a bathroom with Joe. Not exactly where I thought we would be right now.

I thought we would be on our way to Spain. I thought we would be saying our final goodbyes.
Instead, we have 30% left of our budget to raise.

We have completed our required training and then some. We are continuing to meet with our funding coach. We are still booking churches until mid-October. At this time I refuse to schedule churches for any later. If you ask me, I'll tell you that we are going to be in Spain by October 31st.

I have faith. I have faith that we'll be fully funded in the next month. I have faith that as God has called us to this, He will provide for us. Not only will He provide for us, but He will provide for those who send us. 

We went to Friedberg yesterday, and were incredibly encouraged by the support we received. It is good to be home. But, I would be lying if I said this is where I want to be. I want to be in Spain.

Each presentation we give, we end with this passage from Romans 10 (the Message):
But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? 

The people of Spain need to hear the Good News. We are called to go, but we must be sent.

Just a Glimpse

“I’m looking for a person who is looking for something. Are you that person?”

This is the question posed by a missionary in Colombia. This question sparked a conversation with a man who may have never had a chance to hear the Gospel. I can’t say whether or not this man accepted the Lord that day or not. But, nevertheless, he heard it and most likely has thought about that question since that day in March 2012.

All over the world are people who are looking for something. They are seeking out what will satisfy them. What will fill that gaping hole in their hearts and satisfy a longing that nothing else will? We, as Christians, understand that Christ and the love of our Heavenly Father will satisfy this need.

Today marked a turning point in my preparation for Spain. I believe that God gave me a glimpse of what He has in store for El Escorial, Spain.   

With His grace and guidance, I have a vision that every coffee shop and bar in the town to be a place of true hope. Jesus said that where two or three are gathered, there He is. I want to see Jesus infiltrate these places. These are the places where people gather and share life. 

In days where hope is dim and to people many life is losing its appeal- we have a hope and joy that translates seamlessly across any language and any setting.

These simple buildings can become the meeting place of Jesus and the lost. Hope and the hopeless. 

Where those who are seeking can find solace.

This is my vision.

This is your legacy.

The past three weeks at Cross-training has been full of incredible moments. But what I think I will take the most from is hearing the stories that our fellow missionaries have shared with us in Chapel. On Thursday the last of the group shared their stories and summed up what we were all thinking perfectly.

Mike spoke about legacy. He shared about a number of people who impacted his life and how he was a part of their legacy. And he shared about the legacy he would leave.

Have you considered your legacy?
Whose life have you impacted?

The truth is, we may never know the legacy we leave behind. We may never see the fruit of the seeds we have planted in the lives of those we encounter. The people we meet in passing. The people who witness our acts of kindness, or acts of harsh judgments.

“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

We may never know our legacy. But we all have one. A legacy that reflects each area of our lives.

In what ways is your life impacting the Kingdom? Are you making choices that reflect a desire to see souls brought to Christ? Does every area of life reflect this? Or are you holding on to something?

Are you holding on the comforts and security money seemingly provides? Or are you really, truly, wholeheartedly  trusting God to provide? He is worthy of your trust. He has provided. He will continue to provide.

Leave a legacy in lives around the world. Trust God to provide for you. Make a sacrifice. Maybe you think you can’t do enough. Maybe you think I’m asking too much. Consider all that Christ has done for you. What would you give to see that work done in the lives of others?

“Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness…Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:12&17

So I encourage you, I challenge you, leave a legacy that speaks boldness, faith and freedom in all areas of your life. Consider the sacrifice made for your salvation.  What is the salvation of others worth to you?

This is your legacy.

Reaching the Nations

It’s nearing the end of week two of CROSS training at One Mission Society headquarters. During our time here, we have met so many amazing people. This training has a total of 24 missionaries and 15 children, which is the largest class in the history of OMS. These people are coming from different states and even different countries with a single purpose - to be prepared to make disciples in all nations. We’ve made friends from Ireland and New Zealand, friends that God called to reach other nations. We’ve made friends that will be serving in Haiti, Uganda, the South Pacific, India, and many others. We’ve all been brought together to learn together and learn from one another, our individual backgrounds and spiritual journeys.

What’s so exciting is not just that all of us have come together, but it’s the network of believers that have come together to send each one. These 39 people are being sent by hundreds more, and that really helped me to understand deeper the body of Christ and that we all have individual roles to play.

We have studied areas of communication, dove into theology, and learned so much about ourselves. Along with that, we did an hour long interview for a radio show called “One Mission Stories” which will be aired in September. We have had opportunities to tell the story of how God brought us into this calling, which has been and will continue to be a humbling experience. We have also had a lot of fun getting to know the people here, including playing some games (cornhole) and participating in a dunking booth for the kids.

We wanted to provide an update of what is happening now and some more information for you. Several months ago, we moved in with some very good friends and we were able to begin saving money due to our reduced cost of living. We both left our jobs at the end of June to pursue missionary service full-time, knowing that along with that would be the remaining financial support necessary. To better steward our resources, we plan to live off of our savings, hoping to use all of the money sent to OMS for the work in Spain.

As we mentioned in our latest newsletter, we are at the point of no return, and we are very happy to be here. Our last hurdle is our financial support. Many people have asked us what is needed in terms of financial support. Our budget (or Missionary Support Requirement) is broken out monthly, so we need enough in committed monthly support before we can leave. This does not mean that you must give every month, you can choose to give annually, biannually, quarterly or however else you would like it broken down, and then it is converted into monthly support for us. Some people have also stated that they’d like to give but want to wait until we leave for Spain. If you would like to do that, it is okay to do so, but for us to leave, the commitment needs to be submitted - even if you do not plan to begin until a later time.

We have listed three ways to give in the Partner section of this blog. OMS accepts payment via check, money order, paypal, credit card, bank account withdrawal (and then even through different ways, such as jewelry, property, grain and wheat, etc. I know, kind of crazy), it is all so that Christ's name can be proclaimed through the nations - to the ends of the earth!

Feel free to ask us about anything. We will keep you up-to-date with our current status in regard to funding. We would ask for your continued prayers during training, and then also in the various church and individual presentations that lie ahead. Soon, we will provide an update from the field of a recent youth camp that we are very excited about!

The Missionary Cupcake!

Hi friends!
Our wonderful friend Alison at Candy Lane Cakes has a DELICIOUS plan! So, if you love Jesus and cupcakes, be sure to check it out!
The proceeds from the sales of White Chocolate cupcakes will go towards our funding! How awesome is that?!
That means as you enjoy delicious cupcakes, you are sending the Gospel to Spain!
So checkout Candy Lane Cakes on facebook and place your order today!
$12/dozen and $6/6.

Comfort and Peace

Jeremy and I were asked to lead a youth Sunday school class yesterday morning. The regular teacher told us that they had just been talking about the Holy Spirit, and requested that we share how we knew when the Holy Spirit was speaking to us.

I rattled off some sort of coherent response… I think. But as the service and day went on, I continued to think on the question. How do I know the Holy Spirit is speaking to me? How to I feel His presence? What makes His direction clear to me?

Finally, I put all the pieces together and connected the dots-

I was left with only two words.

Comfort.

Peace.

How do I know that we are in God’s will? I have comfort and peace about our decisions.The Holy Spirit has consistently manifested Himself as peace and comfort in my life. 

Most recently He has given Jeremy and I complete peace with the decision to leave our jobs. The actual decision was made months ago but it has become very real for us over the past few weeks. Our last paycheck will be deposited into our account tonight. I have four more days with a family with whom I have spent the past five years. 

But still yet, I have peace. I have comfort in the provisions God has given us. 

He has give us wisdom  in how to prepare for  weeks or months without income. He has given us resources and people we can trust. He has given us His promises to provide and work all things for the good of those who serve Him.

I have peace about walking away from secure jobs and income. I have peace about an uncertain future. I have comfort knowing that we may not have a lot and we may not have all we need to depart for Spain, but we have a God who has it all.

I am not concerned with stepping out my “comfort zone” because with every step forward my comfort zone grows. Little by little God is revealing His plan and purpose for us. He is providing all we need and comforting us with each revelation in His will.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:26-27

Days like today seem a little surreal. Life is happening fast and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. But peace and comfort are here to stay. They will lead as we follow the path revealed to us.

                                                                                                                                                                                              

Gentle Teaching

Thirty-seven percent. That is where our account sits at this point.

I punch these numbers in the calculator on my phone multiple times a week. On days that the first numbers goes up- I punch them in over and over. Amazed at how the result changes.
When nothing changes for a couple of weeks my mood changes. I become frustrated. I wonder where the disconnect is.
Why isn't anything coming in?
Is it something I am saying during "the ask?"
Are we not making our purpose clear enough?
Do we need to change something?
Take a new approach?
Why isn't the money coming in?!

I wonder these things and I pray. I pray that God will send us to the right people at the right time. But I don't often stop to think that- maybe the right time hasn't come yet.
Maybe the right person isn't ready yet.
Maybe we aren't ready yet.

I really did think that we would be further along than 37% by now. I really hoped we would be at least half way. Maybe closer.
But we aren't. Here we sit- at 37% funded. Looking forward to Jeremy's last month of work. Cross-training and the potential of months without steady income.

I have started reading more out of Streams in the Desert. Because, well, it's appropriate and maybe a little cliche.
But, honestly, it couldn't be more encouraging.

I had not read out of the book in several days, so (I as sweated my way through 20 minutes on the elliptical),  I opened it up to May 22nd and I re-read the verse at the top.
Commit you way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. Psalm 37:5

I flipped tapped a couple of pages over on the Kindle...
I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. Psalm 57:2

May 23rd
They were at their wits' end. They they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. Psalm 107:27-28

May 27th
Bring them here to me. Matthew 14:18

To me the Lord said, "Bring what you have to me. That $1,851 you have in pledges? Give it up. Let me have it and do with it what I want. You don't have it all. But I do. They don't have it all. I've got it."

My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

"You hear that? I've got it. I am the the source. I am the means and the way in which to receive it. You can't do this on your own. Give. It. Up."

May 28th
I will not let you go unless you bless me. Genesis 32:26
Not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42

I will no longer work by my strength alone. I will not work against the time He has allowed to pass. I will find the joy in this preparation and be grateful for the gentle teaching He has given me.

Happy Anniversary... To US!

Today we celebrate the first two and look forward to the next eighty-two.