Sunday evening Andy led a great prayer meeting for missions at the church we call home this year. The first thing he asked us to pray for is those who will hear, those yet to believe.
Monday morning I flew to Montana for District Council. Usually I'm seated by people who have no interest in talking with anyone. Yesterday I had 2 seat-mates who loved to talk. The girl at the window was a student at a small Bible College in Billings, MT. I knew where she stood with God. The man in the middle was a young businessman and very devout to his faith, but did not know of a personal relationship with Jesus. He was sandwiched between two women who loved God and he began to ask questions how his faith was different than our faith.
It was a very neat 2 hour plane ride. I had picked up a book in the Christian Bookstore last Friday that had caught my eye "Soul Cravings" and I felt God speak to my heart to give it to him. We never know how God is working in someones life and what seeds that are planted will take root.
Would you pray for Greg today? He is one who has yet to know Christ as Savior.
And will you pray the simple prayer we prayed on Sunday evening--that God would soften the hearts of those yet to believe in your circle of influence and also in Moldova. There are so many yet to believe.
I write this in light of the tragedy that happened yesterday at Virginia Tech. I've wept as I have watched the news. I know there is a great Campus Ministry group there at VT. I met some of them at the World Missions Summit a year and a half-ago. Would you pray for the believers on that campus as they look to find hope themselves and as they offer hope to those around them? Pray for their Campus Pastor. I don't even know his name, but he serves that campus so taht people can know the truth of the Gospel. Pray that what Satan meant for evil, God can use for good.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Crunch Time
The clock is ticking loudly in my brain. We can count the months that we've been here--10--and the months until we leave--3 1/2. There are still churches to get to, people to see, family to visit.
These things aren't stressing me. We will get them done. What stresses me is that this time we are shipping a container and that container goes in about 5 weeks. That means I have things left on my list to purchase--some furniture, spices, foods, bedding, and more--and I need to get them bought. I get a bit done at a time and it always feels good. The list is getting shorter.
Then I need to pack these things up, and I need to pack the things from within our home. I hate packing. Doesn't everyone? My dream about 7 years into marriage was that we'd pastor a church in one place for years so that I wouldn't have to move all the time and could grow roots. Then God called us to missions a few years later. So much for roots. I have loose ones all over the place.
But I'm rambling. The point is I'd like your prayers as we work to accomplish all that needs doing in the next month and we can feel like we have things together. These points of panic arise within me and I know that I need to ask God to give me help and let me get done what we need to accomplish.
I know He always does. Last time I blogged I asked you to pray for Andy's trip. It was an amazing time. He only spent 3 full days in Moldova and saw tons of people and accomplished tons of work. He returned exhausted and it has taken 1 1/2 weeks and I feel like he is finally back to himself again and over jet lag. The House of Hope project is underway. We have a crew working on it already and we are so excited that this has started.
So thanks for your faithful prayers and please continue to keep us in your prayers in the next month.
Blessings!
These things aren't stressing me. We will get them done. What stresses me is that this time we are shipping a container and that container goes in about 5 weeks. That means I have things left on my list to purchase--some furniture, spices, foods, bedding, and more--and I need to get them bought. I get a bit done at a time and it always feels good. The list is getting shorter.
Then I need to pack these things up, and I need to pack the things from within our home. I hate packing. Doesn't everyone? My dream about 7 years into marriage was that we'd pastor a church in one place for years so that I wouldn't have to move all the time and could grow roots. Then God called us to missions a few years later. So much for roots. I have loose ones all over the place.
But I'm rambling. The point is I'd like your prayers as we work to accomplish all that needs doing in the next month and we can feel like we have things together. These points of panic arise within me and I know that I need to ask God to give me help and let me get done what we need to accomplish.
I know He always does. Last time I blogged I asked you to pray for Andy's trip. It was an amazing time. He only spent 3 full days in Moldova and saw tons of people and accomplished tons of work. He returned exhausted and it has taken 1 1/2 weeks and I feel like he is finally back to himself again and over jet lag. The House of Hope project is underway. We have a crew working on it already and we are so excited that this has started.
So thanks for your faithful prayers and please continue to keep us in your prayers in the next month.
Blessings!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Daddy gets to go
This morning about the time I put my girls on the bus, Andy touched down in Moldova. He'd boarded a plane the day before in Minneapolis. Sunday night was a mess getting the girls to bed. They were all crying because "Daddy gets to go to Moldova and we don't. It just isn't fair."
He's not gone for long. He'll be back on Saturday. Yes, he has less than a week there, but they were longing for the place they call home and the friends they love who are there.
Andy went to get the construction project on the Home of Hope started. He is meeting tomorrow with a contractor (Wednesday). He has already spoken with him and the cost will most likely be higher than we were originally told. That is a bit of a bummer, but we know that God has all that we need to make this happen.
Please pray this week for Andy. He has so much to do in 3 short days on the ground. Pray that he can accomplish these things.
Pray for wisdom in decisions concerning the construction project.
Pray for guidance and favor while he is in Moldova.
Pray for clear thoughts and planning for him as he sees what needs to be done.
Pray for refreshment when he visits with friends in Moldova.
Pray for his safe and prompt return on Saturday.
Thanks.
He's not gone for long. He'll be back on Saturday. Yes, he has less than a week there, but they were longing for the place they call home and the friends they love who are there.
Andy went to get the construction project on the Home of Hope started. He is meeting tomorrow with a contractor (Wednesday). He has already spoken with him and the cost will most likely be higher than we were originally told. That is a bit of a bummer, but we know that God has all that we need to make this happen.
Please pray this week for Andy. He has so much to do in 3 short days on the ground. Pray that he can accomplish these things.
Pray for wisdom in decisions concerning the construction project.
Pray for guidance and favor while he is in Moldova.
Pray for clear thoughts and planning for him as he sees what needs to be done.
Pray for refreshment when he visits with friends in Moldova.
Pray for his safe and prompt return on Saturday.
Thanks.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Finally an update
In the past week, I've had several people write and ask, "So how was the conference?" And I thought, "How did you know about the conference?" Oh, my blog! So I'm realizing that people do read this and I need to get with it more often.
One friend wrote, "I love your blog. I read Andy's blog, but I read yours more often because it is more for women." Then she told me to get with it and update it more often. Okay, I hear you Mariana! I'll will work to update more often and I'll get back on things I've asked for prayer for because people do read this blog! Duh!
So what did I get out of the conference? I learned that I need to get a business plan together for it and I was able to meet with a lady in Minnesota who helped me learn how to do that. So you can pray that I have wisdom and understanding as I put that together.
I learned that trafficking is worldwide. It is in America as well as any other country, and I saw that God is raising up women all over the world (and on that college campus) to respond to this need. Vanguard University is a Christian University that was the first Christian university to start a women's studies program. Women's studies there is not about a competition of men versus women. It isn't about women's rights. It is about raising up young women to respond to the call God has on them to meet their world where it is hurting and in need. Pray for the young women who God is moving on their hearts to respond to the issue of trafficking in the years ahead.
I learned that the mode to trafficking is so horrible that we can not imagine it. We watched a documentary "Cargo--Innocence Lost" about girls trafficked into the United States. It was awful. I'll tell you that I had to close my eyes many times. People around me were sobbing. How can such evil exist? The evil does exist, but God is calling us to go behind the enemy lines and bring his hope into those with innocence lost. Can you pray for the women God will rescue and restore?
I met a lady from the state department working in anti-trafficking. She is a beautiful Christian lady who is articulate and passionate about this issue. She helped to have the anti-trafficking law written in America and she helps to fight this around the world. She told me, "Don't be surprised when the secular anti-trafficking groups oppose you in Moldova, even though you are trying to do the same work. They don't like to bring Jesus into it." I've already experienced this in Moldova. Please pray that God would give me wisdom and favor with these other groups.
I had the opportunity to stay with a wonderful couple, Dave and Millie Gable, who poured their love and understanding into me that weekend. Millie and I attended the conference together. Thanks Dave and Millie for the hospitality. I felt blessed by my time with you.
The 2 days were swift. I was tired, jet lagged and dealt with late flights coming and going, but I also came home with a greater passion than ever.
God is doing a work in me to make me into something new and he is doing it a bit at a time, with things such as this conference. Thanks so much for your prayers. I need to tell you about the personal work that is happening, but that needs to be another posting.
Blessings!
One friend wrote, "I love your blog. I read Andy's blog, but I read yours more often because it is more for women." Then she told me to get with it and update it more often. Okay, I hear you Mariana! I'll will work to update more often and I'll get back on things I've asked for prayer for because people do read this blog! Duh!
So what did I get out of the conference? I learned that I need to get a business plan together for it and I was able to meet with a lady in Minnesota who helped me learn how to do that. So you can pray that I have wisdom and understanding as I put that together.
I learned that trafficking is worldwide. It is in America as well as any other country, and I saw that God is raising up women all over the world (and on that college campus) to respond to this need. Vanguard University is a Christian University that was the first Christian university to start a women's studies program. Women's studies there is not about a competition of men versus women. It isn't about women's rights. It is about raising up young women to respond to the call God has on them to meet their world where it is hurting and in need. Pray for the young women who God is moving on their hearts to respond to the issue of trafficking in the years ahead.
I learned that the mode to trafficking is so horrible that we can not imagine it. We watched a documentary "Cargo--Innocence Lost" about girls trafficked into the United States. It was awful. I'll tell you that I had to close my eyes many times. People around me were sobbing. How can such evil exist? The evil does exist, but God is calling us to go behind the enemy lines and bring his hope into those with innocence lost. Can you pray for the women God will rescue and restore?
I met a lady from the state department working in anti-trafficking. She is a beautiful Christian lady who is articulate and passionate about this issue. She helped to have the anti-trafficking law written in America and she helps to fight this around the world. She told me, "Don't be surprised when the secular anti-trafficking groups oppose you in Moldova, even though you are trying to do the same work. They don't like to bring Jesus into it." I've already experienced this in Moldova. Please pray that God would give me wisdom and favor with these other groups.
I had the opportunity to stay with a wonderful couple, Dave and Millie Gable, who poured their love and understanding into me that weekend. Millie and I attended the conference together. Thanks Dave and Millie for the hospitality. I felt blessed by my time with you.
The 2 days were swift. I was tired, jet lagged and dealt with late flights coming and going, but I also came home with a greater passion than ever.
God is doing a work in me to make me into something new and he is doing it a bit at a time, with things such as this conference. Thanks so much for your prayers. I need to tell you about the personal work that is happening, but that needs to be another posting.
Blessings!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Time for Education
Today I'm flying to Southern California for a 2 day conference on Sexual Trafficking at Vanguard University (a Christian University). It is a heart of the leaders of the Center for Women's Studies at the University, to mobilize women to reach broken women. The speakers and workshops they have put together look absolutely fantastic.
Will you pray for this conference that young women will be called "to the least of these"?
Will you pray that I can gain more practical knowledge to do the work in Moldova?
Will you pray that I will make the contacts needed to further the work in Moldova and even in the rest of the Former Soviet Union?
Will you pray that God would open the doors, even at this last minute, for more people to attend the conference?
Will you pray that God's will be done this weekend?
Thanks for your faithful prayers.
Will you pray for this conference that young women will be called "to the least of these"?
Will you pray that I can gain more practical knowledge to do the work in Moldova?
Will you pray that I will make the contacts needed to further the work in Moldova and even in the rest of the Former Soviet Union?
Will you pray that God would open the doors, even at this last minute, for more people to attend the conference?
Will you pray that God's will be done this weekend?
Thanks for your faithful prayers.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Zinnias
Each night before my kids go to bed, we read stories, read from the Bible and pray. Occasionally we read a few poems too. The other night we read from a book of poems by Valerie Worth and I'd like to share a poem from there with you called "Zinnias" (which are one of my favorite garden flowers).
Zinnias, stout and stiff,
Stand no nonsense: their colors
Stare, their leaves
Grow straight out, their petals
Jut like clipped cardboard,
Round, in neat flat rings.
Even cut and bunched,
Arranged to please us
In the house, in water, they
Will hardly wilt--I know
Someone like zinnias; I wish
I were like zinnias.
As I read this, I thought that I have a beautiful bouquet of zinnias in my home--my 3 daughters, small missionaries that they are. They are so like zinnias with stiffness and straightness. They have been cut from the soil of Moldova and brought to America where they are a beautiful bouquet when we visit churches or they brighten their classroom in their school, just like flowers do.
And through all the cutting and change, they have not wilted, but they have become more beautiful. They have participated in school musicals, taken swimming lesson and loved children's church and Pastor Corey. But they never forget the garden that they call home--Moldova.
Will you continue to pray for our children, Elissa, Natalie and Lauren? Pray for constant change and adjustment. Pray for final good-byes in the next months with their new friends here. Pray that they'd continue to grow and become all God wants them to be.
Zinnias, stout and stiff,
Stand no nonsense: their colors
Stare, their leaves
Grow straight out, their petals
Jut like clipped cardboard,
Round, in neat flat rings.
Even cut and bunched,
Arranged to please us
In the house, in water, they
Will hardly wilt--I know
Someone like zinnias; I wish
I were like zinnias.
As I read this, I thought that I have a beautiful bouquet of zinnias in my home--my 3 daughters, small missionaries that they are. They are so like zinnias with stiffness and straightness. They have been cut from the soil of Moldova and brought to America where they are a beautiful bouquet when we visit churches or they brighten their classroom in their school, just like flowers do.
And through all the cutting and change, they have not wilted, but they have become more beautiful. They have participated in school musicals, taken swimming lesson and loved children's church and Pastor Corey. But they never forget the garden that they call home--Moldova.
Will you continue to pray for our children, Elissa, Natalie and Lauren? Pray for constant change and adjustment. Pray for final good-byes in the next months with their new friends here. Pray that they'd continue to grow and become all God wants them to be.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
A Reason to Pray
The other day I saw an ad for the movie, "Amazing Grace", which opens in theaters on February 23. I can't wait for the movie because it is the story of William Wilberforce, the abolitionist who brought the end of slavery in England 200 years ago. I love his story.
But more than his story, which is a great part of history, the movie is bringing awareness to slavery today. The movie's website (www.amazinggracemovie.com) has many links to groups and individuals that are working to stop slavery today. Trafficking in persons is modern day slavery.
As I clicked to different links last night, I read the story of Nadia, a real woman from Moldova, who was trafficked to Serbia. The story left me somber. The story once again made me realize that we have such a work to do. So many woman need to know that once again they can have hope for the rest of their life and that this hope comes through Jesus Christ.
So below is the link to the page where you can read Nadia's story. Please read it and remember to pray for us as we begin this critical ministry to women in Moldova.
Click here.
But more than his story, which is a great part of history, the movie is bringing awareness to slavery today. The movie's website (www.amazinggracemovie.com) has many links to groups and individuals that are working to stop slavery today. Trafficking in persons is modern day slavery.
As I clicked to different links last night, I read the story of Nadia, a real woman from Moldova, who was trafficked to Serbia. The story left me somber. The story once again made me realize that we have such a work to do. So many woman need to know that once again they can have hope for the rest of their life and that this hope comes through Jesus Christ.
So below is the link to the page where you can read Nadia's story. Please read it and remember to pray for us as we begin this critical ministry to women in Moldova.
Click here.
Monday, January 08, 2007
The Covering
The past two Sundays we did services together as a family in churches of our families. These are churches that not just our parents attend, but also a sibling or two and their families. There is always something interesting about being the missionary related to someone in the church.
Both services were great, but it wasn't because of the stories we shared of God's work in Moldova. It also wasn't because an offering plate was passed and people gave generously to the work in Moldova.
The reason both services were amazing was because at the end of each service, the pastor asked us to come forward with our family and then asked anyone related to us to gather around us. They laid hands on us and prayed for us.
It struck me how powerful this time is in our lives. We could not do what we do without many praying for us. When corporately a body of believers lifts us to God, the work to God, our safety to God, it is real work for the Kingdom of God. It is a covering in the battle that rages. As I stood with family gathered around us on December 31 and again January 7 and the body of Christ praying for us, I knew this is my favorite part of itineration and what I most need when in America.
Churches often begin the year in prayer. Let's not forget to pray the rest of the year too. I'm so grateful for the prayers that are lifted for us throughout the year. I'm so grateful for your commitment to pray for us.
Please pray for us this month. We are traveling together this month more than normal. We have been to Wisconsin. Andy will go to North Dakota this week and then we'll go back there on the weekend with the girls. At the end of the month we'll all travel for a week to Montana for minister's renewal and services.
Pray for good roads and safe travel.
Pray that God's spirit would move upon His people.
Pray that people would give generously so our cash budget can be raised.
Pray also that our pledge budget will be raised.
Pray that God would move on people's hearts to be a part of the harvest in Moldova.
Pray that God would let the time in Montana would be special for us as a family.
Thanks for covering us with your prayers.
Both services were great, but it wasn't because of the stories we shared of God's work in Moldova. It also wasn't because an offering plate was passed and people gave generously to the work in Moldova.
The reason both services were amazing was because at the end of each service, the pastor asked us to come forward with our family and then asked anyone related to us to gather around us. They laid hands on us and prayed for us.
It struck me how powerful this time is in our lives. We could not do what we do without many praying for us. When corporately a body of believers lifts us to God, the work to God, our safety to God, it is real work for the Kingdom of God. It is a covering in the battle that rages. As I stood with family gathered around us on December 31 and again January 7 and the body of Christ praying for us, I knew this is my favorite part of itineration and what I most need when in America.
Churches often begin the year in prayer. Let's not forget to pray the rest of the year too. I'm so grateful for the prayers that are lifted for us throughout the year. I'm so grateful for your commitment to pray for us.
Please pray for us this month. We are traveling together this month more than normal. We have been to Wisconsin. Andy will go to North Dakota this week and then we'll go back there on the weekend with the girls. At the end of the month we'll all travel for a week to Montana for minister's renewal and services.
Pray for good roads and safe travel.
Pray that God's spirit would move upon His people.
Pray that people would give generously so our cash budget can be raised.
Pray also that our pledge budget will be raised.
Pray that God would move on people's hearts to be a part of the harvest in Moldova.
Pray that God would let the time in Montana would be special for us as a family.
Thanks for covering us with your prayers.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Forty
Tomorrow I turn 40. I'm not sitting here in a pile of tears, feeling my life is passing before me. No, I'm looking forward to what God has ahead of me.
I remember as a teen my pastor turned 40 and he preached a sermon about the number 40 in the Bible. It is associated with Noah, Moses, the children of Isreal and more that I can't think of right now. Good things happened around the number 40. Life changing things happened.
I know God is taking me into another stage of my life. A time when He wants to use me as never before. I've floated along with my husband in ministry. He was the minister. I remained his wife. Now I feel that God wants to use me too. Not separate, but another part of the same ministry. And I'm comfortable with that.
I'm looking forward to forty. Good bye to the searching years of the 30's. Hello to forty and the fun things God has in store for me.
This is supposed to be a prayer blog. So you can pray for me today! Pray that I continue to listen to God and be led by Him. Pray that I'm used in awesome ways to touch the lives of those around me in the years to come.
Happy Birthday to me. I'm comfortable with that too!
I remember as a teen my pastor turned 40 and he preached a sermon about the number 40 in the Bible. It is associated with Noah, Moses, the children of Isreal and more that I can't think of right now. Good things happened around the number 40. Life changing things happened.
I know God is taking me into another stage of my life. A time when He wants to use me as never before. I've floated along with my husband in ministry. He was the minister. I remained his wife. Now I feel that God wants to use me too. Not separate, but another part of the same ministry. And I'm comfortable with that.
I'm looking forward to forty. Good bye to the searching years of the 30's. Hello to forty and the fun things God has in store for me.
This is supposed to be a prayer blog. So you can pray for me today! Pray that I continue to listen to God and be led by Him. Pray that I'm used in awesome ways to touch the lives of those around me in the years to come.
Happy Birthday to me. I'm comfortable with that too!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thanksgiving Musings
Andy has returned from a long time on the road. We are so happy to have him home safely.
The pumpkin pies are baked, a basket of food sits by the door ready to be loaded in the car, turkeys are thawing in a cooler and shopping for dinner was no problem. I could easily find everything I need and on sale. The turkey was only $11, not $50! But I am missing preparing a Thanksgiving dinner in Moldova.
Last year in Moldova I was homesick for Thanksgiving in America.
This year in America I'm homesick for Thanksgiving in Moldova.
Am I out of my mind?
No, I'm a missionary. I'm forever caught between two worlds, both of which I love.
So this Thanksgiving, as you prepare your meal and say thanks for the good things you have, stop to pray for the missionaries you know. Pray for those stateside, who are missing their home overseas. And pray for those on the field, who may not have the American trimmings to their holiday feast, and are missing their celebration in America.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
The pumpkin pies are baked, a basket of food sits by the door ready to be loaded in the car, turkeys are thawing in a cooler and shopping for dinner was no problem. I could easily find everything I need and on sale. The turkey was only $11, not $50! But I am missing preparing a Thanksgiving dinner in Moldova.
Last year in Moldova I was homesick for Thanksgiving in America.
This year in America I'm homesick for Thanksgiving in Moldova.
Am I out of my mind?
No, I'm a missionary. I'm forever caught between two worlds, both of which I love.
So this Thanksgiving, as you prepare your meal and say thanks for the good things you have, stop to pray for the missionaries you know. Pray for those stateside, who are missing their home overseas. And pray for those on the field, who may not have the American trimmings to their holiday feast, and are missing their celebration in America.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Traveling
Please keep us in prayer this coming week (the last full week of October). I travel with Andy to a missions convention in Des Moines, Iowa and the girls will stay with my sister on the weekend and then my parents will stay with them here.
Pray for safety as we travel.
Pray for health and safety for the girls while we are gone.
Pray for Grandma and Grandpa who will be staying with them!
It isn't easy to be apart and sometimes we have to leave the girls. I don't like that and I miss them already. Pray for the grace for all of us to do what we need to do.
Thanks.
Pray for safety as we travel.
Pray for health and safety for the girls while we are gone.
Pray for Grandma and Grandpa who will be staying with them!
It isn't easy to be apart and sometimes we have to leave the girls. I don't like that and I miss them already. Pray for the grace for all of us to do what we need to do.
Thanks.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Oh, My
This past weekend I went to the Minnesota A/G women's fall conference. Our Moldova Home of Hope was the featured missions project. We need funds to finish the building of this house. And Oh, my did the women give in a big way. I stood on stage and cried when the amount was announced. If you want to know the actual amount, you'll have to e-mail me and ask me! I'll tell you, but you need to ask.
So then today we hear from friends in Moldova who are still struggling to get visa and work permit issues resolved. We have many friends now illegally in the country. They are far over visa limitations or their existing permits are not being renewed.
This is Satan's attempt to shut off the work of God in the country of Moldova. Please pray with us. We need the laws to change and we need God to do something incredible.
Visas and work permits are something we take for granted in America. We can live here because we were born here and immigrants have to get permits. If an immigrant is deported, we think they must have done something wrong. But being a person that is not a national in another country has taught me that this is not so. It is simply the legal paperwork to stay.
We know that God has incredible plans for the country of Moldova. He has work for us to do. He has provided the money to finish this home for women in Moldova through the women of Minnesota. We have 9 months before we return, but we have dear friends, doing the work God has called them to in Moldova, facing these issues today.
Will you please pray that something supernatural would happen and the living permits and work visas would come through for our friends there now and also for those of us going in the future? God has a work to be done there.
Thanks.
So then today we hear from friends in Moldova who are still struggling to get visa and work permit issues resolved. We have many friends now illegally in the country. They are far over visa limitations or their existing permits are not being renewed.
This is Satan's attempt to shut off the work of God in the country of Moldova. Please pray with us. We need the laws to change and we need God to do something incredible.
Visas and work permits are something we take for granted in America. We can live here because we were born here and immigrants have to get permits. If an immigrant is deported, we think they must have done something wrong. But being a person that is not a national in another country has taught me that this is not so. It is simply the legal paperwork to stay.
We know that God has incredible plans for the country of Moldova. He has work for us to do. He has provided the money to finish this home for women in Moldova through the women of Minnesota. We have 9 months before we return, but we have dear friends, doing the work God has called them to in Moldova, facing these issues today.
Will you please pray that something supernatural would happen and the living permits and work visas would come through for our friends there now and also for those of us going in the future? God has a work to be done there.
Thanks.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Too Long
A blog is something that is supposed to be written often so that a person comes back and knows there is something to read. I certainly fail in that part! I'm hoping that my life gets so that I can sit here more regularly and blog.
We are settled into our home for the year. God has blessed us in amazing ways. The girls are in school and loving it. It wasn't their first choice for school, but God knows and He put them in the place that is great for them and they are doing so well there.
This past Thursday and Friday I went to the Women in Ministry conference in Minneapolis. It was an amazing time. Amazing seems to be my word today, but I just feel like it is what God is doing in my life. Amazing things. Amazing works.
My heart was moved in a new way for the women in Moldova. Not just for the women who are trafficked, although my heart is so much there. But my heart is also for the women who are abused or who are left to raise children alone. My heart is for the women who have a call to minister to their community, but they can't figure out what that looks like because they are in a church that won't ordain them as pastors.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not wanting them to become pastors of the church. I want them to see the need around them and touch that need.
You see, the biggest thing that spoke to me those few days is that we are different from men. HUH? Yes, we knew that. But for too long, although we've known we are different, we are still trying to do ministry as men do it. God wants us to touch our world as only we can as women.
So, I want to help my Moldovan friends and the Moldovan pastors wives answer the question of how they can minister to the community and church in a way that their husbands cannot. I want to help them become the leaders and ministers God has called them to be but they are frustrated thinking what they do needs to look like what their husbands do.
Something is brewing in me. Will you pray for that brew? Will you pray that it comes out just right? And pray for the Moldovan women I know who God is calling them to more, but they aren't sure how to get there. Pray for Floarea, Sveta, Natasha, Mariana, Tania. There are more names I could list. They are all different names from what we know, but God has called each of these women to do His plan and purpose. Pray that they can fulfill it.
We are settled into our home for the year. God has blessed us in amazing ways. The girls are in school and loving it. It wasn't their first choice for school, but God knows and He put them in the place that is great for them and they are doing so well there.
This past Thursday and Friday I went to the Women in Ministry conference in Minneapolis. It was an amazing time. Amazing seems to be my word today, but I just feel like it is what God is doing in my life. Amazing things. Amazing works.
My heart was moved in a new way for the women in Moldova. Not just for the women who are trafficked, although my heart is so much there. But my heart is also for the women who are abused or who are left to raise children alone. My heart is for the women who have a call to minister to their community, but they can't figure out what that looks like because they are in a church that won't ordain them as pastors.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not wanting them to become pastors of the church. I want them to see the need around them and touch that need.
You see, the biggest thing that spoke to me those few days is that we are different from men. HUH? Yes, we knew that. But for too long, although we've known we are different, we are still trying to do ministry as men do it. God wants us to touch our world as only we can as women.
So, I want to help my Moldovan friends and the Moldovan pastors wives answer the question of how they can minister to the community and church in a way that their husbands cannot. I want to help them become the leaders and ministers God has called them to be but they are frustrated thinking what they do needs to look like what their husbands do.
Something is brewing in me. Will you pray for that brew? Will you pray that it comes out just right? And pray for the Moldovan women I know who God is calling them to more, but they aren't sure how to get there. Pray for Floarea, Sveta, Natasha, Mariana, Tania. There are more names I could list. They are all different names from what we know, but God has called each of these women to do His plan and purpose. Pray that they can fulfill it.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Opposition
Last night we recieved an e-mail from a pastor in Moldova, Victor. He had been working to do his second Convoy of Hope outreach and has had nothing but persecution from the Orthodox Priests in his town. They did all they could to shut him down legally for the past 2 months, but the mayor said the church has legal rights to give out food to people. They were told they had to do it without the preaching.
Saturday morning the Orthodox priests came with a dozen people and made all the noise they could and blocked the distribution of food. The police stood by and watched but would not step in and allow Victor's church to do what they were allowed to do legally. The picture shows the Orthodox priests tearing down the fence while the police stand by and watch.
Please pray for this church in Nisporeni, Moldova. The Orthodox church does not like the gospel going forward and is trying to stop them in every way. Pray that the commotion yesterday will draw attention to this small Pentecostal church and people will begin to go there to seek the truth and seek the people that love and care for them.
Pray for this persecution throughout Moldova. People often ask me as we are in the states if the government gives us problems. It is really not the government, but the established church. It reminds me of the Jews in Jesus's time who did not like the thought of losing their control and power over the people to a Man of compassion and love. We have seen churches burned, torn apart board by board and blocked in every way by the Orthodox church.
The Bible says, "the gates of Hell will not prevail." Let's pray that this persecution in Moldova would make the church in Nisporeni grow and that the Evangelical churches throughout Moldova would grow.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
pointed east
Our car and brains are pointed to the East. Today we are visiting with Andy's brother's family. Tomorrow we'll be in the house we'll live in for the next year. We've had a wonderful summer visiting with friends and churches but we are so ready to unpack the van and settle into our home.
I have found in our missionary career that when the car is pointed for home, my stress really picks up. This seems opposite of what should be true. But when you are on the road you are not living a real life. There is no house to clean, meals to prepare or kids to get to school. Only laundry is our traveling companion.
Please pray for us in this next week as we settle in: to a new town, to a new church and to new friends. Pray as the girls begin school next Tuesday, September 5. Natalie is the most nervous about this new experience, but I'm sure Elissa feels it too.
We feel so blessed with the summer and all that God has done for us. Thanks for your continued prayers.
I have found in our missionary career that when the car is pointed for home, my stress really picks up. This seems opposite of what should be true. But when you are on the road you are not living a real life. There is no house to clean, meals to prepare or kids to get to school. Only laundry is our traveling companion.
Please pray for us in this next week as we settle in: to a new town, to a new church and to new friends. Pray as the girls begin school next Tuesday, September 5. Natalie is the most nervous about this new experience, but I'm sure Elissa feels it too.
We feel so blessed with the summer and all that God has done for us. Thanks for your continued prayers.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Living Out of a Suitcase
There's an old Phil Keaggy song that comes to mind right now. "Living out of a suitcase, Traveling on with the band from town to town." I have the Raatz version of that--it starts the same but ends "traveling on in the van from town to town."
We've been traveling since landing in America in June. We packed the car at my parents and left on July 6, and have been on the road ever since. It is great and it is awful.
I love meeting and reconnecting. The services have been great and it is so fun telling others about what we are doing in Moldova. We've reconnected with great friends. It is wonderful and painful. We have great moments with some really wonderful friends. And it is painful leaving these friends after a very short visit.
But we are also ready to unpack a very crowded van and settle into a house and routine for the year.
Please continue to keep us in prayer as we finish up this summer's travels. We'll end up back in Minnesota at the end of August and settle there for the year.
Thanks.
We've been traveling since landing in America in June. We packed the car at my parents and left on July 6, and have been on the road ever since. It is great and it is awful.
I love meeting and reconnecting. The services have been great and it is so fun telling others about what we are doing in Moldova. We've reconnected with great friends. It is wonderful and painful. We have great moments with some really wonderful friends. And it is painful leaving these friends after a very short visit.
But we are also ready to unpack a very crowded van and settle into a house and routine for the year.
Please continue to keep us in prayer as we finish up this summer's travels. We'll end up back in Minnesota at the end of August and settle there for the year.
Thanks.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Back in the Saddle
Our life has been wild in the past month or so. Wild and exciting. Thanks to those who have written. We landed in Minnesota June 14 and haven't stopped to breathe since! It is good to see family and begin to connect with our friends and supporters in the states.
I'm sorry I didn't blog at all before we left. Some have asked and we did buy the house that we will use in our ministry to women. That is exciting. That went through just before we left Moldova. It still needs to be finished, but we know that it is going to be an exciting place of ministry.
Today I have a few prayer requests for you.
1. Pray for our transition. We are making it,but it is hard to readjust. This summer we are constantly on the road until the very end of August. Please pray for us. We'd like to just settle in, but it won't happen and it is fine and good. I love to be home and right now don't have that, so pray God helps us.
2. We have a missions house to live in in Cold Spring, MN. We are very excited to connected with the great church there and are blessed that they have opened their lives to us. We have gone there, met some of the church people and visited the local school. The prayer request here is that there will be room for the girls at the elementary school in Cold Spring. The girls were excited to see the school. They want to go with other kids and not be home schooled. The school is not guarenteeing a place for the girls. If there isn't a space they'd have to go to the next city for schooling, but they really want to go locally with the kids that they have met from the church and school.
3. My dad has many health issues. He has been in the hospital this week and has had a pace maker/defibulator put in on Tuesday. He is home and recovering well, but pray for him and my mom also. It is tough on her.
4. Pray for safe summer travels. We are going by car and plane to many places this summer. We will be connecting with many people and churches and we need God's protection as we go.
Thanks for being faithful in prayer.
I'm sorry I didn't blog at all before we left. Some have asked and we did buy the house that we will use in our ministry to women. That is exciting. That went through just before we left Moldova. It still needs to be finished, but we know that it is going to be an exciting place of ministry.
Today I have a few prayer requests for you.
1. Pray for our transition. We are making it,but it is hard to readjust. This summer we are constantly on the road until the very end of August. Please pray for us. We'd like to just settle in, but it won't happen and it is fine and good. I love to be home and right now don't have that, so pray God helps us.
2. We have a missions house to live in in Cold Spring, MN. We are very excited to connected with the great church there and are blessed that they have opened their lives to us. We have gone there, met some of the church people and visited the local school. The prayer request here is that there will be room for the girls at the elementary school in Cold Spring. The girls were excited to see the school. They want to go with other kids and not be home schooled. The school is not guarenteeing a place for the girls. If there isn't a space they'd have to go to the next city for schooling, but they really want to go locally with the kids that they have met from the church and school.
3. My dad has many health issues. He has been in the hospital this week and has had a pace maker/defibulator put in on Tuesday. He is home and recovering well, but pray for him and my mom also. It is tough on her.
4. Pray for safe summer travels. We are going by car and plane to many places this summer. We will be connecting with many people and churches and we need God's protection as we go.
Thanks for being faithful in prayer.
Friday, May 26, 2006
God's Goodness
I looked and saw the goodness of the Lord...
Let's celebrate some of the great things God has done!
Ludmila is still at the Christian Rehab center and she is doing great. Continue to pray for her, but we are seeing God change her.
The house is purchased for our future Home of Hope. It only took 5 months to go through, but God has provided. (This is the original home we picked).
We have a place to live when we get back to the states. A few weeks ago Andy called a pastor about a service. The pastor asked if we had a place to live and said their church has just finished a home to use for missionaries. It is beautiful and perfect for us. We are excited about having a place to stay and a church to connect to. It is not far from our family. God is so good!
The girls decided they want to attend the public school here also and we hear great reports about the school and the Supt. of Schools goes to the church. They are all really excited to go to school with other English speaking kids next year.
I ask you to keep us in prayer as we finish our packing here and say good-byes. The stress is high!
Pray that the girls would adjust well to life in America. Our youngest still doesn't understand going for a year. The other day she asked me why I was packing so many of our things!
Pray that God would go before the girls in giving them friends for the next year.
Pray God's protection for travel. Our entire summer is moving between car and airplane travel. Pray that God goes before us and we have no problems there.
We will still need to get a vehicle and a lot of things set up our first week in the states. Please pray this goes smoothly.
Transition is always a difficult time, but we have a wonderful God who will help us in all things.
Let's celebrate some of the great things God has done!
Ludmila is still at the Christian Rehab center and she is doing great. Continue to pray for her, but we are seeing God change her.
The house is purchased for our future Home of Hope. It only took 5 months to go through, but God has provided. (This is the original home we picked).
We have a place to live when we get back to the states. A few weeks ago Andy called a pastor about a service. The pastor asked if we had a place to live and said their church has just finished a home to use for missionaries. It is beautiful and perfect for us. We are excited about having a place to stay and a church to connect to. It is not far from our family. God is so good!
The girls decided they want to attend the public school here also and we hear great reports about the school and the Supt. of Schools goes to the church. They are all really excited to go to school with other English speaking kids next year.
I ask you to keep us in prayer as we finish our packing here and say good-byes. The stress is high!
Pray that the girls would adjust well to life in America. Our youngest still doesn't understand going for a year. The other day she asked me why I was packing so many of our things!
Pray that God would go before the girls in giving them friends for the next year.
Pray God's protection for travel. Our entire summer is moving between car and airplane travel. Pray that God goes before us and we have no problems there.
We will still need to get a vehicle and a lot of things set up our first week in the states. Please pray this goes smoothly.
Transition is always a difficult time, but we have a wonderful God who will help us in all things.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
If I only knew then....
No one told me it'd be like this. Would I have signed on the line anyway? Would I still have committed my life to missions? Yes, I'm sure I would have, but it is still painful.
Last week my oldest daughter had some wonderful times playing with friends. At the end of a long day we tucked her into bed, but she didn't go to sleep. Many times she came down looking for us. Sadness shown on her face. Finally I told her that it is okay to cry. For over an hour she cried, already missing the friends that she'd leave behind. Some she may never see again.
God has blessed her with some wonderful friends, but with wonderful friends comes the pain of separation.
Today would you remember to pray for Elissa, Natalie and Lauren as they prepare to make a transition back to the states for our year of itineration? Natalie and Lauren really don't remember life in the states and to Elissa, Moldova has clearly become home. Thanks.
Last week my oldest daughter had some wonderful times playing with friends. At the end of a long day we tucked her into bed, but she didn't go to sleep. Many times she came down looking for us. Sadness shown on her face. Finally I told her that it is okay to cry. For over an hour she cried, already missing the friends that she'd leave behind. Some she may never see again.
God has blessed her with some wonderful friends, but with wonderful friends comes the pain of separation.
Today would you remember to pray for Elissa, Natalie and Lauren as they prepare to make a transition back to the states for our year of itineration? Natalie and Lauren really don't remember life in the states and to Elissa, Moldova has clearly become home. Thanks.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Keep Praying
Today I spent the day driving on bumpy roads and sitting, praying and hoping that Ludmila would respond to the help we wanted to give to her. Tonight I'm exhausted. A spiritual battle has truly been fought.
We talked with her at the home of the pastor from her village. Then, with her mother, we went to the women's rehab center in another city. There the women and director of the center worked to convince her of her need to stay. I'm not sure she was convinced, but she stayed. They said that it is this way with every person that comes to them.
Please continue to pray for her. Nearly 100% of the victims of trafficking which return to Moldova are diagnosed with pyschological disorders. Today Ludmila told us all the medications she is on for those disorders. She is quite doped up by the medical community. Please pray for the days ahead and for the women who will stand around her and pray for her as she come off of the many perscription drugs she is on. Pray that God will make her mind clear. Pray that she will see the hope that Jesus can give and that she can find new life in Christ.
Thanks for standing with us in prayer.
We talked with her at the home of the pastor from her village. Then, with her mother, we went to the women's rehab center in another city. There the women and director of the center worked to convince her of her need to stay. I'm not sure she was convinced, but she stayed. They said that it is this way with every person that comes to them.
Please continue to pray for her. Nearly 100% of the victims of trafficking which return to Moldova are diagnosed with pyschological disorders. Today Ludmila told us all the medications she is on for those disorders. She is quite doped up by the medical community. Please pray for the days ahead and for the women who will stand around her and pray for her as she come off of the many perscription drugs she is on. Pray that God will make her mind clear. Pray that she will see the hope that Jesus can give and that she can find new life in Christ.
Thanks for standing with us in prayer.
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