Central Asia, Good Bye

I'm sitting in a hotel room in Norcross, GA at 3:47 AM wondering when I'll sleep normal hours again. I think of the people who shared my last few days in Central Asia with me. I have been blessed so much, especially those last few days. I was there to visit, encourage, test home schooled kids and to be an extra pair of hands. I believe that my life is richer from what I have experienced.

The love of God, expressed through His people, no matter what the cost may be to them, was so evident in the small things as well as the big things. A cup of tea shared, a fellowship gathering, times of study and prayer, times of just hanging out and just having fun.

I can't be more specific here, this venue is too public and Central Asia does not hold out open arms to Christians. But, I do want to say that saying "Good Bye" is hard to do. If it is God's will, I'll return and reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. And, some day, every knee will bow & every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Central Asia, Part 2

Al Ateen Picnic

Having Fun with Friends

Singing

Hanging Out at the Lake

Lunch

Mmmm...Good!

Reunited after Four Years!

Central Asia, Part 1

An Orphanage Birthday Party

I Love My Toothbrush!

Testing

Meeting Old Friends

Doing Some Stretches...

Maybe!

Hanging Out with the Guys

A Pencil in the Hand of God

It is His work. I am like a little pencil in God's hand. That is all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has nothing to do with it. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.

Mother Theresa

Trust

Trust involves letting go and knowing God will catch you. James Dobson

The Personal Touch

Did you know it takes seven to twelve significant contacts with another before they will put their trust in Christ? Are you a "significant contact" with anyone?

Running Out of Time

I'm running out of time! I leave for central Asia Wednesday morning. I've been "almost packed" for several days now. Yet, even up until this morning I have been getting requests for items that people can't get in the country in which they reside. If only I had the luggage space and the money to purchase everything requested! I am sure anything I bring will be appreciated. Not only do I get to bless the children and youth with whom I am working, I also get to bless the missionaries! Now, to do my laundry & finish packing...

Future with a Hope

I just finished reading a blog post by Bishop Bickerton of the United Methodist Church. He used the phrase "a future with a hope." I really like that phrase with the reference to Jer. 29:11. Usually I hear, "a hope and a future." But, the kids I work with, whether they are in Russia, Central Asia, Ghana, the jungles and mountain villages of Peru really need a future with a hope. They need blessings for today and the hope that their future will be better, along with the hope that we have in Jesus Christ! What a timely reminder! Thank you, Bishop!

Musings

Today I am in a pensive mood. I guess it comes from comparing myself to others and not looking to Christ. It's looking at the bottom line instead of the Lord. Maybe I'm being attacked because I'm preparing for a trip to Central Asia. Whatever the reason is, I'm not sure I like it.

But, it's times like these that I draw near to Him. I talk with Him about my ministry. Is it really a needed ministry? Am I following Him? Should I be doing something else? Why do people say that they are so proud of me, the way I've taken this step, but yet, don't back up what they say with financial support? Am I just needlessly questioning? Is it that 5 letter "T" word again? (TRUST) I love what I do. I am getting more and more invitations to go to other countries and situations. I've been told that my ministry is well needed and apprciated by those with whom I've worked.

So, for now, I'll just set my sights on Him and draw closer to Him. And, as I draw closer to Christ, my worries will cease and I'll be confident in Him and His leading.

The Human Touch

When traveling overseas into a variety of cultures, a person really has to be aware of what is and is not culturally appropriate. I was reminded of this as I was readuing a devotional a few days ago.

When in Ghana, I was part of the Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing Hospital's Prayer Ministy. After devotions, we would go into every patient room and pray for and with the patients. We didn't know the religious backgound of each peson. We would go into a room, talk a few minutes, then, ask the patients to form a circle for prayer. For people of certain faiths, we had to rearrange ouselves because a single woman could not hold the hand of a married man. I think this experience made me more aware of subtle differences. It wasn't necessarily a cultural difference, but a religious one.

As an American in another culture, I need to be aware of all things that may be a part of the culture in the area in which I am visiting, even in various religions. One thing I am sure of, my Lord, Jesus Christ can cross all cultural barriers. He can cross and eliminate all types of barriers. Soon I will be traveling to a country where there are many barriers and restrictions. Please pray that people will experience Him through me, with a human touch.

Pride Goes Before Destruction

"Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18 This Scripture is too true for me. I have severe arthritis in my left knee, and am at the point where I need to wear a knee brace (not bad) and use a cane. A cane! I'm too young! What will my friends across the world think when I show up with a cane in hand?

The truth of the matter is, the cane does make walking easier. And, in some of the places I've been, the cane will definately help! So, good bye pride, hello cane...Central Asia, here we come!

Blessed to be a Blessing

Time is ticking away. My trip to Central Asia is only 3 1/2 weeks away I'm beginning to pack for my trip to Central Asia. Well, maybe "pack" isn't the right word, "pile up stuff" is a better way of putting it. I am beginning to get requests from people "over there." Requests for things they can't get, like an HP ink cartridge, Frisbees and Uno cards to use with one of the kid's ministries, stuff for guitars, and, sandalwood soap. I can't find sandalwood soap anyplace but on line. But, I'll keep looking.


When I first started going oversees on mission trips, I was trained to use my carry on and half of a larger suitcase for myself. The rest of the room goes for ministry supplies. So, I have yarn dolls, felt, dream catchers, patters, balloons, games and LOTS more to take to use with the kids and stuff to bless the missionaries, too. So, my suitcase is a little, no, is a lot like this one pictured here. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a blessing to be a blessing!

Gye Nyame

The Ghanaian people have a rich culure. And it is said that there are no athiests in Ghana. This culture is full of gods. But, even in their ancient beliefs, they believe in a supreme being, a supreme God who is Lord over all.

This is an ancient Ashanti symbol. It reflects the supremacy, power and dominion of God over all situations and creations. He is therefore reguarded as the immortal, omnipotent, omnicient and omnipresent. This is a symbol of the supremacy of God.

Does the one, true God have lordship in your life? Is He the one who goes before, after and beside you? Is He the one to whom you look to for forgiveness, peace, mercy and perfect love? He is for me. I hope He is for you, too.