Discipleship Takes Two…Especially When It’s Painful

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him…. (Acts 16:1-3; ESV)  This small excerpt in the book of Acts is easily looked over, but I believe it shows significant truth in the relationship between Paul, Timothy and the bond they had with God and through God. 

Timothy was already a disciple before Paul met him in Lystra.  He believed in the writings of the Prophets which were taught to him by his mother and grandmother, he believed the Word of God, and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul found that this young disciple had a good reputation among men and wished to take him under his wing.  To teach and help Timothy grow as a believer in Jesus meant time spent with the young man, therefore he wished to take him and teach him to help spread the gospel.

Before Paul takes Timothy anywhere, Paul took and circumcised him “because of the Jews who were in those places.”  Apparantly there was an issue with Timothy accompanying Paul if he was not circumcised as they were.  His mother was a Jew, but his father was a greek and I would imagine that he didn’t see much need for the Jewish tradition.  Truthfully, Paul probably didn’t see much need for it either, and as far as we know he had this done BECAUSE of the Jews that were in that place, not for any other reason.  I’m not writing to dispute the validity of circumcision, Jewish tradition, or even the reason for why Paul did it, the point is, Paul thought it needed to be done and TIMOTHY ACTUALLY DID IT!

When I think of Timothy, I would imagine that he was at least 16 years of age, give or take a couple of years.  Question:  How many teenagers do you know of that would get circumcised because of what other folks about them thought?  How many grown men for that matter?  Paul obviously had some influence with this guy.  The Lord had even more influence, as the whole reason for this operation was so that Timothy could go with Paul.  

If Paul had never come to Lystra, would the thought ever had come to the young disciple to go to these lengths in order that the gospel be spread?  I believe not.  The Bible speaks of the relationship between these two men as a father to a son, Paul loved Timothy-Timothy loved Paul.  Timothy submitted to the authority of Paul willingly and did as he asked, just as Paul submitted to the authority of God.  In fact, I would even go as far as to say that, early in his Christian life, Paul was how Timothy knew what God wanted him to do, God gave marching orders to Paul, Paul gave marching orders to Timothy. 

I’m learning lately, that to have a “Paul” in your life is so important.  It takes guess work out of what God wants.  A mature Christian actively following the Lord can be such a tool for the Lord and go great lengths in discipling a young Christian who is also trying to serve the Lord but doesn’t quite know how to go about it.  It also means that sometimes, it’s painful.  It means that sometimes that mature Christian leader must “push” and encourage the younger to do things he never would think to do otherwise.  Such has been my life lately, public speaking, praying, teaching classes in church, going to foreign countries, and convicting those who would otherwise contradict the gospel we so lovingly believe in.  More times than not, I originally balked at the propositions my “Paul” would give, but those times were met with encouragement, a gentle nudge letting me know that what I lacked, God had enough and more than enough to get through.  Because of these times that he walked through my faithlessness with me, I’m not the man I was when I first believed in my Savior and Lord Jesus.  My faith has been stretched and I have been molded, and I appreciate the man who has committed himself to taking the time to involve me in God’s ministry, and be my friend.  Thank you.  It’s not always easy, and sometimes it’s even painful, but I thank God for the men that He puts in our lives to lead through our Lord Jesus, they are rare.

For those of you who wish to serve God with all your heart and have no idea what I’m speaking of, pray that the Lord would put someone in your own life to lead you as Paul did Timothy; so one day you, yourself, can lead faithful men as well.  It’s so much easier to go through those tough times when you’d rather just quit when the pain of “circumcision” comes.  That person God puts in your life will encourage you and keep you and lift you up when needed, and you may find that you NEED it more often than not.

Saying “Please” to Daddy

For the better part of 7 years now, my wife has worked tirelessly at teaching our children manners.  Simple things, like saying “please” when they want something and saying “thank you” when they receive what they desire.  She incorporates these lessons into their everyday activities.  She’s such a good mother to my children, and rarely do I question her methods or reasons for discipline.

I’m amazed at what the word ”please” will do to my heart as a father.  When my children say “please,” not only does it show their manners, it shows respect for Karen and I as their parents.  It also proves to me how much they love us, as they are obeying those things which we have taught them.  Jesus Himself tells His disciples that if they love Him, they will keep his commandments. (John 14:15)  The relationship I have with my kids often reflects the relationship I should have with my Heavenly Father in Jesus Christ.  When I take into the account the joy that my boys bring me when they obey, I can’t imagine how pleased the Father is with us when we obey Him in the best way we know how.

In Luke 11:9-13; Jesus tells us how important it is that we ask the Father for those things we are in need of.  As someone who believes in the sovereignty and all-knowingness of God, I often had problems with this passage of scripture.  If God knows EVERYTHING, and knows everything I need, isn’t it kind of insulting to God for me to ask him for my needs?  Isn’t it showing very little faith In my All-Powerful Heavenly Father to “bother” Him with the trivial details of my life?  Even at that, He KNOWS my needs, why doesn’t He provide automatically?  In this line of thinking, it almost seems as God is playing games with us, almost in a cruel way, dangling a carrot in front of us.  But I know God isn’t cruel, so there has to be another answer.    

Jesus goes on, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”  This passage of scripture speaks as a son asking from a father, a relationship, a bond,  there must be a relationship between the son and father before the requested item is given!  Yes, God does know what we need, He is capable of providing it, He’s even capable of providing it without us asking.  But could it be that God wants more from us than just our asking as lowly servants to an All-Powerful God?  Could it be that He wants relationship as a father to a son?

When we accept the gift that the life and death and ressurection of Jesus Christ brings (peace and blamelessness with God), we suddenly have a relationship with a Heavenly Father, in which we may trust Him, not cower before a Holy King.  Not that He has become less to us, but rather, He has become more to us, a “Dad.”  When I think of how I love to be a Dad to my boys, I am in awe of how much God must love the relationship he has with those who come to Him as children.  Who seeks a relationship as a “little child” with God?  Rest assured God loves you, and He’s waiting for you to ask whatever you need, not because you need, but because you trust.

Having Financial Peace, the Flu, Termites, and a New Outlook on Prayer

I thought I was going to sail through the flu season this year with no problems.  Be one of those lucky (or blessed) few who in the middle of March start bragging that I didn’t catch “the bug,” as though I had something to do with it.  About half the people I come in contact with on a daily basis has had this stuff at one time or another over the past month and I was feeling pretty good, until it hit me 2 nights ago.  Now it’s all I can do to stay out of the bathroom today, though the chills have finally left me.  Hopefully my body is just flushing out the sick from my body.  Despite my sickness, I’m happy to announce Karen and I have met one of our financial goals in paying off the first bill of our “debt snowball.”  A doctor bill that I incurred at the emergency room 4 or 5 months ago, next is the student loan, which has been hanging around so long it’s like a pet.  If the government isn’t lying to us about the “stimulus package” check that we should be getting around the end of May, that nasty thing will be paid off as well; freeing up enough money to hopefully have our truck paid off two years early.  Once all this happens, we will finally be able to start saving up for a real house, while repairing this one at the same time.  Speaking of, we’ve started painting!  Those of you have been here know that’s a huge step for us.  With all the repairs we’re doing, we have had to call a couple of exterminators, lest the termites eat away all our new work, who have quoted us anywhere from $1500 to $1700.  They’ve offered to finance us but we have promised ourselves never to borrow money again unless it’s for a house, so I guess a new envelope will have to be made called “Death to Termites.”  It may take another year to save up enough money, but we will not be saddled with another monthly payment right now.  Orchin Man thought I was nuts, maybe I am. I’ve been studying a lot on prayer lately.  I realize I am missing a lot when I’ve prayed before.  Using God’s name as “Lord” about 50 times in one prayer, but not really praying to anybody.  I’m almost convinced that teenagers pray better than adults every time they bow their head.  For some reason, once we reach adult hood, a lot of us, especially men, stop being personal.  We start putting on the tough guy facade, and pray in the same way.  We are very vague when we pray, “bless this, and bless that,” “bless preacher and his family, bless our church family,” “take care of the sick,” “bless those that are faithful,” and don’t forget the magic phrase we use just to remind God He has to answer our prayers we say, “in Jesus name, Amen.”  I’m convinced that prayer is more than that, and have been learning that as well.  I’m hoping to teach what I learn in our church to a group of men, but am nervous about it.  I’m so much younger than the men who I think would take this seriously.  Nevertheless, today in my devotions I read Jeremiah chapter 1 as this “fear of man” was on my mind.  In it Jeremiah quotes God as saying,    ” Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’       For you shall go to all to whom I send you,       And whatever I command you, you shall speak.        Do not be afraid of their faces,       For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. So, I am going to teach, humbly, but also enthusiastically I hope, enough that God inspires and we start praying and leading our church and community and even more into revival.

A Most Embarrassing Moment With My Spouse

Tonight a memory came to me that I haven’t thought of in a long time.  I’m not one to rehash the past, but it fell right in line with the thoughts I had after church tonight.  This, coincidently, just happened to be the same Sunday as the Super Bowl.

 

This memory starts on a Sunday morning.  I’m tired because I’m sure I stayed up too late the night before.  My wife Karen, who loves me and my children dearly, is also tired because I’m sure I stayed up too late the night before.  It’s approximately 8:00 am, I really should be getting up, church will be starting soon and I really should be there.  But my stomach hurts, I think (I always have a stomach ache when I don’t have enough sleep), and I think God will understand me calling in sick once.  Only, I’m not really sick, not really, I just want to stay in bed a little longer.  I roll over and put my arm around my wife, who IS getting up, and I’m not going to be able to convince her to stay with me.  I tell her I don’t feel well (a little white lie) and I’m not planning to go to church this morning.  She looks disappointed and says “okay” as she’s getting dressed in a hurry.  In a flash she’s gone to dress the children.  That kind of surprises me because I figured if she was in as big of a hurry as she seems to be she’ll leave the kids.  The kids are tired too, but they also are dressed and look pretty good as they head out the door as Karen gathers up the last of what she needs for the morning.  I’m still laying there in bed when she comes in one last time to barely give me a cold peck on my cheek.  “Ya know,” she said, “our boys need to be in church.  I’m going to take them, and I wish you were going too, since you are their father and my husband.”  Then she left.

 

I knew what she meant with that last statement.  I was the man of this home.  I’m supposed to be the spiritual leader; I should be waking her up and dragging her out the door.  I should be showing the children how important it is to assemble with our friends and family in Christ Jesus and worshiping him in spirit and in truth.  But here I was, lying in bed, my spouse charging out of the home, running to Jesus, tearfully that her husband refuses to join her.  I was mad at first; she made me look like a fool.  I usually go to church, don’t I deserve a break?  Then I thought back and realized my church attendance lately was hit and miss at the very best.  But how dare she talk to me like that!  I am the man of the house, aren’t I?  But my conscience told me if I were, I’d be in that car, taking my family to church.  I was mortified.  That morning my lack of enthusiasm to take my rightful place as man of the home and meet Jesus, where so many others would gather together in His name, embarrassed me.  Knowing that Christ was the reason to be there, I was ashamed.  My spouse had shown me up because she obeyed the Lord.

 

As the church, we are the bride of Christ, the bible teaches this truth in more than one passage.  Yet as Christ’s spouse, are we still lying in bed, making excuses as to why not to go and see Him?  Take this illustration metaphorically or literally, neither way is good.  When in the world did it become okay NOT to go meet Jesus with our faithful brothers and sisters in Christ?  We are His bride, and yet use His grace and goodness as a constant excuse to lie in bed and complain that we are so tired, or we are so sick, or we are so sick and tired.  Of what, can I ask, sick and tired of what?  Think about it, doesn’t Christ tell us to come to Him, we who are weak and heavy laden?  What exactly are we so tired of or sick of that we can’t come to Christ, our husband to see Him and be with Him, as He’s promised He is there with us?

 

Recently I’ve heard two people comment that it is rather normal, in these days, for a church to have a high attendance on Sunday mornings and yet have extremely low attendance in comparison on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights.  One of these folks, mercifully, said that Sunday nights may be the only time church members have to relax after a stressful week of work, not to mention a stressful Saturday of running kids back and forth to different sports games and events.  I’m trying to picture it, me standing before Christ, explaining that after a week of trying to get money to pay for more stuff that will probably take my attention away from Him…eh, maybe not.

 

Why does His bride, His church, the one people on the earth that claim to love Him the most, avoid Him like the plague after one gathering?  If we love Him as much as we claim to shouldn’t we be breaking our necks to get into His presence?  Shouldn’t we be lining up to be in His service?  Why do we constantly make excuses as to why we shouldn’t be there and mistake his mercy for winking at our complacency?  Christ said He vomited us out because we are not cold nor hot!  It’s time for some kind of revival; it’s time for repentance, in our church and in our nation.

Banjara For Christ 2007-2008 (Day 10)

Karen has never looked more beautiful than when she did as I turned the corner of that airplane terminal.  I hugged and squeezed her, kissed her, and hugged and squeezed her some more.  All of our families and friends were there at the airport waiting on us.  It’s good to be home.

I’m thankful to God that I’m not sick this time around.  Though I think my stomach is having a harder time digesting food from home than I originally thought it would.  Karen was able to work while I was gone and was making some money.  It seems our washing machine, barely over a year old, shot craps along with our DVD player, also no older than a year.  No big deal though.  Karen bought a new DVD player and we’ll get the washer fixed.  We have folks who will let us do laundry at their house if we need too.

The boys are at mom’s house tonight as it is still their holiday break from school.  We’ll get them on the fifth.  I can’t wait to see them.  All seems well at home and the weather is unseasonably beautiful.

Karen gave me a new journal for Christmas this year.  I’ve been writing in it the entire trip as that’s what she bought it for.  I’m having a difficult time deciding whether or not I will continue to write my own daily thoughts in it while here at home.  Life is a journey, that’s for certain, and some days are not as exciting as others.  Even on a mission trip though, some days are not as exciting as others.  Life is so “daily,” someone once said, and it may do some good to keep a continuous flow of thought through this journal specifically as I’ve already started it through the New Year.

The mission trip is finished; I look forward to going back.  Yet life goes on while still at home.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life, the first day of eternity from here on out.  I’d like to live in a way and seize each moment like this, making things fresh and new when I can.  Praise God for His goodness, grace, and might.  I love you Lord, Amen.

Banjara For Christ 2007-2008 (Day 8)

Our teaching sessions ended this evening.  I almost hated for them too, the lessons I mean.  I’ve had so much fun teaching the Pastors of Banjara.  They are so attentive to what I have to say.  To what we ALL have had to say.

Steve has taught all his lessons on church planting, and they are not what a person might expect.  I know I was surprized at what he is teaching; though I don’t know why, all he taught we’ve discussed before.  I guess I had just forgotten what I once had learned.  Steve taught starting churches “the Master’s Way.”  Through a “person of peace” and then after that, theach them to observe those things that I was teaching about, disciplines through the wheel. 

“The Master’s Way” of discipleship is what we called my portion of lessons.  These were ALL methods in which Jesus showed his disciples during his time with them on earth.  Taking in the Word, praying, fellowship, and witnessing centered around the person of Jesus Christ.  All of these of course come after we surrender our lives to Him.  I went through a wheel illustration made up by Dawson Trotman, teaching the four very basic disciplines that every follower of Christ should have.

Richard’s been teaching personal evangelism, “witnessing the Master’s Way.”  He showed us how to use the Ten Commandments as a school master to show us our sin and how to use tracts as a witnessing tool.  He was nervous, but he did just great…I was nervous too.  We found that most of our lessons came across really well any time we involved the men in our exercises in a role playing fashion.  They played in skits, they drew pictures, they laughed and at one point I cried.  Once I had 5 of them laying in the floor piled on top of eachother to tell a parable Jesus taught about prayer.  These times were so precious and the Lord provided so much to say.  I can’t express my joy at these new and old friends we have made.  They are so open and honest and lively.  I love their culture.

Tonight was a night for singing and dancing.  Steve got some of it on video.  It was a lot of fun.

We just finished dinner with a Catholic priest who owns the hostel we’ve been staying in.  It was a fine meal but our normal Indian friends were not around.  Tomorrow we get to sleep in, which is a blessing, and then we have one last service to say farewell and then we are heading home.  I’m ready.

Banjara For Christ 2007-2008 (Day 7)

It’s New Year’s Day and I’ve never spent one like this before, half way around the world teaching and preaching the gospel.  I appreciate the Lord’s grace in being here, though I miss Karen and the boys very much.  I hope she’s not upset that I’ve not called again.  I tried twice now a couple of days but wasn’t able to reach her.  Sush has not brought it up again so I’ve not asked; it’s so expensive to make international phone calls.  It’s fine I’m sure.  Karen would appreciate hearing from me, but has the strength to wait until I’m home.  I hope her New Year’s Eve went alright.  Maybe family was able to call her. 

Last night was a night I’ll never forget.  We had a service from 11 PM to 1 AM.  There was lots of singing and dancing.  A couple of the Banjara women were dressed in their traditional Banjara gypsy garb.  Steve taught a small message and there were gift exchanges and cake and everything wholesome in brotherly and sisterly love.  

Steve started preaching about 10 minutes to midnight and got about 7 minutes into it and the electricity cut off.  Apparantly the government here does this in order to save energy for the country.  It stayed off for about 3 minutes while everyone sang and when the light came on, it was midnight.  It was a great celebration.  The people (rather than kiss) stuff cake in their friend’s mouths.  I had a mouthfull before I could object.  Richard nearly choked…it was pretty funny.  We received cards and key chains and even rearview mirror ornaments.  These are such a loving people.

Richard got his suitcase last night.  It was like Christmas all over again for him since the airport had lost his luggage and he had to do without for a few days.

The girls are doing well too.  There is so much more laughter this trip because of them being here.  I wish my wife was here.

My lessons that I taught went well today.  Steve and Richard’s too.  I taught on ”Jesus the Hub” of the Christian Wheel.  God is so good in providing words to say.  I can’t describe how much he has blessed.  Damodar said I have improved in giving messages since last year.  I appreciated it so much.  He said if I remained in India, I’m going to be named “Bishop.”  I’m proud he said it, I’ll admit it, but still – that’s quite a compliment coming from him.

Tonight is a night for relaxing.  I’ve played some volleyball and visited with Sush and Damodar and Richard.  Dinner will be served soon.  Tonight, here on the roof of this hostel, my thoughts are with my wife.

Banjara For Christ 2007-2008 (Day 6)

Today is New Year’s Eve.  Sush asked Steve to say a prayer at midnight to bring in the new year.  Besides that they have nothing else they say that they will be doing.  I assume there will be a lot of singing and dancing.

I realized I’ve not commented much on the girl’s lately…

Julie is loving this experience.  She loves to spend time with the children, playing games with them and dancing with the Banjara men and women.  The food may not be settling with her though.  Jana is doing well too.  Always with her light sense of humor she makes us all smile.  She misses home, like we all do.  She’s been hugging a lot more than I remember her doing lately.  It’s strange how a mission trip like this brings a family closer together.  Yesterday she got to put the Banjara’s traditional dress on.  Steve got some pictures of it.  She looked – different, to say the least.  Lisa is doing good too.  She always sings, she does have a pretty voice and uses it to find common ground with these people, half way around the world.  Her and Anand, our translator have been singing together.  Anand loves English praise and worship songs.  He speaks english very well.

Today we went sight seeing with Sush and Sudakar, Damodar’s brother and he’s also the guy that’s been serving us food all week long.  We saw some waterfalls and monkeys.  We also tried some sweet lime juice and some wonderful roasted peanuts, they were GREAT!  Both were a refreshing change from chicken and rice.  I got some good pictures of the monkeys, Dakota and Trevor will like them I hope.

We also taught our first lessons today.  We shared our testimony and gave general overviews of our lessons we’ll be teaching for the next couple of days.  So many were pleased with the lessons and testimonies we all gave.  I am glad they turned out well, but I wish they wouldn’t “gush” so much over what a good job we do.  I tend to get prideful in situations like that.

Tonight there will be a service from 11 PM to 1 AM, I am told to bring in the New Year.  We, thankfully don’t have to teach anything.  But 1 AM is going to make life hard for the first day of the year.  No matter, the Lord is in control now.  Satan has tried to stop the messages we’re going to be teaching but he cannot.  The Lord has delivered us from his hands.

It’s been a relaxing evening so far.  I’ve been able to get to know Richard a little better as the three guys…me, Steve and Richard have been able to just visit with each other tonight.  Julie and Lisa and maybe Jana are downstairs getting painted.  “Hannah” they call it.  Them being here has been good for Sush and the other women.  It is good fellowship they’ve had this week.  I’m enjoying a “natural” toothbrush (according to Sush) right now.  The sticks I’ve seen these guys chewing and brushing their teeth with are not half bad.  Steve pulled one down for me because I’m to short to reach it (says he, well, he’s probably right).  I’ve been gnawing on this thing for the past hour.  A little bitter, but all in all, not a bad pass-time.

Banjara For Christ 2007-2008 (Day 5)

Today is the last day of preaching in the villages (thandas).  It’s also Sunday, which means worship services will be going on.  Lisa and I stop with our group to preach in a thanda before going to a church service.  An old Banjara friend of ours is pastoring the church we visited.  I met Pastor Baloo Naik in Khammum last time we came to India.  It thrills my heart to know this man is still following the Lord, and his congregation is growing.  I asked our interpreter on the way to the service how many people he was expecting.  He said only a few, there weren’t too many believers out there; but when we turned the corner and saw at least 30 people sitting waiting for us, he said “Oh!  There are many Banjara believers in this area!” 

The church service went great.  Anand, our interpreter who has informed us his name means “Happy” in Hindi, explained to us that “where two or three are gathered together” there the Lord is with them.  So these 30 men and women, began to pray, very loudly, all at the same time.  Some shouted, some whispered, some chanted, but there was no doubt that the Lord would be there.  Later I heard someone from our mission trip say about the experience that it might have been what God hears when he listens to all of us pray.  It was wonderful to see them taking the scripture so literally.  A Banjara woman evangelist gave a long testimony after that, and then I preached to them…I gave my “3rd spoke” lesson a trial run and found that the lesson on fellowship was a pretty clear message.  People understood it and appreciated it.  Not that I was the one who put this together.  The Lord did that.  I sometimes forget that it’s through Him that a message is communicated. 

Pastor Baloo and his wife were so sweet to us.  After the service they provided a bed for us to sit on and rest for a few minutes before they took us inside their home to pray.  Then we went to their church building which seemed so small for the size of the congregation that had gathered today.  The size of that room couldn’t have been any bigger than the bathroom we had back at the hostel.

I tried to call Karen again tonight, again she didn’t answer.  I wondered where she was and looked at my watch to realize I’m 12 hours ahead of her, it’s 9:45 AM back home, she’s in church!  Duh…it’s Sunday for her and the boys right now and they are in Sunday school.  She’s a good wife.  I miss her and the boys very much but also realize my wife is capable of handling just about anything, so I don’t worry.

During our share service tonight I found there were about 6 or 7 people who came to know the Lord in thandas today.  It’s always hard for me to tell.  Nageesh, a huge Indian pastor who I got to know some last year, kept track of names of those who were new believers.  They do this so they can go back and follow-up and feed the new born Christians.  Note for myself next time though – ASK how many are coming to know the Lord and keep track throughout the days we’re preaching.  Write it down even.  Damodar is asking the Americans how many were saved and I’m finding I have no clue who’s accepting the Lord and who’s not.  The very presence of Damodar seems to be one of a gentle nature but also one of respect and authority.  I almost felt ashamed that I didn’t know how many were saved just because I respect the guy so much.  I’ll make sure and know the the next time I come.

Mission trip just around the corner…Pray.

It’s too late to be too deep tonight.  I sure do appreciate everybody checking out the blogs, I’m happy to say it seems to be quite popular these past couple of weeks.  I try to write and link some of the hot topics of the world to the “spritual realm” (not that I see much difference between the spiritual and physical, in my opinion they should be woven together) and it seems that people show a little more interest.

Today I realized just how close I am to leaving for India again, Lord willing.  Our mission trip is not being funded as quickly as I thought it might, so I called up Pizza Hut in Claremore to see if there’s any way I might be able to go up and do a few “mini-details” (good wash of tires and wheel wells with degreaser, body of the car, tire shine) for as much as a person has on their heart to donate.  Well, it seems I’m going to be doing that every Saturday, starting 11/17, up through 12/22 from 9am-2pm at Pizza Hut for anyone who needs a pretty clean car.  I detailed cars everyday for about a year so I’m pretty good at it, although it won’t be a full detail, I do aim to please for as much as I can get.  It struck me that this is only 7 Saturdays, 7 weeks, that’s all we have left. 

Please pray for us in this regard guys, 6 of us have a heart to serve the Lord in this capacity, and it does take a toll on the mind.  There’s always the questions of “What if I had worded my letter different?” ”Why didn’t I start saving for this a year ago?” “What if we don’t get the funds?” ”What if I don’t have enough faith to receive the funds?”  I personally do feel that last question is a load of hogwash, but still, for some folks, it’s there.  Of course, the Lord knows the answers to all these questions and doesn’t want us to dwell, but there is the disappointment and feeling of failure in this regard.  We can’t hear God say “no,” so sometimes it’s a little difficult to swallow that answer.  I personally used to see it as some kind of failure on my own part, but I’m past that I think.  But, for now, pray that we get these funds to fulfill the Lord’s will.  If the funds don’t come, we know that it was bathed in prayer, and the Lord has something better later down the road.  I love all of you and am praying for you myself.

Jeremy